how to give regular baths to a really big dog

Her incontinence and occasional diarrhea made washing her rear a regular necessity. I had always given her baths in my bathtub, which was not an easy process. The slippery tub(even with a towell in the bottom and no-slip pads), the tall sides, the closed space, made it a stressful event. i had to find something easier.

I have an unfinished basement, with my washer and dryer, concrete floors, and a large double sink. The faucet of the sink has a screw nozzle so I twisted on a length of hose. I took a hard plastic wading pool and cut a small hole in the base to let the water flow into the drain. I put a small pup blanket under the pool to keep it from skittering around and limit noise. I took an old leash and attached it to the stronger of the pipes so I could hook her up and have both hands free to wash her. I keep a good pile of old towels near for drying, and a bottle of watered-down dog shampoo for easy distribution.

The pool is easy for her to step into and out of, the bottom has a texture to it so it isn’t slippery. The water drains out easily, so she’s not wading in water, which pyrs don’t really like, at least mine doesn't. I can get her in and out in 5 minutes if i'm just doing her posterior.

Before a full bath, she gets a little pred, 2 mg. After the bath, lots of rest and a few treats, and lots of love.