Dogs are not regular bathers like us humans. Though we take showers almost every day, dogs do not require such regularity. Now, the question arises: How often should you bathe your Beagle?
Beagles, like other average dogs, should be given a bath every 4-6 weeks. Any frequent bathing than this can damage your dog’s fur and cause dryness to its skin. Bathing dogs also require you to get special dog shampoos for them.
We will talk more about the frequency and tips for bathing your Beagle in this article. Read further to find a better insight into it!
How to bathe your Beagle: 5 easy steps
Always bathe your Beagle in a shower cubicle or bathtub. They get plenty of space while you work on them, and they do not get irritated. You will require special bathing supplies for your Beagle.
Get a good-quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Regular shampoos can be harsh on your dog’s skin, irritating it. Use soft washcloths and clean towels, as well as a soft bath brush for dogs.
Let us look at the simple steps on how you can bathe your Beagle.
1. Wet the coat
Once you are ready with all the supplies, prepare lukewarm water. Use a hand shower or a regular shower with low intensity to wet the Beagle.
Make sure the water isn’t too hot, and the lukewarm temperature is maintained throughout.
2. Use special dog shampoo
As we talked about before, dog shampoos are milder for your Beagle compared to regular shampoos.
Take a good amount of dog shampoo on your hands and spread it all over the dog’s coat. Use the washcloths to clean up the face and neck while avoiding the eyes. Use a separate washcloth for cleaning the Beagle’s genitals.
3. Rinse off the shampoo
Now, use the lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse off the shampoo. Be sure that all the soap is out of your Beagle’s coat, or it may cause skin irritation later.
4. Use a special dog conditioner
Just like us humans, dogs also need conditioners to keep their fur soft and shiny! After rinsing off the shampoo, apply the dog conditioner all over your Beagle, steering clear of the eye area.
Massage for at least 3-4 minutes before rinsing it off.
5. Dry the Beagle
After giving one last shower, you are all done. Let the Beagle shake off the excess water off. After that, dry it up using a clean towel. Be sure to dry up all the body parts so that there is no skin irritation later.
How to clean Beagle’s face
While bathing, Beagles require extra care for their ears and face. You must gently wipe off the Beagle’s face so that it doesn’t get afraid of bathtime. Use a separate washcloth for the face and try to avoid the eyes.
Since they have big and floppy ears, you must ensure that no extra soap is left behind or inside their ears. It may cause ear infections as well.
Other grooming tips
Other than bathing regularly, there are a few more ways you can keep your Beagle well-groomed. Some of them are:
- Trim the nails: You can get hold of nail grooming tools for dogs. Trimming nails can get tricky since your dog may be afraid of it at the beginning. Take your time while you trim your Beagle’s nails since hurried practice may injure them. With the help of treats to make your dog more comfortable with nail clippers and other tools.
- Brush the teeth: Brushing a dog’s teeth is another tricky task on the list. You can develop the practice of brushing your Beagle’s teeth by gradually making it used to the taste of the toothpaste. Select the right toothbrush with a firm grip since you will have to work with patience at the beginning.
- Professional groomer: Though you can do basic grooming tasks at home, taking your Beagle to a professional groomer every once in a while is harmless. Professionals have special tools and tricks to handle your dog with patience and care. Once they are groomed well by a professional, you can manage the touch-ups on your own at home.
Benefits of bathing your Beagle regularly
Regular bathing is essential for a variety of factors. Though your Beagle does not require a daily bathing routine, a bath every 4-6 weeks keeps its skin healthy.
Beagles have thick coats with short fur, which protects their skin from dirt and germs. However, after a period, dirt starts collecting upon their hair. This may cause your Beagle to stink and develop skin infections.
Takeaway
Beagles, like other dogs, need regular baths. You don’t have to bathe them every day since it can cause their skin to become dry. Special bathing products for dogs should be used since regular soaps and shampoos are not suitable for their skins. Also, keep separate washcloths and bathing brushes for creating a hygienic bathing experience for your Beagle.
We hope these tips will help you follow a suitable bathing routine for your Beagle. Do share this vital information with any other fellow Beagle owners!
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.