How to Wash a Guest Dog

The most common sign that a dog needs a bath is when they start to smell more than usual. You may have recently been for a walk, or perhaps they rolled in something with a bad odour - or maybe it has just been a while since their last bath.

An additional valid reason is to rejuvenate and polish their fur, as well as eliminate dead hair and skin. Shedding season is a great time to wash the dog, as it helps keep the worst of the fluff off the floor. Regardless of the reason, it's important for pet sitters to have some knowledge about grooming at home.

One thing to keep an eye on is that if you notice an odd odour coming particularly from the dog's ears or mouth, kindly inform the pet owner. This could be a sign of a hidden health issue or infection that requires veterinary treatment.

How Often Should You Wash the Dog?

How often you bathe the dog depends on their fur and skin condition.

• Dogs without skin conditions can last about a month between baths, or until they roll in something foul-smelling.
• Breeds with short fur may only require a quick clean or a bath once in a while.
• Dogs with skin conditions or allergies may need more frequent washing.
• Some breeds might benefit from a professional groomer every few weeks.

Always consult with the dog’s owner or vet for advice on how often you should wash the dog. Avoid excessive washing as it can remove the natural oils in their fur, potentially causing skin issues. Dogs have a natural ‘doggy smell,’ especially after getting wet, so if the dog just has this normal odour, a bath can usually wait. Brush them instead to freshen up. 

It may be that you have a particularly nervous or anxious dog in your care. In these cases, grooming is probably best left to a professional - as you want to maintain a stress-free environment for your furry guest.

What Products Will You Need to Wash the Dog?

• Dog Brush: Choose a high-quality grooming brush that is appropriate for your dog's fur length and thickness. If unsure, consult the owner or a vet.
• Dog Shampoo and Conditioner: Use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Never use human soap or detergent, no matter how mild, as dogs have sensitive skin with different pH levels than humans. Choose an unscented, hypoallergenic shampoo unless the vet advises otherwise.
• Towel or Blow Dryer: After the bath, ensure the dog is dry and comfortable. Utilise a towel or a hairdryer at the softest, least noisy level. Have an additional towel at hand to use as a barrier when they shake off the water.

How to Wash Your Dog

1. Brush First: This removes matted or dead fur, allowing the water and shampoo to penetrate better.
2. Choose a Calm, Warm Environment: Decide whether to wash the dog outside on a warm day or in a quiet bathroom if the weather is cold. Ensure the surface is slip-proof.
3. Washing and Shampooing: Dilute the shampoo with water and softly massage it into the dog's coat using lukewarm water. Focus on tricky spots like the belly and legs. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Use a dog conditioner and rinse it out completely.
4. Dry the Dog: Let the dog shake off excess water, then rub them down with a towel. Brush and blow-dry on a cool, gentle setting if needed.

If the dog is terrified of water or becomes distressed, try again another day or consult a professional groomer. It is not worth disturbing the peace and quiet of your booking. Your client may have a regular groomer the dog feels comfortable with and can alleviate a lot of stress - so make sure to check in. 

Many Pawshake pet sitters also offer dog washing and dog grooming, so if you're not confident in doing it yourself, you can always refer the task to a professional. This way, the dog will return to the owner smelling fresh and squeaky clean!

Want to sign up to be a Pawshake Pet Sitter? Apply here!