Tips for Bathing Your Dog
Shampoos
Use a pet shampoo. Pet shampoos are pH balanced to be gentle on a dog's skin. Using a human shampoo can cause your pet's skin to become dry, itchy or flaky.
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| Vita-Soothe Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo (17 oz) | White as a Lily Shampoo (16 oz) | LumiLyt Whitening Shampoo (12 oz) | Sulfox™ Shampoo (12 oz) |
Frequency
Bathe the dog infrequently. Dogs don't need a bath very often; once a month is plenty. A veterinarian or groomer can advise you on how often your particular breed of dog should have a bath. Some dogs shouldn't be bathed more than two or three times per year.
Brushing
Brush the dog first. By brushing your dog before you bathe them, you are reducing the tangles and mats that may be more difficult to remove while they are wet. Always brush them after bathing as well, in order to help the coat lie down flat.
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| Millers Forge Curved Slicker Brush - REGULAR | Bamboo Dog body brush with shampoo applicator | FURminator Deshedding Tool | Brush Buddy |
Sensitive Areas
Keep water away from eyes and ears. A dog's eyes and ears can be very sensitive to water and shampoo. Cotton balls can be placed loosely in a dog's ears prior to bathing them to keep water out of their eardrums. Remove the cotton balls when the bath is done. Shampoo in a dog's eyes can be very irritating; use a product like paralube to keep the water away.
Rinsing
Rinse thoroughly. Thoroughly rinsing your dog is very important, especially if they have a long or thick coat. Residual shampoo can irritate the skin causing the dog to itch. Soapy water left between their toes can also be irritating, causing them to lick or nibble at this tender skin.
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| HydroSurge RapidBath Pet Bathing System | EfaLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo (12 oz) | Vet's Best Hot Spot Spray | Bio-Groom Silk Creme Rinse Conditioner |
Drying
Dry the dog thoroughly. Clean, dry towels are the best way to dry your dog after their bath. If you let them outside before they're dry, you might find that they find a dirty patch of ground in which to roll, causing them to get dirty again.
Done!
Giving your dog a bath can be a fun time for both of you. Just remember to keep the water warm, not hot or cold, and be as quick and thorough as possible.
