Bathing your dog seems simple, but between a dog that runs off as soon as the water starts and shampoo that ends up everywhere except on the dog, bath time quickly turns into a chore. Here is how to do it right: how often, with what equipment and in which steps.
How often should you bathe your dog?
For most dogs, a bath every 4 to 8 weeks is enough. A dog that rolls in the mud, swims often or has a long coat may need more frequent baths, while a short-haired dog that mostly stays indoors can go much longer without one.
Washing too often damages the skin's natural barrier and can cause dryness and itching. Between baths, regular brushing and a wipe with a damp cloth are often enough.
The equipment to get ready
- A dog shampoo (never human shampoo)
- A brush suited to its coat
- Absorbent towels
- A non-slip mat for the bathtub or shower
- Treats to reward your dog
The bath, step by step
- Brush the coat first to remove tangles and loose hair: tangles tighten when they get wet.
- Set the water to lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, and wet the body from the neck to the tail, avoiding the head.
- Apply the shampoo and massage gently down to the base of the coat, without forgetting the belly, the paws and under the tail.
- Wash the head last, with your hand or a mitt, protecting the eyes and ears.
- Rinse thoroughly: leftover shampoo irritates the skin and makes your dog scratch.
- Dry with an absorbent towel, then let your dog finish drying in a warm place, away from drafts.
- Reward your dog with a treat: it is the best way to make the next bath go better.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using water that is too hot, which tires the skin
- Choosing a human shampoo, whose pH does not suit a dog's skin
- Letting water get into the ears
- Not rinsing the coat well enough
- Letting your dog dry outside in cold weather
Make bath time easier with the right brush
If your dog does not like getting wet, a shower brush can change everything. Our 2-in-1 Massage Shower Glove combines a silicone bath brush with a water sprayer: you wet, massage and rinse in one movement. It comes with a 2.5 m hose and 2 faucet adapters.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bathe a puppy?
Ask your vet for advice before the first bath, generally after the first vaccinations, and choose a shampoo suited to puppies.
Can you use human shampoo?
No. A dog's skin has a different pH: human shampoo can irritate and dry it out.
How do you dry a dog?
Start with an absorbent towel. If your dog tolerates it, a hair dryer on warm air, held at a distance, finishes the job.
My dog is afraid of water, what can I do?
Go step by step: short sessions, lukewarm water, a non-slip mat and treats at every stage. Never force it.
When should you see a vet?
If you notice redness, persistent itching, patches or an unusual smell on the skin or coat.
In short
A bath every 4 to 8 weeks, lukewarm water, a suitable shampoo, a good rinse and a reward at the end: that is all it takes to make bath time more pleasant for you and your dog.