How to Bathe a Dog in the Tub
Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
4 Weeks
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Some dogs love to be wet no matter what they're doing. And if your dog loves to get dirty, bathing him can be exciting and easy. Not everybody has time for a long at-home grooming or a professional grooming. Putting your dog in your bathtub might be the easiest way to get your dirty dog clean. Tiny breeds can even be bathed in your kitchen sink. Small and medium-sized dogs will enjoy a nice warm bath after a long hot and dirty day. Large breed dogs might be a little more difficult to get into the bathtub but if done right, a nice warm bath could be just what your dog ordered.
Dog's Perspective
Other dogs, however, don't enjoy getting wet, and bath time is not their favorite moment of the day. Running water scares some dogs as well. This may make bathtime troublesome and difficult, but you can ease your dog's fears and anxieties by having the warm water all ready to go before you bring your dog into the bathroom. A hand-held shower or a bowl can make rinsing easy as well, with minimal splashing.
The Warmth and Cuddles Method
Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Scissors
Dryer
Towel
Step
1
Prep
Get everything you need to give your dog a bath. You’ll need at least two towels for drying, an additional towel to place in the bottom of the tub to keep your dog from slipping, dog shampoo, and a bowl for rinsing.
Step
2
Brush
Brush your dog’s fur out before you head into the bathroom. Focus on detangling and smoothing out his fur.
Step
3
Cut mats
If your dog has any mats, cut them out with scissors before bathing.
Step
4
Ear protection
Place a cotton ball inside your dog’s ears to keep water from entering the ear canal.
Step
5
Bathtub towel
Place a towel in the bottom of the bathtub to keep the dog from sliding on the tub floor.
Step
6
Warmth
Fill the your bathtub with warm water before bringing the dog into the bathroom. Fill the tub no more than halfway. You will need less water for a small breed dog.
Step
7
Wash dog
Put your dog in the tub and wet him down using a bowl. From head to tail, get his fur wet and ready for washing. Using dog shampoo, lather the fur down to the skin all over your dog’s body to get him clean.
Step
8
Face
Wipe your dog’s face with a washcloth or your hands. Be careful not to get soap into his eyes.
Step
9
Rinse
Rinse your dog from head to toe as well. Make sure you are rinsing the soap off all surfaces. Use fresh running water or clean water, not the bath water the dog is standing in.
Step
10
Dry
Once you are done rinsing, your dog will probably want to shake excess water off. You can hold a towel up to cover yourself or drape the a towel over the dog to soak up the water before he shakes. Use a second towel to dry him once this excess water is off the fur. You can also blow him dry once he is out of the tub. If you put cotton balls in his ear, don’t forget to remove them.
Step
11
Cuddles
Don't forget to give your fresh smelling, clean dog some well deserved cuddles.
The Simple and Quick Method
Effective
0 Votes
Shampoo
Towel
Step
1
Non-slip mat
Use a towel or a non-slip mat for the bottom of the tub to keep your dog from slipping and sliding around.
Step
2
Wet
Get your dog wet using a cup or a bowl and fresh water. If your tub has a handheld shower, you can also use this to get his fur wet. Hold the water source close to your dog’s skin to avoid frightening your dog and splashing water into his eyes.
Step
3
Wash
With dog shampoo, wash your dog from head to tail and top to toe. Reach underneath his body to clean his tummy and potty areas as well. A quick non-soapy wipe around his face will get his face clean.
Step
4
Rinse
Use fresh, clean water to rinse your dog. Water straight from the tap in a bowl or using a handheld shower works best. It might be best to let the dirty water out of the tub while you are rinsing your dog.
Step
5
Dry
With a towel, dry your dog while he’s still in the tub.
Step
6
Getting out
Be careful taking your dog out of the tub. He will be slippery and still damp, if not wet. Expect him to run and roll on your floors, but also expect a clean and happy pup.
Caution & Considerations
- Bathing small breeds or medium breeds in the bathtub is easy.
- Medium sized breeds may need assistance claiming into the bathtub.
- Larger breeds may do better in a shower. However, if you can get your large breed dog into your tub, it makes for easy bathing for a large dog as well.
- Some dogs don't like the sound of running water. If your dog is scared of the sights and sounds of running water, try to hide your fresh rinsing water in a separate container such as gallon jugs next to the tub for rinsing.
- Be sure no matter which method you use, to have the bottom of the tub safe for your dog with a non-slip mat or a towel.
- Every dog will try to do the dog shake once you are done rinsing. Let him do this if you can control where the water goes because he will get more water out of his fur than by you just patting him down with a towel.
- Keeping your bathroom door closed will keep the heat inside to the room and keep your dog from bolting.
Conclusion
Don't turn bath time into a ruff time. Bathing in your bathtub should be fairly simple and easy. You can make your dog look paw-some with a little time, patience, and some bathtub grooming. Make this a fun and furtastic experience for your dog and he will look amazing.Â
