Bathing a Terrier

Bathing a terrier is an important part of dog care, plus an important time to build a dog-owner bond. 

You can start bathing your terrier from being a few weeks old. Just a quick in-and-out will be enough for his first bathing experience. 

Make sure the bath water is tepid to warm - like a baby's bath. Fill the bath so that the water comes no higher than the top of his legs. Bubble bath is not required or recommended! Carefully lift the dog in and let him work out whats happening before you wet him - our dog likes to have a little drink of water!

Try to make bath time a pleasant experience. Its not an experience our dog loves, but he tollerates it and amiably lets me wash him - although he'd rather remain smelling of fox than shampoo!

Carefully wet the dog all over - I do not wet our dog above the neck, he really doesn't like to get his head wet - the groomer can take care of his head when he goes for a proper clean.

Try to keep one hand firmly on your dog's back to avoid your terrier shaking and you - and the bathroom!- being showered.

Use a proper dog shampoo. Do not use 'human' shampoo not even baby shampoo. Many breeds of terrier are prone to skin allergies; so I would recommend using a dog shampoo for sensitive skin right from the start - its much easier to stop an allergy starting than it is to treat it once its started. Use a small amount of shampoo and work to a lather all over his body. Rinse thoroughly and completely - again shampoo left on the skin may cause skin irritation.

Conditioner is of helpful to make the combing activity easier later again, look for a conditioner that is designed for dogs.

If your terrier is prone to ear infections - as many are - put some cotton wool in his ears to prevent water going down. But also avoid pouring water over the top of the head.

After your terrier is shampooed and rinsed, let the plug out. Still with a firm hand on his back, or you will get wet! Once all the water has drained from the bath wrap a large towel around the dog and gently lift him out of the bath tub. Rub your dog dry and once most of the water has gone, allow him to have a shake - he's been waiting to do this for quite a while!

Use a dog brush to brush his hair - you can 'style' it properly later - your terrier's patience for being messed around with is probably wearing a bit thin by now and he'll want to get off and do his own thing!

Always end the bathtime experience with a treat. You want your terrier to remember bathtime as a pleasant experience. 

Don't let your dog out straight after his bath, especially in winter. Although you have dried him, the layers of his coat are not completely dry for an hour or two.

Remember to clean the bath out, preferably with an anti-bacterial cleaner, after you've finished. You never know what bacteria or parasite eggs your dog may have in his fur, and you certainly don't want them in your bath.

How often should you bath your Terrier?

Many terrier breeds require clipping or grooming every 6-8 weeks anyway, so you may not need to bath your dog at home.

Our West Highland White gets a bath 'as necessary' - that is, not on a routine basis. He gets one if he's been in the garden or the park and rolled in something unimaginable! Then we have no choice but to bath him. But if he's just a bit muddy after a walk, we usually just rub him down with a towel and let him dry off - and surprisingly enough he comes up whit again all on his own!

If they are are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat loose the protective oily layers and become dry and prone to itchiness or dermatitis.

Hopefully, you, your bathroom and your dog will get through bathtime untraumatised!