There is no real downfall to bathing your dog, the only thing to be worried about is potentially bathing them too much. If bathed too much, your dog’s skin and coat will dry out much like our hands do when we wash them excessively. Bathing your dog removes the natural oils of the skin and coat; so they should only be bathed when they are really dirty, or excessively smelly. If bathed too much they can develop dandruff.
The Good:
Now for the positive! The one that comes to everyone’s mind is the smell. Dogs get stinky that is just the way it goes, but a good quick bath will always take care of that! One of my favorite reasons for bathing my dog is to help with shedding. Bathing your dog will wash away the dead hair that is trapped within your dog’s coat, so it will not continue to end up all over your clothes and furniture. Another very good reason for bathing your dog is that it allows you to check them for any irregular lumps or bumps that may need to be checked by a vet. By bathing them on a regular routine, but not too often you will know if there is a new lump that was not there before[1]. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every 3 months[2].
Tips For How:
The key to a positive experience with your dog’s first bath is to make sure they stay calm, and you stay calm. The first bath is usually a challenge, it was for me anyway; the only thing my dog wanted to do was jump out of the tub. Be sure you are very calm and positive when going into a bathing situation to keep the dog from having a bad experience. One bad experience is very difficult to overcome as they will associate this activity with a negative state of mind, making bathing difficult for a long time. A good way to keep them from fighting you in the beginning and for any bath time really is make sure they are tired when you decide to bathe them. A good way to do it is play fetch beforehand, or take them for a nice long walk[3]. Another small thing that can cause your dog to panic is water temperature. If the water is burning hot, or freezing cold your dog will most likely do anything they can to get away from it. Find a good warm water temperature and go with it. Start with a light stream of water, then increase the water pressure slowly and begin lathering the dog with soap starting with the shoulders. Save the head for last as this tends to cause the most anxiety. Be sure to rinse the soap completely as to not leave behind itchy residue. The key is to remain calm and in control of the situation. As long as you keep it a positive activity and make it part of their routine you should have successful baths for years to come. Dogs will most likely never enjoy a bath, but if done properly they will learn to tolerate them!
[1]
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-articles/bathing-your-dog
[3]
http://www.cesarsway.com/dogcare/grooming/How-to-Successfully-Bathe-Your-Dog
