If you bathe your dog in a bathtub or sink, the bottom will get slippery when it’s wet. To help calm your dog and give him traction, put a towel on the bottom of the tub or sink. You can also use a rubber bath mat or nonslip adhesive pads. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Choose a confined location, if possible. Your dog may get anxious or upset during his bath and try to escape. Shut the bathroom door if you use the bathtub. If you’re washing your dog outside, make sure to do it in a fenced area so your dog can’t run away. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
If your dog has any ticks, you may want to see a vet to get them removed. Or you can remove it yourself. If your dog has sticky substances (e. g. , paint, tar, pine sap) stuck in his fur, rub them with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil and let it sit for 24 hours. A liquid dish soap may also do the trick.
Uncap your shampoos and other bottles so that you don’t have to do that while keeping a wet dog in check. If your dog tends to be nervous in the bath, you may want to have a helper. The helper can help keep your dog steady while you wash him.
If you’re bathing in a sink or tub, fill it to about your dog’s knees with warm water.
If you have a hose or detachable showerhead, use it to spray your dog. Make sure the water pressure isn’t too high, or it could startle him. If you use a bucket or pitcher to wet your dog, make sure to avoid pouring water over his head. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source There are also snap-on sprayer attachments that attach to your showerhead or faucet. The ASPCA recommends the Rinse Ace Pet Shower Deluxe. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
You do not need to use a washcloth or sponge to apply the shampoo. In fact, it’s a better idea to use your hands as you lather up the shampoo. This way, you can check his body for any unusual signs, such as bumps or inflammation. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Do not apply shampoo to your dog’s head or face. If his face is dirty, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe away any dirt. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If your dog has a very long coat, massage the shampoo in the direction of his hair growth. This will help prevent tangling.
Keep the shampoo on your dog for as long as the bottle calls for. Some shampoos contain mild flea repellents, and they may need to stay on for a certain amount of time to be effective.
Some dogs have a skin infection on their chins called furunculosis, which looks like small pimples or red bumps. If your dog has this condition, you should consult with your vet to see how to properly clean the area. Your vet may suggest a disinfecting shampoo or ointment. If your dog has folds in his facial skin, make sure to use the washcloth to clean in between them.
Remember not to pour water over your dog’s head and face. If you’re using a pitcher or bucket to rinse, pour water so that it flows down his back, not toward his face. Avoid spraying your dog’s face if you’re using a hose or sprayer. [10] X Research source
Some people may use hair dryers to dry their dog’s fur. Keep the heat setting on low or cool to avoid burning your dog. Never point a hair dryer at your dog’s face. #Comb out your dog’s coat. If your dog has very long or shaggy fur, you will want to comb it out while it’s wet to avoid it tangling. You can use a detangling mist to help this process.
Apply some of the ear cleaner on a cotton ball. Do not use cotton swabs. You could damage your dog’s eardrums if you insert them too far. Rub the cotton ball around the inside of the ear. Check the cotton ball for waxy residue. Once you don’t see any more residue on the cotton ball, your dog’s ears are clean. You can also use a soaked cotton ball to clean the dog’s outer ears (the large flappy bits are called the pinna). Try not to pour or spray the solution directly into the dog’s ears. Many dogs don’t like this, and you want to avoid as many negative associations with bathtime as possible. If your dog has hairs growing from his ear canal, consult your vet. Some breeds can develop tangled ear hair, which can lead to ear infections. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Colloidal silver is commonly recommended, as it is safe to use around the eyes. It comes in spray or liquid drops form. Apply colloidal silver to a clean cotton ball and wipe your pet’s eyes. Dabbing a bit of coconut oil beneath the eyes where the tear stain “tracks” are can help keep the skin from getting irritated. Many pet supply stores sell tear stain cleansers and even pre-saturated pads. These can be easy to use. Just make sure that the product is marked hypoallergenic and that it doesn’t contain the substance tylosin tartrate. This antibiotic is not approved for use on dogs or cats. Some breeds, such as poodles and shih-tzus, have a condition called distichiasis, where their eyelashes grow inward rather than outward. This can cause eye irritation and excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog has frequent tear buildup, consult with your vet. It may be nothing more than a result of his facial shape, but it is always better to be safe. [16] X Research source Do not use hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, makeup remover, human eye drops, or milk of magnesia to clean your dog’s eyes.
Brush your dog’s coat often. This will help keep him clean in between baths, and it’s also good for his skin and coat. If your dog has a skin infection, consult with your vet to see how best to wash and treat your dog.
You should never use human shampoo to wash your dog. Dogs’ skin has a different pH balance than human skin, and human shampoo can disrupt that balance. Disrupted pH balance can foster bacteria, parasites, and viruses. [21] X Research source Oatmeal shampoo is a good basic choice for most dogs. If you’re not sure what to use, it’s a safe shampoo to start with. If your dog has a skin rash or other condition, he will often scratch, which will further irritate his skin. Tea tree shampoo can be helpful for some skin irritations. Avoid getting the shampoo into his mouth, as tea tree oil is toxic when consumed. Consult with your vet to determine what shampoo to use for a dog with skin conditions. Some shampoos can help prevent flea infestations. Look for shampoos containing pyrethrin, pyrethrum, or citrus oil.
If your dog has inflamed or irritated anal sacs, consult your vet. [22] X Research source
If your dog is terrified of the bath, place your dog in an empty tub (or wherever you wash your dog). Don’t run water yet. Speak to him in a soothing voice and give him a treat or toy to play with. This will help him associate bathtime with something he enjoys. [24] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Work your way up to running warm water over his body. Every time you bathe your dog, give him/her a little treat. Get your puppy used to the bath by washing him after he is five weeks old. Getting your puppy used to bathtime as a pleasant experience will make it easier for him to accept baths when he’s older. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
