How to Bathe a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide

Some dogs love bath time. Others treat it like an emergency. Either way, a good bath is about more than a nice smell. It removes dirt, loose hair and allergens, and gives you a chance to check your dog’s skin, ears and paws.

This guide covers how often to bathe, what to buy, the steps for a calm bath, and how to dry your dog properly. It also covers mistakes that cause skin problems or bad experiences.

The short answer

• Most dogs don’t need frequent baths. Many do well with a bath every few weeks to every couple of months, but it depends on the coat, lifestyle and skin.
• Use a shampoo made for dogs, and rinse thoroughly.
• Use lukewarm water, and keep it out of the eyes and ears.
• Brush first, and dry properly afterwards.
• Make it positive, with treats and a calm voice.
• Skin problems, strong odours or itching need a vet, not more baths.

How often should you bathe a dog?

There’s no single schedule. A common guideline is every four to eight weeks for many healthy dogs, but it varies:

• Dogs that get dirty, swim or roll in things may need baths more often.
• Dogs with oily coats or skin conditions may need a schedule set by a vet.
• Short, smooth-coated dogs often need fewer baths.
• Double-coated and fluffy breeds usually need brushing more than bathing. See our guide to the best fluffy dog breeds for grooming needs.
• Dogs with allergies or skin problems may need medicated baths, but only as your vet directs.

Too many baths can dry out the skin and strip natural oils, causing itching and flaking. If your dog smells soon after a bath or keeps itching, don’t just bathe more often. That’s a reason to ask your vet.

What you need

• Dog shampoo. Dog skin differs from human skin, so human shampoo isn’t a good regular choice and can irritate. Choose a gentle, dog-specific shampoo, and an unscented or lightly scented one if your dog has sensitive skin.
• Medicated shampoo only if your vet recommends it, and follow their directions.
• A brush or comb suited to the coat
• Non-slip mat for the tub or shower
• Cup, hose or handheld shower head for wetting and rinsing
• Towels, more than you think you need
• Treats to reward your dog
• Cotton balls for the ears (see below)
• A hair trap for the drain, since dog hair clogs plumbing

Before the bath

1. Brush thoroughly. Remove loose hair and tangles first. Water tightens mats and makes them harder to remove, so work out any mats before the bath, or ask a groomer if they’re severe.
2. Check the skin, ears, eyes and paws. Look for lumps, sores, redness, parasites or anything unusual.
3. Trim nails if needed. Wet dogs that scratch can hurt you, and wet nails are softer. Our guide to how to trim your dog’s nails shows how.
4. Put everything within reach, because you can’t leave a wet dog in the tub.
5. Make the space safe and comfortable, with a non-slip surface and a warm room.

Step-by-step bath

Step 1: Get the water right.
Use lukewarm water. Test it on your wrist. Water that feels warm to you may feel hot to your dog, and dogs can be scalded. Cold water isn’t pleasant either.

Step 2: Wet your dog thoroughly.
Start at the neck and work back, using a cup or handheld shower. Wet right down to the skin, particularly with thick coats. Avoid spraying directly into the face.

Step 3: Protect the ears and eyes.
Don’t let water or shampoo get into the ears, since moisture can lead to ear infections, especially in dogs with floppy ears. Some owners place a cotton ball loosely in each ear, then remove it afterwards. Don’t push it in deep. Keep shampoo away from the eyes.

Step 4: Apply shampoo.
Dilute it if the label says to. Work it into a lather from the neck down, along the body, legs, belly and tail. Wash the face last with a damp cloth, avoiding the eyes, ears and nose.

Step 5: Rinse, then rinse again.
Leftover shampoo is a common cause of itching and flaky skin. Rinse until the water runs clear, checking armpits, belly, groin and between the toes, where shampoo hides.

Step 6: Reward and stay calm.
Offer treats and praise throughout. Keep your voice soothing, and stop if your dog becomes very distressed.

Drying

• Towel dry first. Squeeze and pat. Rubbing hard can tangle long coats.
• Let your dog shake. Most dogs will, so stand back, or drape a towel over them.
• Use a dryer only if your dog tolerates it, on the low heat or cool setting, and keep it moving and at a distance. Heat can burn skin quickly. Introduce the noise gradually. Don’t use a dryer on a frightened dog.
• Dry thoroughly, particularly dogs with thick or double coats, where dampness can lead to skin problems. Keep your dog warm until completely dry, and out of drafts, especially small dogs, puppies and older dogs.
• Brush while drying for long coats, to prevent tangles.
• Dry the ears gently with a towel or cotton ball.

Special cases

Puppies. Puppies can’t regulate temperature well and may be easily stressed. Ask your vet when it’s appropriate to bathe your puppy and which shampoo to use. Keep early baths short, warm and positive, and pair them with treats. Make sure vaccinations are on schedule before going to public groomers or outdoor spaces.

Small dogs. They get cold quickly, so use warm (not hot) water, a warm room and prompt drying. A sink can work if they’re small enough, with a non-slip mat.

Double-coated and fluffy dogs. Brush first, rinse for longer, and dry thoroughly. Don’t shave a double coat without advice from a groomer or vet.

Flat-faced breeds (such as Pugs and French Bulldogs). Keep water away from the face and nose, take care in warm, humid rooms, and don’t use a dryer close to the face. Clean skin folds gently and dry them thoroughly, since moisture trapped in folds can cause infections.

Senior dogs and dogs with arthritis. Help them in and out of the tub, use a non-slip mat, and keep sessions short.

Dogs recovering from surgery, with wounds or on certain medications. Ask your vet before bathing.

Dogs on flea and tick treatments. Some spot-on products shouldn’t be washed off for a period of time, so check the label or ask your vet before bathing.

Nervous dogs

• Start with short, positive experiences. Let your dog get used to the bathroom, the tub and the sound of water, with treats, before a real bath.
• Use a lick mat smeared with something tasty, stuck to the wall, to keep your dog occupied.
• Take it slowly. A partial bath is better than a panic.
• Don’t force or restrain hard.
• Ask a groomer or a trainer for help if your dog is very frightened. Some vets can advise on anxiety if it’s severe.

Between baths

You don’t always need a full wash:

• Brush regularly, which spreads natural oils and removes dirt and loose hair.
• Wipe paws and belly after muddy walks, with a damp cloth or pet wipes.
• Use dog-safe wipes for quick cleanups.
• Wash bedding regularly, since dirty bedding makes a clean dog smell again.
• Brush teeth as part of the routine. See our guide to how to brush a dog’s teeth.
• Check ears, and ask your vet how to clean them if needed.

When to see a vet instead

A bath won’t fix a medical problem. Contact your vet if your dog has:

• Persistent itching, scratching or licking
• Red, inflamed, flaky, greasy or smelly skin
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Sores, scabs or lumps
• Fleas, ticks or signs of mites
• Ear problems, including head shaking, smell or discharge
• A strong smell that returns soon after bathing

Skin and coat problems can come from allergies, parasites, infections or other health conditions, and food can play a part. Our guide to reading a pet food label explains what to look for in a complete diet, but don’t change food to treat a skin problem without talking to your vet.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using human shampoo or harsh household cleaners
• Using essential oils. Some, including tea tree oil, can be harmful to dogs, and especially to cats in the same home.
• Water that’s too hot or too cold
• Getting water in the ears
• Not rinsing enough
• Bathing a matted coat without brushing out the mats first
• Bathing too often
• Letting a wet dog get chilled
• Leaving your dog unattended in the tub or on a table

Final thoughts

A good bath is brushed first, warm, thorough and gentle, and not done more often than your dog needs. Take your time, keep it positive, and use the bath to check your dog over. If you spot skin problems, a persistent smell or itching, call your vet. For more on caring for your dog, see how our reviews work.

Frequently asked questions