Baths can be a stressful experience for both owners and dogs, but if you have the right tools and products on hand, it doesn’t have to be. Having the proper supplies at the ready will make baths faster and easier, and keep your pup happy. Here are some essential DIY doggy bath items that every dog owner should have in their home.
Shampoo
Shampoo is an important part of keeping your pup’s coat clean and free from tangles. Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs as human shampoos are too harsh for them. To save time when bathing, consider investing in a no-rinse shampoo which can help speed up the process without having to rinse off after each step.
Conditioner
Conditioner helps maintain your dog’s coat by protecting it from dirt and grime while also giving them luscious locks. Not only that, but it contains nourishing ingredients such as vitamins and minerals that can help prevent skin irritation or flea infestations. Make sure you use a conditioner designed specifically for dogs; using one designed for humans could cause more harm than good!
Brush or Comb
A brush or comb is important for maintaining healthy fur on short-haired breeds as well as de-tangling those nasty knots on longer coats. You should always start from the tips of the fur working your way up until all tangles have been removed before applying water or shampooing your pup’s fur. Depending on the type of coat your pup has will determine what kind of brush or comb you should use; stiff bristles work best for short haired pups while long haired pups require something with wider spaced out teeth like a wide-toothed comb or slicker brush attacment .
Sponge or Cloth
Using a sponge or cloth to apply product directly onto their fur is usually more effective than trying to pour it over them — especially when dealing with product such as shampoo since excess product might go running down their face! It’s also great if you want to spot clean certain areas instead of giving them an overall wash since sponges are portable enough to carry around with you wherever you go.
Towel
Having multiple towels on hand when bathing your pup will always come in handy incase they shake themselves dry inside the tub — nothing worse than having soapy water drip all over the floor! Keeping dozens of these nearby will ensure you’re covered incase one gets sopping wet during bathtime fun 🙂
Nail Clippers
Keeping their nails trimmed not only looks better but keeps them healthier too! Most pet stores sell nail clippers specifically designed for dogs — look for ones made out of stainless steel so they won’t get rusty after multiple washes throughout its lifetime! Some clippers even come equipped with safety guards to help avoid cutting too close to their quick (the vein inside each nail).
Ear Cleaner & Cotton Swabs
Cleaning out your pup’s ears once every few weeks helps prevent infection caused by dirt build up inside them. You’ll need ear cleaner solution (which can be found at most pet stores) plus cotton swabs/rounds/balls depending on how deep/gentle you want to go with cleaning out their ears – just don’t insert anything into their canal otherwise it could crush delicate tissue in there accidentally 🙁
Q-Tips & Toothbrush
With regular brushing, plaque build up can be prevented from forming onto the surfaces of teeth — this not only helps keep his breath fresh but also boosts his overall oral health! Aiming toward purchasing soft bristled toothbrushes that fit within his mouth properly while allowing yourself access into tight crevices near his gums/teeth — extra soft Q-tips can help clean hard-to-reach spaces if needed too 😉
Having these essentials available beforehand not only make baths super easy breezy but also lessens stress levels knowing that everything needed is already within reach :). Happy Bathing!!!
