Regular bathing is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your Havanese’s coat. If your dog wears a long or medium-length coat, weekly baths are recommended, while every two to three weeks is sufficient for those kept in a short coat. A clean coat is less likely to mat and break, so consistent grooming and bathing will keep your dog looking and feeling their best. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bathing and drying your Havanese properly:
1. Brush Out Your Havanese
Before jumping into the bath, thoroughly brush your Havanese to remove tangles, mats, and loose hair. Water causes mats to tighten, which can make the grooming process more difficult and uncomfortable for your dog. Use a gentle but effective brush—such as a slicker or pin brush—to get through their coat, paying extra attention to areas where mats tend to form (like behind the ears and under the armpits). This ensures the shampooing process goes smoothly, and your dog will be matt-free during the bath.
2. Gather Your Supplies
Preparation is key! Having everything you need at hand before starting the bath prevents frustration and keeps the process flowing smoothly. You’ll need:
• Shampoo and conditioner (diluted with warm water in mixing bottles for easier application)
• Towels (plush or microfiber are best for absorbing moisture)
• Nail clippers (if you plan to trim nails during the bath)
• Ear cleaning supplies (for post-bath care)
• Brush (to distribute products and detangle)
• A cup or handheld sprayer (if you don’t have a bathtub or sink with a sprayer)
Diluting your shampoo and conditioner helps the product spread more easily and prevents unnecessary tangling, so be sure to follow the dilution instructions on the label for optimal results.
3. Wet Your Havanese Thoroughly
Havanese are small enough to be bathed in a laundry tub or kitchen sink, even as adults. Fill the sink or tub with a few inches of comfortably warm water (not hot or scalding), and gently place your Havanese in it. Make sure to wet your dog’s coat all the way down to the skin. This is especially important for thick-coated Havanese, as simply pouring water over them might only wet the outer coat. Fully wetting the coat ensures that the shampoo will be effective and that you can properly clean the skin beneath.
4. Shampoo and Condition
Once your dog is wet, empty the sink or tub and apply diluted shampoo. Gently massage it into the coat, working it down to the skin. Use smooth, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth—avoid scrubbing or rubbing, as it can cause tangling. For deeper cleaning, you can use a flexible brush (like a long-bristle bath brush) to distribute the shampoo through the coat.
Don’t forget to shampoo the underside, feet, and backside, paying special attention to the area between the pads of their feet. After lathering, rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all shampoo is washed out.
If your Havanese is particularly dirty or has a lot of buildup (like product residue), shampoo twice: first with a clarifying shampoo, then follow with a regular one. This ensures a clean, fresh start for the conditioning process.
After rinsing, apply a high-quality conditioner to the coat. Leave it in for the recommended amount of time (usually a few minutes). During this time, you can gently brush through the coat to help spread the conditioner and check for any remaining tangles. The Chris Christensen Ice Slip Brush is excellent for this task, helping to glide the conditioner through the coat while gently detangling.
While the conditioner is working its magic, you can use this time to clean your dog’s ears or trim their nails. After the conditioner has had time to sit, rinse it out thoroughly, leaving no residue behind.
5. Drying Your Havanese
After the bath, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from your Havanese’s coat while they are still in the sink. Next, wrap your dog in a soft, absorbent towel to remove excess water. Microfiber towels are ideal because they absorb moisture quickly and reduce the time it takes to dry your dog.
You can cuddle your dog in the towel for a few minutes, then let them shake off any excess water. Be aware that your Havanese may roll and rub their ears, so it’s best not to let them outside unless you have a designated dirt-free area. I usually place a clean towel on the floor for them to roll on.
Once you’ve removed most of the water, place your dog on a secure surface, like a grooming table or a non-slip rug on the kitchen counter. Do not leave your dog unattended while on an elevated surface!
Now, it’s time to dry your dog. I typically use a handheld blow dryer set to the warm or cool setting. Avoid using the hottest setting, as it can be uncomfortable for your dog and damage their coat. Regularly check the air temperature with your hand to ensure it’s not too hot. If you live in a colder climate, start with the warm setting until your dog is a little dry, then switch to the cool setting to finish.
For most pet owners, a handheld blow dryer is sufficient, but if you prefer a faster drying method, a forced air dryer (sometimes called a “fluff dryer”) is another option. These dryers blow air into the coat, speeding up the drying process. However, forced air dryers are often louder and can be pricier, and if not used carefully, they can cause tangling. Additionally, many forced air dryers lack a warm setting, which can be uncomfortable for your Havanese if used too aggressively. For best results, use a forced air dryer on your dog’s legs after drying the body, so they don’t get too cold.
Regardless of the drying method you choose, make sure your dog is completely dry, especially near the skin. Leaving damp areas can lead to matting and skin issues. Ensure the coat is fluffy and soft without any damp patches, particularly around sensitive areas like the ears, paws, and belly.
Final Tips for Success:
• Check for matting: Always check for any missed tangles or mats after the bath and drying process. If you notice any, address them right away.
• Use the right products: Make sure you’re using high-quality, dog-safe shampoos and conditioners that suit your Havanese’s coat type.
• Stay calm: Bathing and drying can be stressful for some dogs, so maintaining a calm, gentle demeanor throughout the process helps keep your Havanese relaxed.
• Make it a positive experience: Praise your Havanese and offer treats during and after the bath to create positive associations with the grooming process.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your Havanese’s coat shiny, healthy, and free of tangles, while also making the bathing and drying experience more enjoyable for both you and your dog!