Enriching smells, socialization, and not having to clean gobs of hair out of your bathtub drain after a doggie glow-up are just a few of the many reasons to take advantage of public dog washes! This article explores the essential how-tos of using a public dog wash with tips to keep your pup safe and comfortable.
Benefits of Self-Serve Dog Washes
Cost-Effectiveness
Taking your dog to a professional groomer for a bath can cost anywhere from $25 to $100, depending on its size, where you live, and whether services such as brushing, specialty shampoos, and blow-outs are included.
By heading to a self-serve dog wash, DIYers can save up to $80 or more per wash plus the cost of materials since most public dog washes supply shampoos, brushes, and other grooming products.
A Cleaner Home
Dog hair gets everywhere! Bathing at a public pet wash can significantly reduce the amount of dog hair you clean from the floors, the lint trap in your dryer, and your drains.
Using the brushes and equipment specifically designed for grooming at a self-serve dog wash means much less fluff makes it back home to repopulate your dust bunny colonies.
Aside from hair, a real romp in the mud or an adventurous hike through the woods can bring unwanted souvenirs into your home, such as bugs, muddy paws, twigs, and leaves, or even a lake-drenched fur coat.
Swinging by a self-serve dog wash on the way home from frolicking through fields and enjoying the great outdoors keeps the outdoors out of your home and your pup returning fresh and snuggle-ready.
Convenience
Self-serve dog washes have become extremely popular, which means they are generally easy to find on your common travel routes if you live in a city or suburban area. Even further out in the country, where pet stores that offer washes are not typically located, retail companies that cater to farm populations, like Tractor Supply, conveniently offer public dog washes, too!
Even more convenient is that Tractor Supply now carries your favorite supplements from Native Pet, like Calm, for stress-free baths. You can spend the extra time you save not stopping for supplements or placing orders with your favorite furry (now squeaky clean) friend.
The other very convenient feature of self-serve dog washes is that they are designed specifically for washing dogs, but our at-home baths and showers are designed for washing humans. It may not seem much of a difference at first; however, bending over a bathtub for an extended period or even attempting to get your pup into a standard bathtub can sometimes be challenging and stressful for both pet and pet parents. Doggie bathtubs are generally elevated for your back and often come with a ramp or stairs to help your pup safely and effortlessly into the tub.
What to Know Before You Go to a Public Dog Wash
Most public washes require that your pup be current on core and non-core vaccinations, such as Bordetella and influenza, to help combat the spread of easily communicable diseases. You'll want to be sure that your dog is current on their vaccines and protected against these and other pathogens they can acquire from other animals. Different areas pose different disease threats, such as leptospirosis, so talk with your veterinarian about what vaccines can help protect your pup in public.
Keep your dog current on their heartworm and flea prevention to avoid bringing home more "friends" than you arrived at the dog wash with. Mosquitos transmit heartworms, and heartworm disease exists everywhere in the US that mosquitos do. Prevention is painless and cost-effective. Treatment is painful and significantly more costly. Flea infestations are considerably challenging to remedy, and ticks threaten humans and dogs in many areas due to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
In addition to the unwanted "friends" list, parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms are easily transmitted in areas where dogs defecate. Avoid common areas for bathroom breaks, and be sure to always have poop bags on hand to clean up and remove any poo quickly.
Getting Your Dog Ready for Public Dog Washes
It would be nice if we could explain to our dogs that we are headed out on a fun trip to get squeaky clean and that there's nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, it's not that simple, and every time we leave, our pups have no idea what to expect.
To keep your dog from worrying at any point in the process, from leaving the house to getting in the car to arriving at the dog wash to being bathed and groomed at a new place, here are five tips to ensure your pup is DIY spa day-ready.
- Familiarize your pup with water and bathing at home, and ensure they are comfortable with the process. Take it slow and use enrichment products during bath time to keep it worry-free. A smeared and frozen covered Lickimat splash with Native Pet Pumpkin and organic plain yogurt is a popular choice.
- Introduce your pup to dryers and grooming brushes well in advance so they are comfortable with both. Start by introducing the items with treats and letting them sniff and explore. Work up to using the items briefly while offering positive reinforcement.
- Practice stress-free carrides. If your pup salivates, is stressed, or vomits in the car, talk with your veterinarian about anti-nausea medications that may help the process. Nothing ruins a glow-up like throw-up!
- Visit the location of the pet wash that you want to utilize several times before washing your dog. This helps them get familiar with the sounds, smells, and sights at their own pace in their own way since we can explain everything to them in our language. When you visit, walk in and out of the bath area and give your pup treats to follow along. Encourage them to smell everything throughout the store, not just the pet wash area. Finally, take some time to sit and watch the goings-on of other dogs getting a bath or shoppers picking up various items.
- Know your dog's threshold and know it's okay to abort the mission if things get sticky. A dog's threshold is the line between your dog being unable to focus on anything but the stressor or trigger and your dog being able to respond to you in the presence of other people, animals, or environments that may cause an emotional response. Not removing your dog from an overly stressful situation can make the next attempt much harder and even more stressful. This happens frequently with vet visits that dogs aren't well prepared for, and their fear and/or anxiety compounds, eventually leading to panic and even aggressive behaviors.
If your dog may be uncomfortable with their first full bath, ask your veterinarian about giving them a yummy Native Pet Calm Chew to help summon the zen an hour before bathtime.
Best Practices for Bathtime
Affix Their Leash Securely
Public places are unpredictable. One way to help prevent unwanted encounters or unexpected responses from your dog is to secure their leash to the bathtub.
Even if your dog is well-trained and perfectly comfortable, always secure your dog by tethering them. When tethering in an elevated tub, the leash should be short enough to prevent your pup from jumping out of the washtub. Too long a leash can be a strangulation hazard if your dog gets froggy and attempts to leap out.
Use Appropriate Bathing Products for Your Dog's Skin and Coat Type
For convenience, dog wash facilities often offer a variety of shampoos and conditioners as part of their membership or fee. These shampoos have popular and refreshing scents; however, not all shampoos work well with all skin and coat types. Just like humans, dogs can have different skin and hair types.
If you bring your own, avoid human shampoos, as many can overdry the skin and create a brittle coat. Look for natural, limited-ingredient shampoos that contain recognizable ingredients like aloe and chamomile. Avoid potentially harmful preservatives, chemical foaming agents, parabens, and sulfates.
Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's skin type and how best to support an illustrious coat from both the inside and outside. Pups who could use a supplemental boost may benefit from ingredients such as omega-three fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E, all found in Native Pet's Skin and Coat supplement. Your vet is your ally to help you navigate what's best for your unique pup.
Keep it Fun!
You help create your dog's emotional experience with every activity you embark on together. Give them a reason to want to do more by making bathtime an enjoyable experience they can look forward to. Some ideas include:
- When you first start, use positive reinforcement every step of the way. This includes before, during, and after their bath. For example, your pup approaches the bathtub →treat→your pup walks up the ramp→treat→your pup enters the tub→treat→your pup waits while you tether→treat—>you turn on the water→treat→you spray the water at the base of their paws→treat, and so on. The more visits you make, the more you can link several steps together before offering reinforcement.
- Attach a suction cup treat mat to the side of the tub smeared with your dog's favorite spreadable goodies. This will help your dog relax and focus while you do the scrubbing.
- Quietly talk or sing to your dog while bathing to keep the mood light and happy.
Respect the Space: Good Facility Etiquette
Following all the facility's rules and guidelines goes without saying; however, there are a few additional ways to ensure that this community privilege remains safe and welcoming for all.
Avoid Contact With Other Dogs
A public dog wash is unlike a dog park, where dog-to-dog contact and socialization are expected. All dogs have boundaries, and a public dog wash is a safe space for all dogs. This means people with non-social dogs, people who simply don't want their dogs interacting with others, super-social dogs, and dogs who are selective about their friends all rightfully convene here. To help every dog and person enjoy their experience, avoid approaching other pet parents and their pups while they spend one-on-one time together.
Keep it Clean
After thoroughly cleaning your pup, you'll want to leave the space sparkling clean for the next guests. Rinse down the tub and remove any hair from the drain. Gently wipe down bottles, remove hair from brushes, and place everything neatly back where it belongs.
While you tidy up and your pup is either drying or tethered and waiting for you, provide some enrichment like a Yak Chew or a frozen yogurt Lickimat for a job well done. This offers necessary daily enrichment and keeps them happily entertained while you finish up.
A trip to the local DIY Dog wash can be a fun bonding activity for you and your pup when you set them up for success with the proper prep, the right products, and a little know-how to navigate the space. Find a local Self-Serve Pet Wash and try it out!
