Adjusting your dog’s bathing routine is essential as the weather cools in the fall and winter. However, taking extra precautions when bathing your dog in the fall and winter is vital to avoid making them cold or sick. Here are some best practices for bathing your dog at home during these colder months.
Fall and Winter Bathing Best Practices
Consider the following best practices when bathing your dog at home in the fall and winter:
- Choose the right time of day. It’s best to bathe your dog in the morning so they have plenty of time to dry off before bedtime.
- Create a warm environment. Turn up the heat in your bathroom or use a space heater to keep your dog warm. You can also use a warm towel to line the bottom of the bathtub.
- Use warm water. The water should be warm to the touch but not hot. Avoid using cold water, which can make your dog uncomfortable and sick.
- Use a gentle shampoo. Choose a shampoo specifically designed for dogs and is gentle on their skin. Avoid using human shampoo, which can dry your dog’s skin and fur.
- Rinse thoroughly. Be sure to rinse all of the shampoo out of your dog’s fur. Any leftover shampoo can irritate your dog’s skin.
- Dry your dog off thoroughly. Use a thick towel to dry your dog off as much as possible. You can also use a hair dryer on a low setting, but keep the dryer moving so you don’t burn your dog’s skin.
How a Professional Groomer Can Help
If you’re uncomfortable bathing your dog at home or have a long or thick coat dog, you may want to consider taking them to a professional groomer. Groomers have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively bathe dogs of all breeds.
In addition to bathing, groomers can provide other grooming services such as trimming nails, brushing teeth, and styling fur. These services can help to keep your dog looking and feeling their best.
Here are some of the benefits of taking your dog to a professional groomer:
- Convenience. Groomers will do all the work for you, so you don’t have to worry about getting your dog wet and making a mess in your bathroom.
- Expertise. Groomers have the training to bathe dogs of all breeds and sizes. They know how to use the right shampoo and rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue.
- Safety. Groomers have the experience and equipment to bathe dogs safely, even those with special needs.
- Peace of mind. You can relax knowing that your dog is in good hands and that they will come back to you clean, fresh, and looking their best.
If you’re considering taking your dog to a professional groomer, be sure to research and choose a reputable groomer with experience in bathing dogs of your breed. Before making an appointment, you should also ask about the groomer’s pricing and services.
We Care About Your Dog’s Health and Well-Being
Following these best practices for bathing your dog will help them look and feel their best during the fall and winter, and Canine Couture can help. We offer three different full-service dog washing services. Our full-service baths include two shampoo baths, nail trim, ears cleaned, and facial scrub to get them smelling really good!
To learn more about best practices for bathing your dog at home this fall and winter, call us at (678) 947-6556 or message us online. You can also review our dog grooming and touch-up services online. Your dog will be groomed, clean, and happy.