Do you find yourself running after your dog to wrestle them into the tub, regularly playing tug with the brush or tearing your own hair out while trying to de-mat your pup? Dog grooming, cleaning and washing regimes are important but they can be stressful. A few tips and tricks, however, can transform them into enjoyable hygienic experiences…

Pick the ideal time and enjoy

The most important thing is to only groom, clean and bathe when both you and your doggy are calm and relaxed. Treat the grooming and bathing process as an opportunity for a fun, bonding session. Go easy on the excitement levels though or everything – you, your pet, water, bubbles and your tools and products – will be all over the place in no time.

Begin by letting your furry friend sniff and get used to all the things you’ll be using. Reward with tasty treats and gentle praise as you go. If your dog is prescribed medication for their anxiety be sure they’ve had their routine dose. Natural calming aids and products can be your secret soak time and spruce-up weapon but remember they work best in advance.

Set up everything you’ll need ahead of time

Start by having all the tools and products you need close to hand. Aborting a session to hunt for things you’ve forgotten may mean you’ll have to try again another day if your dog has become completely distracted or stressed due to the time it’s all taking.

Gather brushes and combs plus a mild dog shampoo, a couple of big absorbent towels if water is involved and treats for rewarding good behaviour and for distraction purposes. An assistant will also be very useful.

Develop a regular brushing routine

Dogs should be brushed every day. This keeps their fur free from debris and becoming matted. Once it’s part of your pup’s daily routine it will become a familiar activity and a whole lot easier. Long-haired breeds need more brushing and combing than short-haired ones. For smooth-coated dogs try a bristle brush and a pin brush. For curly and long coats use a softer, slicker brush and a de-matting comb.

Cleaning, washing and bathing

Regular baths are an essential part of ongoing grooming and hygiene. Bathing your dog will remove all the dirt your dog picked up during daily walks and romps in the great outdoors. Not all dogs require a bath at the same frequency. Their breed, fur and environment determine how often a good scrub down is needed.

In between regular baths, your dog will require a quicker, less intensive wash. Pet safe wipes are a great way to do small cleaning touch-ups on your dog and special deodorising sprays give your dog’s coat a burst of freshness. There are even dry shampoos on the market now for pets that work in much the same way as their human equivalents.

When bath time rolls around or if an impromptu dip is needed after zoomies in the mud, depending on your dog’s size you can use the kitchen sink, bathtub, shower or a laundry tub. A specially formulated doggy shampoo or baby shampoo is essential and massage your pet as you’re rubbing it in. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, reward with a treat, and rinse off the shampoo thoroughly. You’ll then need to dry thoroughly with a towel to avoid the possibility of skin complaints developing.

Keep calm and carry on

Some dogs hate water, some dogs are naturally anxious about everything, and some dogs hold on to a bad experience they’ve had in the tub, perhaps even before you got them.

Stock up on de-stress and calming products. Pet Remedy range has everything you’ll need for an anxiety-free cleaning, grooming and bathing regime from diffusers and atomisers to sprays, wipes, shampoo and conditioner. Our all-natural products start to help immediately and can avoid the need for sedating medication. Check out our shop to see the full range.