Bathing Your Beagle

Usually a dog only needs a bath when its coat gets soiled, however it also depends on the breed of dog and its where it is kept. If your dog sleeps on your bed, or is often inside your home, you will probably want to bath him more often (e.g. twice a month or even once a week) to keep your house and furniture clean. Nobody enjoys a house that smells like a dirty dog, and it can be very difficult to get rid of. A dog that lives outside will only require an occasional bath.

It is best to use a pet shampoo to bath your dog. These are designed specifically for dogs and are the least likely to give you any problems. The thing to remember is that a dog's skin is more delicate than a human's. It is much more prone to drying out when you wash it. Human based shampoos are formulated to remove all the oils. You need to get one formulated for dogs that will remove dirt but not the essential oils for the coat. Dogs that are bathed often may require some supplements (such as Linatone or vegetable oil) to keep their skin and coat healthy.

Having Fun in the Tub

If your dog doesn't like to bath, you might find yourself chasing him/her all over the garden each and every bath time.

Always try to associate the bath with fun. Perhaps take him/her into the bathroom and play a game with him/her. Coax him/her into the empty tub and give him/her a hug and a treat. Tell him/her he's a "Good Boy!" or she's a "Good Girl!" Then let him/her get out so he/she doesn't feel trapped. Repeat this procedure for a few days - it is important that he/she learns not to associate the bathroom with fear. Next try putting a small amount of water in the tub and trying again.

Keep taking it in small steps so that he/she realizes there is nothing to fear. All the extra days of effort will pay off if he/she doesn't try to struggle or run away every time you decide to give him/her a bath. And of course the bathroom won't look like a war-zone either !