How to Give a Dog a Bath

When to bathe a dog? Well, snuff the dog. If he has doggy odor you would like to be rid of, then it is time to do it.

Bath or Shower?
Giving a dog a bath can be quite a chore. You can end up as wet as the dog and it can give you a backache from all the pulling, pushing and struggling to keep the dog in the tub.

However, many dogs react much better to a shower than a bath. Also, it can be much easier to shower larger dogs than struggling in a bath tub. In a shower your dog feels much happier and secure standing on the firm tile floor than in several inches of water (which they really dislike).

Handheld Shower Heads
Handheld shower heads are nearly an essential item, especially if you have larger dogs. They can make the entire job so much easier since you can control the wetting and rinsing easily and quickly. Handheld shower heads are really excellent.

Note: If your dog has any type of skin allergy then you must use COOL WATER in the bath or shower, not warm water. This is very important.

Dog Shampoo
It is best not to use a human shampoo, especially a baby shampoo (for humans), as they all are detergent-based and have chemicals, and both are likely to irritate dog skin. A very mild herbal shampoo may be acceptable.

It is better to use a natural dog shampoo or an oatmeal dog shampoo. Both of these are made for dogs.

If your dog has an allergy, any type of allergy, then I recommend you use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo or an oatmeal dog shampoo only. These are specifically created for sensitive dog skin.

Note: I now recommend that you use a medicated dog shampoo only if your vet has specifically recommended it. Some medicated shampoos are not best for allergies, so check with your vet first.

Dog Bathing/Showering Procedures
On the living room or family room floor:

• Lay out an old blanket (which should now be only the dog’s blanket), and place on the blanket the following:
• The dog’s brush and comb,
• And a small trash bag.

The brush and comb should only for used by the dog. It is also best to have towels only for your dog’s use that are of a different design or color than your other family towels. Some owners like to have a special chamois, a special absorbent towel that can help you dry the dog a little faster.

By the bath tub or the shower lay out:

• The dog shampoo,
• A conditioner if your dog has long or dry hair (if your dog has allergies check with your vet first), and
• A washcloth for use only by the dog.
• Place the two towels on the floor.

If you use the bath tub, a rubber mat in the tub will help the dog keep its balance and footing.

An outdoor bathing using a bucket and the garden water hose is a nice option on a warm day.

If your dog has mats in his coat, bathing him first will make the mats much harder to remove, so it is better to remove them first, outdoors if possible.

The Washing Process
Always start with the head. Do not douse your dog with lots of water over his head, he won’t like it. Use the washcloth and clean his head. Do not get water or shampoo inside his ears or eyes.

Wipe with a wet washcloth to remove the shampoo, again being careful to avoid the ears and eyes.

Lathered and clean the rest of your dog’s body.

Then rinse very well several times.

Apply the conditioner, then rinse as needed.

At some point your dog will decide he has had enough and will give a rolling shake that will soak you and the entire area.

Assuming you are finished, you can proceed with the drying. You can stop him from shaking further by placing a towel over his head. Then dry him with the other end. Finish up with the second towel.

Then take him right out onto the blanket in the living room or family room and lay him down. His first instinct will be to run and find a good place to rub his body. This is likely to be your bed or the sofa. So when he is on the blanket kind of sit on him to keep him there. He’ll squirm and rub and satisfy his need.

Now is the time to comb and brush his coat. This should be done outside in good weather or in the garage or some other room that is appropriate. Only comb and brush inside if no one in the house has an allergy to the dog.

You are now done.

Afterwards, clean the brush and comb. If you have an allergy problem (either you or the dog) launder the washcloth and the towels after each use.

I hope you have found this article on How to Give a Dog a Bath (or Shower) worthwhile.