If Dogs Love Swimming, How Come They Hate Being Bathed?

There are some breeds of dog that just love jumping in water whenever they get the opportunity whether it's a stream, river, pond or the sea. However, when it comes to bath time, they are pretty quick on their feet to run in the opposite direction. So why is it that dogs love splashing around in water except when it's time to take a bath?

Many dogs have an aversion to being bathed because they simply don't like getting wet, but with a bit of time and a lot patience, they learn to put up with it although some will always show an absolute horror at being washed in a bathtub. The thing to remember is the act of swimming comes naturally to most breeds of dog although not all of them are that keen on getting wet even if it is by choice. When dogs jump in the water and swim around, they are having fun and they are doing so freely without being forced into the water at all.

When it comes to bath time, this is a decision that's decided for them and the experience is not the same at all. In fact, it's the exact opposite of an enjoyable feeling of freedom because for many dogs it feels like a confined torturous experience that leaves them feeling vulnerable – hence the sad, worried and forlorn looks on their faces as they stand in the tub with their backsides tucked under!

Another thing to bear in mind is that some dogs don't like being touched in unfamiliar ways which is what happens when they are being soaped up and then rinsed off. You might think it is relaxing to massage soap into your dog's coat, but they might not agree with your sentiment.

It's hard to stand up in a bathtub

Unlike us, a dog has to stand up in a bathtub which is hard for them to do because there's no friction. In short, they slip and slide which is scary and sitting down means putting their privates in water which is another thing that makes them feel a little vulnerable. One solution is to put a slip-resistant mat in the bath to prevent them from slipping or to give your dog a bath in the back garden on a bright and sunny, warm day using the hose making sure you dry them off thoroughly when finished.

Dogs are often scared by running water

Some of our canine friends get mesmerised when watching running water and want to play with the tap, but others find the whole experience pretty scary. You may find your dog loves going to the beach and jumping around in waves retrieving toys yet when they are in the bath and the tap is running, they freeze and look very sorry for themselves. If the weather is nice and warm, it's a good idea to put the hose on your dog and get them to relax and play with the water so that you can give them a bath outside. It might also help get them more used to being in the bath with the tap running too.

Dogs are not very fond of fragrant smelling shampoos and conditioners

You might think a shampoo or conditioner smells delicious, however, your dog might find the fragrance totally unappealing and therefore cannot wait to get outside in the garden where they can find something nice and smelly to roll in. You should always use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for use on our canine companions. People products should never be used because not only are they far too scented but the PH balance is not right either.

Calm and quietly does it

As with most things, practice makes perfect but you should never over-bath your dog because you could mess up the balance of oils in their skin causing all sorts of disorders. However, when you do give your dog a bath for whatever reason, it needs to be done calmly and quietly. Puppies need to be taught that bath time is not a bad experience, but a nice one they will enjoy. In short, the first time you give them a bath, you have to make sure it's a positive and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Dogs often love splashing around in the sea or ponds, but when it comes to washing them off in the bath, their attitude changes from enjoyment to sheer horror and they stand there looking very sorry for themselves. There are all sorts of reasons why dogs don't particularly like being bathed with the main one being that instinctively many of them just don't like getting wet unless it's out of choice that is!