How to Wash Your Dog With Diluted Dawn Detergent

Dawn dish washing detergent can be used to remove grease and oil from a dog's coat, and neutralize strong odors. According to the International Bird Rescue Research Center, Dawn has been used in rescue efforts to save aquatic birds caught in oil spills because it ̶0;is effective at cleaning and removing oil while being gentle to birds̵7; feathers and delicate skin." Readily available to most American consumers, Dawn can be used in place of more expensive canine-specific shampoos.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Dawn dish washing liquid
  • Plastic pitcher or measuring cup
  • 1 qt. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • Towel
  • Optional:
  • Blow dryer
  • Brush
  • Canine-specific conditioner
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Instructions

  1. General Preparation

    • 1

      Gather all the items you'll need and put them within easy reach of the tub or area where you'll be washing your dog.

    • 2

      Protect the dog̵7;s ears by gently placing cotton balls in the entrance to the ear canals. This step prevents water from causing discomfort, particularly for dogs with prick (upstanding) ears.

    • 3

      Smear a small amount of petroleum jelly around at the inside corner of the dog̵7;s eye. Spread the petroleum jelly underneath the eye, using a fingertip, using a motion from the inside corner to the outside corner of the eye.

    Grease Removal

    • 4

      Mix 1 tsp. of Dawn dish washing detergent into 1 qt. of warm water.

    • 5

      Wet the dog's coat to the skin.

    • 6

      Pour the diluted Dawn dish washing detergent on the dog starting at the back of the head, along the spine and to the base of the tail. Work the soap into the coat with your fingertips.

    • 7

      Let the lather stand in the dog̵7;s coat for approximately five minutes. Rinse with warm water until it runs clear. Follow up with coat conditioner, if desired.

    • 8

      Dry the dog with a towel. Brush and blow dry the dog as needed.

    Odor Removal

    • 9

      Combine 1 qt. of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/3 cup baking soda, and 1 tsp. of Dawn dish washing detergent in a plastic pitcher or measuring cup.

    • 10

      Wet the coat to the skin.

    • 11

      Pour the diluted Dawn dish washing detergent on the dog starting at the back of the head, along the spine and to the base of the tail. Work the soap into the coat using your fingertips.

    • 12

      Let the lather stand in the dog̵7;s coat for at least 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water until it runs clear. Follow up with coat conditioner, if desired.

    • 13

      Dry the dog with a towel. Brush and blow dry the dog as needed.