How to Use Dawn to Shampoo a Dog

There are lots of different types and brands of dog shampoo on the market, from kinds that kill fleas to types for reducing shedding. But for some dogs, Dawn dish washing detergent is the best option. Dawn is recommended for young puppies who are not yet old enough to be exposed to the chemicals in flea medications or other dog shampoos. Dawn is often used to clean birds and other animals exposed to oil and pollutants in the environment because it is a good cleanser, but it is very gentle. Washing your dog in Dawn dish washing detergent is simple.

Things You'll Need

  • Tub, sink or container
  • Warm water
  • Dawn dish washing detergent
  • Cotton balls
  • Cup
  • Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the vessel in which you will wash your dog. For large dogs, your bathtub might be the best place, while a sink works for smaller dogs. For small puppies or toy breeds, a large mixing bowl can be large enough for the bath.

    • 2

      Pour warm water into the vessel. Make sure the water is hotter than room temperature but is not too hot. A dog's skin can be more sensitive to hot water than ours.

    • 3

      Add about 1 tsp. of Dawn dish detergent per quart of water. You can estimate this measurement. You want to add enough Dawn so that you have bubbles in the water.

    • 4

      Place a cotton ball just inside each of the dog's ears. Do this gently and do not push it inside the ear. Simply place it just inside the ear to protect it from the water. Water that gets into a dog's ear can cause ear infections. This step is especially important if you are bathing a dog breed that has upstanding ears.

    • 5

      Place the dog inside the tub with the warm, soapy water. Use a cup to thoroughly wet the dog with the soapy water.

    • 6

      Begin lathering the dog's fur, beginning at the back of its head, continuing down the back to the tail. If you do not achieve a good lather with simply the soapy water, add a capful of Dawn to the dog's back. Continue lathering his stomach, back legs, then front legs. Lather his chest and carefully wash his face. Although Dawn is gentle, you want to avoid the dog's eyes.

    • 7

      Pull the drain or empty the vessel of the soapy water. Begin pouring cups of warm water over the dog's back, pushing the suds away as the water runs off of the dog. Continue rinsing the dog until there is no more soap on its fur.

    • 8

      Allow the dog to shake off as much excess water as it can. Use towels to dry the dog as much as you can. Keep it in a clean environment until it is completely dry.