How to Bathe a Dog

Bathing your dog is an essential part of pet care that not only keeps them clean but also promotes a healthy coat and skin. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to bathe your dog safely and effectively, ensuring a stress-free experience for both you and your furry friend!

Here are some things to know:

1. Dog breeds that have downward-facing ears, such as Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, are prone to ear infections. It is CRUCIAL that their ears are cleaned thoroughly.
2. Dog shampoos can help cater to the type of coat your dog has, how old your dog is, and the skin condition your dog has (Ex: Dandruff). Try to buy one based off of that!
3. In this guide, we will be using Dawn dish soap to wash certain parts of your dog. I know people have many different opinions for using Dawn to wash animals, so if you, personally, would not like to use Dawn, then you can just skip that step and/or replace the Dawn dish soap with shampoo. More information about this will be provided in step 4.

Before you begin, you will need:

1. Dog shampoo (Choose one based on your dogs’ coat or skin condition!)
2. A sink or tub (Large enough to fit your dog) equipped with a spray nozzle
3. A (large) towel
4. Dog ear cleaning solution (https://a.co/d/heaOAOK)
5. Cotton balls
6. Dawn dish soap (https://a.co/d/3gnqdHf)
7. A dog grooming comb (https://a.co/d/c8QsjLP) *We will be using this pack of 2 in this guide!*

A non-slip mat is optional but can help prevent slips (https://a.co/d/7Yp7J03)

1. Gather all the materials (shampoo, towel, spray nozzle, comb, etc.) within reach.
2. Optional – Place a non-slip mat in the tub or sink to prevent your dog from slipping.
3. Ensure the water temperature is lukewarm, not too hot or cold.
4. Make sure the area is free from any items that could slip or cause injury.

1. Apply the dog ear cleaning solution onto a cotton ball.
2. Gently clean the outer part of the ears, making sure to avoid pushing anything into the ear canal.
3. You do not need to rinse off the ear cleaning solution (Unless your product states to!).

1. Use the spray nozzle to wet your dog, starting from the neck and moving down to the tail.
2. *Avoid spraying directly in your dog’s ears or face to prevent discomfort.*
3. Wet your dog’s head, allowing the water to run down to their face.
4. You can use your hand to shield your dog's eyes from the water.

Dogs’ paws and ears tend to get really greasy; Dawn dish soap can help get rid of that grease. Dawn dish soap is safe to use on animals if watered down and used in moderate amounts.

1. Take your dawn dish soap and create a watered down solution of it, just enough to lather your dog’s paws and ears.
2. Apply Dawn dish soap onto your dog’s paws, lathering them well.
3. Apply a small amount of Dawn dish soap onto your hand, then gently lather the outside of your dog’s ears. (Please refer to the picture provided)
4. Rinse off these areas thoroughly with water.

1. Apply dog shampoo to your dog’s coat, starting from the neck and working your way down.
2. Avoid using the shampoo on the areas where you applied Dawn dish soap.
3. Focus on your dog’s stomach area, ensuring it’s cleaned thoroughly.
4. Dogs lay on their stomach often, making it quite dirty.

Dog grooming combs are used to remove any tear stains or debris around the dog’s rear-end.

1. Use a dog comb to gently clean tear stains around the eyes.
2. *Be gentle to avoid causing discomfort to your dog.*
3. Using that same dog comb, or a different one, gently clean any feces around the rear end.
4. *If you’re using the same dog comb, make sure you clean your dog’s eyes first to avoid infections.*

1. Apply shampoo on your hands and then lather it onto your dog’s head and face.
2. *Avoid getting the shampoo in your dog’s eyes.*

1. Rinse your dog thoroughly with water, ensuring that all shampoo and Dawn dish soap is removed.
2. *Check that there are no soap residues left on the skin or fur.*

1. Use a towel to gently dry your dog, starting with the body and then moving to the head.
2. Most dog’s dislike having their rear-end and face wet, try to make sure those are the most dry.

And then you're done! Don't forget to brush out your dog's coat. You can use a blow dryer to help dry your dog's fur faster. Enjoy your nice and clean furry friend!