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My dog bites and growls during baths. How can I bathe him safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 6 months and 2 days old | 6.61 lbs

It's really hard to bathe him nowadays. He starts biting when he feels the water and keeps on growling thats why we can't wash him properly. What should we do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! This us unfortunate! I would first watch out for your safety, I do not want you to get bit. I would try wiping peanut butter on the tile or the bath tub and see if turning the water on and spraying around him (not one him at first) eliminates the growling. Gradually over time, if this works, try wetting him then bathing him. If this doesn't work I would ask your Vet for a short acting sedative like Trazadone to give 2 hours before the bath to help calm him some. Then last option is to muzzle him so you can bath him safely. I wish you the best! https://www.simplemost.com/peanut-butter-on-wall-makes-dog-sit-still-bath/

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 14th, 2017

    Increasing socialization and turning these experiences into positive ones is a great way to promote better behavior. You can work on this by taking Puppy to the vet when he doesn't have an appointment, and offer treats/have the staff give him treats. The same thing can be done in the bath. Place him in and just give him his favorite treat over and over without giving an actual bath. You can then progress to treating with the water on, and then treating while bathing him. Over time he'll begin to associate these places with a positive (getting treats) rather than a negative (getting a bath or an exam) which will make the experience a little easier.

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