When you think about summer activities, what do you think about? Days at the beach? Lounging by the pool? Hiking or getting outside to play sports with friends?
Nothing beats a crisp, cool shower after a hot day. Similarly, your dog will walk away from a bath completely refreshed — leaving them lighter, cooler, and more comfortable. It’s their version of a summer reset. We know it, and they deserve it.
This is why making sure your dog is bathed routinely is all the more important in summer months.
1. Removes built-up dirt, allergens, and oils
Ever get itchy from grass after laying down? That’s a whole host of things at play: microscopic scratches from the blades of grass, mites, pollen, and sweat getting smothered against your skin. Dogs face similar issues!
In summer, dogs pick up more dust, pollen, sweat, and grime because of more outdoor play. A bath clears that buildup, which can cause itchiness or skin irritation — which is particularly irritating in the heat, when they can only sweat through their paws and their nose.
2. Helps regulate body temperature
Suggesting to just clarify: A clean coat allows better airflow, helping your dog stay cooler — though dogs primarily cool down through panting. Mats, dirt, and excess oil lodged between their luscious fur can trap heat against their skin, making dogs heat up faster and their bodies having to work overtime to cool off.
Bathing clears all the gunk off so your dog can really maximize their time and get the most out of their summer fun.
3. Supports coat health and prevents odor
Humidity + dog sweat (from their paws and fur oils) = funky smells. And when you already have activities that prompt wet dog smell, you might want to limit those “funky smells” where you can. Regular bathing keeps your pup smelling fresh, whether it be after a day rolling around at the dog park or after a day of Camp.
It’s important to know, though, that “regular bathing” varies by breed, and even the individual dog, oftentimes. Bathing too often strips healthy and necessary fur oils, and bathing too infrequently minimizes the benefits of bathing. On top of that, some dogs are sensitive to ear and skin irritation, so finding the schedule that allows your dog to be at his or her most comfortable is key. It can be as often as every few weeks to every three months, depending on factors like breed, size, fur type, lifestyle, even climate. Just ask your vet for guidance on what’s best for your dog, and you can determine and schedule a grooming routine with us so you don’t even have to worry about it.
4. Reduces risk of hot spots and skin infections
Most pools are chlorinated to a safe level that prevents bacterial growth, but some RWIs – recreational water illnesses – can remain in the water for several hours, especially for natural bodies of water. For humans, showering before and after pool time helps reduce getting infected – and your dog, too. This doesn’t have to be a grooming session; a simple hose-off will do.
On top of the risk of potential bacterial contamination, moisture and other yuck from summer swimming or sweating can be invisible to us and sit underneath the fur undetected, which can lead to skin irritation – just like chlorinated water would for us. A bath (as well as proper drying) can help prevent that from evolving into an issue.
Lastly, the biggest culprit for both outdoorsy humans and dogs alike: ticks. These little fiends are easy to miss, especially under a coat of fur. Bathing can reveal these – along with fleas – so you can pursue further care for your dog, prevent further infestation, prevent you and your family from getting bitten, keep your home clean and keep your dog comfortable.
5. It just feels better
Anyone can agree that the best way to rejuvenate and replenish after these activities is a well-earned, cool shower to clean off all the sweat and evidence of a fun-filled summer day – that goes for you, and your dog.
For your furry friend with a naturally fibrous fur coat to really carry that grime around, it’s no different. Bathing matters even more in the summer, where your canine is more likely to frolic around in outdoor environments, collecting and carrying small souvenirs like bugs and burrs from his environment.
How to Make The Best Summer Memories – For You, and Your Dog
So, you know that you should bathe your dog, but now the question is how to go about it correctly. Some dogs are total water dogs, webbed paws and all, whoyou have to drag out of the lake. Other dogs much prefer the comfort of dry fur.
We know dogs at Camp Bow Wow; we have you covered.
Some “Do’s”:
Toys & Treats: The ultimate incentive. If it was enough to teach him how to “sit,” it’s enough to lure him into the walk-in shower for a spray-down.
Introduce toys throughout his time in the tub to keep him engaged and distracted. Floating toys might be a fun enrichment activity for them to engage with while you wash him down.
Outside or Inside: A sink or tub might work for a small terrier, but if you own a 70 pound retriever, you’re less likely to bathe him on schedule if it means hoisting him into a bathtub. Besides, many dogs are more comfortable and familiar with outside environments, so don’t dismiss the idea of putting on her leash and getting the job done outside. Just make sure you’re not saturating your plants with soap!
If you do decide to go the outside route, try using a dog cooling mat to protect your dog’s paws to keep them clean in case of any dirt runoff.
Temperature: Make sure you test the water temperature before you expose your dog to the water – this can be an easy one to forget. If your dog is giving you a hard time, it might be because he’s freezing or burning! Make sure it’s as pleasant for him as possible.
Make it a Fun Routine: Don’t wait to introduce this habit to them! The more you stick to a routine, the more likely they are to tolerate it. Stick with it, even if they have a hard time getting acclimated.
To help them tolerate it better, cultivate a relaxing, stress-free environment. Use a nonslip mat so their claws don’t get in the way of standing easily, and reward them for their cooperation; if they know they’re getting a pup cup after, they’ll jump right into that tub.
Some “Don’t’s”:
Human Shampoo: Dog skin ≠ human skin. In fact, dogs have a more neutral skin pH than us humans; we have a skin pH of about 5.5, whereas theirs is more basic, sitting between 6.2 - 7.4. A shampoo that’s right for us humans will likely be too irritating for a pup.
In addition, human shampoo has fragrances and irritants that dogs cannot tolerate the same way we can; in fact, it can cause many of the very issues you’d be trying to remedy with bathing. So make sure you have a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo for your dog; there are plenty of dog shampoos available out there that address many needs, like flea/tick prevention, deshedding shampoo, and others.
Bathing Too Frequently: The oil glands on dogs’ skin have a different schedule than us humans – they produce oil more efficiently. Strip them with shampoo too often, and you’ll dry out their skin by disrupting the barrier function that protects them from so much.
Bathing schedules, as mentioned earlier, can vary by dog. However, don’t underestimate the value of a simple, yet thorough hose-down with cool water; a full shampoo is usually not necessary or needed, and a good rinsing will accomplish many of the benefits that bathing brings anyway.
If you really want to make sure you’re doing it all right, take these tips from our in-house expert on animal behavior, Erin Askeland (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA):
Use a lick mat. If your pup is squirrely, keep them occupied with their favorite spreadable treat so you can do what you need to do. Askeland suggests to have one person entertaining your dog while the other does the bathing.
Brush first. This’ll not only save your shower drain, but it’ll also make bathing seem more manageable, especially if you have a double-coated or long-haired breed, says Askeland.
Wash thoroughly, from the neck down. Begin from the neck and work your way down your dog’s back, massaging the product into wet fur gently. Letting it sit for five minutes or so improves your pet shampoo’s effectiveness, especially if you have a medicated shampoo. “Rinse until the water runs clean. Double check areas like armpits and under the chest to ensure all soap is removed,” recommends Askeland.
Approach washing your dog’s face carefully. Askeland recommends this procedure: “For the face, use a wet washcloth to carefully wet your dog’s face. Put a very small amount of shampoo on the washcloth or use your hands to massage in the shampoo. Then rinse with your washcloth again.”
You want to make sure this is at least a tolerable experience for your pup, so be receptive to cues of stress: this could be subtle, like licking lips, yawning, or a tucked tail. In other circumstances, your dog may cower, freeze, or attempt escape. Make sure to pause and soothe your dog during moments like these.
With these tips, you should feel confident in bathing your dog with relative ease. However, there are a host of benefits that come with finding a top-notch groomer.
Leave It To Us
Getting the right equipment to hit on all your dog’s needs can become tedious: professional dog grooming clippers, dog nail trimmers, thinning shears for dogs, the list goes on. There are additional services beyond bathing – such as toenail clipping, gland expression, fur thinning, etc. – that might be best left to the experts.
That’s what we’re here for at Camp Bow Wow – making Happy Campers™. If you need some help in making sure your pup is enjoying her summer the most she can by staying on schedule with thorough bathing and possibly grooming, reach out to your local Camp for dog bathing services and best dog grooming services near you to learn about pricing and details. You’ll love it – and your dog definitely deserves it, too!
