Dry Bath for Dogs

For a quick, less messy way to wash your dog, use the dry bath method. This is also a great method to use during cold months when a wet dog could more easily become sick.

  1. Preparation

    • Gather materials for the bath, including at least three old towels, baking soda or dry shampoo, a dog brush, and a trash can or bag.

    Pre-brushing

    • Put your dog in the bathtub or on a towel on the bathroom floor. Run the brush over your dog's coat first to get rid of the loose hair. Toss the removed dog hair into the trash can.

    Bathing

    • Pour a liberal amount of the baking soda or dry shampoo on your dog's coat. Use one of your towels to rub the product vigorously into the coat. Then brush your dog's coat as usual. Use another clean towel to wipe off the remaining powder.

    Cleanup

    • If you put your dog on a towel, you can roll up the towel and shake it out in the trash or outside. If you used the bathtub, you can rinse the powder down the drain with the bath water. Throw removed hair into the trash.

    Considerations

    • A wire brush will work the powder into your dog's hair better than a synthetic material, and it will also pull out loose hair. However, this may not be an option if your dog's coat is short as the wires will hurt the dog's skin.