How to Wash Your Dog

Published by Sarah Jones on May 9, 2019

How to Wash Your Dog

A clean dog is a happy and healthy dog. Depending on your pup’s coat type, breed and level of activity, you may need to wash your dog more than others; however, it is generally agreed that a pH balanced shampoo is best for dogs, as it is suitable for sensitive skin and providing a gleaming effect on your dog’s fur.

You will need:

Shampoo. With lots of different types of shampoo for different breeds and coat types, you can ensure you’re washing your dog with the correct formula. Animology’s Dogs Body shampoo is a great shampoo for all different dog breeds and ages, or a more gentle formula like Puppy Love can be used for puppies or dogs with sensitive skin. Flea and Tick shampoo thoroughly cleanses your pup’s fur of any fleas, whilst mucky pups can benefit from the deep-cleaning Fox Poo shampoo.

Conditioner (optional). Depending on your dog’s coat type, you may want to use a conditioner to get their coat extra shiny and clean. The Top Dog conditioner is a vitamin-enriched formula which helps to keep fur moisturised without stripping it of essential oils.

Towel. To prevent your bathroom (and yourself) getting soaked, have a towel ready. Microfibre towels are recommended for quicker drying, as they are more absorbent, and can be used in a general towel-style or as a glove to stroke your dog dry.

Sprays (optional). If you want your dog to look extra shiny, a leave-in spray can be applied after shampoo and conditioner. Keep your dog smelling fresh with deodorising spray, banish any knots with the detangling spray or even help your pup to relax with the help of this lavender-scented calming spray.

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Washing your dog

Start off by placing your dog carefully in your bath. If your dog is a larger breed or you are unable to lift them, you could wash them outside. Have a towel ready; even if you own a calm pup, bathtimes can still get messy!
Check the temperature is right by running the water over your own arm; the water shouldn’t be too hot or too cold. If you’re washing your dog outside, prepare a large tub or bucket of warm water and keep checking to see it’s still warm. If it feels comfortable for you, you can start washing your dog.
Starting at your dog’s neck, wash down their body until they are thoroughly wet. When you start to wash their face, gently avoid getting water into your dog’s eyes, nose and ears by creating a shield with your free hand.
Depending on your pup’s muckiness, coat type and size, you can dispense the right amount of shampoo onto your palms and gently massage it into your dog’s fur. Make sure their whole body is lathered up to thoroughly banish any dirt, concentrating on areas like their belly and paws.
Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water, making sure to clean all the shampoo lather off and avoiding the sensitive areas on their face. If you choose to use a conditioner, repeat steps 4 and 5.
Gently remove excess water with your hands and use your microfibre towel to dry your pup thoroughly.
Use any additional sprays on your dog’s fur to remove tangles or unpleasant smells, keeping your canine companion in immaculate condition between washes.

Helpful products

If you struggle to wash your dog, a no-rinse shampoo or pet wipes are ideal for providing waterless but thorough cleaning, making them also suitable for whilst on the go. For pups with longer coats, you could use a bath and groom brush to evenly distribute and massage the shampoo into your dog's fur, by filling the brush with your shampoo choice.