Why Do Dogs Run Around Like Crazy After a Bath?

Why Does My Dog Do That? Wednesday addresses the issue of why dogs run around the house like crazy animals after they have had a bath.

For the most part, dogs hate baths. That isn't the same thing as hating water. You can have a Labrador Retriever that would spend 24 hours a day playing in the river, getting soaking wet, but try to get him near a bathtub and it is like you are suddenly lugging an 80 pound bag of uncooperative concrete. What is it about baths?

First, we give dogs baths because we think they smell like..well,...a DOG! This is not a problem to the dog. They like the way they smell, and really are not that fond of all the perfumy shampoos that are marketed towards the owner's sense of smell, not the dog's.

So, you have managed to drag your uncooperative dog to the tub, bathed, lathered and rinsed. Now you towel them off and let them go. Suddenly they are these crazy animals running all over the house, rolling on the carpet, rubbing on the furniture and walls, snorting and sneezing.

And let's not forget the big shake. That's their favorite part...especially if they are in close proximity to a dry human. Ahh, perfect payback.

Dogs do not like the weight of the water on their fur. You will see even the dogs that frolic in the river will stop and shake the water out of their fur. A healthy, dry coat is the dog's best protection from the elements, and instinct tells them to keep it dry to do it's job.

Your dog will zoom all over because they are happy to be free of the dreaded bathtub. You are usually giving them all sorts of attention, talking to them in that excited high-pitched voice, telling them how beautiful they are.

Yes, you do, just admit it.

Mostly, they are just excited to have survived the ordeal once again. For some strange reason it makes YOU happy, which usually results in a treat of some sort coming their way, so all in all, it's an occasion to run and be happy. And he probably really does feel better to be clean than dirty.