A dog is man’s best friend, and you never want your canine companion to leave your side– except for when they haven’t had a bath, and then you’d rather they be anywhere else. Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is important to their health and happiness, and to your nose, so for many people giving their dog regular baths at home is just part of being a pet owner. However, this can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and clog the drain the way no human bath ever could, particularly if you have a long-haired heavy-shedding breed, like a golden retriever.
This doesn’t mean that you have to choose between shelling out for frequent and expensive trips to the groomers, nor does it mean you just have to put up with a smelly dog! Here’s a simple guide to how to wash your dog that will make it as comfortable as possible for them, as easy as possible for you, and won’t leave your bathroom drains in a state by the time you’re done.
Timing
How often you wash your dog will come down to the type of dog you have as well as your individual pet, and your own business. Some people have dogs that don’t really smell all that much and can go a few months in between baths. Some dogs need baths as often as once a month or more. If your dog is big on playing in the dirt or in flea-and-tick infested areas, or has an oily coat or wrinkled skin, baths will be needed more frequently. If your dog is pretty clean or has dry, irritated skin, less frequent baths are the way to go.
Tools
Gather everything you need before you turn on the water and start trying to wrangle that pooch. A brush, shampoo, towels, and definitely a handful of treats are all needed for a seamless bathtime.
Get Ready to Get Wet
All dogs shake when they get wet, so be prepared for you and your bathroom to get sprayed. If you’re able to, have a really big towel on hand that you can hold up and shield the rest of the room from getting too soaked, and then let your pup shake away!
All of these tips will make the bath itself easier. Now, here are some ways to keep your drains in good shape when you wash your dog!
Brush Your Dog Often
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure, and brushing your dog regularly and often can make dealing with their fur much easier. Not only will it help to reduce the amount of hair on your furniture, floors, and clothes, but it will ensure that less of it ends up going down the drain. A good brushing is always in order right before a bath and will make the cleanup less difficult.
Consider a Drain Cover
Drain covers that let the water pass through while trapping the hair are not only useful for human bathers, but canine ones too! There are many different types of drain covers in the market that are designed to fit a wide variety of tub and shower drains, so do a little experimenting to find out which ones do the best job in your particular bathroom.
Avoid the Tub Altogether
If you’re able to, washing your dog somewhere besides the tub or shower can be the best possible thing for your drains. If your dog is on the small side, washing them in a small plastic container can be a great choice, and if the weather is warm enough, all sizes of dogs can be washed outside. This is often much less of a hassle since you don’t have to worry about splashes on the mirror or puddles on the floor. This also means that no loose hair gets near the drain in the first place and you won’t have to worry about clogs!
When In Doubt, Call The Plumbing Works
No matter how careful you are when it comes to keeping your drains clear, sometimes clogs do happen. When a slow drain is making using your sink, bath, or shower difficult, contact The Plumbing Works and our experts will help you to get back on track!