Dog Bathing Tips

Depending on the breed of dog, they will need baths up to eight times a year. Dogs with fast-growing hair that needs clipping often and show dogs need to be bathed more often than pet dogs or short-haired dogs. But dogs love to get messy and roll in smelly objects such as corpses and manure, so a general rule is to bathe whenever the dog stinks.

  1. Puppies

    • According to "The KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy" (Lz Palika, 2002), puppies have very sensitive skin and cannot even tolerate baby shampoo. Get a shampoo just for puppies. One way to make bathing less frightening is to stick the puppy in water that only comes up to the puppy's belly. Take a cup and pour some bath water over the puppy's back. Immediately take him/her out of the tub or basin, praise and towel off. This can help a puppy prepare for the full bathing experience. A very good time to do this is when the puppy is between eight and 14 weeks old, when it is most impressionable.

    Preparation

    • Be sure to have everything you need for the bath within arm's reach before placing the dog in the tub or basin. The goal is to make the bath as quick as possible for the dog. It is best to bathe a dog indoors in case the dog decides to run away. Many dogs are frightened of the bathing experience and cower still in the tub. Bring to the bathing room the shampoo, any necessary conditioner, a large cup for rinsing, a hair dryer for long-haired dogs and plenty of old towels. Put a non-skid mat in the tub or basin if possible so the dog doesn't slip around and become frightened. If there is a problem of too much water and soap getting into the ears, place cotton wads gently in the ears. If the dog shakes them out in the bath, leave them be.

    Bathing

    • If the dog is reluctant to get in the tub, put a collar and lead on the dog to help encourage the dog to go in. If possible, get a helper to lift the dog into the tub. Rinse the dog so that the fur is thoroughly wet. Make sure water doesn't get in the ears and eyes. Unless the dog's head is filthy, leave the head of a scared dog alone. Talk to the dog as if you were talking to a friend in a casual manner. Lather up the dog, then rinse. If using a spray hose or a shower spray attachment, make sure the head is not aimed at the dog when turning the water on. The sudden spray of water could scare the dog.