How to bathe and dry your dog at home
How often, with which products, how to dry it without fear and how to keep the coat in good condition between baths.
Bathing a dog at home is easy if you prepare everything before you wet it and if you never use the bathroom sink. Frequency, products, drying and how to avoid the two classic problems: mats in the coat and an ear infection.
Quick facts: bathing at home
Before wetting it
- Brush the coat thoroughly: knots that go in wet tighten and are much harder to remove.
- Put a non-slip mat in the tub or shower, and close the door so it cannot escape.
- Have at hand: dog shampoo, two towels, cotton wool for the ears and a jug or shower head with soft pressure.
- Lukewarm water always: hot water burns the skin and cold water makes it shake.
Washing without drama
Wet the whole body from the neck down, avoiding eyes and ears. Apply diluted shampoo and massage, leaving the head for last: the face is cleaned with a damp cloth. Rinse until no foam is left —two or three rinses— because leftover product causes itching and dandruff.
Drying
First with a towel, pressing —never rubbing in circles, which tangles the hair—. Then, if the dog tolerates it, a hairdryer on cool or the lowest heat, at a distance of about 30 cm, moving it all the time. Pay special attention to the armpits, the groin, between the toes and under the ears.
Ears and afterwards
Dry the ear with a soft cloth, only the part you can see; never insert ear buds or water. To finish, brush again and give it a treat: ending on something pleasant is what makes the next bath easier.
When something is wrong
If the skin is red, if it scratches a lot after the bath, if it smells bad a day later or if there is brown discharge in the ears, that is a skin or ear infection: it needs a vet and a specific treatment, not more baths.
Keep reading these guides
Hygiene is part of the weekly routine:
Frequently asked questions
How often should a dog be bathed?
Every six to eight weeks is enough for most dogs, and less often for short-haired breeds. Bathing every week dries the skin and takes the natural oils out of the coat.
Can I use my own shampoo?
No. Human shampoo has a pH for our skin (around 5.5) and the dog's is around 7. It causes itching and dryness. Use a shampoo for dogs, and a specific one if it has a skin problem.
What do I do if it hates water?
Go in small steps: first let it sniff the bathroom, then lukewarm water up to the paws and a treat. Keep each session short and always end with a reward or a game.