How to bathe a dog at home: step-by-step guide

How often does a dog need a bath?

Less often than many people think. The ASPCA recommends bathing at least once every three months, with more frequent baths for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems. In between, regular brushing does most of the cleaning work and spreads the skin’s natural oils through the coat.

Signs it is bath time: a smell that lingers after brushing, visible dirt, a greasy feel to the coat, or something sticky or smelly the dog rolled in.

What you need

• A non-slip mat for the tub or shower
• A sprayer, a plastic pitcher or an unbreakable cup
• A dog shampoo (and conditioner for long coats, if you like)
• Two or three large towels
• A brush or comb suited to the coat
• Cotton balls for the ears and a washcloth for the face
• Treats, and a helper for large or wiggly dogs

Step-by-step

1. Brush first. Remove dead hair and mats before the dog gets wet. Water tightens mats and makes them much harder to remove.
2. Prepare the tub. Put the non-slip mat in place and fill with three to four inches of lukewarm water, as the ASPCA suggests. Have everything within reach before the dog goes in.
3. Wet the coat. Start at the neck and work back, soaking down to the skin. Do not spray into the ears, eyes or nose; a large cotton ball in each ear helps keep water out.
4. Shampoo. Massage shampoo in from neck to tail, including legs, belly and tail. Clean the face with a damp washcloth instead of shampooing the head.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and the coat no longer feels slippery. Leftover shampoo irritates the skin and attracts dirt.
6. Dry. Squeeze water from the coat, then towel-dry firmly. If your dog tolerates it, a dryer on a low or cool setting helps with thick coats. Keep the dog warm and away from drafts until fully dry.

Special cases

Wrinkly and flat-faced dogs

Breeds such as Shar Peis and Pugs need their skin folds cleaned with damp cotton and then dried completely; moisture trapped in folds leads to irritation and infection.

Double-coated dogs

Huskies, German Shepherds and similar breeds need extra brushing before and after the bath, and very thorough drying down to the skin.

Puppies

Keep the first baths short and positive. The ASPCA suggests giving a mouthy puppy a floating toy to focus on instead of your hands.

Dogs with skin problems

Medicated shampoos only work if used exactly as your veterinarian prescribes, often with a set contact time before rinsing. Do not choose a medicated product on your own.

Mistakes to avoid

Mistake	Why it is a problem
Hot water	Easy to scald, and dogs overheat quickly
Skipping pre-brushing	Mats tighten and trap water against the skin
Shampoo in the eyes	Painful irritation; use a washcloth on the face
Rushed rinsing	Residue causes itching and flaking
Bathing too often	Can dry out the skin and coat
Hot dryer held close	Burns and overheating, especially in flat-faced breeds

Making bath time easier

• Practice without water. Lift your dog into the dry tub, give treats, lift out. Repeat for a few days before the first real bath.
• Tire them out first. A walk or play session helps an energetic dog settle.
• Use a lick mat. Spreading a dog-safe spread on a mat stuck to the wall keeps many dogs busy.
• Stay calm. Dogs read your tension. Slow, confident movements help.

When to see a professional

Book a groomer if your dog is heavily matted, panics despite gradual training, or needs a haircut you cannot do safely. See a veterinarian if you find redness, scabs, lumps, parasites or a bad odor from the ears or skin during the bath.

Next: how to trim your dog’s nails and the full dog grooming guide.