{"id":91984,"date":"2023-02-03T15:51:26","date_gmt":"2023-02-03T20:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/?p=91984"},"modified":"2025-05-30T20:07:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T00:07:11","slug":"how-to-give-a-dog-a-bath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/how-to-give-a-dog-a-bath\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Give A Dog A Bath"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Give A Dog A Bath\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-Sgq1o-ibbs?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n<p>Every pet owner needs to know how to bathe their dog.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you send your dog to a professional pet groomer, you may still need to give him an emergency bath once in a while.<\/p>\n<p>Learning <strong>how to give a dog a bath<\/strong> is must-know information for any owner.<\/p>\n<p>How hard can it be, right?<\/p>\n<p>Well, you might be surprised to find out that there is more to bathing a dog than most people realize.<\/p>\n<p>It's not just about wetting your dog, rubbing in a little shampoo, and then rinsing him off.<\/p>\n<p>What kind of shampoo are you going to use?<\/p>\n<p>Where will you bathe him?<\/p>\n<p>What other grooming products will you need?<\/p>\n<p>Is there anything that you should do before you start bathing your dog?<\/p>\n<p>As you can see in my video guide, I bathe my dogs right in our shower.<\/p>\n<p>I can do this thanks to the <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/miu-pet-multi-functional-pet-shower-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MIU PET Multi-Functional Pet Shower<\/a> attachment seen in my video guide.<\/p>\n<p>It allows me to wet and rinse my dog without the struggle of pouring water from a cup, and its bristles allow me to get the water all the way through the coat and onto the skin.<\/p>\n<p>It is common for pet owners to use the bathtub\/shower in their own personal bathroom to wash their pets.<\/p>\n<p>You could also use an outdoor hose, which is especially handy if your dog is muddy or has rolled in something stinky.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a small\/medium breed, it may be beneficial to invest in a <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/best-cheap-dog-grooming-tub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dog grooming tub<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>These tubs are more expensive, but they are on raised platforms, so you don't have to bend over the entire time you're scrubbing and rinsing your dog.<\/p>\n<p>No matter <em>where<\/em> you bathe your dog, it's knowing how to give a dog a bath that really matters.<\/p>\n<p>Follow my step-by-step guide, and you're sure to have a great experience with this home grooming task.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>How To Give A Dog A Bath<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-23332 size-full\" title=\"How To Give A Dog A Bath\" src=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog.jpg\" alt=\"How To Give A Dog A Bath\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog.jpg 700w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-600x343.jpg 600w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-640x366.jpg 640w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-681x389.jpg 681w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Choose the right products<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Obviously, you're going to need shampoo and possibly conditioner.<\/p>\n<p>But are you using safe products?<\/p>\n<p>Some dog owners think it is okay to use human shampoo on their pets.<\/p>\n<p>A dog's skin has a different pH than human skin, and\u00a0it's important that you use a shampoo <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/why-using-dog-shampoo-on-dogs-is-dangerous\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">formulated specifically for dogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you use human shampoo on your pooch, it will <a href=\"https:\/\/prideandgroom.com\/blogs\/dog-grooming-tips-blog\/dog-shampoo-substitutes-what-to-do-when-youre-out-of-dog-shampoo#:~:text=No%2C%20you%20should%20not%20use%20human%20shampoo%20on%20dogs%20as,sensitive%20skin%2C%20like%20baby%20shampoo.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dry out his skin and coat<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It could even permanently damage his coat, leaving it dry and brittle for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n<p>When learning how to give a dog a bath, not only do you need to find a shampoo that is made specifically for dogs, but it has to be safe too.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the cheap shampoos you'll find on the shelves of big box stores are made with harsh chemicals, toxins, and artificial ingredients.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, these harmful ingredients can leech into your dog's bloodstream through his skin and cause serious health problems.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, look for a shampoo made with natural ingredients that will be gentle on your dog's skin and coat.<\/p>\n<p>Find a shampoo that is made with your dog's needs in mind.<\/p>\n<p>If he has <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/dog-dry-skin-home-remedy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dry skin<\/a>, search for a formula to help with that condition. If his coat is prone to mats and tangles, look for a dog shampoo that will help with that.<\/p>\n<p>You may also need a conditioner for your pet, depending on his coat type.<\/p>\n<p>Consider other products that might be helpful as well.<\/p>\n<p>I already discussed the MIU PET Multi-Functional Shower, but you may also need a drain hair catcher (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catcher-Silicone-Stopper-Suction-Bathroom\/dp\/B099X5FZ71\/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=drain+hair+catcher&qid=1675455331&sprefix=hair+catcheer%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this is the one<\/a> I use) or a <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/lick-lick-pad-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lick Lick Mat<\/a> to keep your dog from wiggling around.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Brush him first<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Before your pup even gets in the tub,\u00a0you'll need to give him a thorough brushing.<\/p>\n<p>This will help to remove any loose hair that may clog the drain and also get rid of any mats and tangles in his coat.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Set the right temperature<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Setting the right water temperature is also very important.<\/p>\n<p>Your dog is more sensitive to heat than you are, so a temperature that feels good to you is going to be too hot for him.<\/p>\n<p>Set the temperature like you would if you were bathing an infant.<\/p>\n<p>Lukewarm water is best when learning how to bathe a dog.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/how-to-make-bathing-a-dog-easier\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Make Bathing A Dog Easier and Some Unique Tools You Can Use<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-23339 size-full\" title=\"bathing a dog\" src=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2.jpg\" alt=\"bathing a dog\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2-600x343.jpg 600w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2-640x366.jpg 640w, https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/How-To-Bathe-A-Dog-2-681x389.jpg 681w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><strong>4. Give your dog a bath!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Now it's time to wash your dog.<\/p>\n<p>First, you'll need to give him a thorough rinse to ensure his coat is wet all the way through.<\/p>\n<p>Apply a small amount of dog shampoo down his back.<\/p>\n<p>If you're using quality shampoo, a little will go a long way!<\/p>\n<p>Start massaging the shampoo into his fur, making sure to reach all the way through the coat to his skin.<\/p>\n<p>Next, wet the dog's underbelly and apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands in order to wash his belly and legs.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to work the shampoo over your dog's entire body, except for his head.<\/p>\n<p>You can wash his neck, but you don't want to risk getting shampoo in his eyes, ears, mouth, or nose.<\/p>\n<p>If necessary, you can wash his face with a wet washcloth or <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/best-dog-wipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grooming wipes<\/a> after giving him a full bath.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have covered his entire body in shampoo, you'll need to leave it for at least 10-15 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Keep massaging your dog and working on the shampoo. This will help the shampoo do its job and help to keep your pup calm.<\/p>\n<p>Now it's time to rinse.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most important parts of learning how to give a dog a bath is understanding the need for a thorough rinse.<\/p>\n<p>Don't rush this step, or you'll leave the shampoo in the fur.<\/p>\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metlifepetinsurance.com\/blog\/pet-care\/how-to-bathe-a-dog-properly-why-it-s-important\/#:~:text=Step%204%3A%20Rinse%20thoroughly&text=Work%20your%20way%20from%20his,cause%20itchiness%20or%20skin%20irritation.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">leftover residue<\/a> could irritate the skin or even give your pooch a rash.<\/p>\n<p>At the very least, it will leave him itchy and lead to an especially oily coat.<\/p>\n<p>Take the time to rinse him while running your fingers through his coat properly.<\/p>\n<p>By doing this, you'll be able to easily feel if there is any shampoo left behind.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>5. Dry your dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Drying a dog isn't as simple as rubbing a towel over your pet and calling it good.<\/p>\n<p>You have to be gentle and make sure you dry his entire body.<\/p>\n<p>By this point in the bathing process, most dogs and owners are ready for it to be over with.<\/p>\n<p>Take your time and make sure you <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/how-to-dry-a-dog-after-bathing-or-swimming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dry your pup properly<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Towel dry his entire body &#8211; including his belly, his armpits, and his legs and paws.<\/p>\n<p>The more water you can get out of his coat with the towel, the less there will be on your floors and around your home.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Be sure to reward him<\/strong> after he gets in the tub, throughout the bathing process, and after he's finished.<\/p>\n<p>This is a good habit to keep even after your pet is well-trained.<\/p>\n<p>You need to be sure to associate bathing with a positive experience, or your dog will never want to get back in the tub.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>READ NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/bissell-barkbath-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Review &#8211; Bissell BarkBath 2-in1 Portable Dog Bath & Deep Cleaner<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every pet owner needs to know how to bathe their dog. Even if you send your dog to a professional pet groomer, you may still need to give him an emergency bath once in a while. Learning how to give a dog a bath is must-know information for any owner. How hard can it be, right? Well, you might be surprised to find out that there is more to bathing a dog than most people realize. It&#8217;s not just about wetting your dog down, rubbing in a little shampoo and then rinsing him off.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":91985,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[432,112],"tags":[388,387,52,410,840,140],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91984"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91984"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":141735,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91984\/revisions\/141735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}