A Pawtastic Guide to Washing Your Dog: Tips for a Cleaner, Happier Pet

Jan 29
7 min read

Yorkshire Terrier with a red collar looks at the camera, paws resting on the edge of a white tub. The setting is bright and clean.

This article is a guest contribution from Leigh and his dedicated team at Morton Dog House, a fantastic center in the United Kingdom offering dog daycare, dog boarding, and dog training — all with a strong focus on positive enrichment for dogs’ everyday lives.

Morton Dog House is a family-run business built on a genuine love for dogs and a deep commitment to doing things the right way. Leigh and his team base their work on ethical, non-harm approaches, using positive reinforcement and life enrichment techniques to support dogs both emotionally and physically. They understand the realities of everyday life and how hard it can be to balance work, time, and a dog’s needs — and they’re there to help families find that balance, harmony, and happiness. With modern evidence showing that walks alone aren’t enough to support a dog’s wellbeing, their daycare, boarding, and training services are designed to provide meaningful enrichment that truly meets dogs’ needs.

If you’d like to learn more about their work, visit Morton Dog House.

A big thank you to Leigh and the Morton Dog House team for sharing their experience and helping us make daily life better for dogs.

The Dirty Dog

Every dog owner knows that playful pups have a knack for getting dirty during their daily adventures, whether from a romp in the park or a muddy dog walking session. Ensuring your furry friend stays clean is crucial not only for their health but also for maintaining a fresh and inviting home environment. Knowing the best practices for washing your dog is essential, as it encompasses much more than just a quick rinse. In this guide, we will explore effective washing techniques and products to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Bathing is not just about appearance. A proper wash helps remove loose hair, skin flakes, and everyday debris, while supporting a balanced skin environment and a healthy, naturally shiny coat.

For some dogs, bathing goes beyond routine grooming. Dogs with certain skin conditions may need specific bathing schedules or products as part of their overall care plan, as recommended by a veterinarian.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

There’s no fixed schedule. How often a dog needs a bath depends on the individual, their coat, lifestyle, and skin health. In general, bathe your dog when there’s a valid reason — not just because time has passed.

A bath is usually needed when your dog is truly dirty or has an unpleasant odour. A normal “dog smell” can be completely healthy, so if your dog isn’t dirty and smells typical, bathing is often unnecessary.

Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin and coat by stripping away natural oils. Washing only when needed helps maintain this protective balance.

Dogs with skin conditions may need specific bathing routines or products as part of their treatment plan, as advised by a veterinarian. Dogs who swim regularly may also need fewer baths.

Three muddy dogs stand on grass, surrounded by leafless trees. The dogs look content, one with its tongue out, in a wintery setting.

If your dog develops a strong, unusual smell with no obvious cause, have them checked by a vet, as skin or ear issues can sometimes be the reason.

Preparing for the Wash

Before diving into the actual washing process, it's important to set the stage properly. Preparing to wash your dog involves selecting the appropriate location, gathering the necessary supplies, and ensuring your pet is mentally ready for the bath. This preparation can greatly reduce stress for both you and your dog.

Choosing the Right Location

The location where you wash your dog can impact the entire experience. A calm and secure environment is essential. For smaller dogs, a sink or bathtub might suffice, while larger dogs might require an outdoor space.

- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Indoors offers a controlled environment, ideal for cold weather. Outdoors provides space but requires fair weather.

- Consider your dog's size: Ensure the space accommodates your dog comfortably.

- Safety first: Secure any slippery surfaces to prevent accidents.

Making the right choice can significantly influence the ease and efficiency of the washing process.

Gather Your Supplies

Having all the necessary supplies on hand will streamline your dog wash routine. Essential items include dog-friendly shampoo, towels, brushes and maybe even a dog drying robe. It's crucial to use products specifically designed for dogs to avoid skin irritations.

1. Shampoo: Opt for a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to protect your dog's skin.

A word of caution: Never use regular human shampoo on your dog, as it’s made for a different skin pH and can disrupt the natural skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and skin issues.

2. Brush: Pre-bath brushing helps remove loose fur and detangle knots.

3. Washcloth: Use a washcloth to gently wash your dog’s face.

4. Towels: Have a few ready for drying, as dogs may require more than one.

5. Optional: Use a dog drying robe: After towel drying, a dog drying robe can help absorb remaining moisture and keep your dog warm while the coat continues to dry.

Gathering these supplies ahead of time ensures a smooth and efficient washing session.

Preparing Your Dog Mentally

Preparing your dog mentally for a wash involves calming techniques. Begin by creating a positive association with bath time. Praise and treats can be valuable tools in this process.

• Build handling comfort: Before bath time, help your dog feel comfortable with being handled in general. Gently stroke and touch different body areas — chest, shoulders, sides, back — and slowly work your way toward legs, paws, and other more sensitive spots. Take it step by step and reward calm behavior with praise and high-value treats. This builds positive associations with touch and helps your dog stay relaxed and cooperative when you handle these areas during bathing. For extra support, you’ll find step-by-step Cooperative Care videos right inside the DOGLi app.

• Introduce gradually: Allow your dog to explore and get comfortable with the washing area before turning on water.

• Use rewards: Reinforce calm behavior with treats and quiet praise to help your dog link bath time with positive experiences.

• Use a lick mat with suction cups: Spread a soft food (e.g., wet food, yogurt suitable for dogs, or a spread recommended for dogs) on a lick mat and stick it to the wall of the tub or shower. Licking has a naturally calming effect and gives your dog a focused, positive activity during the bath.

• Stay calm: Your demeanor can influence your dog's mood.

Reducing stress before and during the bath supports cooperation and makes the experience easier for both of you.

Washing Techniques

Now that preparations are complete, it's time to move on to the washing techniques. These techniques ensure your dog is thoroughly cleaned while minimizing stress and discomfort. Proper washing techniques are key to maintaining a healthy and happy pet.

Step-by-Step Bathing Guide

Washing your dog should be a systematic process to ensure all areas are cleaned effectively. Follow these steps for a successful bath:

1. Wet your dog thoroughly: Use lukewarm water and gentle, low pressure to soak your dog, avoiding the face and ears.

2. Apply shampoo: Start from the neck down and lather gently to avoid tangles.

Brown dog being gently washed in a bathtub, covered in soapy water. Hands lather shampoo, creating a calm, caring atmosphere.

3. Rinse thoroughly: Ensure no shampoo residue remains, as it can irritate the skin.

4. Dry gently: Use towels to remove excess water.

5. Use a dog drying robe: After towel drying, a dog drying robe can help absorb remaining moisture and keep your dog warm while the coat continues to dry.

Handling Sensitive Areas

Special care is needed when washing your dog's sensitive areas such as the face and ears. These areas require a gentle approach to prevent discomfort or injury.

• Face: Use a damp cloth instead of direct water to clean the face.

• Ears: Avoid water entering the ear canal; gently clean with a damp cloth.

• Eyes: Use caution to prevent shampoo from coming into contact with the eyes.

By focusing on these areas, you can ensure your dog remains comfortable during the bath. More information can be found at Purina's guide.

After the Wash – Drying and Grooming

Drying and grooming post-wash are crucial steps in the dog washing process. Proper drying techniques and regular grooming routines help maintain your dog's coat health and cleanliness.

Best Drying Methods

• Expect the shake: Most dogs will instinctively do a full-body shake to shed water. Totally normal — just step back unless you’re volunteering for the splash zone.

Dog being bathed, water splashing everywhere. Person in blue gloves holds showerhead. Dog's head tilted up, background is metallic. Mood: playful.

• Towel dry first: Use large, absorbent towels to gently blot and squeeze water from the coat. Focus on removing moisture rather than rubbing, which can cause tangles.

• Use a dog drying robe: A dog drying robe is very practical after towel drying. It absorbs remaining moisture, helps keep your dog warm — especially in cooler temperatures or for dogs that chill easily — and also helps keep your car and home cleaner.

• Allow to finish air drying: With or without a drying robe, most dogs can finish drying naturally in a warm, draft-free environment.

• Use dryers only if necessary: Many dogs find blow dryers stressful, and heat can irritate the skin. If you must use one, supervise closely, keep it well away from the dog, avoid the head, and always use a low, comfortable temperature.

Wet Corgi wrapped in a blue towel smiles happily, sitting in a bathroom with a mosaic tiled wall in the background.

Importance of Post-Wash Grooming

Grooming after a wash is vital for your dog's overall health. It includes brushing the coat and checking for any skin issues or parasites.

• Brush: Regular brushing helps prevent matting and promotes a healthy coat.

• Check: Look for any signs of irritation or parasites during grooming.

• Trim: If necessary, trim overgrown fur or nails.

Post-wash grooming keeps your dog looking their best and can highlight potential health issues early.

Final Thoughts

A well-planned, gentle bath routine does more than keep your dog clean. It supports healthy skin and coat, helps you notice small changes early, and builds trust through calm, positive handling. With the right approach, bath time can become just another moment of care, cooperation, and connection between you and your dog.

Download the DOGLi app now and discover more than 250 activity and enrichment ideas for your dog!