How to Give Your Dog a Bath at Home (Without the Chaos)

Quick answer: Brush your dog first, then get everything within reach before the water goes on: dog shampoo, a cup or sprayer, two towels and treats. Use lukewarm water, wet the coat from the neck back, keep water and shampoo out of the eyes and ears, lather, then rinse until the water runs clear. Towel dry well. Most dogs only need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks, or when they get dirty or smelly.

Before you start

Brush first

Loose hair and tangles get worse when wet. A few minutes with a slicker brush before the bath removes loose fur so less of it ends up in your drain, and makes it easier to get shampoo down to the skin.

Set up the bath area

• Where: a bathtub or shower for medium and large dogs, a sink or laundry tub for small ones. A rubber mat on the bottom stops slipping.
• Shampoo: use a shampoo made for dogs. Human shampoo isn't made for a dog's skin.
• A way to rinse: a handheld shower head or a big cup.
• A bath brush: a rubber bath brush helps work shampoo through the coat. A bath brush with a built-in shampoo dispenser means one less bottle to juggle with wet hands.
• Something to focus on: a lick mat stuck to the tub wall with a thin layer of soft food keeps many dogs busy while you wash.
• Two towels, and a hair catcher over the drain.

Step by step: the bath

1. Check the water. Lukewarm, like a baby's bath. Test it on your wrist.
2. Wet the coat. Start at the neck and work back and down. Leave the head for last, and keep water away from the eyes and ears.
3. Lather. Work shampoo in from the neck to the tail, then the legs, belly and paws. Massage it down to the skin with your fingers or a bath brush.
4. Wash the face carefully. Use a damp washcloth instead of pouring water over the head.
5. Rinse, then rinse again. Leftover shampoo can make skin itchy. Keep going until the water runs clear and the coat doesn't feel slippery.
6. Squeeze and towel. Squeeze water out of the coat with your hands, then wrap your dog in a towel before they get the chance to shake all over the bathroom.

Drying

• Towel dry thoroughly, pressing rather than rubbing on long coats so you don't create tangles.
• If you use a hair dryer, keep it on a cool or low setting, keep it moving and hold it well away from the skin.
• Keep your dog inside and warm until fully dry, especially in winter.
• Brush again once dry. A lot of loose undercoat comes out after a bath.

How often should you bathe a dog?

For most dogs, every 4 to 8 weeks is plenty, plus extra baths after rolling in something or a very muddy walk. Bathing too often can dry out the skin. Dogs with skin conditions may need a different routine, so follow your vet's advice.

Between baths, a quick paw rinse after walks keeps most of the mess outside. Here's our guide to cleaning muddy dog paws.

If your dog hates baths

• Practise dry runs. Lift your dog into the empty tub, give a treat, lift them out. Repeat over a few days.
• Add water slowly. Next, just a little water around the paws, with treats.
• Keep the noise down. Fill the tub before your dog comes in; running water can be the scariest part.
• Keep it short. A quick, calm bath is better than a long, thorough one that ends in a struggle.
• Get help. A second person to hold and treat makes a big difference for wriggly dogs.

Shop all our bath and brushing tools in Grooming & Bath.

FAQ

How often should I bathe my dog?

Most dogs do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks, plus extra baths when they get very dirty. Ask your vet if your dog has skin problems.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

It's better to use a shampoo made for dogs. Human products are made for human skin and can be too harsh for dogs.

What water temperature is best for a dog bath?

Lukewarm. Test it on your wrist: it should feel warm, not hot.

Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?

Both. Brushing before removes loose hair and tangles, and brushing again once your dog is dry catches the undercoat that loosens during the bath.