How to Bathe a Dog With Dry Shampoo

Giving your dog a bath does not always have to be a messy and wet experience. A dog's coat can be kept clean and fresh smelling between traditional baths with the help of dry shampoos. These alternative shampoos in powder form are rubbed onto the dog and then brushed out. Dogs that are afraid of baths, too sick, young or old to receive traditional baths, or that are recovering from surgery can all benefit from a dry shampoo bath. Dry baths are also very practical during cold weather months.

Things You'll Need

  • Brush or comb
  • Towel
  • Treat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase dry dog shampoo from a pet supply store. There are many commercially made products to choose from and many of them have added perfumes to give your dog a pleasant smell.

    • 2

      Take your dog to an area that can get dirty, such as the outdoors. If that is not a possibility, go to a place that will offer easy clean up of the powder residue such as a bathtub or shower.

    • 3

      Brush your dog with a pet brush or comb. Remove any mats from the fur as well as any debris.

    • 4

      Apply the dry shampoo to your dog's fur. Sprinkle the shampoo starting near your dog's neck and work down the back toward the tail. Rub the dry shampoo into your dog's coat as you go. Apply enough dry shampoo that the powder is able to reach the dog's skin.

    • 5

      Brush or comb your dog after the dry shampoo has had five minutes to sit on your dog's fur. This allows the powder to absorb oil and dirt from the hair. Start brushing from the head of the dog and end at the tail.

    • 6

      Wipe any excess dry shampoo off of your dog with a towel and then reward him with a treat for his cooperation in the bathing process.