Making Bath Easier For You and Your Pet

One of the most difficult aspects for those that are pet owners is pet grooming. Let’s face it. Cats and dogs really do not want to get wet. So, how can you give your furry pet a bath without making him angry at, bit, scratch you? Or covering the entire area with water? There are some things that you can do that will actually help you to get a better result. Here are some tips to consider.

• Encourage your Pet to Swim. This only applicable to dogs unless you cat adores water like he adores catnip. If you have a swimming pool or you take your pet to the beach, encourage him to get into the water and swim. Once they get over the fear, they will enjoy being wet. Then, the bath will not be so challenging. Of course, you should never throw a pet into the water and he should never be forced into any of these situations.
• Your behavior matters. If you are trying to give your pet a bath and he is fighting you, if you begin to fray and fight it, he is not going to cooperate with you at all. Instead, talk soothingly and calmly to your pet. Encourage him to relax and say reassuring things like “good boy” and “good job” as these will show him that he is not being harmed as well as that he is behaving right. Once you begin to settle your pet through soothing language, he is likely to sit and relax while you wash him.
• Make it Relaxing. Your pet grooming should be comfortable to him. If you yank on his hair and scrub too hard, it will hurt. No one wants to be where they will be hurt. Instead gently wash his fur, down to the skin and rinse him off, making sure to keep the water out of his eyes. Rinse the face last. Cats and dogs enjoy being massaged and petted and this is what it will feel like in a proper bath.

Bathing your pet does not have to be a chore. If he really refuses, take him to the professionals. You can even stay to see how they get your pet to listen and behave during a bath. It is a necessary thing to do to your pet, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle.