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A smiling older man in a fishing vest bathes a wet dapple Dachshund standing in a soapy galvanized tub in the backyard. 34 / 36

Grandpa Filled the Old Metal Tub With Warm Suds. One of Them Was Smiling.

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An old galvanized washtub sits on the backyard patio, filled with warm, sudsy water, and Pickles is standing right in the middle of it. Her dapple coat is slicked down and dark with water, a few bubbles cling to her chest, and she tips her nose up toward Grandpa Ray with a mix of patience and mild disbelief. Ray leans over the tub, smiling broadly, one hand scooping water gently over her back. Potted tomato plants, boots by the door, a coiled hose, and a clothesline hung with laundry make it clear this is a full household chore day.

Most Dachshunds do not need frequent baths. For many, an occasional bath every month or two, or after a muddy adventure, is enough, since washing too often can strip natural oils and dry out the skin. Use a shampoo made specifically for dogs and lukewarm water, and rinse thoroughly, because leftover soap can cause itching. Keep water out of the ears and dry those long, floppy flaps well afterward, since moisture trapped under them can lead to irritation. When lifting a Dachshund in and out of a tub, support both the chest and hindquarters to protect the spine. Wet dogs can get chilly quickly, so a warm towel and a sunny spot afterward are always welcome.

Pickles may not have asked for this spa day, but she is handling it with good grace. And Grandpa Ray looks like he is enjoying every splash.

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