Is your anxious dog afraid of taking a bath? Rest assured, you can make it a fun or at least bearable time for your pup. Before your dog even gets near the tub, you will want to set the stage for a relaxing entry into the tub. Be sure to fill up the tub a few inches with warm water. It’s great if you have a spray faucet attached to your tub, but if you do not, get a medium-sized bucket to keep nearby. It’s essential to use a dog-specific shampoo because human shampoos can irritate their skin. Please click here to view our recommendations for the best shampoos for your dog. Also, have a couple of towels on hand to wrap up your dog right after the bath and washcloths to wipe your dog’s face.

Prepping your bath area and your dog for bathtime

Before introducing your dog to the tub, give them some soothing affection with a treat or two. Even the most adventurous dogs may shake and be nervous about getting in the tub, which is normal. If your dog tends to thrash and will not calm down, consider taking a long walk to get some energy out before trying a bath. For larger dogs, depending on their comfort level in a bathtub, it might be easier for everyone to bathe outside with the hose.  

1. Give your dog a good walk before bathing them, which will calm them down for bathtime if this is a problem for your dog.
2. Brush your dog before the bath, not after
3. Calm your dog down and give affection before introducing them to the tub.
4. Prep your bath area in advance, laying out washcloths and towels
5. Fill the tub up a few inches with warm water. Do not use hot water to wash your dog.

Putting your dog into the tub

Bring treats to the tub and offer a few as your dog acclimates to the bath. Giving treats may not be necessary every time, but it will go a long way in associating the bath with a happy place for your dog.

After you have put your dog into the shallow water:

1. Continue to pet and talk soothingly to them.
2. Turn on the faucet, ensuring the water is at a comfortable temperature.
3. Do not use hot water; only warm water. If your dog is very nervous, use this time to get them acclimated to the shallow water and rub their legs with it.
4. If you feel comfortable proceeding with the bath, fill up your bucket and pour the water over their legs and back.
5. Proceed to get their chest and belly wet.
6. Use your washcloth to wet their head as you want to avoid the eye area if possible.

Shampooing your dog

Start to lather your dog shampoo into your dog’s back and legs. Ensure you read the instructions on the brand you buy to see if you need to dilute with water before applying. Lather the shampoo into their legs, back, belly, rump, and chest, continuing to talk soothingly to your dog. Tell them what you are doing step by step in a calming voice. 

Cleaning your dog’s head and face area

Use a washcloth dipped in soapy water to gently clean your dog’s head. Again, try not to get anything in your dog’s eyes. If a bit of soap gets in the eye, rinse the soap out of the eyes using a clean, soap-free wet washcloth to carefully wipe away any soap from the area around the eye.  

Rinsing your dog

Start to drain the water and use your bucket or spray faucet to rinse your dog thoroughly. If your dog’s coat is oily or does not feel completely clean after one shampoo, give them a second shampoo. This will help to get the coat completely clean. It would be best to rinse your dog several times until the shampoo is entirely out. You do not want to leave any remnants of the shampoo on your dog’s skin, so be sure to rinse until you do not see any more traces of the shampoo. Ensure his legs and paws are rinsed as the water drains from the tub.

Drying your dog and cuddle time

Grab your towel, bundle your pup, and hold them as you lift them from the bath. Most dogs will be very excited at this stage and want to run around and do zoomies, but try to get them dry with a towel or two before you release them. This is a great time to cuddle them and give them rubs with a dry towel.  

They will love this time spent with you; it will become a favorite routine and a great time to bond. Shoot for washing your dog once a month, but this time will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. If you need to bathe your dog every week or two, use a sensitive shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. 

Enjoy this time with your dog; we hope they grow to love it, too!