Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account, or login by clicking here.

Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs

July 22, 2020

If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?”

Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. I’ll give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps.

  1. Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears.
  2. Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper,  and fill with warm water before you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet  if the water running from the tap scares him.)
  3. Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath.
  4. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, don’t yell! A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water.
  5. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him.
  6. Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair.
  7. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems.
  8. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order!

Visit your local Petland for more advice and a great supply of grooming tools!

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • Image Not Found

    New Year Fireworks and Your Pets

    In years gone by, New Years was not a time of celebration for me. I owned several horses and lived near a city center in north Texas. When others were watching the fireworks in awe...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Giving the Gift of Love and Cuddles for Christmas 2020

    There is little that can rival the excitement of seeing a box wiggle and squeak under the Christmas tree for kids and adults alike. To make it the best Christmas gift you’ve ever...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Puppy Pals For Tough Times: Service Dogs In The Time of COVID

    2020 has been a hard time for dog lovers. COVID has made it difficult to take care of them, be it getting to the vet for treatments or even adopting one in the first place. And the...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Thanksgiving With Your Pets

    The year 2020 has been different than any year we have experienced, and with the holidays right around the corner, we don’t see that letting up. So Thanksgiving may look differen...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Life Hacks for New Puppy Owners

    You and your family made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home, found the one that stole your heart, and now that puppy you dreamed about is a reality. And reality has h...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    National Cook for Your Pets Day

    Today, November 1, 2020, is Go Cook For Your Pet Day. Here are a few great recipes to honor your BFFF (best four-footed friend) in the kitchen this year. Animals can have sensitive...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    It’s Decorating Season!

    As we near the 2020 holiday season, it’s time to look back over the year and celebrate what’s coming next. There is lots of partying during the fall and early winter months, an...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Hitting the trails in the fall!

    Fall is a wonderful time to hit the trails with Fido. The days are crisp and clear and the outdoors calls as much to you as to your fur-buddy. If you plan on hiking with your dog, ...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Autumn festivities with awesome DIY Halloween toys!

    Halloween is right around the corner, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be just as fun for your pets as it is for you! While you’re preparing costumes, decorations, and ...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?

    Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy c...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age

    Training puppies is an easy endeavor but training an old dog is really hard. Or so you’ve heard. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  Wrong on both counts. First ...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Natural Disaster Preparedness For You and Your Pets

    This year has been one of unique challenges due to COVID-19, forcing us to stay at home. But the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already had 9 named storms, “the most ever rec...

    Read This Blog

Help Need Help?