For many dog owners, bath time is a dreaded, soggy battle. This was certainly the case for one family and their beloved Border Collie, Buddy, a 25kg dog whose obedience vanished at the sight of running water.
The Bath-Time Battle with Buddy
Elaine Blackburne recounts how her mother initially sought a small, low-shedding, low-energy dog. Ironically, she ended with Buddy, a Border Collie who is loyal and affectionate but has an intense aversion to getting wet. Attempts to bathe him in a garden pool, shower, or the family bath consistently ended with a soaked bathroom and a soapy, escaping dog.
Despite regular professional grooming, Buddy would often return from adventures smelling less than fresh. The family needed a practical solution for between groomer visits that didn't involve a full-scale aquatic struggle.
A Revelation in Bath-Free Grooming
The turning point came when they tested the Earth Rated range of bath-free grooming essentials. Skeptical but hopeful, they began with the Grooming Wipes, available in scents like Lavender and Wild Oat.
To their surprise, Buddy, who loves being stroked, happily sat for a five-minute wipe-down. The used wipes revealed just how much dirt was removed, leaving his coat fluffy and smelling significantly fresher.
They also tried the Hypoallergenic Eye and Ear Wipes (under £10), which are designed for sensitive areas. The 5x5 inch size allowed for a thorough clean, and Buddy remained content throughout the process.
No-Rinse Shampoo and Odour-Blasting Mist
Living near the beach meant muddy walks were a daily occurrence, providing the perfect test for Earth Rated's No-Rinse Shampoo (£8.57). The product promises to clean, condition, and detangle without a bath. Initial concerns about a sticky or matted coat were unfounded; Buddy's fur was left shiny and silky.
The final product tested was the Deodorizing Refresh Mist (£9.99). This conditioning spray aims to tackle odours rather than mask them. A few quick sprays proved remarkably effective at neutralising the 'wet dog' smell, helping keep the home fresh.
A Transformed Routine for Dog and Owner
The entire grooming routine with the wipes takes just over five minutes for a full clean, or less for a quick post-walk mud removal. For Buddy's family, these products have been transformative.
While they still plan regular groomer visits, they now have a simple, stress-free way to maintain Buddy's cleanliness and keep household odours at bay. What once seemed an impossible task—keeping an active dog clean without a bath—has been solved with a few clever, bath-free essentials.
