Washing Tips for a Dog

A good wash is an important part of a dog's grooming and health care. Washing cleanses unpleasant odors, discourages parasites and helps remove excess hair. Find a quiet environment to wash your dog, somewhere it feels calm and safe. The family bathtub, outdoors with the hose or in a collapsible bath are all options. If you bathe your dog outside, be aware of the temperature and that your dog may feel the cold more keenly than you.

  1. Acclimate Your Dog

    • If your dog is not used to being washed, acclimate it slowly to the experience. Let it smell the grooming tools and practice hopping in and out of the tub. To accustom the dog to the loud sound of running water, leave the door open while you draw your own bath. Reward your dog for reacting calmly to these stimuli by giving treats, belly rubs or other positive reinforcements.

    Prep Your Dog

    • Prep your dog for its wash by carefully brushing and removing mats or ticks. If mats must be cut away, exercise extreme caution while using scissors on your dog. A jittery dog may make sudden movements, which can result in serious cuts. Remove sticky patches, like pine sap, with petroleum jelly or a 24-hour mineral oil soak. Do not use harsh chemicals on your dog or any cleaning products you haven't cleared with your vet. For seriously matted dogs or dogs with sores, consult your vet or a professional groomer on the best way to proceed.

    Choose the Right Shampoo

    • Canine skin is different from human skin, so using human shampoo on your dog can cause irritation and dryness. Evaluate your dog's skin and coat, then choose a canine shampoo accordingly. For example, if your dog suffers from itchy skin, choose a product with soothing ingredients such as ground oatmeal or avocado oil. The day before you wash your dog, do a test area on its skin. Watch for irritation or swelling. If you see any negative reactions, try a hypoallergenic shampoo.

    Work Out a Washing Schedule

    • Talk to your vet to determine the best bathing schedule for your dog. Bathing your dog too often can remove essential oils and reduce its fur's insulation abilities, and bathing too little can encourage parasites and foul odors. The amount your dog needs washing will vary depending on its lifestyle and coat type. For example, dogs with oily coats and outdoor lifestyles, like many basset hounds, may require weekly baths. Short-haired dogs and breeds with water-resistant coats should generally bathe once a month or less.