How to Wash a Dog in the Winter

Washing the dog is often seen as an outdoor activity, using a hose and a bucket or an outdoor tub. But what do you do when the snow flies, and the dog is still dirty? Washing your dog indoors to protect it from the winter cold will ensure your dog is happy and healthy, keep your house from developing a "doggy" smell, and protect furniture and carpets from dirt the dog drags in during his necessary trips outside.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog tub, or regular tub or shower
  • Warm water
  • Dog shampoo
  • Scrub brush
  • Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where you're going to bathe the dog. If you have a heated garage, or the garage is relatively warm, you could opt to use a regular dog tub in this area of the house. Otherwise, you could use your bathtub.

      Some dogs don't do well in tubs because they won't hold still, or they jump out of the tub. In this case, washing the dog in a shower with a sliding door is a great option, since he can't get away while you're cleaning him.

    • 2

      Brush the dog. This is especially important with long-haired dogs, since they often have loose, shedding hair or mats in their coats.

    • 3

      Wet the dog. Be sure the water is warm---you don't want the dog to get sick or be uncomfortable from being bathed in cold water. The water shouldn't be too hot, though, or you could burn the dog's skin. Luke warm is a good temperature, though if you're in the shower with the dog you might want the water a little warmer for your own comfort.

    • 4

      Apply shampoo. Use a shampoo specially made for dogs. Flea or tick shampoo helps prevent these pests from making homes in your dog's fur, though they are less prevalent in the winter time. A shampoo to help combat dry skin is a good choice, too, especially in the winter when the humidity is low.

    • 5

      Rinse. Be sure to get all the soap out of the dog's fur. If soap is left behind, it could cause irritation, leaving your dog itchy and uncomfortable. Repeat steps two through four until your dog is clean.

    • 6

      Dry the dog thoroughly. Don't leave him wet, or he could get sick when exposed to cold outdoor temperatures. Use plenty of towels to get as much water out of the dog's fur as you can.

    • 7

      Keep the dog inside for a while, if possible. Don't let him go outside immediately, or he's likely to roll in the dirt (or something worse), sabotaging your best bathing efforts. Also, by keeping him inside, he'll get a chance to dry even more, preventing chills.