How to bathe a dachshund - step by step
How often, water temperature, what shampoo. Everything about bathing a dachshund.
Dachshunds do not need frequent baths - their coat has natural oils that excessive washing strips away. Optimal frequency is every 6-8 weeks, unless they roll in something nasty.
What you need
- Mild dog shampoo with neutral pH (NOT human shampoo - human skin pH is completely different)
- Microfiber towel
- Non-slip bath mat
- Pitcher or jug for rinsing
Step by step
- Brush before the tub - tangled hair becomes felt when wet.
- Check water temperature - lukewarm, not above 38C. Dog skin is sensitive.
- Wet from back downward - do not pour over the head, water should not reach the ears.
- Massage shampoo for 5 minutes - give the active ingredients time to work.
- Rinse thoroughly - shampoo residue on skin causes itching. Rinse until water runs clear.
- Towel dry - smooth-coated dachshunds dry fast, long-haired need a low-heat dryer.
What not to do
- Do not bathe weekly - you will destroy the skin lipid barrier
- Do not use dry shampoo daily - it only masks smell
- Do not clean ears in the tub - separate task, dry
- Do not bathe a puppy younger than 8 weeks without a real reason
Long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds
Need extra grooming. Long-haired - regular brushing 2-3x a week to prevent mats. Wire-haired - hand-stripping (pulling dead hair) once every 4 months, not necessarily clipping.