DIY Dog Bath

Bathing your dog may have proven to be a very stressful experience for both you and your dog in the past. However, it really doesn't have to be this way. If you find that giving your dog a bath causes extreme stress and is physically difficult, then you just might not be using the correct bathing techniques. Once you have these techniques, cleaning your dog from head to toe will be a DIY project, rather than something you need to leave up to an expensive pet groomer.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog food
  • Dog treats
  • Towel or bathmat
  • Shampoo
  • Water
  • Sprayer or bucket
  • Towel
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog a meal before bath time and a nice treat afterward. The meal will help your dog be calm and comfortable. The treat, such as a special food or toy, will help your dog associate being bathed with something positive.

    • 2

      Introduce the bath gradually. The first time you bathe your dog, don't plunge right into a bath full of water and start the scrubbing. Instead, start small, such as putting the dog in a dry bathtub and offering a treat. Next time, turn on the water. Then, give treats. Finally, start getting your dog wet. For a period of time, offer treats throughout the bath, if your dog behaves.

    • 3

      Be calm and soothing during bath time. Talk to your dog gently. Pet places your dog likes, since you'll be cleaning parts that are most likely not as pleasant. If you're calm and relaxed, it's more likely that your dog will be, too.

    • 4

      Place a towel or bathmat in the bottom of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding all over the place.

    • 5

      Turn on the water and make sure the temperature is just right. It should not be hot or cold, but lukewarm. Lift your dog into the tub or lure the dog in with a treat.

    • 6

      Apply the shampoo evenly on your dog's coat. If you're using flea shampoo, always start at the head and move toward the tail. Otherwise, any fleas on your dog will flock toward the head. Be sure to choose a shampoo that works for your dog's breed and fur type. Your veterinarian or dog groomer can help you chose the right product.

    • 7

      Rinse the dog using a sprayer. If you don't have a sprayer, have a small bucket ready to fill with water and dump over your dog to rinse.

    • 8

      Towel dry your dog while still inside the tub. Make sure the fur is not dripping wet before lifting your dog out of the tub.