Getting (You) Ready to Bathe Your Dog

Be sure you’re donning clothes that you’re okay with getting wet and dirty (and furry). Move all your grooming materials into the bathroom shampoo (ask your vet for suggestions specific to your dog), conditioner (a must for longer coats that need to be brushed out), brush, mineral oil (for eyes), cotton balls (for ears), at least two big, absorbent towels and, most importantly, TREATS. The best location for when you bathe a dog is in a room with a closed door; this will prevent a wet and nervous dog from fleeing through the building should she get away from you. Lay a non-skid mat down in the tub to help the dog keep his footing. If you don’t have a detachable shower head, a bowl or even a large cup is helpful in rinsing. Before beginning, have your supplies ready: brush, shampoo, detangler, mineral oil, cotton balls, and a muzzle or harness (if you plan to use one).

Getting Your Tub Ready for a Bath

Dogs are unlikely to get into the tub willingly. For a puppy bath, one person should be able to handle it. For bigger dogs, a second person to help you get your dog into the bath can help avoid straining your back. Make sure water isn’t too hot or too cold. Let your dog hear and then gently feel the water before going full-speed ahead with the bath. Start shampooing your dog’s shoulders and then move out from there. Be gentle around the face and any sensitive areas but be sure you get down to the undercoat. Read the directions on the shampoo bottle carefully to ensure proper usage. The active ingredient should be chlorhexidine, which is mildly antiseptic. If you must use an insecticide, use a gentle pyrethrin-based shampoo, and be sure to follow the safety instructions on the bottle. Oatmeal shampoos are good for dogs with itchy skin. Rinse out all the shampoo, using your fingers to make sure you get through the undercoat to avoid subsequent irritation. This is where a detachable shower head or bowl comes in handy to be sure bigger dogs get rinsed thoroughly.

Take Care of Your Dog After the Bath

After the shampoo has been completely rinsed out, you can apply conditioner, if desired. Follow the directions on the bottle because some products need to sit on the coat for several minutes. If you have a particularly squirmy dog, you’ll want to find a fast-acting formula. Once you have finished the bath, it is time to dry your pooch. Towel dry as much as possible in the bathroom. For dogs with longer coats, you may want to use a blow dryer set on low. Before the dog leaves the bathroom, brush his coat out thoroughly because the bath will loosen up a lot of fur, which is better contained in the bathroom than all over the house. Many dogs get “after-bath-crazies,” so hold onto your hat and let ‘em run!

Skip to content

Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are caring for pets and their owners.

Location

Use current location available

Find a dog Find a cat

Adopt or Get Involved
Dogs & Puppies
Cats & Kittens
Other Types of Pets

Favorites

Home
Dogs & Puppies
Dog Health & Wellness
Grooming
Grooming Tips – How to Bathe Your Dog

Grooming Tips – How to Bathe Your Dog

It only takes 60 seconds!: Get Started

Find Your Best MatchIt only takes 60 seconds!

Get Started

Search for Animal Shelters or Rescues

Location

No location suggestions available

Enter Shelter or Rescue Name

More in Grooming

View All

Grooming
Dog Anal Gland Care – Problems & Solutions
Grooming
How to Get Skunk & Dead Fish Smell Off Your Dog
Grooming
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Finding pets for you...

Resources

FAQs
Mobile App Download
News Center
Put Petfinder On Your Site
Contact Us

Adopt or Get Involved

All Adopt or Get Involved
Adopting Pets
Animal Shelters & Rescues
Other Types of Pets

About Dogs & Puppies

All About Dogs & Puppies
Dog Adoption
Dog Breeds
Feeding Your Dog
Dog Behavior
Dog Health & Wellness
Dog Training
Other Dog Information

About Cats & Kittens

All About Cats & Kittens
Cat Adoption
Cat Breeds
Feeding Your Cat
Cat Behavior
Cat Health & Wellness
Cat Training
Other Cat Information

Shelter & Rescue Registration
Sitemap
Terms of Service
Notice at Collection
Privacy Policy (updated)
Accessibility
Cookie Policy

All trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., or used with permission.