how to bathe a dog with long hair at home

step-by-step instructions for bathing a dog with long hair at home It also provides tips on using drying the dog after the bath.

How Often should you bath a Dog

It depends on the breed and activity level of the dog, but generally speaking, most dogs should be bathed every 1-3 months. While there are some dogs that need to be bathed more frequently, other dogs may not require it as frequently, depending on the breed. If you are unsure of what is the right bathing schedule for your dog, it is wise to consult with your veterinarian or a professional groomer for advice.

here are tips for giving dog a bath at home.

STEP 1

BRUSHING

BRUSHING- Brushing your dog coat before bathing them is essential. Avoid using a bristle brush and instead opt for a pin brush to remove excess hair. Make sure to brush every inch of their coat, including behind the ears, chest, legs, and tail. Before you start, apply a spray conditioner to avoid breakage. Gently brush the coating layer by layer, starting with the undercoat and then the outer coat. Comb the hair from side to side and be especially careful when brushing the hair on the face. If the hair is matted and the comb can't go any further, it may be necessary to cut that part of the hair.

This is especially common in breeds with thin hair strands, such as Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Poodles, Doodles, and Curly Coats.

STEP 2

BATHING

Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold.

It is time to give your pup a wash or bath. Their low-hanging fur can harbor a lot of bacteria, so it is important to do this every few weeks. You can use a tub or sink for the wash process. If your pup is small, then you can use a regular-sized bathroom or bathtub. A spacious area like a yard or terrace would be more suitable for larger breeds.

If your pup has very thin hair that tangles easily, you should divide it into two parts before washing. Make sure to wash it from top to bottom rather than in circles, as this is the quickest way to create mats. Use a detangler and a diluted conditioner, as regular conditioner can be hard to rinse out and may cause skin irritation.

In cases of dogs with thick coats, such as Saint Bernards, Golden Retrievers, and Komondors, it is important to thoroughly wet the dog so that every inch of its hair is wet. Apply a dog shampoo and conditioner, making sure to work it into the fur to reduce the chance of tangles and mats. If necessary, it may be beneficial to wash the dog twice. Lastly, make sure to rinse out all shampoo and conditioner thoroughly, as any residue left on the body can cause skin irritation.

STEP 3

DRYING

For dogs with thin strand coats, use a towel to dry them off and then use a hairdryer set to low pressure. Divide the hair into sections and blow the air up against the skin in the direction opposite to the way the hair grows. Make sure not to dry them fully as this can cause mats.

For dogs with thick coats, such as Golden Retrievers or Komodors, use a towel to dry them off. Allow them to run around for a while to help the drying process, then use a hairdryer set to low pressure. Place the pup on a table or other comfortable surface and blow the air up against the skin in the direction opposite to the way the hair grows.

STEP 4

BRUSHING AFTER BATH

No matter if your pet has thin or thick strands of fur, it will get tangled after a bath. To keep your pup's coat healthy and tangle-free, it is recommended to comb them twice a day. Before you begin, spray a conditioner on the fur to prevent breakage. Gently brush the fur in layers, starting from the inside and working your way out. Don't try to brush all the fur at once as this can cause pain. Instead, brush it from side to side. Pay extra attention when brushing the fur around the face, ears, and legs.

STEP 5

COAT TRIMMING

Choose a professional-grade clipper with a guide comb attachment. A clipper with a #4 FC or #5FC blade is best, as a #10 blade will trim the hair too short. Higher numbers will risk pulling the skin, so it is better to use a guide comb for a closer cut without any cuts.

STEP 6

PAW TRIMMING

Groom your pup's paws and have someone hold them still by locking them under the neck and wrapping them around the foot. Use your hand or a brush to pull up the excess hair between the toes and then use ball-pointed curved scissors to trim it. Make sure the scissors are facing the same direction as the toe. If necessary, repeat the process. Be patient and alert while trimming to avoid any cuts.

STEP 7

NAIL TRIMMING

To properly trim your pup's nails, you can use either a special pair of scissors or a guillotine. Start by trimming the ends of the nails, avoiding the quick (the pink area in the middle of the nail). Clipping the nails regularly will make the job easier in the long run as the quick grows longer with the nail. If you hear your pup's nails clicking on the floor as they walk, it's time for a trim.

STEP 8

EYES

When caring for the sensitive eye area, use a warm, damp washcloth. Gently hold it against the area and allow it to soften the debris. Once softened, carefully wipe it away.

STEP 9

EARS

It is recommended to use ear cleaning solution suggested by your veterinarian. Fill the ear canal with the solution and gently massage it in circular motion for approximately 30 seconds. Allow your pet to shake out the excess solution, then use a cotton pad to wipe away any remaining solution. Cleaning the ears once a month is sufficient.

STEP 10

DENTAL CARE

· Brushing thrice a week will help reduce dental issues.

· Brush your dog’s teeth with flavored toothpaste.

· Provide them with dental chews.

· Spritz dental spray.

· You can also use chew toys

Lastly don’t forget to reward them with treats and love.