Do-It-Yourself Dog Washes

If the thought of dog fur in the bathtub and wet dog odor in your home makes you cringe, then a do-it-yourself dog wash may be a great option to get your pet clean. For $10 to $30, many laundromats, pet retail stores or grooming salons will allow customers to use their tubs, dryers and even shampoos to wash a dog. And best of all, they clean the mess afterward.

  1. Supplies Needed

    • Call the local do-it-yourself dog wash and ask them what dog bathing and grooming supplies are included in the service. Ask if dog shampoo, conditioner and detanglers are provided or if they can be purchased at the facility for a nominal fee. Find out if they provide towels, a hand held dryer, or a specially designed kennel that circulates air around the dog's coat.

      Other options to inquire about are ramps for large or elderly dogs to enter the bathing tub, ear cleaning supplies, a toe nail trimmer, teeth brushing supplies and towels.

    Preparation

    • Dress for a messy experience. Wear a water resistant jacket or a T-shirt that can become wet and possibly soiled with dog fur, urine, feces or vomit. Some pets get nervous during the process, and may have an accident. A change of shirt is a good idea, so you don't have to drive home damp.

      Bring a collar, leash and vaccination records for the dog. Some pet facilities require proof of shots if they will be around other pets.

    Process

    • Start by adjusting the water to a warm temperature. Let the water run for a minute so it can stabilize before placing the dog in the tub. Remove the dog's leash and collar, fully soak the dog's coat, then apply a dog safe shampoo. Work the soap into the coat, massaging the skin as you go. Be sure to get shampoo in the fur around the paws, under their armpits and in the wrinkles if they are a breed with that type of skin.

      Rinse the soap from the dog's coat. Keep rinsing until abosolutely no suds are visible. Apply a conditioner if desired. Work this into the coat and rinse thoroughly. Use a dryer if provided, or towel dry the dog before combing his fur.

      When a professional groomer begins the dog bathing process, they usually do some basic grooming before the dog even sees the bath tub. A sanitary clip around the dog's rear, nail trim, teeth brushing and ear cleaning are common. Brushing the dog's coat to remove tangles before it gets wet will also make the bathing process easier. If you want some of these services, but don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, consult a dog groomer.