They’re trying to get rid of that weird smell (shampoo)
When dogs rub on the floor and carpet, it’s an attempt to get rid of the unfamiliar smell of the cleaning products. With over 300 million olfactory receptors, some after-shower smells can be overwhelming and unnatural for your dog. Your dog’s hyperactivity may be a result of them trying to get their old smell back. This is also linked to their instinct to roll in stinky things.
Dog owners delight in how fresh their dogs smell after showers, but we can’t say the same about their dogs. Using gentle shampoos as opposed to harsh ones goes a long way in reducing your dog’s olfactory repulsion towards their scent after showers. Also, ensure you use dog shampoos because human shampoos aren’t specific to dogs’ skin PH, making them too harsh.
A dog’s coat releases sebum which is partly responsible for the distinct scent your dog tries to restore. Overbathing your dog with low-quality shampoos strips your dog’s skin of its natural oils, drying them up. Therefore, learning how to get rid of dog smell without a bath is essential.
#5: Bad memory
Does your pooch bark really loudly with no pause?
Oh, no. It might be out of fear.
They might have linked your act of showering to a stressful event in the past.
Any episode that comes to mind?
For example, it could be that your smoke detector set off one time right after you shower. Because of the steam. And this event scared the wits out of your furry friend.
So from then on, taking a bath reminds them of that terrifying moment.
Experts say that canines could really remember specific memories. Especially if it had an impact on them. Whether positively or negatively like this one.
Dogs Are Showing Relief That The Bath Is Over
Even if your have a water loving Lab chances are he’s not too fond of bath time. There’s something about bath time that makes most dogs pout. My dog Laika loves lakes, rivers, creeks, mud, and the sprinkler — she loves the water except when it comes to getting a bath. I make it as easy and calming as possible for her and yet she still gives me the sad puppy dog eyes.
Many dogs feel restrained and stressed when being bathed. They may tolerate it but it’s not something they’re eager to do. When they’re finally able to jump out of that tub it’s as if they’re experiencing pure freedom. No longer held back by you (their evil shampoo wielding owner) they are free, and with that feeling comes excitement.
Imagine you’ve just done something you were terrified of – whether that’s sky diving or riding in that scary elevator at work that’s always breaking down – when you’re done you often feel a sense of adrenaline. It’s a rush of excitement — if you were able to conquer that then you can do anything.
Many people speculate dogs experience a similar level or excitement and exhilaration once they’re freed from the tub. It might be the pent up nervous energy or it might just be a sense of freedom. Whatever it is the end result is usually the same; no holds barred zoomies.
4 Reasons Dogs Go Crazy After a Bath (Zoomies)
If youve ever given a dog a bath, you know that the minute the bath ends, things get crazy. And wet. Really, really wet.
Your dog doesnt simply shake off the water. No, that would be too civilized and boring. Your dog runs around the entire house like a maniac, as if getting out of the bath is the best thing to ever happen to him in the history of all things that have ever happened to him.
But why does he do it? What makes a dog feel the need to go batshit crazy and run all over the house, rubbing himself all over everything?
“While there is no scientific evidence to explain this behavior, there are several thoughts as to why dogs go through what some refer to as Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or FRAPs, also known as the zoomies after bathing,” Dr. Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh, a veterinarian at DoveLewis Emergency Hospital, told The Dodo.
“Rolling around, shaking off and bouncing off furniture after an invigorating bath may be a canine instinct to keep his protective fur dry and warm,” she added. “He may also find the sensation of being weighed down by water to be unpleasant.”
Your dog may also want to get the stink off. And by stink, we mean shampoo.
“With 300 million olfactory sensors in their noses, and 40 times the smelling capability of humans, perhaps dogs are merely reacting – or vigorously trying to evade – the smell of all the scented soap and shampoo youve scrubbed into their fur,” Mohammad-Zadeh said.
What smells delightful to you my be overwhelming for your dog, according to Laura VanArendonk Baugh, the author of “Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out.”
“Just imagine being dipped into a bath that pungent,” she wrote in her book. “(Imagine Bath and Body Works times ten. All over your body). Yuck. And thats how your dog probably feels.”
Plus, a bath riles them up, both mentally and physically. Seeking out a release is only natural, Dr. Erick Mears, a medical director at BluePearl Veterinary Partners, told The Dodo.
“Its a lot of stimulation,” Mears said. “Theres the physical stimulation of the water and getting dried off with a towel. Plus theres emotional stimulation. Its positive for some, while others dont enjoy it as much.”
“Many dogs are not fond of baths, and they may be burning off built-up adrenaline,” Mohammad-Zadeh said.
But for those dogs who do enjoy their time in the tub, post-bath zoomies may be a way of saying, “Woohoo!”
“Some dogs love attention, and when theyre getting a bath, its all about them,” Mohammad-Zadeh said. “When its all over, they may be compelled to let loose their inner excitement in a spontaneous FRAP.”
But lets be real – arent we all sometimes compelled to let loose in a spontaneous FRAP?