Dog Hates Bath Time? 4 Game-Changing Grooming Hacks Every Owner Needs to Try
Let’s face it—bath time can feel like pure drama for many dog parents. Some pups give the ultimate side-eye at the word ‘bath,’ while others launch themselves out of the tub the moment the water flows. It’s no wonder so many owners think bathing their pup is destined to be total chaos. (Watch Video Below)
@thezcattledogs The truth is grooming your dog at home is messy!! #earthratedpartner But here are three easy tips to making grooming your dog at home easy! 1. Lick mats and no slip tub liners! 2. @earthrated 3 in 1 shampoo for a long lasting easy clean 3. Dry off in the tub because less mess is less stress!! ✨🐶🛁 #dogmom #athomegrooming #dogshampoo #dogbathhacks #dogswithanxiety ♬ original sound – The Z Cattle Dogs
But here’s the real truth: it doesn’t have to be this way every single time. If your dog dreads bath time, there are clever hacks you can implement to ensure this grooming ritual becomes a quicker, less stressful experience for them — and for you, too.
One dog owner has earned endless praise online after sharing little-known yet effective hacks that have made bath time more enjoyable for her anxious Australian Cattle Dog. In a video posted on her TikTok account @thezcattledogs, she revealed four surprisingly helpful tips for pet parents who struggle with bathing their pups.
#1: Use a Non-Slip Mat
For a lot of dogs, slippery surfaces like the bathtub can trigger a fear response because of how unstable their paws feel on these surfaces. Spreading a non-slip mat on the bathtub’s surface before your dog gets in can go a long way in easing their anxiety, as they will feel more comfortable and stable while inside the tub.
#2: Get a Lick Mat
Lick mats are a fantastic distraction tool for dogs who dread bath time. All you need to do is stick the lick mat on the shower wall and smear your dog’s favorite treat all over the mat. That way, your furry friend will be busy enjoying their yummy treat as you lather them up. Lick mats pretty much turn bath time into a fun treat time. Your dog will be too distracted (in a good way) to even remember that they aren’t a fan of running water.
“Using a lick mat has really helped us….I stick it to the wall and let my dog get comfortable before I even turn the shower on,” she explains.
#3: Use a Quality, Multi-Purpose Dog Shampoo
Being able to spend less time in the bathtub is usually a silent wish for most dogs who hate water. So, if you want to make your dog’s wish come true, consider using a multi-purpose pet shampoo.
Using a dog shampoo designed to address multiple grooming needs— for instance, a shampoo that not only cleans but also conditions and deodorizes — will help reduce your dog’s overall bathing time since you won’t have to move from one grooming step to another.
“When you have an anxious dog in the tub, speed is key. So you want a product that works really well with the least amount of steps as possible. I like to use the Earthrated 3-in-1 shampoo because the nozzle really lets me get into the nooks and crannies of my dog’s skin. It’s moisturizing and hydrating, so I don’t need to use conditioner afterward,” she adds.
#4: Dry Your Dog in the Tub
Instead of letting your dog step out of the tub in a wet state, dry them thoroughly while they’re still inside the tub. This will make it easier for you to clean up the loose hair that falls off when drying them, as the mess will be confined to the bathtub and not everywhere around the house.
