Are you looking forward to bathing your dog for the first time — or wondering if it’s best left to the professionals? Whether you’re a pet parent or a pet sitter, knowing how to bathe a dog at home is a skill that’s bound to come in handy when your dog (or your client’s dog) decides to roll in something unpleasant and your local dog groomer is closed. And if you suffer from allergies, then using dog conditioner and shampoo on your dog can help curb the symptoms.
Knowing how often you should bathe your dog can also help keep odour, dander or skin issues under control, and it means you will not have to keep putting it off until you make an appointment with a dog groomer. According to Petplan UK: “Let your nose be the guide.” In other words, if it smells like it’s time for a bath, then it probably is. “Bathing your dog is also a great opportunity to check them over for parasites like fleas or ticks, skin infections, wounds or suspicious lumps.”
Follow the steps below on how to give a dog a bath while minimising mess and stress for both you and your pup, according to veterinarians.
What supplies do you need for a good old dog wash 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 and wriggling puppy from jumping out of the tub — especially if you have a dog who’s afraid of baths.
Our experts agree that you’ll need the following supplies to bathe your dog at home:
- Non-slip bath mat.
- Rinse cup and/or detachable shower head.
- Dog shampoo and conditioner.
- Cotton balls.
- Ear cleaner (in case of water in the dog’s ears).
- Towels.
- Treats.
If your dog needs a bath at short notice, you may be tempted to borrow some of your own bath products; however, this isn’t the best solution. “They may feel like a member of the family”, says Petplan, “but dogs shouldn’t be washed with human shampoo. Even baby formulas can be too harsh for canine skin.” Instead, be sure to opt for a shampoo which has been specially formulated for the skin pH of dogs, which is closer to neutral than human skin.
Alternatively, why not try a homemade recipe for dog conditioner and shampoo? Some can even be made using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Oh, and try to lean towards more natural ingredients, too, as this will minimise the risk of itchiness.
How to give a dog a bath at home, step by step
Once you have gathered your supplies and brought your dog into the bathroom (don’t forget to close the door!), you are ready to get started.
1. Protect your dog’s ears
Dogs have long, L-shaped ear canals that are prone to trapping moisture. This allows infection-causing bacteria and fungi to overpopulate, especially in dogs with long, floppy ears, such as hounds and spaniels. To avoid water in a dog’s ears, you can gently place cotton balls in the openings (but make sure not to push them into the ear canal). Alternatively, you could buy a special ear protection bathing cap that fits neatly over your dog’s head. To get water out of a dog’s ear, let them shake their head, then thoroughly dry the area with a cotton ball.
2. Ensure the water temperature is 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, so there’s no need to fill the bathtub. Petplan points out that “with larger breeds of dog, it may be easier to manoeuvre them into a walk-in shower”, which will make it easier for them to sit and get comfortable. For small-breed dogs and puppies, the water should be no higher than a couple of inches.
3. Work dog conditioner and shampoo through your dog’s skin and coat
Gently scrub shampoo and conditioner into the dog’s coat, moving against the natural direction of the fur to loosen dirt and oils. When it comes to washing a dog’s face, it’s recommended to use a washcloth. And avoid pouring the shampoo directly onto the dog’s face, as this 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, so it’s important to be rigorous.
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 canines. This is why it is important to let them know you have their best interests at heart, which you can do by speaking in a reassuring voice before, during and after the bath. You could also consider using a pheromone diffuser in the bathing area.
How to dry your dog after a bath
After their bath, many dogs get a serious case of the zoomies (the colloquial term for “frenetic random activity periods”). They may run around, roll and rub up against every soft surface they can find in an attempt to get dry. If you don’t act fast, they’ll imbue your home with dampness and the scent of wet dog — the harmless, though mildly unpleasant 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
Petplan points out that a good old rubdown is the fastest way to dry a dog after a bath. “After that, you can let them air-dry naturally.” After the dog is towelled down, they may decide to shake themselves, so be prepared and try to confine it to the bathing area.
Use a hair dryer for long, dense coats
For dogs with longer or denser coats, the fastest way to dry a dog after a bath may be to use a hair dryer. It’s important to ensure they are familiar with the sound before using the hair dryer and to always use the lowest setting and hold the appliance at a safe distance from the dog to avoid burning their skin.
Pay attention to weather and routines
On a nice, warm summer’s day, it’s fine to allow your dog to run around outdoors and dry off naturally. However, if in the cold (e.g. in winter), it’s best to keep walks shorter than usual while they are still drying — this goes especially for dogs with thick coats, such as a husky or a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Otherwise, you run the risk of your dog falling ill.
How often should you bathe your dog?
Most dogs don’t need to be bathed as often as you may think. Often, wiping or spot-cleaning between baths as needed will suffice. Dogs have sensitive skin that can be prone to irritation due to washing them too much. It’s best to wait at least two or three months between baths to avoid drying out the skin’s moisture barrier.
Keep in mind that the frequency of bathing also depends on the dog’s breed, skin type and amount of outdoor activity. A Basset Hound, for example, has an oilier coat than a Golden Retriever and may therefore need to be bathed every one or two months, while the latter may only need a bath three times per year to preserve the natural oils in their water-repellent coat.
Blue Cross points out that if the dog is currently undergoing treatment for fleas or ticks, it’s best to avoid bathing for as long as possible. “If you use drop-on flea or worming treatment, this will be washed away every time you bathe them.” In other words, how often you should bathe your dog depends not only on smell, but on whether they are currently taking medication.
The bottom line
When your dog starts smelling or has rolled around in something unpleasant outside, it pays to know how to give a dog a bath at home. By using dog shampoo and conditioner, ensuring your dog’s ears stay dry and creating a positive experience, you can keep your dog clean and be proactive about their health — and at the same time, you can check their coat over to make sure they’re as healthy and free of abnormalities as they should be.