How to Bathe a Dog in a Shower

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Bathing your dog in a shower is a great way for them to create a positive association with getting washed due to the warm water. Get the shower ready first by choosing the right shampoo, having all of the supplies that you need close by, and placing a non-slip mat in the shower. Wash your dog next by soaking their coat thoroughly before massaging in shampoo and rinsing it out. Dry your dog using a towel or a blow dryer, and then enjoy your beautifully clean canine! Make sure to include plenty of treats and affection during the showering process so that both you and your dog have a good experience.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Getting the Shower Ready

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  1. Look at the different types of dog shampoo at your local pet store and pick the one that is right for your dog and their coat. There are a wide variety of dog shampoos available including breed specific types, different coat types, and allergy-friendly types. Talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure about what type of shampoo is best for your dog. [1]
    • Never use human shampoo on a dog as it can irritate and damage their skin. [2]
  2. Get everything that you will need in the shower area ready before you begin the process. This makes it less stressful for both you and your dog. Place an old towel by the entrance to the shower to prevent the floor from getting slippery. Have 1-2 towels next to the shower ready for when you are ready to start drying. Make sure that the dog shampoo is in the bathroom too and that it's within reaching distance. [3]
    • It’s easiest to get all of the supplies ready before you bring your dog into the room.
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  3. A rubber, non-slip mat prevents your dog from slipping in the shower and helps to keep the experience calm. Make sure that the non-slip surface covers the whole area where your dog may stand. [4]
    • If you don’t have a non-slip mat, place an old towel down in the shower instead.
  4. Use a dog brush to gently work your way through your dog’s coat. This will remove any debris that may clog the drain. It will also prevent any knots from getting set in by the water. [5]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Washing Your Dog

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  1. Detachable shower nozzles are the best way to bathe your dog in the shower because you can easily aim the water. Have the detachable shower nozzle within easy reach before you put your dog in the shower and test the water pressure first to make sure that it is low. [6]
  2. It's important to get the temperature correct before you start rinsing your dog. Wet your hand in the water to test that the water is lukewarm and not too cold. Turn the shower off before you place your dog inside so that it doesn't overwhelm them. [7]
  3. You will need to use a large bucket with a smaller plastic cup or jug to rinse your dog, as this will allow you to direct the water onto the dog's coat. Avoid using just a regular shower head to bathe your dog with, as you won't be able to direct the flow of water and they could get shampoo in their eyes. [8]
    • If your dog has a particularly long coat or if you have a large dog, fill up 2-3 buckets of water before you begin so that you don't run out.
  4. A dog’s ears are very delicate and water getting into them can cause health problems. Prevent the water from getting into your dog’s ears by gently stuffing 1 cotton ball into each ear before you turn the water on. [9]
    • Make sure to remove the cotton balls once the shower is over.
    • If your dog doesn’t let you put the cotton balls in, then just be very careful not to spray water into the ears during the shower.
  5. Coax your dog into the shower or pick them up and place them inside. [10] Pick a position for you to stand or bend in that will be the most comfortable for you and your dog. Make sure that you can easily reach your dog while it's in the shower. [11]
  6. Dogs are often stressed during bath time, however, using treats, play, and affection can help to make the experience more positive to them. [12] Give your dog a treat once they are in the shower and offer lots of affection. [13]
    • Try to use a gentle tone during the showering process to help make the process positive for your dog. With many repeated, positive experiences, over time they will become more comfortable with getting into the shower and being bathed. [14]
  7. Use the detachable shower nozzle to thoroughly rinse your dog all over the chest, legs, paws, and torso. Be careful not to get water in their eyes or ears. [15]
    • Make sure that you use a light or low water pressure only. This helps to keep your dog calm. [16]
    • If you don't have a detachable shower nozzle, fill a plastic cup or jug with water from the bucket. Rinse your dog by pouring the water in the cup or jug over their coat. [17]
  8. Begin with a small spoonful of shampoo and add more if necessary. Alternatively, follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle label to find out how much to use on your dog. Start shampooing the neck and work your way down to the chest and legs, before moving onto the torso. Massage the shampoo in thoroughly so that it is sudsy. [18]
    • Make sure to not get the shampoo into your dog's eyes, nose, and ears.
  9. Once the shampoo is all sudsy, begin rinsing it away using the detachable shower nozzle. Alternatively, fill up the plastic jug or cup with water to rinse your dog with. Make sure that the water is still lukewarm and set to a low pressure. Rinse your dog over their whole body until no more suds remain, excluding the face and ears, and then rinse your dog again to ensure that all of the shampoo is gone. [19]
    • It’s important to wash away all of the shampoo so that it doesn’t irritate your dog's skin.
    • If you are using a cup or jug rather than a detachable shower nozzle, you will have to fill it several times through the rinsing process.
  10. Get a small, clean cloth and wet it lightly with lukewarm water. Gently wipe your dog's face and around its eyes. Make sure to wipe the muzzle and chin too. Rinse the cloth out while you are using it if necessary. [20]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Drying Your Dog

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  1. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently hold onto the muzzle if your dog starts to shake its head. Dogs always begin shaking with their head first and then their body second, which means that preventing their head from moving will stop you from getting soaked. [21]
    • You don’t need to hold the muzzle during the whole drying process. Just when your dog looks like it’s about to start shaking is all that’s necessary.
  2. Place a large towel over your dog’s back and gently pat the coat to remove the excess water. You may need more than 1 towel if your dog has a lot of fur. [22]
    • Don’t worry about drying your dog completely with the towel, as once the excess water is removed they can air dry.
  3. If your dog isn’t afraid of the noise, blow drying their fur will help to dry get their coat faster. Set the temperature to the lowest possible to avoid burning their skin. Alternatively, you can also get blow dryers that are specially designed for dogs, which only use room temperature air. [23]
    • Blow drying your dog’s fur will help them to air dry more quickly.
    • Dogs with long coats especially benefit from a blow dryer rather than a towel.
  4. Praise your dog for their good behavior during the shower. Give them another treat or make a special effort to play with them to help create a positive association with the experience. [24]
  5. Dogs that have just been bathed tend to roll around if they are let loose outdoors. Keep them away from mud and other debris until they are dry to prevent your hard work from being ruined. [25]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I prepare my dog for a bath?
    Terryl Daluz
    Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
    Terryl Daluz is the Co-owner of Wash My Dog LLC Pet Grooming, a pet grooming business based in the Los Angeles, California area. Terryl, along with co-owner Andrea Carter, has over three years of pet grooming and management experience. Wash My Dog and its certified pet groomers and bathers specialize in providing both a safe and welcoming environment for all animals they service.
    Terryl Daluz
    Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
    Expert Answer
    Do not grab your dog and take them for a bath. They may resist it. Make them feel relaxed before a bath by giving them attention and winning their trust. Talk to them and pat them. Give them a chance to come to you on their own.
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  • Question
    What should I do when I take my dog to a professional groomer?
    Terryl Daluz
    Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
    Terryl Daluz is the Co-owner of Wash My Dog LLC Pet Grooming, a pet grooming business based in the Los Angeles, California area. Terryl, along with co-owner Andrea Carter, has over three years of pet grooming and management experience. Wash My Dog and its certified pet groomers and bathers specialize in providing both a safe and welcoming environment for all animals they service.
    Terryl Daluz
    Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
    Expert Answer
    When you take your dog to a professional groomer, give them some time to adjust to the new environment. Sit with them for some time. Take them around the place and allow them to sniff and become familiar with the surroundings. Give the dog a chance to get acquainted with the staff before being taken for grooming. Leave the dog with the groomers and go out. In this way, your dog will not try to come back to you or become influenced by your nervousness.
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  • Question
    My dog sheds a lot, what should I do? My mom won't let me give her a bath.
    Community Answer
    Brushing your dog daily will help with the shedding. For short-haired dogs, I recommend a Kong ZoomGroom. Unlike other shedding removal brushes, it won't damage the skin or coat. For long-haired dogs, using shedding rakes and other grooming tools will help deal with unwanted hair. In the tub, you can use a hair catcher over the drain.
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      Tips

      • While it differs between dogs, 1 bath per month is usually enough. Talk to your veterinarian for advice if you are unsure or if your dog has a skin condition. [26]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Washing your dog in the shower is much easier using a detachable shower nozzle compared to a plastic cup or jug. This is because you don't have to worry about continuously filling up the plastic cup or jug. If your shower doesn't have a handheld head, you can purchase specific dog shower sprayers that attach to the showerhead, making your job much easier.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • It's easier to wash your dog in the shower rather than in the bath as you don't need to lift your dog out when it's wet as they can step out easily. Also, with a detachable shower nozzle you can direct exactly where the water goes which is easier than filling a bath with water. A shower is also easier to clean muddy paws in compared to a bath.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Dog shampoo
      • Towels
      • Non-slip surface
      • Dog brush
      • Cotton balls
      • Treats
      • Detachable shower nozzle or bucket with plastic cup or jug
      • Cloth
      • Blow dryer

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      2. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/grooming/how-often-should-you-bathe-your-dog
      3. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      4. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      5. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      6. ↑ https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-guide
      7. ↑ https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-guide
      8. ↑ https://wagwalking.com/grooming/bathe-a-dog-at-home
      9. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/grooming/how-to-bathe-your-dog
      1. ↑ Terryl Daluz. Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
      2. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/129-bathing
      3. ↑ Terryl Daluz. Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/grooming/how-to-bathe-your-dog
      5. ↑ Terryl Daluz. Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/grooming/how-to-bathe-your-dog
      7. ↑ https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-guide
      8. ↑ https://wagwalking.com/grooming/bathe-a-dog-at-home
      9. ↑ https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-guide
      10. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      11. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/grooming/how-to-bathe-your-dog
      12. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      13. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      14. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      15. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/129-bathing
      16. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/simple-tricks-to-make-dogs-bath-time-easier-faster-and-neater
      17. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/129-bathing

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to bathe a dog in a shower, lay down a towel or a non-slip mat on the shower floor then step inside the dog and call the dog in with you. Give the dog a treat when it gets into the shower, and rinse the dog with lukewarm water from an adjustable shower head if you have one. If you don’t, fill a bucket with water and use a small container to pour water onto the dog. Massage the shampoo into your dog’s coat, then rinse the soap away thoroughly. Use a damp washcloth to clean the dog’s face, especially its muzzle and around its eyes. For tips on drying the dog after its shower, read on!

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