How to Give a Tiny Toy Poodle a Bath

A toy poodle may be anxious during bathing because of its size, but since the breed has its origins in a water retrieving dog, it should not be too adverse to getting wet. In addition to its delicate size, poodles have sensitive skin and hair and great care should be taken in choosing mild bathing products. Delicate handling during bathing is also important for small dogs. Rough handling can make your poodle dislike baths which in turn makes it more complicated to bathe them in the future.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Plastic wash basin, large enough to fit the dog inside
  • Bathtub or sink
  • Mild shampoo
  • Pitcher
  • Sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Comb the dog's coat to remove tangles and knots and prevent matting.

    • 2

      Place the wash basin in the bath tub or sink and fill one-quarter full with tepid water. A dog's skin is more sensitive to heat so make the water a little less than warm to the touch.

    • 3

      Pick the dog up and gently place it in the wash basin. Wait until the dog is relaxed and comfortable in the space before starting.

    • 4

      Saturate the dog's body with water, excluding the head, using the pitcher.

    • 5

      Mix the shampoo and a bit of water in the pitcher. Agitate until it forms soap bubbles.

    • 6

      Pour the diluted shampoo onto the dog's body and rub into a lather. Gently massage the shampoo into the coat and form a lather over the whole body.

    • 7

      Thoroughly rinse the body until all of the soap bubbles are gone and then rinse a little longer to remove the shampoo residue.

    • 8

      Empty the soapy water from the basin and replace with clean water.

    • 9

      Wet the dog's head using a sponge or your hand.

    • 10

      Add a drop of shampoo to the top of the head and work into a lather. Massage the lather around the face, paying special attention to avoid the eyes.

    • 11

      Fill the pitcher with water, tilt the head back, hold the ears down and pour the water over the top of the head avoiding the ears to remove the soap.

    • 12

      Rinse the muzzle using a sponge or your hand with clean water to remove the soap.

    • 13

      Towel dry the dog completely.