How to Bathe a Pregnant Dog

A pregnant dog needs grooming just as much as any other dog, but you must be careful of the stomach area. You should not be afraid of bathing her, but be watchful of the pressure placed on the abdomen. Dogs should be bathed at least once a week, depending on the breed of dog you own. Pugs and others that exhibit a large amount of folds in the skin should be bathed every 2 days.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pregnant Dog
• Bathtub with spray attachment for water spout, or local pet store that offers bathing areas
• Towels
• Dog shampoo and conditioner
• Non-slip mat for bottom of bathing area

How To Bathe A Pregnant Dog

1. Attach the spray attachment to your water spout in the bath tub if doing this at home. Turn on the hot water and add cold until the temperature is just above room temperature regardless of home or pet store location. Your dog enjoys water a little cooler than you do for a bath.
2. Pick up your girl by placing a hand under the tail area, and one hand under the chest. Lift both ends equally and gently sit her inside the bathing area, whether it be a bath tub or pet store bathing stalls. Spray water over the entire body until the fur is soaked through.
3. Apply an ample amount of dog shampoo to your hands and briskly rub them together. Now apply the shampoo over the dog's coat. Avoid the eyes unless your shampoo specifically says it is tearless and safe for dog's eyes. Use your fingers to rub the shampoo into the mat of the fur to cleanse at the skin level. Make sure to not scrub the genital area with shampoo, as this can cause a yeast infection in pregnant dogs.
4. Rinse the shampoo out of the fur completely using the spray attachment, avoiding the eyes. Cup your hand over the top of the dog's eyes to avoid shampoo residue being washed into them. Use the suds that are left on your hand to gently wipe from front to back in the genital area to cleanse, then rinse completely.
5. Lay a towel down on the floor. Pick your dog up by placing a hand under the tail area and one under the chest to lift out evenly, and place her on the towel. Use another towel to start at the head and dry away the residual water. When drying the tummy area, gently wipe over from side to side until the water is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on how far along your dog is, you may not be able to bathe her. If she only has a week or two left, a bath should be avoided as this can begin early labor due to the excitement. Pugs and other small dogs that exhibit folds on the face should have a wet rag with a small amount of shampoo used on the folds.