Why Do Dogs Love Water But Hate Baths? (With Tips To Make Your Dog Like Baths!)

Does your dog love swimming or splashing in puddles but run the other way at bath time? You’re not alone.

Most dogs that love water but hate baths dislike the bath experience, not the water. Being held still, standing on a slippery tub, loud running water, strong-smelling shampoo and water that is too hot or cold all make baths stressful. Swimming is something the dog chooses; a bath is done to it.

Below are tips to make bath time easier for your dog.

How To Get Your Dog To Like Bath Time

Stay calm and keep bath time relaxed. Dogs pick up on your mood.

Here are several ways to help your dog enjoy, or at least tolerate, the bath.

Take A Nice Long Walk

A walk or play session before the bath can burn off energy. A tired dog is usually calmer in the tub.

Regular walks also build trust between you and your dog, which helps at bath time.

Bring Their Favorite Toy Always

Bring a favorite toy into the bathroom. Let your dog play for a moment before you turn on the water.

Once your dog is relaxed, let it sniff the brush and the shampoo bottle.

Use The Power Of Treats

Treats help your dog connect the bath with good things.

Keep a few treats where you can reach them. Reward your dog for stepping into the tub, standing still and staying calm.

Make The Water Temperature Comfortable

Use lukewarm water. Water that is too hot can burn, and cold water can make a dog shiver and hate the bath.

Don’t start by spraying your dog with the shower. Put a little water in the tub first, or wet the feet, then work up the body slowly. Keep water and shampoo out of the eyes and ears.

Use The Right Shampoo And Brush

Use a shampoo made for dogs, not one made for people. Ask your vet for a pick if your dog has skin problems.

A strongly scented shampoo can bother a dog’s sensitive nose. A mild, low-scent formula is often easier to accept.

Use a brush that suits your dog’s coat and doesn’t pull. Rinse all shampoo out, because leftover soap can irritate the skin.

Start Them Young

The best way to make your dog like bath time is to start while it’s a puppy.

A puppy that stands frozen and shaking is scared, not "adjusting well." Keep early baths short and gentle, with lots of treats.

Puppies learn the most about new experiences in their first few months, so good early baths can shape how they feel about baths for life.

Let Your Dog See You Taking Bath

Showering together with your dog is messy and can lead to slips. Your dog also needs a different shampoo than you.

Some owners let their dog sit in the bathroom while they shower so the sound of running water becomes normal. Give treats while the water runs.

Never Rush

Pick a time when you aren’t in a hurry. Rushing makes accidents and fear more likely.

Never Bathe Your Dog If You Have No Energy

Bathing a dog takes patience. If you’re tired or frustrated, wait for another day. Your dog can sense your mood.

Make Sure The Tub Is Not Slippery

A slippery tub floor makes many dogs feel unsteady and scared.

Put a rubber mat or towel in the tub so your dog has solid footing.

Why do dogs hate being wet? Not all dogs do. Dogs that weren’t introduced to water as puppies, or that had a bad experience, may dislike getting wet.

Do dogs really need baths? Yes, but not often. The Merck Veterinary Manual’s routine dog care guide suggests about once a month with pet shampoo, or whenever the coat gets very dirty or smells bad. Ask your vet if your dog has a skin condition.

Do dogs understand baths? Dogs can tell a bath from a swim. A bath means being held, lathered and rinsed, which is very different from playing in water.

Final Thoughts

Most dogs don’t hate water. They hate how baths feel: being held, slipping, loud water, strong smells and the wrong temperature.

Make baths short, calm and rewarding, use a dog shampoo and lukewarm water, and give your dog good footing. Over time, many dogs learn to tolerate baths.

If your dog is afraid of water in general, build up slowly with short, positive exposures.

Source: petmd.com, animalhow.com

Sources

Routine Health Care of Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
Normal Social Behavior in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual