More5 Tips for Winter Dog Washes
Warmth is the Key to Winter Dog Washes
Almost everyone has had that experience. You take a pleasantly warm shower just to get out and realize it's freezing! Right away you hurry to get dressed and warm up again, but what if all your clothes were wet, too?
That's what it can be like for dogs that take a bath in winter. During the summer they can run outside for a bit and dry out, but that's not the case when it's cold outside.
Just like people, cold exposure can make our pets more susceptible to illness, so it's important to keep them protected. Here are five helpful tips for your winter dog washes.
1. Timing is everything
Since temperatures tend to drop considerably in the evening, it's a good idea to wash your dog in the morning. This will give your dog time to dry completely throughout the day . If you aren't able to wash your companion in the morning, consider if the wash can wait until the next day. This isn't always possible (like when your pup decides to make friends with the neighborhood skunk), but it's important to try.
If you absolutely have to wash your dog later in the day, be sure to dry them as best you can and keep them warm and indoors all night.
2. Use warm water
In the hot summer months you might spray the dog with the hose and let them air dry. However, this isn't an option for winter dog washes. Often times the hose has already been disconnected to prevent pipes from freezing. Even if it hasn't, the water that comes out is much too cold to wash a dog with. It's best to do the job somewhere that the water temperature can be controlled.
If you're not interested in making a mess of your own tub, then check out the tubs at your local Wag N' Wash. Best of all, we'll clean the mess for you!
3. Moisturize
Winter can really dry out the skin and coat. Use bath time as an opportunity to add a little extra moisture. Start with a good oatmeal shampoo to relieve any itchiness your companion may be experiencing. Massage the shampoo down into the coat for a couple of minutes to really get the benefits. Take the time to rinse out all of the shampoo when you're done. Left over shampoo residue can worsen itchy skin.
Talk to a team member at your local Wag N' Wash about adding one of our deep-moisturizing Remo Treatments to your wash. This soothing deep conditioner will have your pet feeling luxuriously soft in no time! Follow your wash with a leave-in conditioner spray, and you're good to go.
4. Dry, dry, dry!
The most important thing for good winter dog washes is to make sure your canine companion is as dry as possible afterwards! A wet coat can make the weather seem much colder and will increase the possibility of your dog getting sick.
For best results, use the air dryers at your local Wag N' Wash to blow the water clear out of their coat. If your dog doesn't like the dryers, then use lots of towels. (Don't worry, we have as many towels as you need to get the job done.)
5. Inside is best
As we mentioned, damp dogs should be kept indoors overnight, but overall it's best to keep them inside until they're completely dry, no matter the time of day. Some dogs, often those that live in the country are considered "outside dogs". If this is the case, make sure you find them a safe, warm spot inside the house to stay when it's particularly cold or when they're wet. While putting them outside may be more convenient, it's simply not worth the risk of making them sick.
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