Ultimate Guide on How to Bathe Your Dog

Before you even think about turning on that water and wrangling your dog into the bathroom, make it easier on yourself by getting them some exercise just before their bath. Take them for a walk, let them run around the yard or play tug of war (pro tip: let them win, eventually).

After play time, give them a thorough brushing. This not only helps to remove dirt and debris, but it frees their coat of excess hair that would otherwise clog or go down your drain. Choosing the right brush depends on your breed of dog, but a good all-around brush for longer haired dogs is the Wahl Pin-Bristle Brush. It features two sides: The pin side removes loose hair while the bristle side collects the loose hair and smooths out the coat, distributing natural oils for a nice shine.

Now that your dog is nice and calm after their brushing, it’s time to gather your supplies. What do you need to make bath time a success?

1. Pet-friendly Shampoo. Make sure the shampoo is designed for dogs and is alcohol and paraben free. Wahl’s 4-in-1 Shampoo is formulated with lavender and chamomile to help calm your dog as you bathe them.
2. Towels. Depending on the size of your dog, you may need more than one to dry off your dog after the bath. You’ll also need a few for around the tub because you’re going to need them.
3. Low-heat hair dryer. Toweling your dog off after a bath can still leave them damp. A good hair dryer that has a low-heat setting can help thoroughly dry out your dog after a bath.
4. Calming music. Some spa-like music can help make the bathing experience relaxing and stress-free for you and your dog.
5. Cup. You’ll need a large plastic cup or pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.
6. Washcloth. For washing your dog’s face and ears.
7. Non-slip mat. When dogs get scared, their nails come out and a slippery tub won’t help. Placing a non-slip mat below them can reduce slipping and sliding as you bathe them.
8. Bath toys. Nice to have in the tub to create a fun environment—and a good distraction.
9. Brush. You’ve already brushed your dog before the bath, but you’ll need to brush after the bath as well to remove any tangles.
10. Treats. You’ll want some treats for before, during and after the bath. This will pay dividends in the future, as your dog will associate bath time with a tasty reward.

Hot water can scare or even harm your dog, so make sure you get the water temperature just right—warm but not too hot. If you have water-safe toys for your dog, this is the time to use them. Place them in the tub so your dog sees the tub as a fun and inviting place. Toys will also distract your dog during their bath.

One of the most important steps to a successful bath is making your dog feel safe and comfortable as you place them in the tub. Most dogs don’t want to go willingly, so it’s best to ease them in, providing words of encouragement as you do. Make sure to give them pets and tell them they’re a good boy or girl for cooperating so well.

Now that you have them in the tub, it’s time to get the bath started. With the water temperature nice and warm, fill your cup or pitcher and gently and slowly pour the water over their body, from neck to tail. If you move too quickly, you’ll startle your dog and make them feel uneasy. Make sure to avoid the face, as you don’t want water in their eyes or ears. And don’t forget their underside and legs.

Squirt a line of shampoo along your dog’s back, but make sure not to apply too much. Wahl’s Dog Shampoos are designed to provide more lather than standard pet shampoos, so a little goes a long way. Use your hands to massage in the shampoo, making sure to move the shampoo to the sides, underside, legs, tail, chest and neck area. Again, avoid the face and ears.

Continue to towel dry or use a commercial pet dryer approved for home use. A blow dryer can be substituted for a pet dryer, using a low, warm setting to finish the drying process.

Proper rinsing is one of the most important parts of bathing your dog. Shampoo that’s left on your dog can cause dry, itchy skin and dandruff. Fill your cup or pitcher with warm water and gently pour it over their body. Make sure to run your fingers through their fur as you rinse to make sure you’re getting any excess suds hiding within. And don’t forget to rinse their underside, tail, legs and paws.

After rinsing your dog and running your hands through their fur to remove excess water, it’s time to towel them off. You might want to quickly grab the towel and hold it between you and your dog because they’re about to do their patented shake. Once they do, swaddle them with the towel and massage it around their body. Start with the back and sides and work your way under and around their legs and tail. And don’t forget the paws. If your dog is still damp, use your hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to remove any dampness on their fur.

Grab your brush one more time and give your dog a good once over. This will help smooth out their coat and remove any excess hair or moisture that’s hanging around.

Last but not least, treats. Your dog has been cooperative and patient and it’s time to reward them for being so good. This positive reinforcement will make bath time easier the next time, as they associate this activity with something good.