Whether your dog loves or loathes getting cleaned up, there is no denying that bath-time can produce some hilarious outcomes for pet owners. From those who love a little pampering to others who try to avoid B-A-T-H time at all costs, there is never a dull moment when trying to get your dog freshened up. Mira Showers enlisted a panel of dog lovers to select Instagram’s most adorable bath-time dogs, with outcomes all owners are likely to identify with.
Happy hounds and silly hair dos
Some pets enjoy a good pamper and are more than happy to jump into the bath (or shower), making life for their owners a little easier. Seeing it as another excuse for playtime and taking full advantage of being fussed, there is no denying that some pets just love being pampered. For those happy to hang out in the bathtub, a proper wash is always a good thing to have after a big walk, and it is also a good excuse to have their fur styled in wacky ways. From mohawks, as modelled by Mabel the adorable Cavapoo, to scruffy dos as seen on Winnie the Golden Doodle, there are plenty of ways owners have found to have some fun whilst giving their dogs a good clean.
In a survey of 1,000 UK dog owners, most dogs are bathed or showered by their owners at home once a month (30%). However, the results revealed some dog breed groups are pampered more than others. Dogs in the Hound Group (such as Beagles, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Whippets and Rhodesian Ridgebacks) are washed the most often at home, with almost 10 times a month being the average for bathing or showering these dogs. This is closely followed by the likes of Bichon Frises, Bulldogs, Dalmatians, French Bulldogs, Poodles and – all part of the Non-Sporting Group of dog breeds – with just over nine at-home grooms a month. Meanwhile, Cockapoos, Lurchers and mixed breed dogs tend to have a bath or shower in the comfort of their own home just three times a month.
Wary of washing
Whilst some dogs may be more than happy to jump in the bath, a lot of pets are a little more unsure about the whole event. Trying to encourage your dog into the bathroom without them running away can be a challenge, and once there, some owners can certainly relate to seeing looks of ‘what is this’ and ‘why am I here’ as their dog tries to scramble away mid-soak. From trying to paw themselves away – like Maggie the Cocker Spaniel, who doesn’t seem a big fan of the tub – to hiding in the corner, like Button the adorable Sheepadoodle, who is doing her best to avoid the shower she knows is coming.
Mira Showers enlisted experts at animal charity, Wood Green, and London’s premier dog grooming spa, Purplebone, to advise on how to help anxious dogs when it’s time for a wash. They revealed that there will always be some dogs who love water, and others who only tolerate it. If you can make it as pleasant as you can through praise and treats, it will be a much more relaxed experience. Ness Croft-Taylor, Veterinary Surgery Manager and qualified dog groomer at Wood Green, said: “It’s beneficial to have a handheld shower to regulate the flow, so if your dog is timid you can introduce the water gradually.”
Billy Barlos, Senior Groomer at Purplebone, said: “To keep your dog calm and happy, there are a few things that can be used. Lots of rewarding, whether it be vocal or treats, really helps. Some dogs need help keeping focus during washing and brushing at home, and more anxious dogs can benefit from the naturally calming effects of licking; items such as a lickimat covered in natural, spreadable treats like peanut butter or Greek yogurt can help.”
Towel time
Once the main event is over, it is time to dry off. Many like to get cosy after having a soak in the bath, and nothing beats a soft fluffy towel to wrap up in. It’s not just humans that enjoy a bit of towel time; pets also like to get in on the action, like Picasso, the adorable Dachshund, who can be seen wrapped up to relax after his wash.
To find out more about the research, view Instagram’s Pampered Pets in all their glory and read more expert tips about grooming your dog at home, visit: The UK’s Pampered Pooches.
