How to Bathe a Dog: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Bathing your dog is an important part of your dog’s grooming routine. If you have never bathed a dog, it can seem like a difficult job. With the right dog bathing techniques, your pup’s bath can be a comfortable experience for both of you. This step-by-step guide to bathing a dog walks you through the dog bathing process and gives you tips for a smooth dog bath. If you are uncertain about bathing your dog yourself, Mobile Dog Grooming services have professional groomers who come to your home to bathe and groom your dog.

So, let’s get right to the step-by-step process of bathing your dog in the tub, shower, or travel pet washing station.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

The first step is to gather all the supplies you are going to need before getting your dog. This is going to make everything a lot easier and less stressful. Here are the supplies you are going to need.

• Dog shampoos are a must. You cannot bathe a dog with human shampoo. Their skin is way too sensitive, and it can cause irritation.
• A soft dog bath towel is going to be helpful to dry your dog off once the bath is done.
• A cup or sprayer is needed to rinse your dog’s shampoo and coat.
• Bring a brush to defame your dog’s coat before you give them a bath.
• Bring some cotton balls to protect their ears if they might get wet.
• Bringing some grooming gloves can be helpful to clean them and give them a gentle rub.

Having your supplies on hand before you get started is a good idea in order to minimize the stress experienced by you and your dog during the bath.

Step 2: Prepare the Bathing Area

Whether you will be using the bathing tub, the shower, or a special dog bathing station, you should make sure the area is safe and that your dog is going to be comfortable.

If you will be bathing the dog in the tub, fill it with warm water before you bring the dog to it. Make sure the water is lukewarm and not too hot or too cold.

It’s a good idea to lay down a non-slip mat to keep your dog from slipping and to make them feel more secure. If you're bathing your dog outside, using a hose or portable shower station is fine as long as the temperature is comfy.

Step 3: Brush Your Dog's Coat

Before you begin to wash your dog, it is best to brush their coat to get rid of any knots or tangles. It is way harder to wash dogs if their fur is matted because it traps moisture and shampoo in the matted areas, which can irritate their skin.

To brush your dog’s coat, use a brush or a comb made for their coat type. For instance, if the dog has a long coat, you can use a pin brush. If the dog has a shorter coat, you can use a slicker brush. Also, be sure to get the harder areas to reach, like around their ears and under their belly.

Step 4: Wet Your Dog's Coat

Once your dog’s coat has been brushed, it is time to get them in the tub or wash station. At this point, you can begin to get your dog’s coat wet. It is best to use a cup or a handheld sprayer to pour or spray water over your dog’s body, starting at their neck and working your way to their back legs. This way, you can avoid water getting in their ears or face. Take your time and make sure your dog is comfortable.

Lastly, when wetting their face, make sure you are as gentle as possible. If you are able to, use a wet cloth to wipe their face instead of spraying water. This is especially important if they are sensitive near their eyes or ears.

Step 5: Shampooing and Lathering

Once your dog is fully wet down, apply a little shampoo. Start rubbing the shampoo in at the neck and go down the rest of their body. Gently massaging in little circular motions ensures that the shampoo is massaged into their fur properly and helps get any excess dirt or oil out. 

Be sure to use a hypoallergenic or medicated shampoo if your dog has a skin condition or sensitive skin. Since you're bathing the dog at home, you get to control which products you use to make sure your dog is happy and comfortable. 

Step 6: Rinsing Thoroughly

Once shampoo is lathered throughout your dog’s coat, you will need to rinse them to remove all the shampoo. If you don’t rinse out all the shampoo, their skin could get irritated, so make sure the water runs clear. Make sure you’re rinsing all the way down to the toes, and if it’s a smaller spot (like under the legs), use a cup and make sure to spray a little more water.

Step 7: Brush Your Dog Again

Once your dog is mostly dry, their coat should be brushed one more time to help remove any remaining knots or tangles. If your dog has long or thick fur, you should consider keeping a detangling spray handy to help make brushing the coat easier. This last step will help ensure your dog’s coat is tidy and doesn’t have any tangles. 

Give Your Dog a Treat 

Since bath time can be a difficult time for some dogs, make sure you give a lot of praise and some treats when bath time is done. This will help your dog learn that bath time is a positive experience and will help make future washes easier.

Conclusion 

Your dog needs a regular bath and grooming schedule that needs to be formed and maintained. Learning the proper way to wash your dog will make sure you keep your dog free from skin issues and will keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Following this step-by-step guide will help ensure that you have a great time during each bath. If you ever feel like you want to have a step done by someone else, consider checking out mobile dog grooming to make the experience easier on your furry friend.