Do dogs prefer warm or cold baths?
Frances Schroeder
2025-08-22 11:41:03
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Water temperature plays an integral part in the safety and enjoyment of bathing your dog. Unlike humans, dogs cannot tolerate hot water, nor do they enjoy cold water, despite the enthusiasm they may show for a dip in the river. The best temperature for your dog’s bath is lukewarm, substantially colder than your bath water, but not cold. Wet your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water to start and work up a lather with your shampoo. Your dog may prefer to be showered, if possible, rather than bathed as they may be unable to determine the exact depth of the water in the tub, and that can make them uneasy.
Kasandra Harvey
2025-08-18 06:25:57
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In general, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your dog – that’s a good rule of thumb to stick by. The average UK sea temperature ranges between 6-10°C in the winter whereas the blood circulating around your dogs body is typically kept at a temperature of 38-39°C. The muscles contract creating a tourniquet around the blood supply to your dogs tail. The more heat loss in your dog the more the muscles contract causing tightness throughout the body. Tightness in the body causes pressure on joints, a loss in the range of motion your dog has, a loss of power in movement, and the risk of nerves being pinched much more easily. One of the more common conditions to affect dogs in cold water is something called ‘Limber Tail’ which is essentially muscle damage in the tail due to the contraction caused by the temperature. Cold also has a local anaesthetic effect. Ultimately if your dog gets too cold then they face the risk of hypothermia which can lead to neurological problems, heart problems, kidney failure, slowed or non breathing, frostbite, and eventually death.
Neal Koepp
2025-08-13 05:35:16
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It's best not to use cold water when bathing your dog. You'll have a more compliant and happier pet if you use warm water, even when washing big dogs. In addition, cold water simply doesn't work as well for cleaning. Ideally, use lukewarm water and avoid cold water altogether. If using a hose, test the temperature frequently. Avoid washing your dog outside if the temperature is cold. Your dog can get chilled when he's wet, even if he has a thick coat. So try to wash your dog outside only in warmer weather. Sometimes your only choice might be water from a hose that runs a bit cooler, but in those cases, you want to make sure it's hot outside so your dog doesn't get chilled. She'll find the cooler water refreshing on a warmer day.
Tracey Eichmann
2025-07-31 23:19:44
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Warmth is the key to winter dog baths. Essentially, dogs should only be bathed when necessary, but that can be weekly for some dogs. Bathe in the morning in winter so that your dog is completely dry before nighttime, when it’s colder. Inside is always best in winter, even if you have a warm tap outside, dogs will be more comfortable inside. Use a shower head or beaker, lukewarm water, and do not put a plug in if using the bath to wash your dirty dog. Drying dogs thoroughly and quickly in winter is vital because it’s cold. The quickest and warmest way to dry a dog is with a Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat, which wicks wet from fur as it warms and dries the dog.
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