Bathing a dog is an important part of pet parenthood. It keeps your pup’s coat healthy and clean while also tackling those unwanted…ahem, odors!
Giulia D'Ignazio, a professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming, notes that the best way to wash a dog includes brushing out any knots beforehand, using a dog-safe shampoo with lukewarm water and drying the dog thoroughly afterward with either a towel or blow dryer.
With a few expert tips and a gentle approach, you can learn how to wash a dog with ease! Just be sure to pick up a dog-safe shampoo for your dog’s specific coat before you get started!
Preparing to Wash Your Dog
Gather the Right Supplies
Before you dive into bath time, make sure you’ve gathered everything you need, including dog-safe shampoo, brushes, and towels…you can never have too many towels!
Giulia recommends using a dog-specific shampoo and not a human shampoo because dog shampoos are designed for the natural PH levels of dog skin which is generally more alkaline than human skin.
Earth Rated’s line of grooming products is a great place to start because they’re all specifically formulated for a dog’s natural pH level.
Choosing the Right Bathing Area
You can easily wash small or medium dogs in a tub, but for larger dogs, a walk-in shower, an outdoor area or even a garden hose might be more practical. For dogs that shed a lot, an outdoor space might be ideal to avoid the mess inside. 🛁
Brush Before the Bath
It’s recommended to brush your dog before they get wet. Brushing helps to remove loose fur, prevent mats, and makes bath time easier. If you don't remove knots before bathing, water can actually tighten the knots, making it difficult to brush out later, warns Giulia.
How to Wash a Dog: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Wet Your Dog Thoroughly
When it’s time to get your dog wet, always use lukewarm water. Extreme temperatures—whether too hot or too cold—can be uncomfortable or even dangerous to your dog. Remember: your dog can't tell you if they find the water too hot or too cold, so double-checking often is the safest bet. Begin by wetting your dog’s coat evenly, starting from their back and working your way up their body. Try your best to avoid getting water in your dog’s eyes and ears.
Make sure your dog’s entire body is damp so that the shampoo can effectively create some nice suds and remove all the dirt.
2. Apply Dog-Safe Shampoo
Once your dog is wet, it’s time to apply the shampoo. Opt for a shampoo made specifically for their coat type for best results.
Earth Rated has several shampoo options for different coats including:
Not 100% sure what coat type your dog has? Take our quick quiz to find out!
If your shampoo has a precision tip applicator, you can apply the shampoo directly to your dog's fur, if not, dispose into your hands to create a lather. Massage it thoroughly, working from the neck down to the tail. This ensures that the shampoo reaches all parts of your dog’s coat. Avoid your dog's eyes and face.
Tip: Instead, use dog eye wipes or a damp washcloth to gently clean around your dog’s eyes when cleaning their face.
3. Rinse Completely
Rinsing thoroughly is important to remove all the shampoo from your dog’s coat. Leftover shampoo can cause a lot of irritation and hot spots, even if it’s a natural and dog-safe product.
Be patient and ensure that no shampoo is left behind, especially in easy-to-miss areas like underarms, paws or bellies.
4. Conditioning (Optional)
For dogs with long or thick coats, consider using a dog-safe conditioner to keep their fur soft and manageable. If your dog’s fur seems to mat easily after a bath, try adding an appropriate conditioner.
Tip: Opt for a 3-in-1 shampoo that includes conditioner to get all the benefits of a nourishing conditioner without needing to buy an additional product.
How often should my dog be bathed?
Giulia recommends medium and long coats, like Poodles, Doodles, and Shih Tzus, can be washed every four to six weeks. Whereas, short-coated dogs can be bathed every three to four months.
Drying and Finishing Touches
Towel Dry First
After your dog’s bath, start by towel drying to soak up any excess water. Pat your dog to dry them and try to avoid rubbing them with the towel. Rubbing too vigorously can tangle your dog’s fur, which you don’t want after you just spent time brushing them!
For some dogs, towel-drying is enough. Giulia explains, “For short-haired, you can easily towel dry the dog, but be careful in the winter months as it can take several hours for the dog to be completely dry.”
Using a Blow Dryer (If Appropriate)
For dogs comfortable with noise, a blow dryer can speed up the drying process. Use the dryer on a low heat setting to avoid overheating or burning your dog’s skin. Giulia notes blow drying is particularly helpful for curly-coated dogs, as it makes it easier to spot knots and focus on brushing them out.
Blow drying works best if your dog is already desensitized to a dryer. If not, you may need to spend some time desensitizing your dog using positive reinforcement.
Brushing After Bathing
Now, it’s time to brush your dog again. You likely removed most of your dog’s tangles before the bath. But, the bathing process can introduce new tangles, so it’s important to brush your dog again.
This step is especially important for curly and long-haired dogs. Short-haired breeds may be able to skip this step, especially if you use a hydrating shampoo.
Tip: Avoid brushing your dog’s coat while they are still wet. Wait until your dog is completely dry before brushing them to avoid irritating and damaging their skin. In worst cases, this can lead to bacterial infections… and a hefty vet bill!
Additional Dog Bathing Tips for a Successful Bath
When you’re trying to keep your dog calm during bath time, it’s okay to use a bribe or two! “High value treats can make them have a better experience, it’s time to bring out the cheese, hot-dogs, chicken, steak, or peanut butter!” recommends Giulia.
Rubbing some peanut butter on the bathtub wall, or giving them an enrichment toy loaded with a high-value treat can help distract your dog if they aren’t keen on bath times.
If your dog really doesn’t like the sensation of water being poured on their head, you can fill the bathtub with water before putting them in, instead of using the showerhead. Just be sure to replace the water when rinsing off the shampoo.
For the dogs who really don’t like bath time, you can use a no-rinse dog shampoo and dog wipes to keep them fresh in between baths!
Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails, brush their teeth, and clean their ears as part of their dog grooming routine.
Final Thoughts
Bathing your dog doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a fun and rewarding experience with the right preparation and a positive approach. It’s important to use dog-safe products and focus on keeping your dog’s experience positive.
Patience and encouragement are key! Bathtime should remain a positive experience for both you and your dog.
For all your dog grooming needs, shop the Earth Rated grooming line today!
