Dog owners might already be aware of the fact that dogs do not like most of the grooming sessions including bathing. They can create a nuisance and make the bathing session very difficult for you.
There are various German Shepherd bathing tips which can reduce your struggle as well as bathing time. If you have faced similar situations when your German Shepherd just runs away when you try to take him to a bathtub or in the bathroom, you can actually make this time a fun with some simple tips.
8 Simple German Shepherd Bathing Tips
1. Using Peanut Butter While Bathing
If your dog is resisting going to the bathroom take a spoonful of peanut butter and spread some on the area where he is to be washed. This will keep him distracted and also give him a good experience. In this way, he would want to stay for a longer time in the bathroom and you can easily bathe him meanwhile.
Though while purchasing peanut butter make sure to buy a dog-specific one which has no sweeteners as they can be harmful to them and make them fall ill.
2. Use A Long Hose Shower Hose
A long hose helps to penetrate deep into the double coat unlike using mugs of water which wastes time as well as water. Usage of a hose makes the whole rinsing process easier. Not only this, but you can also rinse the belly portion easily with a hose pipe. You can buy shower attachments as well which regulate the water pressure and would not make the bathing experience a scary one for your dog.
3. Mix Shampoo And Water
One of the German Shepherd bathing tips includes the mixing of water and shampoo. It is recommended to mix 1 part of shampoo and 2 parts of water for bathing your German Shepherds. You can also put this mixture in a squirting bottle and then pour the required amount on the coat directly. This would make the application process quite easier and more effective.
If you only apply the shampoo without mixing it with water, the shampoo might not penetrate well into the coat and fail to remove the excess oil and dirt.
4. Keep treats handy
Another way to make the bathroom experience easier is by keeping treats handy. You can make him stay in the bathtub for a longer time by feeding him treats at regular intervals. This will convince them to stay at the same spot for a long. Try giving him treats which are really appealing to him mostly the ones which are chicken-based or small pieces of cheese.
Now that you are aware of the German Shepherd bathing tips which will make your GSD sit quietly for longer, let’s focus on some of the tips for efficient bathing which will make him squeaky clean.
5. Do not forget to brush before bathing
Just as most of us detangle our hair before washing it, brush your GSD’s coat before taking him for a shower as well. Brush your dog for at least 10 minutes before bathing. This would remove some of the dirt and debris and make it easier for you to bathe him.
6. Usage of de-shedding conditioner
After you have already rinsed your German Shepherd, massage some good conditioner which would provide lost moisture while shampooing. This will maintain a healthy-looking by making it look soft and shiny. This can also prevent itchiness and discomfort after bathing.
7. No human shampoos
Needless to say, never use human shampoo or even baby shampoo on your dog’s coat. The composition of a dog’s shampoo is very different from ours. Human shampoo can dry out your GSD’s skin and make it flaky causing rashes and infections. It is recommended to use an oatmeal-based shampoo which is specifically designed for sensitive dog skin.
8. Do not keep him wet for longer than required
Even if it is extremely hot outside, keeping your dog drenched for a long time is not advisable. This can make him prone to several fungal infections and skin irritations. Also, when you want to dry your dog’s coat, try to avoid using a blow dryer as it might burn their skin. It is best if you can air dry or towel dry them.
Conclusion
You must have got a lot of German Shepherd bathing tips which are easy to follow and would definitely make the bathing session a fun time for you and your dog. It can also help you bond well with your dog. Keeping him healthy and clean should be your only priority if you decide to pet a dog.
Try to focus on using good quality bathing products and take your vet’s advice before using them for your dog. You might face difficulty initially bathing him but patience is the only solution. Give him the time to adapt to every new thing.