How to Bathe a Short-Haired Dog

Bathing your dog is an essential part of maintaining its good health. A dog̵7;s skin is its largest organ and bathing stimulates blood circulation, making sure the skin remains healthy. It's important to bathe and rinse your dog correctly or its hair can become matted and rashes can develop on the skin. Always brush your dog before a bath and dry it with a towel after rinsing. Only wash your dog when it's very dirty; excessive bathing will strip the natural oils from its coat. Washing your short-coated dog every three months is about right.

Things You'll Need

  • Nonslip mat
  • Table
  • Blanket (optional)
  • Rubber curry comb
  • Slicker brush
  • Bath
  • Plastic jug
  • Dog shampoo
  • Warm water
  • Clean cloth
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a quiet room or section of the garden and brush your dog thoroughly before placing it in the bath. Other pets and active children will distract your dog, so it's best to work in an area where you're alone.

    • 2

      Place smaller dog breeds on a nonslip mat on a tabletop. Large dog breeds can stand on the lawn or on a blanket that's been spread on the floor.

    • 3

      Use a rubber curry comb to brush your dog̵7;s coat in a circular motion. This brush removes dead outer-coat very effectively.

    • 4

      Use a slicker brush to remove the dog̵7;s dead undercoat.

    • 5

      Fill a bath with about 3 inches of warm water and place a nonskid plastic mat on the bottom.

    • 6

      Place the dog in the bath and use the plastic jug to thoroughly wet its coat.

    • 7

      Pour a tablespoon of dog shampoo on your dog̵7;s shoulders and work the shampoo into the coat from head to tail. Work up a good deal of lather and use a vigorous circular motion. Make sure that the shampoo you use has been designed for dogs so it doesn't strip the coat of essential oils.

    • 8

      Wash the dog̵7;s belly and legs. Leave the tail for last; dogs usually don't like their tails touched. Don't get shampoo in the dog̵7;s eyes, or water in its ears.

    • 9

      Use clean, warm water from the tap to rinse all the soap out of the dog̵7;s coat.

    • 10

      Squeeze the dog̵7;s coat to remove excess water and then allow the animal to shake itself.

    • 11

      Use a wet cloth to wipe down the dog̵7;s face.

    • 12

      Dry the dog with a large towel.