How to Bathe for Dog Racing

Racing dogs, which typically means greyhounds, are your basic wash-and-wear breed. They have a very short coat that help them slip through the air while racing. Their coats don't get in the way and they are extremely easy to maintain. Even if you are preparing Flash for the next big race at the nearby dog track or casino, you can apply the same basic bathing techniques you would use for any other short-haired breed of dog. 

Dog racing, however, can sometimes be a sport which can cause unintentional wear and tear on your dog's body. Bathing Flash can provide plenty of opportunities to look over his limbs and coat to ensure that there aren't any hidden surprises that you may need to get checked out at your local veterinarian. While his bath may not take very long, take your time to be thorough. 

Just because Flash is a racing dog doesn't mean he likes being bathed any more than his non-racing cousins. It takes time and patience to get any dog used to being bathed. The one thing to keep in mind is that as a racing dog, Flash may have trouble standing still to be bathed. You can use treats and take breaks to help get him used to being in the water if necessary. In fact, he might enjoy it even more if you do so. 

• Use only products made for dogs as products made for human or other animals such as cats can harm your dog's skin. If necessary, consult your veterinarian to determine a shampoo and conditioner that can be beneficial for your dog, as short-haired dogs can sometimes have skin conditions such as dry skin or eczema. 
  
• Use lukewarm water that is not too hot or too cold to bathe Flash. Anything hotter will burn his skin and cold water may mean that your dog will get the shivers and shakes. In improper weather, this can even cause hypothermia.
  
• You can use a wash mitt with those little rubber nubs to help scrub his coat if your dog is the kind that sheds often. Short-haired breeds can sometimes have lots of shed hair, so getting rid of it is important to prevent irritation.
• Keep the water, shampoo, and conditioner out of his eyes, as they can all cause irritation. You can use cotton balls to plug the ears and a washcloth to avoid pouring water into the eyes or nose. 
  
• Never wash a short-haired breed too frequently, as they can be more prone to skin conditions.

Racing dogs don't need bathed frequently. Once every three months is probably okay unless your dog gets overly dirty. Take your time, stay relaxed, and work with your dog to make bath time fun for both of you. Use lots of treats to help smooth the journey from start to finish and your dog will happily get through the bath so he can get to his next race and make you proud!