Browse ›
An elderly man in a green sweater lathers a black pug standing in soapy water inside a galvanized metal tub outdoors. 18 / 36

Bath Day in Grandpa's Old Metal Washtub Didn't Go Quite How Mochi Hoped

AI imagepugbath timegrooming

Mochi stands in the galvanized tub with a resigned look that only a dog in the middle of a bath can manage. Grandpa leans in, sleeves pushed up on his green sweater, working gentle suds into the pug's neck and shoulders with both hands. Bubbles float on the gray water and cling to Mochi's black coat, while his little curled tail pokes out behind him. The backyard is a cheerful jumble of everyday things: a tipped blue bucket, a towel waiting on the grass, a coiled hose, gardening gloves, and a wooden fence lined with plants.

Pugs have short coats, but they come with a few special grooming needs. Their facial wrinkles can trap moisture and debris, so many owners gently wipe and dry the folds regularly between baths. A full bath every few weeks or as needed is plenty for most dogs, since frequent washing can dry out the skin. Use a shampoo made for dogs, as human products can irritate their skin, and keep water out of the ears and eyes. Lukewarm water is best. Afterward, dry thoroughly with a towel, including between the wrinkles, and keep your pug out of chilly drafts until fully dry. If you notice redness or odor in the folds, ask your vet.

Mochi may act like the most put-upon dog in America for now, but in ten minutes he'll be zooming around the yard, clean, fluffy, and very pleased with himself, and Grandpa will be the one who's soaked.

More from this collection

All 36 →
An elderly man arranges black-and-white family photos on a wooden table while a black pug sniffs the pictures.Grandpa Spread Decades of Old Photos on the Table. Mochi Had to Inspect Each One.An elderly man in an olive sweater vest naps on a rope porch swing with a sleeping black pug lying across his lap.The Porch Swing Stopped Swinging at Golden Hour, and Here's Why
An elderly man in a navy sweater vest waters pink petunias with a metal can as a black pug sits in the garden bed.Grandpa Was Watering His Petunias. A New Garden Statue Had Appeared.An elderly man in a cream sweater vest fills in a crossword with a blue pen as a black pug sits at the table beside him.Three Letters, Starts With P, Small Wrinkled Dog. The Answer Was Right There.An elderly man holds birdseed near a wooden feeder full of sparrows while a black pug sits very still in front of him.The Sparrows Landed at the Feeder. Mochi Didn't Move a Single Muscle.A black pug stands among orange pumpkins in a garden patch as a smiling elderly man in a beige sweater vest follows.Grandpa Went to the Pumpkin Patch. His Pug Took Over the Search.