Hi again!
It's 3am now (Bella had to have her mid-sleep teetee and poopy). She got back to sleep no problem but I'm the one with the insomnia.
In any case, I need help with bathtime. Our Brussels loves his bathtime, and gets all excited when he knows it's that time. He has always been this way, so when Bella reacted the way she did it freaked me out.
She squirms around like there is no tomorrow, whimpers and whines, throws her head round and round, and strains every muscle. Her breeders *did* include this in her information sheet and I'm thankful for that. They said "this puppy is not fond of bathing". Understatement of the century.
After her bath she continues to whimper and whine and vibrate like a wand massager...and this is *while* she is totally wrapped up in her fluffyduck towel. It's extremely thick, very soft, and warm.
We tried a hair dryer on very low setting to dry her off faster (so she'd be happy and comfy sooner) and the noise scared her to pieces so off it went.
I need help!!
She can't have flea prevention yet because she is too small (age is not the problem). The vet said to give her a bath once a week for now, in luke warm water and mild soap. We're not following his orders because she hates it so much and I don't want her resenting me for it!
...I can't just pretend bathtime doesn't exist forever. She's going to need bathed and groomed, etc. I've always been very good about making sure our Brussels is groomed and bathed on a regular basis (but not overly bathed, as that is harmful).
What can I do to help little Bella? I'm at a complete loss. I tried giving her treats *during* bathtime but she wouldn't take them. I tried bathing her *with* our Brussels so she could see that he wasn't freaking out, and was loving it, and calm. That didn't work, she just acted the same only huddled under his armpit. I tried singing to her, she just whimpered louder.
HAWLP!
She's been thoroughly examined by a vet for skin conditions that could possibly be causing this, and has none.