How To Bathe a Dog | Chewtorials, by Chewy on YouTube. 3 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Brush your dog first and work out any mats. A matted coat traps water and soap, so loosen tangles before the bath or ask a groomer to remove tight mats.
Gather shampoo, towels and treats within reach. Put a non-slip mat in the tub and secure your dog with a leash or harness so it cannot jump out.
Feed small treats during the bath to keep your dog calm. Keep your voice low and take breaks if your dog gets stressed.
Protect the ears. Place cotton balls loosely in the ear openings or hold the ear flaps down while you wet the head, and never pour water into the ear canal.
Wet the coat all over with lukewarm water. Test the temperature on your wrist first, then soak down to the skin, avoiding the eyes and ears.
Apply dog shampoo and massage it into the coat. Work from the neck back, lather the legs, paws and belly, and use only shampoo made for dogs.
Wash the face with a damp cloth instead of pouring water over it. Wipe around the muzzle and cheeks, and keep soap away from the eyes and mouth.
Rinse until the water runs clear. Leftover shampoo causes itching and dull coat, so rinse the belly, armpits and between the toes again.
Apply dog conditioner if your dog has dry or long hair. Follow the bottle directions, leave it on as long as it says, then rinse it out completely.
Dry your dog with towels and blot the ears. Keep your dog warm and out of drafts, and reward it with a treat and praise once the bath is done.
Tips and common mistakes
Use lukewarm water, not hot, since dog skin burns more easily than yours.
Never use human shampoo, as the wrong pH can dry out and irritate a dog's skin.
Rinse one extra time, because leftover shampoo is the most common cause of post-bath scratching.
Clean the ears after the bath with a dog ear cleaner on a cotton pad, not a cotton swab inside the canal.
Questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
Most dogs do well with a bath every four to eight weeks, or when they get dirty or smelly. Dogs with skin conditions should follow your vet's advice.
Can I bathe my dog in the shower?
Yes, if your dog is calm and the floor is not slippery. Use a non-slip mat and lukewarm water, and keep the spray away from the ears and eyes.
What if my dog hates baths?
Start with shallow lukewarm water, use treats and go slowly. A leash, a non-slip mat and short sessions help nervous dogs get used to bath time.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
