How to Bathe a Bulldog

Bathing your bulldog can be a challenge because most bulldogs dislike getting a bath. Bulldogs only need to be washed sparingly; often twice a year is sufficient, if you dry-groom your dog approximately three times a week. Washing your bulldog too much can lead to removal of his skin's protective oils. When bathing your dog, use protective measures to keep water and shampoo out of his ears and eyes, and use the proper products and washing technique.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Cotton balls
  • Mineral oil
  • Bath mat
  • Sponge or washcloth
  • Towels
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find an area where you can wash your bulldog. Some people prefer the bathtub or sink, while others prefer to wash their dog in a tub outdoors. Use an area where you can fully control your dog. If birds and other animals easily distract your dog, use an indoor location.

    • 2

      Lay out all the products you need within hands reach, so you do not have to leave your dog alone in the tub.

    • 3

      Put a leash around your dog if he dislikes taking baths. Tie the leash to the faucet. The leash helps you maintain control over your dog and keeps him from running off.

    • 4

      Protect your bulldog's ears and eyes. Insert cotton balls in your bulldog's ears to keep water out and prevent ear infections. Use a dropper to insert a drop of mineral oil in your dog's eyes. The oil keeps water and shampoo out of your dog's eyes.

    • 5

      Position your bulldog in the tub on top of an anti-slip bath mat.

    • 6

      Wet your bulldog's coat with warm water. Saturate him behind his ears and work your way across his back to his tail. Wet your dog's chest and tummy area, his genitals and the area below his tail.

    • 7

      Lather your bulldog's body with shampoo using your hands, a sponge or washcloth. Use a non-detergent, tear-free dog shampoo. Avoid using human shampoo because it is too harsh and may strip the dog's natural oils. Massage shampoo into the neck area in a circular motion and work backward toward the tail. Clean underneath the dog, between his toes, under his tail and include the genital area.

    • 8

      Wet a washcloth with lukewarm water and wipe it over your bulldog's face. Make sure to wet between the many wrinkles the dog has on his face. Apply shampoo to the washcloth and apply it to the dog's face, including in the wrinkles around the nose, forehead and eyes. Wipe the shampoo away with a wet washcloth.

    • 9

      Rinse your dog with lukewarm water until all traces of shampoo are gone. Avoid leaving shampoo on the dog's coat because it may cause irritation.

    • 10

      Remove the cotton balls from your bulldog's ears and wipe the visible inside part of his ear flaps with the cotton balls.

    • 11

      Remove excess water from your dog with clean towels, and allow his coat to air dry. As an alternative, use cool air from a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, if your dog is comfortable with this. Keep your dog indoors while his coat is drying.