How to Bathe a Pregnant Dog

Calm Your Pet's Nerves. When handling a pregnant dog, it’s crucial to keep her calm. Pregnancy can make her more difficult to control if she starts squirming. Pet her frequently and speak gently. Do everything to keep the mother relaxed.

• If she tries to escape, you might need someone else to help. This way, your dog will receive more soothing attention!
• If your pregnant dog is afraid of baths, avoid forcing her. Instead, you can brush her to remove as much dirt as possible. This method will be easier for both of you.
• Let the mud dry before brushing your dog’s fur.

Proceed as usual. Even if you feel concerned about bathing a pregnant dog, you shouldn't let them sense your anxiety. Treat it as a regular bath and avoid altering your usual cleaning routine.

• For instance, if you typically carry the dog into the tub, continue doing so in a familiar spot. Avoid using a shower head if you're worried about needing to lift them up.

Prepare the necessary tools. Have some treats ready to reward the dog for staying calm or encouraging them to step into the bath. You'll also need shampoo and a towel to dry them off before allowing them to shake themselves dry in the house. You may place a towel next to the tub to prevent water from splashing onto the floor.

• Use a gentle pet shampoo with oatmeal to prevent irritation to the dog's skin.
• You might get wet, so wear regular clothes that won’t be damaged by water.

Place a non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub. The bottom of the tub can get quite slippery when water and soap are added. A non-slip mat will help keep the dog steady while they’re being bathed. You can purchase this item in stores or online.

Lift the dog into the tub. Be very gentle. If the dog is large, it’s advisable to ask someone for help to lift your pet. Don’t lift them by their belly, as this could cause discomfort or pain. Instead, slide one arm under their back legs and the other under their neck. Lift their whole body by supporting their chest and rear end.

• If your pet is small, you could use a kitchen sink for the bath.

Turn on the water. Open both the hot and cold faucets to mix the water to a warm temperature. If you have a showerhead, it's best to spray the water first to dampen the dog's fur. If you don’t have a showerhead, you can pour water over them using a cup.

• Speak gently and offer comfort to calm the dog down.

Fill the tub with water first if the dog is afraid of it. The sound of strong running water may scare them! Some dogs feel less anxious once the tub is filled. After the water is ready, you can gently lift them into the tub. Pour water over the dog using a cup instead of using a showerhead.

Apply shampoo to the dog's body. Rub gently from front to back, starting at the neck, then moving to the body and legs. Finish with the tail. Be gentle around the belly, applying just enough pressure to clean this area. Avoid scrubbing too hard or pressing down on the dog's belly.

• Do not apply shampoo to the dog's face to avoid getting it in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe their face.
• Make sure no soap gets into the dog’s ears.

Rinse the shampoo out of the dog's fur. If the dog isn't afraid of the sound of running water, you can turn on the water and use the showerhead to rinse off the shampoo. If your pet is scared of the water noise, use a cup to gently pour water over them.

• Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains in their fur.

Lift the dog out of the tub. Use the same method as when placing them in the tub: lift them by supporting their chest and rear. Be careful not to press on the dog’s belly. Place their four paws on the floor and gently lower the dog down to prevent them from falling out of your hands.

Dry the dog. If your pet is not afraid of loud noises, you can use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process. However, most dogs prefer to be towel-dried. Since mother dogs have more fur than humans, you will need several towels.

• You don’t need to dry the dog completely. Just dry them enough so that water doesn’t drip onto the floor.
• Let their fur dry naturally.

• Stay calm and efficient. There’s no need to hurry!
• Use a gentle oatmeal-based shampoo that is suitable for your dog's skin and coat.
• Reward your dog with a treat after their bath.
• If you feel unsure about safely bathing your dog, consider hiring a professional groomer to come to your home.

• Do not bathe the dog on the day she is due to give birth or a few days prior to it. The mother dog may give birth during the bath, so it's best to wait until a few days after delivery to bathe her.