6 Dog Bathing Tips Every Owner Should Know

Bathing your dog sounds simple enough, right? Water, shampoo, rinse, done. Except… your dog sprints out mid-lather. You’re soaked. The shampoo’s in your eye. And somehow, your house smells worse than before?

Yup, we’ve all been there.

But bath time doesn’t have to be chaos. With a few smart tweaks, you can turn the whole thing into something that’s actually kind of enjoyable — or at least not a disaster.

Here are 6 dog bathing tips that’ll make life easier for both of you.

1. Brush First, Bathe Later

Before you even think about turning on the water, grab that brush.

Why?

• It removes loose hair and dirt
• Untangles mats (which get worse when wet)
• Helps the shampoo actually reach the skin

For short-haired dogs, a rubber curry brush works wonders. For long-haired floofs? A slicker brush or dematter is your new best friend.

Bonus: Brushing first also helps calm your dog — it’s like the spa “check-in” before the bath.

2. Use Lukewarm Water (Not Arctic or Lava)

You like hot showers. Your dog? Not so much. Too cold and they’re miserable. Too hot and it can irritate their skin.

Lukewarm water is the sweet spot — comfortably warm to your wrist but not hot.

If your dog bolts every time you turn on the tap, try filling the tub before they come in. The sound of rushing water can stress some pups out more than the bath itself.

Pro tip: Place a non-slip mat or towel in the tub to help them feel more secure. No one likes sliding around like a cartoon character.

3. Pick the Right Shampoo (And Don’t Use Yours)

Dog skin is way more sensitive than human skin. Your fancy mint-lavender-peppermint shampoo? Too harsh. And human pH = not dog pH.

Choose a dog-specific shampoo based on your pup’s needs:

• Gentle oatmeal shampoo for dry or itchy skin
• Medicated or antifungal for certain conditions (ask your vet)
• Deodorizing for dogs who love rolling in mystery substances

Or go DIY with a natural homemade shampoo (like we covered earlier 😉).

PSA: Never use tea tree oil, peppermint, or citrus oils unless specifically labeled dog-safe. They can be toxic.

4. Start at the Neck, Work Your Way Down

Once your dog is wet and shampooed, resist the urge to scrub randomly like you’re washing dishes.

Start at the neck and work your way toward the tail, avoiding the eyes and inside the ears. Massage gently into the coat and down to the skin.

Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes if your dog is particularly dirty or stinky — just make sure they’re not plotting their escape in the meantime.

Tip: Use a washcloth for the face. No one likes a shampoo-in-the-eye situation — especially not your pup.

5. Rinse Like You Mean It

This might be the most important tip on the list. Leftover shampoo = skin irritation, itching, and that weird crusty residue you don’t want.

Rinse thoroughly. Then rinse again. And maybe one more time, just to be safe.

Run your hands through the coat as you rinse to make sure all the soap is out — especially in long-haired dogs where it loves to hide.

Shortcut: Use a handheld sprayer or pitcher to target the rinse. Or, if your dog is small, the kitchen sink is surprisingly effective.

6. Dry Smart (Before the Zoomies Begin)

If you think the bath is over when the water’s off — lol. You’ve got about 30 seconds before the Zoomies™ activate.

First, towel dry as much as possible. Use a microfiber towel if you have one — it soaks up way more water and helps reduce drying time.

Got a long-haired or thick-coated pup? You can use a blow dryer on low heat and low speed, but keep it moving and never aim directly at their ears or face.

If your dog hates the dryer, no biggie. Let them air dry in a warm space and maybe gently close the door so they don’t redecorate the living room with muddy paws.

Final Thoughts

Bath time doesn’t have to be an Olympic sport. With the right tools, a little prep, and a lot of towels, you can turn it into a bonding moment instead of a chaotic slip-n-slide.

Quick recap:

• Brush before you bathe
• Use lukewarm water only
• Choose a dog-safe shampoo
• Lather smart, rinse better
• Dry fast or get out of the way

And always end with a treat. Because no matter how wet, wiggly, or dramatic your dog is during the bath — they still deserve a reward for surviving it.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉

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