How to Wash a Dog Yourself in an Apartment
How Often Are You Supposed to Wash Your Dog?
How often you wash your dog will depend on what breed of dog you have. Dogs with active lifestyles and less active lifestyles, for example, need to be washed in different amounts. Dogs with oily coats and dry coats need to be washed different amounts, too. Let's break it down so that you can properly wash your dog:
The General Rule
According to the American Kennel Association, all dogs should be bathed at least once a month. That means, if you have a dog, it won't hurt for you to bathe your dog once a month. Many dog owners don't bathe their dogs this frequently, so try to make it a habit to wash your dog more frequently!
Active Dogs
If your dog loves to dig in the mud, go swimming in the river, or run around sandy beaches, you might need to bathe your dog more than the average pet owner does. The American Kennel Association advises that if you can't hug your dog anymore, it's time to give them a bath. This could mean giving your dog a bath once a day or giving your dog a bath once a week—it all depends on their lifestyle.
Dogs with Oily Coats
Certain breeds of dogs have particularly oily coats; if you have a golden retriever, for example, you might find that their coats are oily. For dogs with oily coats, it is recommended that you bathe your dog once a week. This ensures that their coat stays fresh and clean.
Dogs with Health Conditions
If your dog has any chronic or genetic health conditions, then you should consult a veterinarian or a dog groomer to gauge how often you should wash your dog. Always listen to your veterinarian—the professionals will advise you on what to do.
How to Use a Self-Service Dog Wash?
Using a self-service dog wash is pretty simple. To ensure the best results, follow these instructions:
1. Brush out your dog's fur. Before you wash your dog, you want to ensure you get as much matting and dirt out of their coat as possible.
2. Turn on the water and make sure it is warm—not too hot or too cold. For dogs with skin conditions, talk to your veterinarian about the right water temperature for your furry friend.
3. Get your dog wet and lather the shampoo into their fur. Be sure to keep water and soap out of the inside of their ears and eyes.
4. Rinse the soap out of your dog's fur.
5. After you're sure all the shampoo is out of your dog's fur, lather the shampoo into your dog's coat and then rinse it out—if you're using conditioner.
6. Dry your dog's fur using either an electric dryer or a towel.
How to Wash Your Dog in an Apartment
To wash your dog in an apartment without a self-service dog wash, follow all of these steps. The only difference is that you'll wash your dog in your bathtub, shower, or sink (depending on the size of your dog and the amenities in your apartment). In addition, because it's unlikely you will have an electric dryer in your apartment, you can use a towel or a hair dryer to dry off your dog.
Benefits of Do-It-Yourself Dog Wash Stations
Having a do-it-yourself dog wash station at your apartment can make your life a lot easier. Here are some of the benefits that come with using these dog-washing stations:
- They're convenient because all the tools you need are at the wash station.
- You don't have to dirty up your bathroom to wash your dog.
- Your dog will love them because of all the smells left behind by other dogs.
Live in Our Dog-Friendly Apartments at The Villages at General Grant
Now that you know how to wash your dog in an apartment, it's time for you to find a dog-friendly apartment in the Affton, MO area. Our apartments at The Villages at General Grant are comfortable, dog-friendly, and the perfect place to call home. If you're eager to move into your new home in Affton, MO, then don't hesitate to contact our leasing team for more information about our apartments.