The Unusual Peanut Butter Hack To Easily Get Dogs In The Bath (It's Worth The Mess)

Does your dog run and hide at the very mention of bath time? Unfortunately, not all dogs like to relax in the tub. You might have a generally anxious pooch who's decidedly unchill when it comes to new and different sensations or a pup with a history of bad experiences with water. Even if your dog is usually laid-back, bath time can be physically uncomfortable. The tub can be too slippery for them to get a good grip, the water can be too hot, or the wrong shampoo can irritate their skin. In short, there are a lot of reasons your canine companion might not be thrilled to jump in the tub and get scrubbed clean.

If your dog does not want to take a bath but they've been rolling in mud all day and it is time, we have the solution for you. All you have to do is smear sugar-free peanut butter on the wall of the tub. Your pup will be so excited to lick up all of that nutty goodness that they won't even register that you're shampooing them. Yes, it's a mess, but it's also the perfect distraction, one that actually works for many dogs. And since it's already in the tub, you can easily wash the peanut butter residue off later.

Assuming your dog loves peanut butter and is easily distractible, all you'll need to achieve a peaceful bath time is a jar of peanut butter and maybe a spatula if you don't want to get peanut butter all over your hand. Decide which way you want your dog to face in the tub, then smear a helping of peanut butter on that side or the wall, ideally around eye level for your pup. Then, go about your normal bath routine (without all the cowering, splashing, and resistance).

This is one pet hack that actually works for a lot of dogs. TikTok user Laura Ashley posted a video (above) of her dog gleefully licking peanut butter off the bathtub wall while she shampooed him. Not only is it adorable to watch, but comments from others attest that the method works. "Ever since i saw this tiktok i tried this when washing my impossible af dog and this is actual gold," one person wrote. "Works like a charm."

For a lot of pups, peanut butter on the tub wall will work wonders. That said, there are some things you should consider before going to PB town. First, make sure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol, a common ingredient in people food that is extremely toxic to dogs. Second, peanut butter has lots of fat and calories, so aim to use the least amount you can while still making sure it's enough of a distraction for your pup. According to PetMD, small dogs should really only have a maximum of 1 teaspoon of peanut butter a day; medium and big dogs, no more than 2 teaspoons. You'll probably find that a small amount goes a long way when you're spreading it all over your tub wall.

This is all fine and dandy, but what if your dog isn't a fan of peanut butter? In those cases, use what your dog likes, whether it's plain yogurt with no added sugar, wet food, or fruit puree. In a pinch, you can even plop a bowl of kibble in the tub! If you're not keen on smearing a tasty treat right on the wall because of the required clean up, several products can make bathing your dog easier and less of a mess (or at least less of an intrusion on your own bathing space). Consider an Aquapaw Premium Licking Mat to stick to the wall or Cyanoe's Collapsible Pet Bathtub, both available on Amazon.