How to bath a dog properly: a step-by-step guide

Bathing your dog is not just about hygiene. It is an important care ritual that affects the health of their skin, the condition of their coat and their overall wellbeing. Many owners make mistakes at bath time that can lead to dry skin, irritation or even dermatological problems.

In this article, we go through each stage of bathing in detail, from getting ready to drying, and share tips for different coat types.

How often should you bath your dog?

How often you bath your dog depends on their breed, lifestyle and coat type:

• Short-haired breeds (Labrador, beagle, Dobermann): once every 4-6 weeks
• Long-haired breeds (Yorkshire terrier, shih-tzu, collie): once every 2-3 weeks
• Wire-haired breeds (schnauzer, fox terrier): once every 4-8 weeks
• Active dogs, who go for lots of walks: more often, as needed

Important: don't bath your dog too often, as this can disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier. Choose a shampoo that is safe for frequent use, with a neutral pH.

Step 1: getting ready for the bath

Good preparation is the key to a comfortable bath for both you and your dog.

What you'll need:

• A specialist pet shampoo (not a human one)
• A large towel or a few small ones
• A comb or grooming brush
• A non-slip bath mat
• Treats as a reward

Getting your dog ready:

1. Brush the coat before the bath. This is especially important for long-haired breeds, as wet tangles are much harder to work loose.
2. Check the water temperature: it should be warm (35-37°C), about the same as for bathing a baby. Hot water can scald an animal's sensitive skin.
3. Prepare the area: put a non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath or shower tray.
4. Cover the ears: if you like, you can put cotton wool balls in them to keep water out.

Step 2: wetting the coat

This is probably the most important step, as the effectiveness of the whole process depends on it.

• Start with the body, gradually working from the back to the belly and paws. Leave the head until last, as most dogs don't like getting water on their face.
• Use a shower head with moderate pressure. A strong jet can frighten your dog.
• Make sure the coat is soaked, right down to the skin. In dogs with a thick undercoat, this can take a few minutes.

Tip: if your dog is afraid of water, get them used to it gradually. Start with a wet towel, then pour a little water on their paws and only then move on to a full bath.

Step 3: applying shampoo

Applying shampoo correctly is the key to a clean coat without skin irritation.

How much shampoo to use:

• Small short-haired dog (Chihuahua, dachshund): about 2 ml
• Medium-sized dog (corgi, beagle): 5-10 ml
• Large long-haired dog (golden retriever, husky): up to 30 ml

How to apply it:

1. Dilute the shampoo in a little water, so it spreads better and rinses out more easily.
2. Apply it to the body with massaging movements, starting with the back and sides.
3. Massage for 3-5 minutes: this helps the active ingredients penetrate the coat and skin.
4. Wash the paws carefully, especially between the toes, where dirt often builds up.
5. Wash the head last, carefully avoiding the eyes and ears.

Choose a shampoo with the right pH for pets (6.0-6.5). PET Love shampoos have an optimal pH of 6.0-6.5, which matches the natural balance of pet skin. Thanks to the hydrolysed keratin and macadamia oil they contain, they don't just clean but also restore the structure of the coat, giving it shine and softness.

Step 4: rinsing thoroughly

This is probably the most important step of the whole process. Shampoo left on the skin is one of the most common causes of itching and irritation.

• Rinse for at least 3-5 minutes: that's longer than it seems.
• Keep checking: when you think all the shampoo has been rinsed out, rinse once more.
• Pay attention to the areas behind the ears, under the legs, on the belly and under the tail, where shampoo is most often left behind.
• The water should run clear: no suds and no soapy feel.

Tip: if the coat is very dirty, you can shampoo and rinse a second time.

Step 5: drying

Drying properly is just as important as the bath itself.

With a towel:

1. Let your dog shake: it's a natural instinct, and it gets rid of most of the water.
2. Blot the coat with a towel: pat rather than rub, so you don't damage the hair structure.
3. Use microfibre: it absorbs water many times better than an ordinary towel.

Hairdryer (if needed):

• Cool or warm setting only: hot air can burn the skin.
• Keep it at a distance of 20-30 cm from the coat.
• Move the hairdryer in the direction the hair grows.
• For long-haired breeds, brush as you dry.

Warning: never take a wet dog out into the cold. In summer, you can let your dog dry naturally, but in winter, make sure they are completely dry before a walk.

Tips for different coat types

Short-haired breeds (Labrador, pug, bull terrier)

• The simplest to bath: shampoo soaks in and rinses out easily
• Use a massage mitt when lathering up
• Towel drying is usually enough
• Pay attention to skin folds (in pugs and bulldogs), where moisture can linger

Long-haired breeds (Yorkie, shih-tzu, Afghan hound)

• Always brush before bathing
• Apply shampoo in the direction the hair grows, without ruffling it
• Rinse especially thoroughly, as long hair holds more shampoo
• Brush while blow-drying to prevent tangles
• You can use a conditioner after shampooing

Double-coated breeds (husky, Samoyed, Akita)

• Wetting takes longer because of the thick undercoat
• Use more shampoo and rinse for longer
• Blow-drying is almost essential, as the undercoat dries very slowly
• A wet undercoat can cause fungal infections if it isn't dried

Wire-haired breeds (schnauzer, fox terrier, Irish terrier)

• Bath them less often, as a wiry coat gets less dirty
• Don't use conditioner, as it softens the coat's texture
• The coat may be temporarily softer after a bath, and that's normal

Common bath-time mistakes

1. Using human shampoo: the pH of human skin (5.5) is different from that of animal skin (6.0-7.0). Human shampoo can cause irritation.
2. Hot water: a dog's skin is more sensitive than ours. Always check the temperature.
3. Not rinsing enough: shampoo residue = itching and flaking.
4. Bathing after vaccination: wait at least 3-5 days after the jab.
5. A wet dog in the cold: a sure way to catch a cold.

When is it better to see a groomer?

Sometimes professional help is the best choice:

• A puppy's first bath: a groomer can help make it a positive experience
• High-maintenance breeds (poodle, bichon frise) with special trimming requirements
• If your dog reacts aggressively to water
• Before a show or an important event

To sum up: a checklist for the perfect bath

1. ✅ Brush the coat
2. ✅ Get everything you need ready
3. ✅ Check the water temperature (35-37°C)
4. ✅ Wet the coat thoroughly
5. ✅ Apply shampoo and massage for 3-5 minutes
6. ✅ Rinse until all the shampoo is gone
7. ✅ Dry with a towel and/or a hairdryer
8. ✅ Praise your dog and give them a treat