We love our dachshunds, but sometimes they get into stuff that they shouldn’t. Suddenly, their beautiful coats are filled with mud and dirt and leaves, and it’s up to us to clean it all up. While some dachshunds are cooperative when it comes to baths, others…not so much.
Regardless of your pup’s quirks during bath time, here are some tips about the proper way to give your dachshund a bath:
How often should you bathe them?
Obviously, if your dachshund was rolling around in the mud outside or if they smell a little stinky, it’s time for a bath. If neither of these things have occurred, though, then you should plan on bathing them once every three months.
Be prepared
Before you start filling up your bathtub with water, make sure you have the right grooming equipment on-hand. This includes shampoo, towels, brushes, and treats (to encourage good behavior). We recommend using gentle shampoos and soaps, specially formulated for dogs, which are nontoxic and will clean without being too harsh.
Pick a spot
If your dachshund is cooperative during bath time, then you can probably bathe them in your tub without a problem. If, however, they cause trouble and like to jump around, a kiddie pool in the garage or backyard may be better. This will prevent water and dirt from getting everywhere in your home.
Bathing your dachshund
Whether it’s in the tub or in a kiddie pool, use warm water that goes up to their belly in order to wash them. Keep your dachshund calm by giving them treats and providing soothing words, and then slowly begin to pour water over their body using a shower head or a small container. Then, gently massage the shampoo into their coat, avoiding the face and ears (you can use a damp washcloth to clean around their face and ears). Wash off the shampoo with the same shower head and/or container and then wrap a towel around them as you pick them up out of the tub (avoid twisting their back as you do so, as dachshunds can have back issues). After a quick towel dry, let them loose, and then you’re done!
For more tips on how to best bathe your dachshund, contact us at Patti’s Dachshund Farm today at 334-385-2600!