Veterinarians share how to bath a puppy dog, including tips for basic skin and coat care and how often dogs need a bath.
Are you looking forward to bathing your dog for the first time — or wondering if it’s best left to professionals? Whether you’re a pet parent or a pet sitter, knowing how to bath a dog at home is a skill that’s bound to come in handy when your dog (or your client’s dog) decides to demonstrate Murphy’s Law by rolling in something stinky when your local groomer is closed.
Bathing your dog regularly at home, rather than putting it off until grooming appointments, can also help keep odour, dander and skin issues under control.
If you or your family suffer from pet allergies, bathing your dog in between visits to the groomer can help. According to Corydon Animal Hospital in Winnipeg, “Bathing not only reduces the amount of pet allergens but also removes allergens that collect in your pet’s fur, such as grasses and mold.”
Your dog might also have a medical issue that requires them to have regular baths, so there are plenty of reasons for learning the right way to keep them clean.
Here’s how to bath a dog at home easily and efficiently, while minimizing mess and stress for both you and your pup, according to veterinarians.
What supplies do you need to bath a dog at home?
Before bringing the dog into the bathroom, make sure you have all your supplies within arm’s reach. That way, you won’t be searching for the shampoo while struggling to keep a wet, wriggly pup from hopping out of the tub.
Our experts agree that you’ll need the following supplies to bath your dog at home:
- Non-slip bathmat.
- Rinse cup and/or detachable shower head.
- Dog shampoo and conditioner.
- Cotton balls.
- Ear cleaner.
- Towels.
- Treats.
If you’re caught in a stinky situation and don’t have dog shampoo on hand, you might be tempted to borrow some of your own bath products; however, this isn’t the best solution. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society stresses that you should always use pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner. This is because dogs have different skin oils than we do. Using human shampoo on a dog can alter their skin’s pH level, potentially causing dryness and itching, and may make their skin more vulnerable to infection.
Instead, try these homemade dog shampoo recipes that can be made using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
How to bath a dog at home, step-by-step
Once you’ve gathered your supplies and brought your dog into the bathroom (with the door closed!) you’re ready to get started.
1. Protect your dog’s ears
Dogs have long, L-shaped ear canals that are prone to trapping moisture that allows infection-causing bacteria and fungi to overpopulate, especially in dogs with long, floppy ears like hounds and spaniels. To keep water out of your dog’s ears during a bath, you can pop a cotton ball in the opening of the ear, making sure to replace it with a dry one if the first one gets wet.
2. Set the water temperature to lukewarm
Double check the temperature before wetting your dog’s coat with your rinse cup or detachable shower head. It’s best to let the water drain while you wash your dog — no need to fill the tub. This will make it easier to get them clean, and it’s a whole lot less scary for them, especially for small-breed dogs for whom even shallow water can be intimidating.
3. Work shampoo through your dog’s skin and coat
Gently scrub shampoo into the dog’s coat, moving against the natural direction of the fur to loosen dirt and oils. It’s also recommended to use a washcloth to clean your dog’s face, avoiding direct pouring that can trigger anxiety and may cause water or soap to enter the ear canal.
4. Rinse completely
Make sure no traces of shampoo are left behind. Shampoo residue can irritate your dog’s skin and lead to itching after grooming.
5. Apply conditioner
If you’re using conditioner, apply it as directed. Some dog conditioners are leave-in, others require rinsing.
6. Be soothing and patient
Keep in mind that baths can be stressful for many dogs, especially for puppies and anxiety-prone pups. Treats can help keep them calm, as can talking to them in a reassuring tone throughout the process. Another idea to consider is setting up a pheromone diffuser in the bathroom to help them with their nerves.
Drying your dog after a bath
After their bath, many dogs get a serious case of the zoomies. They may run around, roll and rub up against every soft surface they can find in attempts to get dry. If you don’t act fast, they’ll imbue your home with dampness and eau de wet dog — the harmless though mildly offensive odour that results when the bathwater activates the benign yeast and bacteria that live on your dog’s skin.
Towel dry as much as possible
Once you’ve gotten them clean, use a towel to dry your dog off as much as possible. This will work pretty fast on short-haired dogs. Breeds with longer hair will need a bit of extra time for the remaining water to dry off on its own, but this will usually happen within a day.
Use a hair dryer for long, dense coats
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society adds that you can also use a blow dryer on low heat to finish the job, provided that your dog allows it. In this case, you should keep the blow dryer at a safe distance and be very careful to avoid burning their skin.
Pay attention to weather and routines
Since some dogs with very thick coats, such as Huskies and Great Pyrenees, will need even longer to dry, you should make sure not to take them outside in cold, especially below-zero, temperatures until they are fully dry.
How often to bath a dog
Most dogs can be bathed every one to two months, with wiping or spot-cleaning between baths as needed. Dogs have sensitive skin that can be prone to irritation due to overwashing. It’s best to wait at least a few weeks between baths to avoid drying out the skin’s moisture barrier.
“Typically, dogs only need a bath when they are dirty, otherwise a bath every eight to 12 weeks should be enough,” says the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, though this can vary a lot depending on the dog’s breed, skin type and level of outdoor activity.
If you’re using a topical treatment to combat fleas and ticks, it’s best to leave this on and avoid giving your dog a bath until shortly before the next dose. This is because these medications usually work by mixing with your dog’s natural skin oils. Removing those oils makes the treatment less effective.
The bottom line
Bathing your dog at home makes it possible for you to act fast when your dog gets messy or stinky. By using dog shampoo and conditioner, keeping your dog’s ears dry and creating a positive experience, you can keep your dog clean and stay proactive about their health. Regular grooming provides an opportunity to check for any skin or fur abnormalities that might need closer attention.
