My dog hates baths?

Question

I have a dog that has long hair and she is partly outside sometimes and she always stinks. She sleeps in the house but I have to give her a bath 2 times a week. I don't have the money all the time to get her groomed so I take it upon myself. She knows when it is bath time because she runs and hides and it is a struggle. Do you know of anyway to ease her into knowing that I am not trying to hurt her but I am doing it because she smells?

Or help it not to be so much of a struggle because I have to drag her. She is big and I can't pick her up.

I do use warm water in the bath tub and I do run it before I put her in their. I don't bathe her twice a week every week but give her a bath at least once a week.

Answer 1

If bathtime becomes something pleasant to her she might start to like it. If you take time to massage the shampoo in and pet her while bathing, and rinse her being careful not to have the water on too strong etc. She might really like bathtime after awhile. I have seen dogs that hated baths get to like their bath because of this.
Also, bathing twice a week is not good for the dog. You might want to try a shampoo like Fresh Scent with Baking Soda and Aloe. Lambert Kaye has a good shampoo also for stinky coat with baking soda in it.
I'd say go ahead and pick your dog up with help if need be, so there isn't a big to-do about getting to the tub. You might also associate a treat with after-bath.
There is no way your dog will know why you are bathing her, but you can make the experience something she might actually look forward to.
Dogs usually hate baths because of bad associations like getting soap in their eyes, too strong of a water flow on their face/head etc.

Answer 2

You are bathing this poor dog WAY too often! No wonder she hates it - her skin and coat must be terribly dried out. Most dogs are outside some of the time - doesn't mean they stink. What is she getting into? Try grooming her thoroughly every week - that will help clean her coat. Also, give her a tablespoon of veg. oil in her food daily to improve her skin and coat condition.

As for not liking the bath, do you have the water lukewarm? Some dogs don't like the noise of water running into the tub - try running water in before you bring her in. Dogs don't like their heads wet often - leave her head for last (she also won't get so cold), then be careful not to get water up her nose or soap in her eyes.

If you're careful and patient, encourage her along, she should become more acepting.

Answer 3

OK I love dogs and have 4 right now so I know how it is! OK what you have to do is try not to take her to the groomers unless it's necessary because most dogs don't like groomers and get skittish when they come near something that is similar to what the groomers do (such as baths). Use warm water but not hot! If it's too hot or too cold then they won't want to go in and will put up a fight! When you lead your dog to the bath bring something (like her favorite toy) to make her feel safer about going up to it. Bring treats to reward good behavior and be stern for bad behavior. Try and bring her to lakes or beaches more often so she can get used to the water. Oh and never force her in! Guide her in so there is less fight and she won't put up another for the next bath day! Good Luck!

Answer 4

I suppose I am not the only person to attempt this, but it was the only way we could bathe my mutt. We let her go until she stunk too badly to tolerate, and then when it was time for a bath, I put on a pair of old shorts and a tshirt and got in the tub with her. I scratch her and tell her how wonderful she is while my husband scrubs. She is calmer with me in there with her. She is huge too, we just got tired of wrestling her. If that doesn't work, Petsmart has some wipes you could buy. They seem to take some stink away.

Answer 5

Give her treats while you bathe her! You can say "bath time" or something and then give her a treat. Keep saying it while you wash her and give the treats when you say it. That way, she'll start to learn that she gets goodies while getting bathed. She'll associate the bath with something she likes. Also, use a nice, calming voice while you wash her.
You might want to get one of those sprayers that has a hose on it (they call them 'massagers'--like at a hotel). It will be easier to wash her with it, especially if she does not like water in her face. You can also just use a plastic cup to pour the water over her back.

Answer 6

If you put on a swinsuit and take her to the shower with you, it may make a big diference, as it did with 3 of mine.
However, you can give her Chamomile Tea, to relieve her stress.
Chamomile tea works very well, and is safe for her. Dump it out of the teabag, and use 1 teaspoon for small breed, up to 1 tablespoon for a large breed. Mix it in a little canned food, such as Mighty Dog, or Cesar's, or canned meat, such as tuna..and give about 30 minutes before she needs to relax. It will keep her happy, but reduce stress. It can be given as needed.
You will find it in your grocer's tea section.

Answer 7

I recommend powder shampoo. Are you using cold water to bathe her? That might be why she hates them so much...nobody likes freezing cold baths. Try wiping her down with a warm damp cloth.

Answer 8

Yes most dogs hates bath.
use warm water.

Answer 9

well i say buy powder or just baby wipes. it works, and all you have to do us pretty much, "pet" it on... she will smell great. sometimes you can go to walmart and buy body powder in a good smelling sent, read the label to see if it is hasardest to dogs, then ask your vet, and us e that. i knoe it may sound like alot, but it works. also, use babypowder

Answer 10

i would suggest you get one of those vaccums that help them not be scared of taking baths and because of the long cored the dog cant see the vaccum