How to Wash Your Dog: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

It seems simple enough: fill the tub, grab the shampoo, and get scrubbing. But anyone who’s ever ended up drenched, covered in bubbles, and chasing a half-soaked dog down the hallway knows there’s a bit more to it than that.

We’ve been through it too: with muddy paws, shaking fur, and those wide, suspicious eyes that say “you’re not serious about this, are you?” Over time, we’ve learned that a good bath isn’t just about a fresh-smelling coat. It’s about keeping your dog’s skin healthy, reducing shedding, and making the whole experience less stressful for both of you.

So if you’ve ever wondered how often to bathe your dog, what shampoo to use, or how to survive bath time without soaking the entire house, we’ve got you covered (well, metaphorically—let’s keep the water in the tub).

Photo by Kevin Y from Pexels

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?

There isn’t a strict rule when it comes to how often dogs need a bath. It really depends on a few key things: coat type, skin health, activity level, and the time of year. Getting familiar with these will help you figure out what’s best for your pup.

Coat Type and Length

Different coats call for different routines:

• Short-haired breeds (like Beagles, Boxers, and Dalmatians) usually only need a bath every 2–3 months. Their fur doesn’t hold much dirt or oil.
• Medium or long-haired dogs (like Retrievers, Spaniels, or Collies) tend to do better with monthly baths to get rid of tangles and built-up dust.
• Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or Shepherds) can go 6–12 weeks between washes. Too many baths strip their natural oils and make their coats less weather-resistant.
• Curly or woolly coats (like Poodles or Bichons) trap dirt easily, so a bath every 3–4 weeks helps keep their coats soft and clean.

Skin Health and Allergies

If your dog has sensitive skin, allergies, or a skin condition:

• Speak with your vet before adjusting their bathing schedule.
• You may need a medicated or gentle shampoo.
• Some dogs require weekly or bi-weekly baths with special products to manage dryness or irritation.

Activity Level and Environment

A dog’s lifestyle plays a big part, too.

• Outdoor adventurers who love mud, sand, or rolling in grass need more frequent baths.
• Indoor dogs who mostly nap on the couch can go longer between washes.
• After swimming or a muddy walk, a quick rinse with warm water can help between full baths.

Seasonal Factors

Bathing needs can change with the weather:

• Spring and summer: more frequent baths help remove allergens, dust, and loose fur.
• Winter: less frequent bathing helps prevent dry skin caused by indoor heating and cold air.

General Rule of Thumb

If you’re not sure where to start, most dogs do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks.

A good way to tell it’s time:

• Their coat feels greasy or dusty.
• They start to smell a bit “doggy.”
• They’ve had an especially messy adventure outside.

Keeping things balanced helps maintain a healthy coat without drying out their skin and makes the next bath much easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Dog

Bath time can be one of those moments that either go surprisingly well… or end with water everywhere and both of you slightly damp and confused. The good news is that with the right prep and a calm approach, you can make it easy, safe, and maybe even fun for your dog (and yourself).

Below is a practical, experience-based guide on how to wash your dog the right way—from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

Before you even turn on the tap, make sure you have everything ready to go. Once your dog’s wet, you won’t have time to run around the house finding things.

• A dog-specific shampoo: human shampoo can dry and irritate a dog’s skin because their pH balance is different from ours.
• Two or more towels: one to dry your dog, one for the floor (because let’s face it, splashing happens).
• A non-slip mat or a towel for the bath or sink: this keeps your dog steady and relaxed.
• A brush or comb: for detangling fur before washing and brushing out after drying.
• A handheld sprayer or jug: to control the water flow and help rinse properly.
• Treats and gentle praise: they make the whole process far less stressful for your pup.

Preparing Your Dog and the Space

• Brush first: This removes loose hair, dirt, and tangles so shampoo can reach the skin. It also helps stop mats from tightening when wet.
• Choose the right spot: For small dogs, the sink works perfectly. Medium or large breeds do best in a bathtub, shower, or a tub outside.
• Get the water right: Lukewarm water is ideal—it should feel comfortable on your wrist, not hot or cold.
• Close doors or gates: The moment your dog senses water, there’s always a small chance they’ll decide to make a run for it.
• Lay out everything within arm’s reach: Towels, shampoo, treats should all be ready so you can keep one hand on your dog at all times.

Washing Your Dog: The Process

Photo by Benjamin Lehman

Here’s where it all happens. Move slowly, talk to your dog, and keep things calm. They’ll take cues from your energy.

1. Start by wetting the coat

Begin at the neck and work your way down the body, soaking the fur thoroughly. Avoid pouring water directly on the head for now—most dogs don’t love that. Make sure the water reaches the skin, especially on thick or double-coated breeds.

1. Apply the shampoo

Squeeze a small amount into your hand and lather it between your palms first. Then work it gently into your dog’s coat using your fingers or a soft brush. Go section by section—neck, chest, back, sides, legs, tail.

• Avoid the eyes, ears, and mouth.
• For the face, use a damp cloth to wipe gently.
• Take your time massaging the shampoo in; it’s not just cleaning, it’s also a great bonding moment.

1. Focus on the often-forgotten areas
   1. Under the neck and chest
   2. Between the toes and paw pads
   3. The belly and armpits
   4. Around the tail and under the collar area
   5. These spots tend to hold dirt, especially if your dog loves rolling in grass or digging.
2. Let the shampoo sit briefly (if suitable)

Some shampoos—especially those for sensitive skin or fleas—need a minute or two to work. Read the label, but usually, letting it rest for a short while helps lift oils and dirt more effectively.

1. Rinse thoroughly

This is the most important part. Leftover shampoo can cause itching, flakes, or irritation. Rinse until the water runs clear and you can’t feel any slickness on the coat.

• Use your fingers to part the fur while rinsing.
• Double-check around the chest, legs, and belly—these areas often hold bubbles.

1. Wash the head last

Dogs are sensitive about their faces, so leave this for the end. Use a damp cloth to clean the muzzle, around the eyes, and under the chin. If your dog has floppy ears, avoid pouring water inside; instead, wipe them gently with a slightly damp towel.

Drying and Finishing Up

• Let them shake. It’s messy, but it’s part of the process—and gets rid of a surprising amount of water.
• Towel dry as much as possible, starting with the head and back, then working your way down. Pat, don’t rub—rubbing can tangle or irritate the skin.
• Use a blow dryer only if your dog’s comfortable with it. Always on a low or cool setting, and keep it moving so you don’t overheat any area.
• Brush once dry to remove loose fur and help the coat lie nicely.
• End with praise and a treat. A happy ending makes future baths easier.

Post-Bath Care

Once the bath is over and your dog’s had a good shake, there are just a few simple things left to do to keep them comfortable and looking great.

Drying Off

Start by towel-drying your dog as best you can—press the towel against the coat instead of rubbing. For thicker coats, you might need a second towel. If your dog doesn’t mind, a blow dryer on a cool or low setting can speed things up, but keep it moving and don’t get too close.

If the weather’s warm, air drying is fine—just keep them somewhere clean so they don’t undo your hard work by rolling in the nearest patch of dirt.

Brushing

Once the coat is mostly dry, give it a quick brush-through.

• Short coats: a soft brush or grooming mitt works well.
• Long or double coats: use a slicker brush or comb to remove tangles and loosened hair.

Brushing at this stage helps restore the coat’s texture and reduces shedding later.

Quick Checks

After drying, take a quick look at their skin, ears, and paws.

• Wipe the ears gently with a soft cloth.
• Dry between the paw pads if they’re still damp.
• Keep an eye out for any redness, flakes, or irritation—if you notice anything unusual, mention it to your vet.

FAQ

What is the proper way to wash a dog?

Use lukewarm water, dog shampoo, and gentle scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly while avoiding the eyes, ears, and mouth.

How often should dogs be bathed?

Most dogs need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their coat type and lifestyle.

Is Dawn dish soap ok for dogs?

Only in emergencies, such as removing oil or grease. Frequent use dries the skin, so use dog shampoo.

What not to do when washing a dog?

Do not use hot water, human shampoo, harsh scrubbing, or leave any shampoo residue behind.

Do dogs prefer warm or cold baths?

Dogs prefer lukewarm water. Cold water can shock them, while hot water can irritate the skin.

When should you not bathe a dog?

Avoid bathing if they are unwell, recently vaccinated, have open wounds, or during very cold weather.

What’s the best time to bathe a dog?

Daytime is best so your dog can dry completely before evening, when temperatures tend to drop.