Harold Turned On the Hose to Wash the Car. Duke Decided It Was His Turn.
Suds are sliding down the side of the dark blue sedan, a bucket of soapy water foams on the driveway, and the hose is going full blast. Harold aims the spray while Bev scrubs with a sponge, both of them laughing in their matching patterned sweaters. The real star of car wash day, though, is Duke. The fawn Great Dane lunges into the frame with his mouth wide open, chasing the arc of water as it splashes across the pavement, droplets flying off his long legs and broad chest. Recycling bins, potted plants, and a row of tidy houses fill the neighborhood behind them.
Many dogs love chasing water from a hose or sprinkler, and it can be a fun way to cool off on a warm day. A few tips keep it safe. Never spray a dog directly in the face at high pressure, and let him choose how close he wants to get. Keep car-wash soaps, waxes, and cleaning chemicals away from his mouth and paws, and rinse his coat with plain water if he gets splashed with suds. Wet pavement can be slippery, which is worth remembering with a long-legged giant breed. Afterward, a good towel-off helps keep his skin comfortable, especially in the folds around his face.
The car may end up cleaner than the driveway, and Duke may end up the wettest of all. Judging by the grins, nobody is complaining.
