Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day:
Remy!
Meme of the day: They’re different!
50% Off Crown & Paw!
Get ready to celebrate your furry best friend this Dog Day with an unforgettable gift! Crown & Paw is making it easier than ever to turn your pet's photo into a stunning work of art with our exclusive, limited-time sale. Starting now, enjoy a massive 50% off all best sellers, from majestic Renaissance-style portraits to whimsical modern designs. Don't miss this perfect opportunity to create a beautiful, meaningful keepsake that captures your pet's unique personality. This incredible discount is only available for a short time, so order now for the ultimate Dog Day celebration on August 26th!
Making a Splash: A Guide to Acclimating Your Dog to Bath Time
For many dog owners, the thought of giving their furry friend a bath conjures up images of a wet, soapy battle. A fearful, shivering pup and a soaked bathroom are not exactly a recipe for a good time. But it doesn't have to be this way! With a little patience, positive reinforcement, and a whole lot of love, you can transform bath time from a dreaded chore into a manageable and maybe even enjoyable experience for your dog.
The key to success is to introduce your dog to the process gradually, making it a positive experience from the very beginning. Here's a step-by-step guide to helping your canine companion acclimate to the tub.
Step 1: Start Small and Stay Positive
The first rule of thumb is to never force your dog into the bath. This will only create fear and resistance. Instead, start with small, low-pressure interactions.
Introduce the space: Let your dog explore the bathroom and the bathtub when it's dry. Toss a few treats in the tub or place a favorite toy inside to create a positive association.
The Power of the Paw: Begin by simply rewarding your dog for putting one paw in the tub. Use lots of praise and high-value treats (like small pieces of chicken or cheese) to make it a fun game. Gradually work up to two paws, then all four.
Keep it fun: Never make it a chore. Even if you're just rewarding your dog for standing in the tub for a few seconds, celebrate their progress with enthusiasm.
Step 2: Introduce Water Slowly
Now that your dog is comfortable with the tub, it's time to introduce water.
Lukewarm water is key: Fill the tub with a few inches of lukewarm water before bringing your dog in. The sound of running water can be frightening to some dogs.
Use a cup or a small bowl: Instead of a powerful shower head, start by using a cup or a small bowl to gently pour water over your dog's back. This is less intimidating than a strong stream of water.
Avoid the face: Most dogs dislike getting water in their eyes, ears, and nose. For now, focus on rinsing their body, being careful to avoid their head. You can use a damp washcloth to gently clean their face later.
Step 3: Make the Experience Enjoyable
Turn bath time into a spa day for your pup!
Non-slip surfaces: Place a non-slip bath mat or a towel at the bottom of the tub. This will give your dog better footing and help them feel more secure.
Treats and toys: A smear of peanut butter on the side of the tub is a fantastic distraction. You can also give your dog a special chew toy that they only get during bath time. This creates a positive association with the experience.
Praise and reassurance: Throughout the entire process, use a calm, soothing voice. Praise your dog for their bravery and reassure them that everything is okay.
Step 4: The Full Bath
Once your dog is comfortable with all the previous steps, you can try a full bath.
Use a dog-specific shampoo: Never use human shampoo on your dog, as it can be irritating to their skin. Choose a gentle, tearless dog shampoo.
Work from the neck down: Start by gently lathering the shampoo from your dog's neck and work your way down their body, all while providing plenty of praise.
Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse all the shampoo out to prevent skin irritation.
Drying off: After the bath, wrap your dog in a soft towel and gently rub them dry. If your dog is comfortable with a blow dryer, use one on a low, cool setting.
Final Thoughts
Remember that every dog is different. Some may take to baths quickly, while others may need more time and patience. The key is to never rush the process. Go at your dog's pace, celebrate every small victory, and always end on a positive note. With consistency and a loving approach, you can turn a dreaded bath into a simple and stress-free routine for both you and your beloved furry friend.
Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Julio!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
Interested in reaching our audience?
Like newsletters?
Here are some newsletters our readers also enjoy:
Share our newsletter with your friends!
We’ll donate on your behalf!
🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶
🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶
🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏
{{rp_personalized_text}}
