How to Wash a Small Dog's Smushy Face | At Home Dog Grooming & Bath Tutorial, by Jess Rona Grooming on YouTube. 10 min 9 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 9 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Brush your dog's face and folds first to remove loose hair and crumbs. This stops dirt from turning into a paste when it gets wet.
Fill a basin or sink with warm water, not hot. Test it on your wrist before you start.
Wet a soft washcloth and wring it out so it is damp, not dripping. Wipe around the eyes from the inside corner outward.
Clean each skin fold one at a time with the damp cloth. Wipe gently inside the crease and rinse the cloth before moving to the next fold.
Put a small amount of dog-safe shampoo on the cloth or your fingers. Wash the muzzle and chin, then rinse well with clean water.
Wipe the nose and mouth area with plain water to remove shampoo residue. Keep water out of the nostrils.
Pat the face and folds dry with a towel. Make sure the creases are fully dry so moisture does not sit in them.
Give your dog a treat and praise it so the next face wash is easier.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use human shampoo or baby wipes with alcohol or fragrance on a dog's face.
Keep water and shampoo away from the eyes, nose and ear canals.
Dry deep folds completely, since trapped moisture can cause irritation and odor.
Use cotton balls in the ears as a light plug if your dog tends to shake water around.
Questions
How often should I wash my dog's face?
Wipe the face and folds a few times a week, and do a full wash when the folds look dirty or smell. Flat-faced dogs usually need more frequent fold checks.
Can I use my own shampoo on the dog's face?
No. Use a gentle dog-safe shampoo, since human shampoo can dry out or irritate a dog's skin, especially around the eyes.
What if the folds look red or smell bad?
Stop washing and see your vet. Red, smelly or oozing folds can be an infection that needs treatment.
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.
