You love your Flat-Coated Retriever and of course want him to be clean at all times. To do in this case, you will need to wash him regularly. But now you are wondering: when, where and how to wash my Flat-Coated Retriever properly, where to wash my Flat-Coated Retriever: In a bathtub, in a shower, how to wash it without getting it wet?
Look at methods and tips to wash your Flat-Coated Retriever properly and to make sure it is not a task for you or your dog.
When should you wash your Flat-Coated Retriever?
For some Flat-Coated Retriever who will not go too often to the countryside, swim in the lakes or walk in the mud, it will be enough to wait until they are dirty to wash them. There is no need to wash your Flat-Coated Retriever if it does not smell bad and its coat is clean.
On the other hand, for the Flat-Coated Retriever who will get dirty often, it is recommended to limit yourself to washing your Flat-Coated Retriever every 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid washing it more often than once a month to avoid damaging its skin. A puppy can be washed from 3 months of age.
Where to wash your Flat-Coated Retriever?
It will depend on the size of your Flat-Coated Retriever, its behaviour (docile or crazy), your home (house, apartment, garden…) and the season.
It is up to you to see what will be the most practical according to your possibilities or constraints: in your garden in summer, in your bathtub, in your shower or in a special Flat-Coated Retriever wash (available in some cities only).
But, whether outdoors or indoors, it will be better if your Flat-Coated Retriever is immobilized, that it cannot move so that you can wash it properly.
- If you are outside, I advise you to attach it to a tree, a pylon or a fence.
- If you are in your bathroom and your bathtub is large enough, I advise you to put it inside and close the room door in case it manages to get out of the bathtub.
- If you are in the shower, you may need to strap it if necessary to prevent it from turning your bathroom into a battlefield.
Tips for washing your Flat-Coated Retriever
How to wash a Flat-Coated Retriever – Use a special leash strap
Very practical for toileting, here is a very good strap that allows you to attach your Flat-Coated Retriever so that it does not move or run away during its washing.
With this option, you can keep both hands free for washing, bathing, rinsing or grooming. And it is adjustable to all sizes, from a small Flat-Coated Retriever to a large Flat-Coated Retriever !
How to wash a Flat-Coated Retriever – Use a non-slip carpet (anti-slip bathtub)
If you decide to wash it in the bathtub or shower, you should make sure it doesn’t slip. With a non-slip mat, you will prevent it from getting hurt. You will also prevent it from damaging your bathtub.
For a very small price, the mat we recommend is perfect for washing your Flat-Coated Retriever. Made of environmentally friendly PVC material, BPA-free, non-toxic, phthalate-free, latex-free, non-slip and measuring 1m by 40 cm.
User comments
Opinions indicate that it is a great bath mat because it is easy to install, non-slip, non-floating and makes the bath safe and comfortable. Many indicate that this mat is really effective and that it adheres perfectly.
How to wash your Flat-Coated Retriever properly?
The most effective way will be to wash it with water and a good shampoo for Flat-Coated Retriever. To choose the best shampoo for your Flat-Coated Retriever, I advise you to read our study: Best shampoos for Flat-Coated Retriever.
- First of all, you will have to reassure him by caressing him and talking to him gently. This will allow you to start getting his head a little wet.
- Then start by washing his head.
- Put warm water over his head, avoiding his eyes and nose.
- Put a little shampoo on and rub up to the neck.
- Rinse his head with a shower head, preferably, or with a bucket of warm water prepared in advance.
- Continue with the body by applying the shampoo especially on the undercoat and around his tail.
- As soon as it is well rubbed, rinse it properly.
- To dry it, you will need to take a large, dry towel. Some Flat-Coated Retriever will withstand being dried in addition to a hair dryer, others will not.
THE SNUGGLY DOG Easy Wear Dog Towel
If you do not want to use your own towels, you can buy one or two towels that you will reserve for your Flat-Coated Retriever. We found on Amazon an ideal towel to dry your Flat-Coated Retriever well and to use it as a bathrobe to prevent it from getting cold after its bath….
Lightweight, quick drying, this towel is suitable for puppies and bigger Flat-Coated Retrievers. In addition, it is easy to use because you just have to put it on over the head of your Flat-Coated Retriever and fasten the belt. It keeps your Flat-Coated Retriever dry longer.
With a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, this product is very well rated on the Internet: Perfect, highly recommended, good quality, ideal, super, very good product….
How to wash your Flat-Coated Retriever without getting it wet?
If it is very cold and your Flat-Coated Retriever starts to smell bad, you have the dry shampoo solution. They are practical because they prevent you from wetting your Flat-Coated Retriever and getting your bathroom dirty.
The application is made on the surface by rubbing the coat well and lathering for some shampoos. Then it is necessary to dry thoroughly with a good towel.
Among all the products on the market, I chose the Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo which is one of the most effective:
Made in the United States, this waterless oatmeal and coconut shampoo is alcohol-free, paraben-free, PEG-80-free and is highly recommended for soft cleaning and cooling of dogs.
No rinsing required, which is convenient for Flat-Coated Retriever who don’t like wet shampoos, just dry with a towel and brush the coat.
To know which shampoo to use,
Read our article on the best shampoos for Flat-Coated Retriever
