How to Bathe your Dog

Bath time is usually not a fun time for dogs or their owners. Most dogs, with perhaps the exception of Labradors, are not exactly fond of the water and as a result it can be a stressful and messy time for everyone involved. The best time to get your dog acclimated to the bath process is when he or she is still a puppy, but that is not always possible. If you have an older dog that already has a concern regarding baths, then you are going to need to take it one step at a time. The first step in learning to bathe your dog is to find out how frequently he or she actually needs a bath. Obviously, if your dog is covered with dirt and/or their smell can be detected from several yards away, then a bath will be in order. With that said, you do want to make sure that you do not bathe your dog too frequently. Some dogs have very sensitive skin and bathing too frequently can result in skin problems. Frequent baths can actually remove the protective oils from their skins. So, it is always a good idea to consult your dog’s veterinarian to find out exactly how often they should be bathed to avoid any problems. 

When you get ready to bathe your dog, it is also a good idea to make sure that you have everything on hand before you actually get started. If you have bathed a dog before you know that chaos can ensue if you realize that you have forgotten something once you have your dog in the tub. So, run through the checklist before you get started to avoid those problems. You should have dog shampoo, cotton balls, a sponge or washcloth, towels, a tether, a brush, a comb and a rubber mat on hand when you get ready to bathe your dog. Mineral oil can be helpful as well.

Whether you choose to bathe your dog inside or outside is really up to you and the weather. If your dog is particularly large, then it very well might be easier to bathe him outside, provided that the weather is warm enough. If the weather is cold; however, then you should bathe him inside. This is especially true for puppies because they can get cold very easily and become sick.

Before you actually bathe your dog, you need to take the time to comb out their coat. If your dog has a matted coat then it will be much easier to bathe him if you comb it out first. After you have combed out his coat, it is also a good idea to put a drop or two of mineral oil in your dog’s eyes. This will help to protect their sensitive eyes from shampoo. You can also use the cotton balls and place them in your dogs ears to protect them as well.

The tub should be filled with warm water but make sure that you do not fill it completely up. Ideally, it should only be filled until it reaches the dog’s knees. Too much and you may have a huge mess on your hands.

Using the tether, attach it to your dog’s collar and then place the suction cup that is specially designed for that purpose on the side of the tub. You can use a cup to begin pouring warm water over the dog. A spray nozzle will also work, but make sure that you do not scare him with it. Next, apply the shampoo and work it completely through the coat. Avoid the mouth and eyes. A washcloth can be used to rinse off his face. Drain the tub and then rinse him off with clean water. You may need to do this a couple of times. Drain the tub again and then step back because he is going to want to shake at this point. You can then use the towels to finish drying him off. A hair dryer can be good to use on dogs that are particularly cold natured and is especially good for puppies. You will need to make sure that you keep it on low and do not place the nozzle too close to the skin so that you can avoid accidentally burning him. If you choose to air dry your dog, make sure he or she is kept fully away from any drafts to avoid the chance of catching a cold.