While a great epsom salt bath might already be a favorite way to pass the time for you, have you ever considered what your pets might think of the experience? We love our dogs, that’s a fact, and epsom salt for dogs is just one more way you can show this love to your furry friend.
What Does Epsom Salt Do For Dogs?
When considering what dog epsom salt really does, think about what you yourself get out of the experience. When you take an epsom salt bath, a sitz bath with epsom salt, or a salt foot bath, you feel relaxed, comforted, soothed, relieved, and even sometimes energized or inspired. Dogs feel the same way, and this is a little treat they may love but not realize it yet.
Dogs work hard throughout the day, even if their humans don’t quite consider it “work”. They’re barking to protect the family. They’re running around burning energy in the backyard. They’re learning and absorbing the world around them. From the time a dog wakes up, until they go to bed, their days are typically quite busy in their own minds; that’s likely why they need to take so many “nap breaks”! When humans have busy, stressful, or fully packed days, it’s that epsom salt bath that that can help them to wind it all down and bring them back to center. The same rings true for our dogs. They can feel that centering, soothing, and relaxing experience, all while strengthening their bond with their favorite people.
One of the things that dogs cherish most is the time they spend with us. While providing a dog epsom salt bath, rub your dog with the warm water and speak calmly to them to further their relaxing and bonding experience.
What Epsom Salt Scents Do Dogs Like?
To start, try choosing simpler essential oils for the epsom salt blends you plan to use in a dog bath. Lavender essential oils are a favorite, and the relaxation benefits this aromatherapy scent brings to humans can be enjoyed by dogs as well. A few other epsom salt bath scents dogs may enjoy are geranium, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. Choosing a few different blends you enjoy, and allowing your dog to try them can let you both know what epsom salts work best.
How To Give Your Dog An Epsom Salt Bath
Giving a dog an epsom salt bath is simple. First gather your things together so you can have everything ready for the bath. Place a towel on the floor so the bathroom won’t get too wet, have a dry towel ready for the dog to dry off, have your salts ready, and perhaps a brush if you plan to brush your dog during or after the soak.
Fill your bathtub about halfway with warm water. Hot water isn’t recommended for dogs, but you do want some warmth so the essential oils can diffuse through the steam in the air. While the water is running, add about ¼ cup of your chosen epsom salt blend into the water, agitating to make sure the salts dissolve completely.
Once the salts are dissolved, help your dog in the bath and encourage them to sit in the water. Due to the salt and essential oil content, they should be discouraged from lapping up or “tasting” the water, but instead lead to simply sit and enjoy the sensation. Dogs may enjoy petting, soothing music, and calm talking during this time so that they know the experience is a safe, happy, and relaxing one. While your dog is in the bath, take a cup or use your hands to gently pour water on their back, tail, hind end, or shoulders so they can enjoy the warm and soothing sensation.
A dog epsom salt bath shouldn’t last too long; around 10 minutes is enough for dogs to experience the benefits of the bath. After the bathing session is through, drain the tub and rinse your dog with clean lukewarm water to effectively remove any leftover salt from their skin and fur. After helping your dog out of the tub, gently pat them down with the clean towel to remove excess water from their coat.
An Enriching Experience For You And Your Dog
Time spent together is one of the best things any dog owner can do for their furry friend, and that’s just what an epsom salt bath for dogs provides. Dogs of all ages can enjoy the bathing experience, and it can be a calming experience for rambunctious young dogs, or a soothing one for older pups.
An epsom salt bath might be something you do for your dog as a special treat, but it can also be incorporated into their regular grooming as well. For dogs who find themselves stressed with the grooming experience as a whole, a gentle soak beforehand can help to get them acclimated to the water and relaxed for the rest of their groom.
