What items should dogs prepare for bathing

When we decide to bathe our dog, the bathroom is filled not only with the fragrance of shower gel, but also with a ceremony about love and responsibility. Every carefully prepared item is our commitment to the health of our dogs; Every gentle gesture interprets the intimate connection across species. Let's arm ourselves with professional knowledge, fill the bathroom with warmth and care, and create a safe and comfortable bathing experience for dogs.

Pet specific shower gel is an essential core item. The pH value of human shampoo (5.5-6.5) is significantly different from that of dog skin (pH 7.5-8.5), and long-term use can damage the skin barrier. Choose a shower gel containing natural ingredients such as oat extract and tea tree oil, which can clean hair and soothe sensitive skin. I used to choose a medicinal bath gel containing chlorhexidine for a corgi dog suffering from skin disease, and it was combined with the medicine bath treatment. After two weeks, the skin condition improved significantly.

Anti slip pads are a safety hazard that is easily overlooked. Dogs are prone to slipping in slippery bathtubs, causing muscle strains and even fractures. Choose a rubber pad with suction cups to ensure the dog stands firmly. I once witnessed a Doberman Spaniel suffering from acute lumbar sprain due to bathroom slippage, which took three months of rehabilitation treatment to recover.

A large towel and absorbent cloth are the key to quick drying. Ultra fine fiber towels can absorb up to 7 times their own weight of moisture, reducing the usage time of hair dryers. For dogs with double coats (such as Alaskan Malamute dogs), it is recommended to first use a deerskin cloth to absorb the surface moisture, and then use a low temperature hair dryer to dry to avoid burns.

Hair protectant can effectively repair hair scales. For Poodle dogs with dry hair, using hair protectants containing phospholipids can restore the shine of the hair. I once professionally washed and cared for an Afghan hunting dog that participated in a dog show, and the use of hair protectants gave its fur a silky texture under light.

Cotton balls can prevent water from entering the ear canal. Before taking a shower, gently insert a cotton swab into the ear canal to prevent water from causing otitis media. I have seen a Schnauzer who suffered from inner ear inflammation due to water ingress during bathing. The treatment process lasted for four weeks and the dog endured great pain.

A water scoop or handheld showerhead is a powerful tool for controlling water flow. Sudden water flow can cause fear in dogs, and using a water scoop to slowly wet them can reduce stress reactions. I once switched to a children's showerhead for a Bichon that was afraid of taking a shower, and gradually helped it build confidence by adjusting the water flow.

Elizabeth circle can prevent dogs from licking and biting shower gel. For curious puppies, wearing an Elizabeth ring of appropriate size can prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals. I once performed gastric lavage on a Pomeranian dog that was poisoned by licking shower gel, and the first aid process was thrilling.

Snack rewards are the key to positive training. Providing high-value snacks (such as chicken jerky) before, during, and after bathing can help dogs associate bathing with a pleasurable experience. I once used this method to help a Chihuahua who suffered from bath phobia, and it only took five training sessions from resistance to actively entering the bathroom.

Toys can soothe and divert attention. Placing a floating toy, such as a rubber duckling, in the bathtub can relieve a dog's nervousness. I once observed that a Border Collie focused on chasing toys when taking a bath, and completely forgot his fear of water.

Dogs with skin diseases need medicinal detergents. For dogs with fungal skin diseases, ketoconazole lotion can effectively inhibit the bacteria. I once guided an owner to give a medicinal bath to a Shih Tzu twice a week for eight weeks, and after that, the skin fully recovered.

Elderly dogs need a bath chair support. For elderly dogs with poor joints, using adjustable height bath chairs can reduce the burden of standing. I once customized a bathing plan for a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, combined with a massage comb, allowing it to enjoy comfortable hydrotherapy during the bathing process.

Long haired dogs require combing pre-treatment. Combing hair with a comb before taking a shower can prevent tangling. I once untied a severely tangled ancient Shepherd's dog's fur for three hours, and finally restored its fluffy fur through professional grooming.

Keep the room temperature at around 26 ℃ to prevent the dog from catching a cold. In winter, a bathroom heater can be used, while in summer, ventilation should be maintained. I once dealt with a Bug dog that developed pneumonia due to a large temperature difference after bathing, and the hospitalization cost was exorbitant.

Prepare non slip slippers to prevent the owner from slipping. I once suffered a tailbone fracture due to falling in a slippery bathroom, which made me deeply aware of the importance of environmental safety.

Schedule the bathing time in the morning to ensure that the dog has sufficient time to dry. I once treated a Labrador Retriever with skin fungal infection that was not completely dried after taking a bath, and it took me four weeks of continuous medication to completely cure it.

Taking a shower is not only a process of cleansing the body, but also an opportunity to enhance relationships. Through scientific preparation and gentle operation, we can make dogs feel the comfort and joy of bathing. Those seemingly cumbersome lists of items are actually our commitment to the health of dogs; Those repeatedly practiced bathing techniques will eventually turn into warm images in the dog's memory. May every bath be a sweet ceremony for us to grow together with dogs, and let this love flow forever in foam and laughter.