5 Min ReadIf your dog bolts the second you turn on a tap, you're not alone. Half the dogs I've worked with treat bath time like it's a personal betrayal. The good news? With the right approach and products, you can actually make this work without flooding your bathroom or losing your patience.
Quick Tips for How To Wash a Dog:
- Use lukewarm water and dog-specific shampoo/conditioner
- Brush before and after
- Keep it quick
- Use rewards and positive distractions
- Prep everything before you start
How Often Should You Actually Bathe Your Dog?
There's no magic number here. Ideally most dogs should not be bathed more often than every 4–6 weeks — the less the better. However, dogs on medicated shampoos may require more frequent bathing according to veterinary advice.
Bathe too often with harsh shampoos, and you could strip the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and waterproof.
Prep Like You Mean It
This is where most people go wrong. You cannot successfully bathe a dog while hunting for shampoo with one hand and restraining 30 kilograms of wet, panicking Labrador with the other.
Get it all ready first:
- Brush thoroughly: Wet mats are impossible to remove and just get tighter. Deal with tangles and loose hair before water touches fur.
- Towels everywhere: Floor, bench, your lap. You'll need more than you think.
- Non-slip mat: A skidding dog is a stressed dog. Give them secure footing. You can even put an extra towel inside the bathtub to reduce slipping.
- Distraction tools: A lick mat smeared with a small amount of their favourite food is worth its weight in gold. It keeps them occupied and gives you both hands free to actually wash. Try to find one that actually suctions to the bathtub, like our DOG Lick Mat.
- Everything within arm's reach: Shampoo, conditioner, brush, treats. If you have to leave to grab something, you've already lost.
- Location matters: Small dogs can go in a sink or laundry tub, big dogs might need the shower with a handheld nozzle and if the weather is warm enough, all of them can be washed outside with a gentle hose or shower.
How to Bathe Your Dog (Step by Step)
1. Temperature Check
Lukewarm water only. If you wouldn't put a baby in it, don't put your dog in it. Their skin is more sensitive than ours.
2. Soak Properly
Get them wet right down to the skin, not just surface-damp. Double-coated breeds need extra time here. A proper soak means the shampoo can actually do its job.
3. Shampoo Massage
Use a specific dog wash products and shampoo (we'll get to why in a minute). Work it through the coat with your fingers, avoiding eyes, nostrils and ears. Most dogs actually quite like this bit if you're gentle and methodical.
4. Rinse and Repeat
Give a light rinse, apply a second round of shampoo and then repeat step 3. A thorough rinse is essential since leftover shampoo residue can cause itching and irritation. Start by rinsing the head first, then the neck, trunk, tail and finally the legs. Keep rinsing until the water runs completely clear. This takes longer than you'd expect, especially with thick coats.
5. Moisturise with a Leave in Conditioner
Always use a dog conditioner after washing. This acts as a moisturiser for the skin and coat.
6. Dry Thoroughly
Gently dry first - the more water you remove now, the easier the rest is. Using a dog poncho towel can help with drying, while keeping your home dry from their shakes. Follow with a gentle blow-dry on the lowest heat setting and keep it moving. Never point hot air at one spot.
7. Final Brush
Brush during the blow-dry and afterwards. Brushing helps remove loose hairs, spreads the natural coat oils and improves circulation. In long-haired dogs, brushing helps remove and prevent knots and tangles.
Making It Less Awful (For Both of You)
How to bath a dog doesn’t have to be hard, but it easily can be. The difference between a nightmare bath and a manageable one often comes down to these small tricks:
- Stay calm yourself. Dogs read your energy better than you think. If you're tense and frustrated, they'll match it.
- Keep it short. A quick, efficient bath beats a drawn-out struggle every time. You're aiming for clean, not perfect.
- Reward constantly for calm behaviour, not just at the end. Treats after they step in, after they let you wet them, after rinsing, throughout drying. Make every stage a small win.
- Get help for difficult dogs. There's no shame in having someone hold treats and offer calm praise while you wash. Two people can transform the experience.
Why Human Shampoo Doesn't Cut It
Dog skin has a different pH to human skin. Human shampoo is formulated for our more acidic skin and can disrupt the protective barrier on your dog's skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and itchiness.
Look for gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoos. If your dog has specific issues, like persistent dandruff, allergies or sensitivities, chat to your vet about whether a medicated shampoo is required.
The Aftercare Bit (Don't Skip This)
Make sure they're properly dry, especially in skin folds and between toes, where moisture can cause problems. Give them a thorough brush to remove any remaining loose hair.
Between baths, use dog wipes or a damp cloth for spot cleaning muddy paws or dirty bums. This means you can space out proper baths without them getting grotty.
If you notice persistent redness, unusual scratching, or any irritation after bathing, see your vet. Sometimes what looks like a bathing issue is actually an underlying skin condition.
Get Your Hands on Some DOG by Dr Lisa Products
The DOG by Dr Lisa range includes properly formulated, pH-balanced options for different needs: hypoallergenic formulas for sensitive skin and coat-specific products designed for all dogs. The products are B-Corp Certified, made from natural ingredients and they’re kind to dog skin and the planet.
Your dog deserves products that actually work with their skin, not against it. Browse our dog care products to make how to wash a dog easier for both you and your dog.
