How to Bathe Your Small Breed Dog, Like a Boss
My dog is not a water lover. When I first got him, a bath to him was a terrifying ordeal. He didn’t like the water on him and he certainly didn’t want any of the smell good dog shampoo on him. He humors me now and allows me to give him a bath without giving any thought to it although he’d rather roll in icky smelly stuff than take a bath. He’s yet to put two + two together = he rolls in icky smelly stuff, he gets a bath. I keep his bath time simple and I follow the same steps every time. He now knows what to expect and he completely trusts me to bathe him.
I use a metal tub that I bought at a Tractor Supply Center in my area. You can buy a Behrens 7 35-Gallon Round Steel Tub
The temperature of his bath is important. It can’t be hot and it can’t be cold. If you’re worried about trying to get a lukewarm temperature for your small breed dog, you might want to consider buying a Duckymeter, the Baby Bath Floating Duck Toy and Bath Tub Thermometer
If you’ve ever tried bathing your dog and you add the dog shampoo only to get a wet dog smell, throw away the shampoo and purchase OxGord Natural Oatmeal Dog Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner 100% Natural 20 oz- Medicated Clinical Vet Formula Wash For All Pets – Made with Aloe Vera for Relieving Dry Itchy Skin
After you wash and rinse your dog, dry him or her with a towel. I don’t use a hair dryer because I don’t want the noise upsetting him. I rub him with a towel until he’s dry and it doesn’t take long for that to happen. This is the step my little dog loves the most. And the shine he gets as his hair dries is impressive.
Have you had a bad or good experience bathing your dog?
Wildish Jess
January 26, 2017 at 6:29 pmWashing my dog is pretty easy thankfully but I’ve had some crazy pups previously that were hard!
Amber Killmon
January 26, 2017 at 4:18 pmAwwww! I want a small breed puppy now. I have a big dog and getting her in the bath is a workout in itself.
Lisa Heath
January 26, 2017 at 11:46 amAwww. I’ve never really had to do this with our dogs, they actually try to jump in the shower with us in the morning. When I get out, i let the water run for them in the shower. It’s so cute
Krystal
January 26, 2017 at 7:09 amMy mom has the same kind of dog! I will have to share these tips with her.
Shaney Maharaj
January 26, 2017 at 6:26 amAaah this dog is adorable. I cant wait to get one. My daughter loves animals, shes been worrying for a dog.
Lynndee
January 25, 2017 at 10:26 amHow cute! We have dogs back in my home country and I loved bathing them. It was always fun for me to give them a bath like a baby. :)
OurFamilyWorld
January 25, 2017 at 3:38 amThese are greta tips especially for first time pet owners. This post made me miss my Shih-tzu.
Kathy
January 24, 2017 at 5:16 pmThis sounds like a great product. I don’t have any dogs, but I do have cats. We still give them baths once in a while too.
uprunforlife
January 24, 2017 at 1:51 pmThe tub makes bathing your pup easier. I have put mine straight in the bathtub or even in the shower. I have a yorkie and he doesn’t care for bathtime.
My Teen Guide
January 24, 2017 at 10:35 amThis is such a good and fun tips! My sister had her new puppy and don’t know where to start to bathe her puppy.
melissa
January 24, 2017 at 10:29 amWhat a cutie! I would love to be able to wash my dog as easily but he is a giant. I will trade with you on bath day. lol
Heather
January 23, 2017 at 9:58 pmWell he looks really cute and cozy under that blanket. I think the thing that sucks the most is when they do that shake and water gets everywhere. But at least it’s just water.
jo
January 23, 2017 at 8:47 pmI don’t have a dog pet but that looks cute! I guess if I do that myself, I’ll be the one soaking up in water. LOL!
Kathy Myers
January 23, 2017 at 7:44 pmPoor Peanut did not look happy. He is so darn cute!!
Bill S
January 23, 2017 at 6:00 pmHow cute!!! It is amazing how different it is to bath different breeds of dogs and sizes of dogs as well!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
January 23, 2017 at 2:50 pmThese are great tips! I have had to bathe both large and small breed dogs, and I think small breeds are tougher. You have less to hold on to!
Vivian
January 22, 2017 at 10:44 amSuch a cute story. I am going to borrow my girlfriend’s puppy and follow your tips. 😀
Terri Beavers
January 22, 2017 at 11:00 amThat sounds fun, lol.