Grooming Appointment

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1. Trim the Toenails: Your pet’s claws are one of their main forms of defense. An upset pet may claw anyone nearby, including you, during the course of bath time. Pet scratches can easily become infected, so it’s in your own best interest to trim your pet’s nails before attempting a bath.
2. Brush Before: Pets shed frequently, all year long. That extra fur won’t be good for your plumbing, and it will make it more difficult to get your pet really clean. If you can, brush your pet thoroughly to remove any loose fur and mats before you begin the bathing process. You can also put cotton balls gently in their ears to keep water out.
3. Time It Right: Pets generally don’t like to be in water. A pet that’s full of energy is going to object more strongly to a bath. Schedule the bath for a time when your pet is tired and mellow, such as after a long play session with a pet dancer or a toy.
4. Get Traction: Your pet appreciates traction just as much as you do in the shower. Give your pet a folded towel in the bottom of the tub or a rubber bath mat to stand on so they don’t panic when they can’t stand easily. Once the mat is in the tub, add three to four inches of comfortably warm water to the tub, then have your helper put the pet in the tub. You may need your helper to hold onto the pet for the whole bath to avoid scratches.
5. Try a Pour-Over Method: Your pet probably won’t willingly go under water. Instead, use a handheld sprayer, a pitcher, or a plastic cup to gently pour water over their body until they’re thoroughly wet.
6. Use a Pet Shampoo:Don’t use human shampoo on your pet. They’re  not safe if your pet licks it, and they may hurt your pet’s delipete skin. Instead, use a shampoo that’s designed for pets. Start at your pet’s neck and gently massage the shampoo toward the tail. Avoid their face, eyes, and ears.
7. Rinse Well: Once you’ve fully lathered up your pet, you can begin rinsing them off with clean, lukewarm water. Take the time to make sure all of the soap is gone; anything that’s left will be ingested by your pet when they clean themselves again later. It can also irritate their skin and attract dirt.
8. Clean the Face: If your pet’s face also needs cleaning, don’t pour water over it or use shampoo. Instead, use a warm, damp washcloth to carefully wipe it off. Be extra cautious around your pet’s eyes and ears, which are sensitive and can be easily damaged. If you do need to use something more than plain water, you can use just a drop or two of pet shampoo on the washcloth to remove anything sticky or dangerous.
9. Dry Thoroughly: The most important part of bathing your pet is drying them off afterward. Dry them off as quickly as possibly with a large towel, and keep them in a warm room until they’ve completely dried. If your pet lets you, you can also use a hairdryer on its lowest warmth setting to speed up the process. If your pet has long fur, take the time to comb it out with a wide-toothed comb to avoid mats later.

10. Treat Time: Once bath time is over, make sure to reward your pet for behaving. Treats, praise, and playtime afterward may help your pet come around on the idea of bath time so it’s not as much of a struggle next time.