Who doesn’t love snuggling up against a freshly bathed and dried dog? While fur parents like us enjoy having a clean dog, our four-legged friends sometimes feel very differently about the bathing process.
But why do dogs hate baths?
Most reasons come down to discomfort, loss of control, and unpleasant past experiences.
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Whether your dog merely dislikes the activity or vehemently hates it, all dogs can learn to love bathing.
Need some tips on giving dogs a bath? Let’s first dive a little deeper into why dogs may not like bathing much.
Top Reasons Why Dogs Hate Baths
Why do dogs hate baths?It all boils down to a few key issues.
- Anxiety From a New Experience
From an unfamiliar bathtub to the scent of new soap, your dog notices new things and may be alarmed by them.
Why do dogs get mad when you bathe them?
Dogs get mad when you bathe them because they consider it a punishment.
Besides, there are many other things they may dislike about the bath. Here are some possible culprits:
- Fragrant shampoos and soaps
- Irritation from products
- Unfamiliar bathing space
- A new grooming salon
- Unfamiliar Noises
Due to dogs’ sensitive hearing, they can pick up everything from their surroundings much better than their owners. This can often become a stressful experience for them which may be why dogs hate baths.
You might remember how your pup reacts to loud fireworks or the sudden honk from a passing vehicle. The sound of running water, be it from a tap or the showerhead, can cause a dog to panic in the same way.
Since most breeds only require a monthly bath, getting your dog used to the different sounds during bathing can be difficult.
- Painful Associations From Past Experiences
A huge reason why dogs hate showers is a bad experience in the past. Some of the most common traumatic experiences may involve:
- Hot or freezing water
- High water pressure
- An allergic reaction to soap or shampoo
- Slipping in the bathtub
Such experiences can make a dog associate bathing, bath spaces, and bath products with danger and unpleasantness.
- Loss of Control
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Have you seen your dog enthusiastically jump into a puddle of muddy water? Then you might be wondering why does my dog hate baths but love water?
Or you might have an enthusiastic swimming pup who makes a fuss about bathing. Then your query may be, ‘why do dogs hate baths but love swimming?’
Both cases may have something to do with the lack of control dogs experience when someone else puts them in water.
Bathing involves letting someone else have control which isn’t the same as playing with water or getting into a pool where the dog has complete control.
- The Owner’s Emotions
If you’re upset for some reason or are stressed at the thought of bathing your pet, your dog will sense it. They perceive the mood as dangerous and reflect it by resisting the bath.
Here’s what Patricia Shoup says about dogs reading their owners’ emotions, “They always seem to catch my mood.
In the morning if I greet them with excitement and by singing, ‘Good morning to you,’ they wag their tails and wiggle with excitement.
If I wake up and don’t greet them at all, they stay in their beds in the kitchen and watch me make coffee.”
How To Bathe Dogs Who Hate Bathing
Once you’re aware of the root cause of your dog’s anxiety, it’s easier to find a solution.
Whether your issue was mentioned above or something else entirely, these tips on how to give a dog a bath can help.
Make Your Dog Comfortable
The first solution to the question, how do I stop my dog from hating the bath? is removing any discomfort.
Whether it’s a slippery bathtub floor, the temperature of the water, or its pressure, make it so your dog won’t find it uncomfortable.
“Set the water temperature to something comfortably warm but not so hot the dog is uncomfortable.” — Foxy Doglover
A non-slip mat or towel will work best at creating friction and preventing the dog from slipping.
Let the water run for a while and see how the dog reacts to getting their paws wet before commencing with a full bath.
Make the Bath Space Welcoming
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Make the bathroom and bathtub a welcoming place for the dog.
Let them play or retrieve a toy from the bath. Allow them to explore the space by hiding treats inside.
This helps them associate the bath area with positive memories so they’re more willing to get in there and get wet.
Introduce the shower head and other bath products to them gradually so nothing’s new or scary.
You can also run the shower while the dog’s in the room to help it get used to the sound of the water. Ensure the dog is nowhere near the path of the water while doing this.
Before feeding your dog treats, make sure you know which treats are safe for your dog.
Do your research on things you’re feeding them. Look up queries like, “can dogs eat peaches” online and discuss them with your veterinarian if necessary.
Be Patient and Keep Calm
Panicking and rushing a bath won’t work since your dog will sense your emotions.
Instead, guide the dog slowly toward the bath and play with it beforehand so you and your dog are relaxed.
Leave the water running so they can see it’s harmless.
“Bathing your dog is an extreme sport.” — The Final Black Girl.
Being patient and calm can make it so much easier to give a dog a bath. If your dog resists bathing, don’t push it and try again after a while.
Takeaway
Why do dogs hate baths?Most dogs are anxious because of unfamiliar noises, negative past experiences while bathing, the loss of control they experience, or because they sense your own anxiety.
Conditioning your dog to get comfortable with baths doesn’t have to be a headache.
By making your dog comfortable, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the wash area, and being patient, your dog may come to tolerate and even love bathing.
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Category: WHY
