If you thought it was only your toddler who throws a fit every time you ask them to take a bath, here’s a surprise: some dog breeds hate baths even more than toddlers do!
The mere idea of having water touch their bodies makes them squirm. Well, it’s not just because you took them away from their cozy bed and placed them under the shower; it’s also because they don’t like the sensory changes that come with taking a bath.
Some dogs have little body fat that tends to make them feel cold as soon as you turn on the shower, which is why they resist bath time. Additionally, bathing leads them to feel exposed and helpless, as they are no longer in control of their actions.
Do you also have a dog that hates baths? Let’s see if your pet has made it to the list of 7 dog breeds that hate baths.
Dog Breeds That Hate Baths
1. Chihuahua
This adorable little pup may be your best friend, but it will surely throw a fit every time you ask it to get ready for a bath.
Chihuahuas are sensitive to noise. The sounds coming from the shower may scare off the dog. These small dogs tend to hold onto bad feelings for a long time. A bad experience from the past can linger for a very long time.
For instance, if you accidentally got soap in their eyes or they slipped in the tub, the dog would likely retain these feelings for a long time. Every time you ask the dog for a bath, the last bad experience will make it nervous.
It will take you a lot of time to manage the anxiety and fear that the idea of bathing triggers in your dog. These dogs are also sensitive to their owners’ emotions. If you were stressed or frustrated while doing something to the dog once, it would be annoyed by it forever!
The best way to clean your dog on days when it is extremely reluctant to get baths is to tidy it up using a damp cloth gently. The Chihuahua Club of America suggests bathing this dog at least once a month!
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are also wary of taking baths. As they have extremely sensitive skin, contact with water often irritates them.
Additionally, even regular dog shampoos can irritate their skin, leading them to hate baths forever. This is why, when choosing a shampoo, you need to be extremely cautious and avoid any product that can be even mildly reactive.
The slippery surface of bathtubs tends to scare off dogs and make them hate bath time. Wash them in non-slippery tubs, and they’ll feel more confident.
Give your dog time! Introduce the bathing process slowly so it makes a lasting impression on the dog. Alongside this, if you offer treats and toys to it, it may get involved in the process much more enthusiastically.
Avoid frequent baths initially and let your Yorkshire Terrier build confidence. As per this Reddit thread, bathing your dog once in two weeks is a MUST!
3. Pug
To groom your Pug, you need to give it regular bathing sessions. This is because playtime can lead to your dog’s body becoming filled with dirt and debris. If not given regular baths, it may lead to some infections.
However, many times, dog owners need to give their pets numerous motivational sessions to get them to agree to a full bath. Pugs are anxious dogs and may be fearful when you mention bath time. Their sensitivity to the feel of water may be annoying to them.
Use positive reinforcement methods and treats to make your Pug comfortable with bathing. Turn bath time into fun time so your dog will look forward to it.
Additionally, the AKC recommends investing in a good non-slip mat, which will make bath times a lot more comfortable. Many dogs prefer lukewarm water that’s neither too cold nor too hot, especially for breeds like Pugs.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu tends to get anxious when wet. This is why they tend to hate baths with great passion. If your dog is showing avoidance of baths, opt for a calming strategy.
Introduce the dog to water briefly. Keep the water at a comfortable temperature and use positive reinforcement to reward it for staying calm during bath time.
You can then gradually increase the time and intensity of the water exposure. Use a lot of toys during bath time. When the dog gets distracted, bathing becomes easier. Avoid getting strong-smelling shampoos as they can irritate the dog.
If your dog tends to exhibit extreme aggressive behaviors while taking a bath, opt for shorter bathing sessions to help soothe it.
5. Pekingese
Pekingese is a furry dog, and the feel of wet fur can irritate it to the core. This is why it would do everything in its power to avoid it. Three things that will motivate your dog to take a bath are treats, praise, and toys.
Stock them and use them during bath time as a motivation factor. If your dog still shows aversion to water, splash the water gently and praise it for tolerating the wetness.
Water that enters your dog’s ears can also irritate. Before going to the bathroom, put some cotton balls in their ears to help prevent water from entering them.
To distract the dog from the water flow, slather some peanut butter on the tub wall. As the dog licks it, you can introduce the water gradually without it noticing.
6. Maltese
This little, adorable pup is also one of those dogs that hate baths. For a Maltese, consider a kiddie pool as it is not slippery. Managing the pet would be much easier in this pool than in a massive bathtub.
How you introduce water to the dog also matters a lot. Initially, opt for a little amount of lukewarm water. You can first just wet the paws and legs, rather than showering the whole body. Once this is done, gradually increase the amount of water.
The post-bathing experience is also of great significance. If you rub the dog aggressively with the towel, it may hate it. Rather, use a soft, absorbent towel to gently dry the body. The fluffier the towel, the better the experience.
7. Pomeranian
Poms are tricky. They may either love bathing or want to bypass it forever. Their behavior depends entirely on their association with water. If a Pomeranian associated the bathroom with good things, it would immediately spring into action as soon as you mention ‘bath time’.
For instance, compared to other dogs, it adores sweet treats. If they are there in the bathroom, Pom, with its short legs, will run towards the bathroom when it’s time for a shower. As they are little, it’s better to avoid pouring water directly on their face. Also, you can use a harness to keep them in control.
Use your tone and voice in a calm and relaxed manner, as these dogs tend to pick up on human emotions instantly and react accordingly.
Conclusion
Many dogs avoid bathing, but small-sized pups tend to hate baths the most. Still, their silky hair and flowing coats require regular cleaning and washing. Dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, that come with big personalities may also end up hating bath time if there is a negative association.
They may love swimming, but bathing that involves shampoos and scrubs might be their weak point. This is why strategizing a proper plan and introducing the water gradually for the dog would be the right way to tackle this problem.
