How To Give A Dachshund A Bath

How To Give A Dachshund A Bath

Dachshund owners at some point will want to give their Dachshund a bath however, Dachshunds are often scared of running or deep water so if you are bathing them in the bath don’t fill it up and expect them to enjoy a swim.

Also, try to avoid suddenly turning the shower on full blast, unless of course you have the best shower head and it sprinkles down like light rain on the furry one!

Another issue with bathing a Dachshund is a slippery surface – you want to avoid them twisting their backs at all times especially if they are nervous so make sure they have secure footing – use a bath non slip mat if possible.

You might also consider playing with your Dachshund in an empty bath first (I personally don’t do this because I do not want my Dachshund trying to jump in the empty bath to play, however it works for some Dachshunds that are very scared of the bath) or using small treats at the beginning and end of their bath time.

How-to-bath-a-Dachshund

 

What you need for your Dachshunds bath: 

  • Be prepared – get everything ready before you place your Dachshund in water – he will not sit in the tub while you look for things.
  • Peace and Calm –  you want your Dachshund to enjoy his bath
  • Something to bath them in – nothing perched on a high surface – you do not want an excitable Dachshund either tipping it over or jumping out and falling to the ground – if available the bath tub is the best place
  • Mild dog shampoo – pick a good shampoo that will not dry out their skin
  • Towels – you may need a couple – one for your Dachshund and one for you!
  • Container for pouring water
  • Warm water – not too hot!
  • Water level to just under your Dachshunds belly
  • A warm room – do not bath your Dachshund in a cold or drafty place
  • Your Dachshund! – pick up casually – don’t make a big issue of bath time.
  • Treats if using them

 

Bathing Your Dachshund 

  • Now gently lower your Dachshund into the water. Soothing words from you help it they are not used to bathing
  • Use the container and gently pour water over your Dachshund
  • Pour a small portion of dog shampoo into your hands and rub them together
  • Gently massage the shampoo into your Dachshunds coat – covering their body
  • Avoid their face and ears
  • Use the container and gently pour water over your Dachshund
  • Run your hand from your Dachshunds neck to tail to help remove excess water and shampoo.
  • Repeat until they are shampoo free – don’t forget their belly
  • Pull the plug if in a bath. If not leave water until your Dachshund is out

After your Dachshund’s Bath 

  • Be prepared for your Dachshund to want to wiggle and push away from you when you pick them up
  • If possible, place the towel over your Dachshund while they are still in the bath.
  • Ok, pick them up and try to avoid them twisting their backs
  • If they are calm, then gently pat them dry with the towel or rub gently in direction of fur growth.
  • After a quick towel drying or if they are wiggling too much – Let Them Loose
  • Keep your Dachshund warm
  • Do not let your Dachshund outside – he will roll in the dirt and if it is cold out he could get sick

Your Dachshund will most likely excitably run around the room and roll around to dry off. If you do not want them doing this directly on your furniture, put a towel down for them – preferable on a soft surface. They will be dry in a very short time. They enjoy the wiggling so please let them do this. It reinforces bathing a more positive experience for them.

Washing your Dachshunds face and ears 

  • When they calm down (or another day) this is time to wash their face and ears
  • Use a soft cloth and wet with warm water
  • Gently wipe their face and ears in the direction of their fur growth
  • Do not push the cloth inside their ears – just wipe the outside – but use this time to also check the inside of their ears are free of excess dirt or ticks
  • Use vet approved ear cleaning cloths to gently clean the inside of his ears

This method of using a soft wet cloth can be used on their whole body when a quick clean up is needed. Perhaps after a walk in the rain you might want to wipe them down.

A cloth soaked in a few drops of vinegar added to warm water also works very well and in most cases is all that your Dachshund would need to keep his coat clean.

About Karen Larson

I love Dachshunds and support Dachshund Rescue. I created my How To Potty Train A Dachshund ebook when I found out some dachshunds ended up being surrendered simply because they were not house broken. Dachshund Luke travelled with us from Florida to Spain where we stayed in the mountains for 4 years. During that time I started this website and my husband wrote a book! We returned to Florida with a rescue Podenco dog called Puppy and a cat called Kitty Kat. I currently live in Florida with my wonderful husband.