How to Make Bath Time Easier for Senior Pets
Splish, splash - our pets are taking a bath! Many of us humans consider having a bath as the perfect excuse for some me-time and R&R. Some of our furry friends can be in the same boat (or bath, if you will!) and adore some quiet pampering in the bath, but for many of our pets, particularly as they age, they can dread bath time and it can be an uncomfortable or anxious experience for them.
Baths have so many benefits for a senior pet - from giving an excuse for quality quiet time to helping monitor for any lumps and bumps. Senior pets can often groom less than their younger counterparts, so this makes it even more important to stay on top of bath time. There are many things to factor into creating a happy bathtime experience (for everyone) - from the products you use, to the equipment and techniques of washing your pet. So, get your shampoo and conditioner ready, here are our top tips for making bath time easier for senior pets.
Choosing the Right Products
When preparing for your pet’s bathtime, ensure you’re reaching for pet-safe products! To save on money or time, you may be tempted to use your own shampoo and conditioner, but this can actually cause serious problems for the health of your pet’s skin. In fact, the scented products that we humans love can contain a lot of nasty chemicals like parabens, sulphates, or phthalates which can harm our pet’s skin.
It’s important to remember that a pet's skin has a different pH to ours, and becomes more fragile and soft with age, so using products that aren’t made with them in mind can make for skin infections, irritations, flaking and dryness. So mild/low scent products that are designed for our pets are the go!
Beyond more sensitive skin in their twilight years, some pets can also suffer from skin conditions that mean you may need to consider hypoallergenic products like this one!
If it is getting harder to get your pet in and out of the bath and they’re particularly prone to slips and falls, you could also consider stocking up on waterless bath products, like this one from Burt's Bees. This can be a gentle way to massage shampoo into your pet’s coat without having to bother them with water. Another option could be pet cleaning wipes, which can also be a great choice for winter when naturally drying their fur can be uncomfortable and cause dry and flaky skin.
Creating a safe set-up
Giving your pets a safe and comfortable bath set-up can do wonders to help reduce their anxiety. Here’s some of our favourite products for a safe bath time:
Non-slip mats
Placing a mat like this one on the bottom of the bath is a great way to help your pet with stability during bathtime. Especially for pets who have hip dysplasia or suffer from arthritis, these mats can help avoid making their paws soapy and slipping over, while supporting their balance. Mats can also make it easier for you to slowly and gently clean your pal, because your pet is less agitated and not moving around as much.
Handheld attachments
Handheld attachments can be a god send for giving you better control of the water and temperature in your pal’s bath. This will make sure your pet doesn’t need to be uncomfortably stuck under a tap or showerhead, or be constantly moved around so you can get to those harder to reach areas. This is ideal for those pets that are less mobile, or who may get overwhelmed with sudden changes or movement.
Brushes
It’s always suggested to brush your pal before a bath to make sure that any tangles or knots are loosened or fully removed beforehand. This is super important to avoid further matting. It can also help shift any dirt or dust from your pet’s fur before bathtime which makes it a more pleasant (and less dirty) experience for everyone. You are best to do research to find the brush type that will work best for your pet’s fur - for example, slicker brushes are usually a great choice for pets with long or dense fur such as German Shepherds, Doodle Dogs, Ragdoll Cats and Long Furred Rabbits.
Shampoo and conditioners dispensers
Keeping your bathtime tools within arm’s reach not only lets you keep an eye on your pet but avoids you having to constantly be reaching around and distracting your pet. Bathtime is meant to be relaxing after all! Shampoo dispenser brushes can be such a huge help with this, cutting back the chances of products falling in the bath and spooking your pet, and quickly and evenly spreading the product along your pet’s coat so that bathtime is as quick as possible.
Some Tips to Make Baths Better
Watch the temp
According to Dogue, lukewarm water is the perfect temperature for our pets, particularly as our senior pets become less tolerant of extreme temps. Any water that is too hot or cold can make your pet uncomfortable and can even put their body into shock. If your pet struggles with their sight or hearing, it’s also important to slowly introduce the water to them, by gradually wetting them from their feet upwards, taking your time to ensure they feel comfortable. Try to avoid using stationary showerheads or splashing water on your pet’s face, instead using a microfibre cloth to gently wipe their nose and eyes.
Keep calm and carry on
Following the tips above will go a long way to help your pal feel calm. But there are some other tricks you can try too! For example, you could run the bath while your pet is in another room with some treats (like a snuffle mat!) to keep them occupied and distract them from the noise of the bath. Words of encouragement can also be a big help, making sure they hear a familiar voice and feel safe and supported throughout their bathtime.
We know that bath time isn’t always smooth sailing with your pet, especially as they age. It can be a stressful time for everyone involved but getting bath time right can make such a difference to your bond with your pal, and their health and wellbeing. Try out some of our advice and here’s hoping you are carefree scrub-a-dubbing in no time!
