How to Wash Your Dog Properly

A well-groomed coat is a real adornment and indicator of good health for your pet, as well as evidence of responsible ownership. Any dog will look neat, impressive, and even dapper if its coat is regularly cared for. In addition to trimming and combing, grooming also includes washing. Gentle cleaning is a crucial step, as it serves not only an aesthetic but also a hygienic function. Bathing your pet is not a difficult task for experienced owners who know how to wash a dog properly. Thanks to this article, even those who are bathing a dog for the first time will be able to cope with the task.

Important points

Dogs are pretty clean animals and, in most cases, could easily do without bathing. They do not sweat and groom themselves, removing dirt and dead hair. Some breeds have self-cleaning coats. However, dogs that live with humans still need to be washed from time to time according to human standards – in the shower, with hygienic cosmetics. Water procedures help dogs remove fat, dust, flaky skin, and dead hairs that accumulate on their bodies and coats.

It is this ‘dirt’ that becomes a breeding ground for various microorganisms. The animal becomes susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections and may develop fleas and other parasites. Such prospects are dangerous for both the dogs themselves and their owners.

Rules for bathing dogs

Dogs should be bathed after a walk, not before. The time for bathing should be chosen so that the pet has time to dry off before the next walk, bearing in mind that some breeds may remain damp for several hours. Otherwise, your pet risks catching a severe cold, especially during the cold season.
The dog should be calm. If the dog is overexcited, wait until it calms down; otherwise, bathing will turn into a dramatic struggle.
The water for washing your dog should be warm. The optimal temperature for bathing large pets with thick coats is 34-37 °C, for small dogs – 35-38 °C, and for ‘naked’ dogs – 37-39 °C.
Long-haired or shaggy pets should be combed before bathing. Repeat the procedure after washing.
Animals should be washed with special pet shampoos. It is advisable to first lather the product in your hands with a small amount of water and then apply it to the coat.
Shampoo and conditioner must be rinsed off very thoroughly, checking that no foam remains in hidden areas of the dog's body.
Dry the dog with a towel, gently touching the coat. Do not rub or ruffle the hair.
If the apartment is superb, you can dry your pet with a hairdryer, selecting a low heat setting and low speed. Do not direct the air flow onto the dog's face. If you bathe your dog frequently, regular use of a hairdryer is not recommended. Many dogs do not like bathing, so it is best to teach them to wash from puppyhood.
However, it should be noted that puppies are more prone to colds than adult dogs. During and after washing, special care should be taken to ensure that the dog does not get cold. Washing the head should be done gently, without causing the puppy any pain. After each procedure, the puppy should be rewarded with a treat. Over time, puppies get used to being washed and, as they grow older, they do it willingly or, at least, do not panic or rebel.

How often should you wash your dog?

No one has been arguing about the need to wash dogs for a long time. Still, the question of how often this procedure should be carried out is a matter of controversy not only among pet owners but also among veterinarians. The main opinions on this matter are as follows:

It is enough to wash a dog 2-3 times a year;
a pet needs to be washed no more than once every 6-8 weeks;
washing should be done once every 2 weeks;
A dog should be washed as needed.

Proponents of the ‘moderate approach’ do not recommend washing your pet frequently without good reason, advising bathing a couple of times a year, preferably during the dog's shedding season. They argue that excessive use of shampoo or soap damages the dog's coat, making it brittle and dull. The thin layer of fat on the pet's body is constantly washed away, and the skin becomes dry. Cracks and dandruff may appear. In addition, frequent bathing reduces the waterproofing of the coat, and the dog becomes prone to colds.

Advocates of regular bathing consider such arguments to be outdated, given the advent of professional pet grooming products. They believe that the wide range of specialised shampoos, soaps, and conditioners available today alleviates traditional concerns.

As a rule, dog owners who consider bathing their pets to be a hygienic procedure are not inclined to ‘scrub’ their dogs with enviable regularity. They wash their dogs according to a schedule recommended by a veterinarian, depending on the breed, living conditions, and as necessary.

Some owners like to bathe their pets for beauty.’ Their charges are usually miniature dogs of decorative breeds. But such dogs, unless they participate in shows, do not need frequent washing at all. Many of them don't even have anywhere to get dirty: they don't spend much time outside or are carried around in their owners' arms or handbags.

Sometimes a dog needs a therapeutic bath. In this case, the frequency of water procedures is determined by the vet. They will also recommend special washing products.

Smooth-coated dogs and dogs with coarse coats and thick undercoats, such as Labradors, do not require frequent washing. Their coat is self-cleaning, and this property can be lost if water procedures are overused. However, poodles, which do not have an undercoat, can and should be washed more often than other breeds, preferably monthly. Poodles need regular haircuts, and should be bathed before this.

Dogs of any breed, whether living in an apartment or in an enclosure, must be thoroughly washed if they have rolled in mud. This should be done right away, even if the dog was bathed the day before.

What to wash your dog with

Today, special pet shampoos are used for bathing pets, created with the acid-alkaline balance of the animal's skin in mind – from 6.2 to 7.4 pH (depending on age and breed). Human hair washing products (usually 4-5.5 pH) should not be used. ‘Universal’ laundry soap and soap with a strong fragrance are also unsuitable. Such products are too harsh for a dog's skin. Their use can cause an allergic reaction in the animal, dermatitis, and lead to eczema. In extreme cases, baby soap or shampoo may be used. In this case, the foam must be rinsed off very thoroughly to prevent an unpleasant film from forming on the coat.

Specialised shops offer shampoos for different types of dog skin and coat. For soft-coated pets, detergents that prevent the coat from tangling are recommended, while texturising shampoos are recommended for hard-coated dogs. Dogs with long, tangled coats are best washed with a product that makes combing easier. Separate shampoos are available for puppies and older pets.

Animals with coat or skin problems should be given special products containing proteins, wheat extracts, aloe, eucalyptus, and hydrocortisone. Dogs with fleas should be washed with shampoos containing insecticides, but these should not be used regularly.

In summer, you can wash your dog with a shampoo containing a UV filter to protect its coat from fading. There are even products with a bleaching component that owners can use to get rid of yellowish spots on their pets' coats. For dogs that participate in shows, you can purchase a tinted shampoo.

When choosing a product for bathing your pet, give preference to colourless formulations. A tint indicates that the shampoo contains a dye, which can be an allergen. Don't skimp when buying a shampoo: one bottle usually lasts a long time. It is better to trust reputable manufacturers such as Francodex, Beaphar, Perfect Coat, Iv San Bernard, and Bio Groom.

Where to wash your dog

In a city apartment, adult dogs are usually bathed in the bathroom. Puppies and miniature dogs are convenient to wash in a basin or even in the sink, if its size allows. For this purpose, you can purchase a special tray or plastic bathtub from a pet store.

A shower stall is preferable for large dogs. They will be more comfortable there than in the bathroom, and it will be easier for the owner to keep the situation under control. There are foldable bathtubs for dogs and convenient washing stations, but installing them in a standard bathroom can be problematic.

You should prepare for bathing your pet beforehand. An hour and a half before the procedure, close the windows and turn off the air conditioner. Remove bathrobes and items drying on the radiator from the bathroom, as these may get wet when the dog shakes itself off. Prepare cotton swabs for the ears, a towel, a terry cloth or sponge, a washcloth, shampoo, and conditioner. If the dog is large, a collar may be necessary. It will help keep the pet in place if it resists being washed.

You can place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub, basin, or shower tray to prevent the dog's paws from slipping. You can cover the sink with a cloth. You can place a cloth near the bathing area to prevent the dog from falling and injuring itself after the procedure.

If you have a long-haired dog, dilute the shampoo and lather it up so that you can soap the dog evenly. Keep the bottles of shampoo and conditioner open so that you don't get distracted later. Fill the bathing container with warm water to about knee height. Bring your pet into the bathroom and close the door.

Insert cotton swabs into your dog's ears; you can lubricate them with petroleum jelly. Do not push the swabs in too far. It is enough that they do not fall out.
Place the dog in the ‘water’, pour water from the shower over it - first the back and neck, then the tail and paws. All the fur should be thoroughly soaked with water.
Apply shampoo or foam solution to the dog's coat and lather evenly. If your dog has long hair, rub the detergent in the direction of hair growth; otherwise, it may become tangled.
Rub the dog's entire body thoroughly, except for the head. Wipe the muzzle separately with a damp cloth or washcloth (without soap). If there are any folds, wipe each one. Wipe the ears only on the outside.
Rinse the foam thoroughly with water from the shower. Wash the armpits and withers, where shampoo usually accumulates, especially thoroughly. Rinse the detergent until the water running off the coat is clear.
It is advisable to apply conditioner to the wet coat of long-haired dogs. Rinse it off after 3-5 minutes.
Squeeze the coat and cover the dog's back with a towel or microfibre cloth to absorb the water.
Lift the dog and place it on a dry cloth, bearing in mind that it will immediately start shaking itself off.
Remove the cotton swabs from your pet's ears, give him a treat, and praise him, even if he was rebellious.

Dogs of breeds prone to colds should be wrapped up and taken to a warm place without delay. In the summer, the dog can dry off on its own, but in winter, it is better to dry its coat with a hairdryer.

‘Dry’ bathing

In some cases, traditional bathing has to be replaced by ‘dry’ bathing. The reasons may be domestic or medical, for example, the postoperative period, vaccinations, or eczema. In such situations, sprays and dry shampoos containing talc and components with disinfecting and degreasing properties are used.

Before the procedure, the dog should be thoroughly combed, removing tangles and dead hairs. The product is applied to a small area of fur and combed through – this should be done to the entire coat. No additional manipulation is required after ‘dry’ washing. Special products can be replaced with regular talcum powder or wheat flour. After rubbing them into the coat, wait about 20 minutes, then start combing.

There is another method. Dissolve boiled water at room temperature, medical alcohol (1 teaspoon), and boric acid (0.5 teaspoon) in a container (250 ml). Comb the dog's coat against the direction of growth and apply the prepared substance using a spray bottle. Wrap the teeth of the comb in cotton wool, then treat the coat with it. The cotton wool will become dirty during combing and should be changed. Continue the procedure until the cotton wool remains clean. In a city apartment, it is better to do this on the balcony, weather permitting.

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