How to Bathe a Dog

How often a dog is bathed depends on many factors such as breed, size, coat type, and activity. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors need regular baths, while dogs that are mostly indoors only need a bath every few months. Bathing can be intimidating at times, but with proper research and preparation, you can help yourself and your dog enjoy a comfortable bath time.

Table of Contents

Preparing for a Dog Bath

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Choose a shower location. If your dog is small, you can bathe in the sink or sink. For large dogs, bathe in the toilet or tub. If the weather is not too cold, you can bathe them outside. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If bathing in a tub or basin, the bottom will be quite slippery when soaked in water. To keep your dog calm and supportive, you can spread a towel on the bottom of the tub or basin. ^{[2] X Research Source} You can also use rubber bath mats or emery pads. ^{[3] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
If possible, you should choose an enclosed area. The reason is because the dog may become stressed or upset during the bath will try to escape. If you shower in the tub, you can close the bathroom door. When bathing outdoors, the garden area must be fenced so that the dog does not run away. ^{[4] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Prepare to bathe the dog. Brush them thoroughly before bathing them. This step is especially important if the dog has a thick, shaggy or double coat. Untangle all hairs or tangled areas. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If your dog’s body is infected with ticks, you should take them to the vet to get rid of the root or you can do it yourself at home.
If the dog’s coat is contaminated with a concentrated substance (eg paint, tar, turpentine), you can scrub it off with lube or vegetable oil and let it sit for 24 hours. In addition, dishwashing liquid also has the same effect.

Marie Lin

Pet care specialist

Marie Lin is a pet groomer and owner of Marie’s Pet Grooming, a pet grooming salon in New York City. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience, specializing in dogs and cats. She holds a pet groomer certificate from the New York Academy of Pet Care in 2009 and is a member of the National Canine Care Association of the United States. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hawaii Pacific University in 2007.

Marie Lin
Pet care specialist

Experts say: Before bathing your dog, you should brush it to remove tangles. In addition, you should insert a cotton ball into the dog’s ear to prevent water from entering, especially if the dog has perched ears.

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Cut the dog’s nails. If necessary, you should trim the dog’s nails before bathing. This will help prevent your dog from accidentally scratching you when it becomes agitated or fussy. ^{[6] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Don’t cut your nails too short! You will easily cut the flesh of the nail causing bleeding and infection. If you don’t know how to trim your nails, you should have a hygienist and veterinarian do it for a small fee.

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Prepare necessary supplies. When you start showering, you need to have all your tools with you. You should have towels, cotton balls, dog shampoo, snacks, and face wipes or sponges ready. If you don’t have a removable faucet or shower, you’ll need to prepare a bucket or hose to drain the water.

Open the lid of the shampoo or bottle so that you don’t have to bathe your dog while trying to open the bottle.
If your dog becomes stressed during the bath, get help. This person will keep the dog steady while you bathe it.

Insert cotton balls into the dog’s ears. Otherwise, their ears can get wet and get ear infections. ^{[7] X Research Source} This step helps to keep the ear canal dry. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Do not insert the cotton ball too deeply into the ear. You should only fix it moderately so that the cotton wool does not fall out while bathing your dog.

Bathing Dogs

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Adjust the water temperature to the right temperature. Dogs are also quite sensitive to hot water just like humans. Before bathing them you need to check the temperature of the water. The temperature should be warm but not too hot. Too cold water will make the dog shiver, especially for puppies, it will be very dangerous. ^{[10] X Research Source}

If you bathe in a tub or tub, run warm water to the level of your dog’s knees.

Apply water to the dog’s body to moisten it. You should not bathe their heads or wash their faces, as this can cause water to get in their ears or their eyes with shampoo. Instead, you should only wet the entire neck hair down. This step can take a long time if the dog has a thick coat. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If you have a detachable faucet or shower, use this to flush your dog’s body with water. You need to adjust the water pressure just right to avoid startling the dog.
If you’re using a bucket or pitcher of water to moisten your dog’s coat, don’t pour water over his or her head. ^{[12] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
There are now special nozzles that are mounted on the shower or faucet for bathing dogs. You can use Rinse Ace Pet Shower Deluxe brand nozzle. ^{[13] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Apply shampoo. If the dog’s coat is quite thick or long, you should mix the shampoo with water in a small cup available. This helps the shampoo to be evenly distributed over the coat. ^{[14] X Research Source} For short-haired dogs, simply apply the shampoo directly to their body. Gently massage to spread the shampoo evenly on the hair.

There is no need to use a washcloth or sponge to rub in the shampoo. On the contrary, you should use both hands to apply the shampoo evenly. This allows you to examine your dog’s body for any abnormalities, such as swelling or inflammation. ^{[15] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Do not apply shampoo to your dog’s head or face. If their face is dirty, you should use a damp cloth to gently wipe the stain. ^{[16] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
If your dog has long hair, you can massage the shampoo evenly in the direction of hair growth. This step helps to keep the hair from getting tangled. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Clean the dog’s body. Massage the shampoo onto the entire body except the head. Rub the skin between the extremities and torso, abdomen, tail and groin, including the feet. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Leave the shampoo on your dog’s body for the time specified on the bottle. Some shampoos contain mild flea killers, and need to be absorbed for a period of time to work.

Wash your dog’s face. If their face is dirty, you can use a damp cloth to wipe the stain. Do not use a towel inside the ear as it can wet the ear and cause an infection. ^{[19] X Research Source}

Some dogs develop an inflammation of the skin under the chin called a papule with small red spots or bumps. If your dog has this condition, you need to consult with your veterinarian to clean the area properly. Your doctor may recommend using an anti-inflammatory shampoo or ointment.
If your dog’s face has wrinkles, you can use a towel to thoroughly wipe the inside of the crease.

Rinse with water until shampoo is gone. You need to rinse off any remaining shampoo on the dog’s coat. This step takes quite a while, especially if the coat is thick or double-layered. ^{[20] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to the source} Otherwise the skin can become irritated and lose its pH balance.

Do not splash water on the dog’s head and face. If you’re using a pitcher or bucket to drain the water, you’ll need to run it along the back, not directly onto their face. Avoid spraying water on your face if you use a shower or sprayer. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Dry the body. You can use a quick absorbent silk towel to dry your dog’s coat; However, the towel usually still works well. ^{[22] X Research Source} Place a towel on the dog’s back and pat the dog’s body dry. Do not use a towel to rub it because it can cause tangles. You should be aware that dogs have an instinct to shake their bodies to dry themselves, so you are likely to get sprayed. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Some people use a hair dryer to dry their dog’s coat. You should set the dryer temperature to low or cool so that they do not burn heat. Do not point the dryer head at the dog’s face. ^{[24] X Research Source}

Brush the dog’s coat. If your dog has long or shaggy hair, brush it while it’s wet to prevent tangles, or use a detangling spray to aid in the process. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Give your dog a snack. To strengthen the positive association with the bathing process, you can reward your dog after each bath. Praise the dog for good behavior so that they see that bathing is not too bad, but on the contrary, brings joy with lots of rewards and praise. ^{[26] X Research Sources}

If your dog is too stressed during the bath, you can give him a small amount of food while cleaning his body.

Grooming the dog after bathing

Clean the dog’s ears. Remove cotton balls from their ears. You should clean the earwax to avoid causing irritation or infection. ^{[27] X Research Source} You can use a special ear cleaner such as Vetericyn Ear Rinse. ^{[28] X Research Source} Alternatively, you can use witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, or mix organic apple cider vinegar and purified water in two equal parts. ^{[29] X Research Sources}

Soak a cotton ball in an ear cleaner. Do not use cotton gauze because it can damage the eardrum if inserted too deep inside. ^{[30] X Research Source}
Gently rub the cotton ball in a circular motion inside the ear. Check if earwax is still on the cotton ball. If not, the dog’s ears are clean. Alternatively, you can dip a cotton ball in a cleaning solution to wipe the outside of your ear (the large outer patch of skin called the pinna ). ^{[31] X Research Source}
Do not pour or spray the solution directly into the dog’s ears. Many dogs don’t like this, and you need to avoid giving them a bad bath experience. ^{[32] X Research Source}
If your dog’s ear canal grows hair, you should consult a doctor. Some dog breeds often grow tangled ear hair that makes them susceptible to infections. ^{[33] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Dry your tears. Some dogs experience watery eyes where tears run down their faces. ^{[34] X Research Sources} This phenomenon is common in short-headed dogs such as poodles or Chihuahuas. ^{[35] X Research Source} You should wash away the tears so your dog doesn’t get irritated or infected. ^{[36] X Research Source}

You can use colloidal silver as it is safe to use around the eye area. Glue is usually in the form of a spray or a solution. Apply colloidal silver to a cotton ball and wipe your dog’s eyes. ^{[37] X Research Source}
Dab a little coconut oil under the eyes to keep the tear streaks from getting irritated. ^{[38] X Research Sources}
Many pet supply stores often offer tear stain cleaners and unsaturated swabs. These are easy to use. Just make sure the product is hypoallergenic and free of tylosin tactrate. This antibiotic is not allowed to be used on cats and dogs. ^{[39] X Research Sources}
Certain dog breeds, such as poodles and poodles, often suffer from double eyelashes, where the eyelashes grow inward instead of outward. This can cause them to experience eye irritation and constant watery eyes. If you notice that your dog’s eyes are watery, you should consult a doctor. Maybe this is just the shape of the face, but you need to make sure it’s safe. ^{[40] X Research Source}
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, makeup remover, human eye drops, or magnesium oxide to wash your dog’s eyes. ^{[41] X Research Source}

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Give your dog more snacks. Once the dog is completely clean, you can give them an extra treat. Praise the dog for good behavior. Cuddle them and let them play games. ^{[42] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Learn the Principles of Hygiene

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Do not bathe the dog too much. Usually they don’t need a bath unless they have a skin infection or a bad odor. You can bathe your dog once a month to keep them smelling fresh. ^{[43] X Research Source} If you bathe too much, you will irritate your dog’s skin and they will scratch often. ^{[44] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Brush your dog’s coat regularly. This step has the effect of keeping the body clean between each bath as well as good for the skin and coat. ^{[45] X Research Sources}
If your dog has a skin infection, you need to consult with your veterinarian about how to bathe and treat them.

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Choose the right shampoo. Gentle shampoo for dogs is the best product. You should look for a shampoo with a neutral pH balance, at 7. Do not choose shampoos with artificial scents and colors because they can cause irritation to the dog’s skin. ^{[46] X Research Sources}^{[47] X Research Sources}

Do not use human shampoo to bathe your dog. Dog skin has a different pH balance than human skin, so human shampoos can disrupt the balance in their skin. This condition can allow bacteria, parasites, and viruses to multiply. ^{[48]X Research Source}
Oatmeal shampoos are popular for bathing dogs. If you’re not sure which one to use, this is the product to use for your dog.
If your dog’s skin develops a rash or other problem, they will scratch often, causing further irritation. In this case, you should use tea shampoo to partially overcome the skin irritation. ^{[49] X Source of Study} Do not let shampoo get into your dog’s mouth, as tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed. You should ask your veterinarian about a shampoo for dogs with dermatophytosis.
Some shampoos are effective in preventing flea infestations. Look for one that contains pyrethrin, pyrethrum, or lemon balm. ^{[50] X Research Source}

Do not touch the anal sac if you do not know how to handle it safely. Dogs often have a small pouch under their buttocks, near the anus. Some dog cleaners often press the anal bag while bathing. If your veterinarian allows it and you know how to do it safely, it can be done while bathing your dog. Otherwise, do not touch this part.

If the anal sac becomes inflamed or irritated, you should consult your doctor. ^{[51] X Research Source}

Get your dog used to bathing. If newly adopted, they may be afraid to come into contact with water. You can help your dog associate bath time with great experiences with a few tips. ^{[52] X Research Source}

If your dog is afraid of bathing, you can put him in a dry bath (or wash basin). Do not flush immediately. Talk to your dog in a soft voice and give him treats or toys. This step helps your dog form a positive experience during body hygiene. ^{[53] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Pour warm water over the dog’s body. Every time you wash them, you can reward them with some food.
Train puppies to get used to bathing by starting them when they are five weeks old. This familiarization step helps puppies form a positive attitude and accept exposure to water easily as they get older. ^{[54] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Advice

Talk to your dog to reassure them.
Clean your feet thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria buildup.
Brush the dog’s coat before bathing so that after cleaning you can groom their coat easily as well as to keep the coat from getting tangled.
Rinse off any remaining shampoo. Otherwise may cause skin irritation.
NEVER let water get into your dog’s ears, as this can irritate the ears and lead to an uncomfortable skin irritation!
You will get wet! So it’s best not to wear your favorite outfit when bathing your dog, just wear jeans and an old t-shirt.
Do not let water/soap get into your dog’s nose, ears, and eyes.
When the weather is warm, you can bathe your dog outdoors in the children’s pool.
You can bathe your small dog in a basin or tub.
If your dog doesn’t feel comfortable, you shouldn’t force him to take a bath!

Warning

If your dog develops an itchy rash, or other signs of an allergic reaction, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Do not dye your dog’s hair. This can cause serious health problems. ^{[55] X Research Source}

Things you need

Bathtub or sink (if it’s a small dog)
Towel
Shampoo for pets
Water
Sponge or washcloth
Bucket or jug of water, or a detachable shower or sprayer
Cotton
Dog Brush/Comb

Steps