How to Bathe a Dog With Baking Soda

Easy
10 - 40 Minutes
4 Weeks

Introduction

Baking soda offers many great grooming properties for your dog. If you don’t have time for a full bath, baking soda can help your dog smell better until they can get a full wet bath. Baking soda can also add sheen to your pup’s coat. A dry shampoo bath is easy with baking soda and a drop of essential oils while a wet bath can become an odor eliminating bath with baking soda added to water. Mix the two and make a baking soda paste to freshen your dog’s scent before brushing out. If your dog has any skin troubles, you can make your own baking soda shampoo to avoid harsh soaps and chemicals while still getting your dog clean. Baking soda is a known flea killer, so if fleas or other parasites are a problem, a baking soda bath can help kill fleas naturally and neutralize odors as well.

Dog's Perspective

Though there is nothing scary about baking soda, your pup might not be super excited about baths anyway. If they have itchy skin, water alone, especially water which is too warm, might cause more irritation to their skin. Ease this pain by trying a dry shampoo with baking soda before giving your dog a wet bath. A treat always help to ease anxieties too.

However, if you'd rather leave it to a pro, it's never a bad idea to book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you.

The Dry Bath Method

Most Recommended
6 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Step
1
Prepare
Prepare yourself and your dog with a box of baking soda and a towel for your dog to stand on while you apply baking soda. This towel will also catch baking soda when it’s brushing time. Also, grab some treats for your pup for waiting and being good while getting a dry baking soda bath. And be sure to have a brush handy for the last step of getting your dog clean and smelling good.
Step
2
Baking soda
Cover your dog in baking soda, avoiding their face. Be sure to apply a liberal amount and not just sprinkle a little on your dog. Do not conserve on the amount of baking soda used for your dog. Remember, baking soda is going to absorb and neutralize odors in the fur and soothe the skin, so you're going to need quite a bit of it.
Step
3
Rub
Use your fingertips and massage the baking soda into your dog’s skin. Avoid leaving the baking soda sitting on the top of the fur; massage it onto the skin.
Step
4
Wait
Allow the baking soda to sit on your dog’s skin and coat, working odors out and soothing dry, itchy skin. The baking soda will absorb oils from both the skin and oily coat. Give it time to work. While you wait, offer your dog a treat to pass the time.
Step
5
Brush
Brush your dog well from head to tail, getting the baking soda out of the fur. Once the baking soda is brushed out, you should notice a fresh, clean scent and luscious fur.

The Wet Bath Method

Effective
3 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Pin Brush
Towel
Step
1
Add to shampoo
You can add baking soda to your favorite shampoo to deodorize your pup during bathtime. If you are using baking soda to help with your dog’s skin conditions, be sure to use a soap-free shampoo that is hypoallergenic and won’t cause drying of the skin.
Step
2
Make shampoo
Alternatively, you can make a mixture using baking soda and water. The less water you use, the thicker the shampoo will be. This will be like a paste. The more water you use, the thinner the shampoo will be.
Step
3
Wash
Wet your dog as you would normally for a wet bath. Use the baking soda and shampoo or water mixture to wash your dog. Use your fingers to massage it into the skin and fur. You may need more for thicker coats. Avoid using baking soda on your dog’s face.
Step
4
Rinse
For an extra fresh scent, add baking soda to your warm rinse water. You don’t want the baking soda to be left on the skin, but by adding it to rinse water, you can add an extra fresh scent to your dog with a baking soda rinse.
Step
5
Dry
Use a towel to dry your dog’s fur. If their skin is irritated at all, try not to rub your pup when drying them after their bath. Also, if your dog has skin irritations, avoid using a hair dryer as heat could cause more itching.

Caution & Considerations

  • Baking soda can be added to every bath you give your dog. You do not have to always add it to shampoo or make your own baking soda shampoo. Adding it to the bath water alone can help to deodorize and soothe dry skin.
  • Do not use a baking soda shampoo, wet or dry, on your dog’s face.
  • Whichever shampoo you use for your baking soda bath, let the baking soda sit on the skin for several minutes to give it time to work on odors and skin conditions.
  • Baking soda is often used around the home for a fresh, clean scent. Using it on your dog is just as easy. Be sure to cover your dog’s fur, not just sprinkle a small amount, for deodorizing and neutralizing odors.
  • Brushing your dog before a wet or dry bath will help the baking soda work more effectively.
  • Brushing your dog after a dry baking soda bath helps to move the baking soda through the fur and remove any excess baking soda, but it’s not required.
  •  You can cover your dog with baking soda, massage it in, and let it stay. It will fall off eventually or absorb into the fur and skin. 

Conclusion

Your dog should already know how to play and get dirty. Baking soda is a great odor neutralizer, so when your dog is in the doghouse for getting smelly, get them back out and into your lap with a baking soda bath. You can have a great smelling best-in-show dog instead a paw-ful smelling pet to cuddle.

Want to pamper your pooch even more? Why not book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you?

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question
Happy
Pitbull mix
2 Years
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Happy
Pitbull mix
2 Years

For one he's allergic to everything! Fleas flea medicine...I don't know what to do for him right now cuz we got a few fleas now. Would baking soda really help with killing the fleas and soothing his skin? And how likely would it be for him to have a reaction to that

Question
Bonnie
black mouth cur
9 Weeks
1 found helpful
Question
1 found helpful
Bonnie
black mouth cur
9 Weeks

Hie there, it is Sandy here. My dog has fleas. What home remedies may I use for now as I do not have money to take him to the vet right now or buy anything from the pet store. He has been scratching non-stop. I'll only see the Vet in two weeks time.

Question
maui
German Shepherd
5 Months
1 found helpful
Question
1 found helpful
maui
German Shepherd
5 Months

My dog keeps bite himself i was reading about the baking soda bath to help i was wondering when i get him out the bath can i add more baking soda on him

Paige Thompson
Paige Thompson
Dog Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Kristine! The baking soda bath can be done wet or dry. If you want to do both just make sure Maui is completely dry before you add any bakomg soda to the coat so it doesnt paste up. As with any itchy or irritated skin, if it persists you may want to seek advice from your veterinarian to rule out any other underlying issues. Thanks! Paige

Question
Bowie
French Bulldog
7 Months
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Bowie
French Bulldog
7 Months

I have sprinkled bicarb soda on both beds belonging to my dog and left them out in the sun all day to deodorize and then brushed off the excess bicarb soda before putting her blankets back in the beds and letting her use them. A few hours after this i noticed both her eyes are running and her face tear very tear stained. Is this from the bicarb soda? Should i vacuum her beds to get out any further excess powder? I'm quite concerned as she has never had tear staining before.

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Celeste, It does sound to me as if Bowie has had a reaction to the baking soda. I do know that some pets will experience irritation when baking soda is near the eyes and because of Bowie's tearing, I think this is the case. I would definitely vacuum both of the beds and put clean blankets back on after doing so. It may be a good idea to gently clean her eyes with a soft damp cloth. If there is no relief, you should consult the veterinarian. I hope this helps!

Question
Princess
Shorkie Tzu
7 Weeks
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Princess
Shorkie Tzu
7 Weeks

Hello I see lil black specs on my pup & she keep scratching I’m scared to give her a water bath she is too small I believe the specs are flea eggs what can I do for fast home treatment can I give her a dry baking soda rub dwn to prevent the fleas? Or what shall I do signed a concerned new puppy owner🤦🏾‍♀️

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Dionne, sorry to hear that little Princess may have developed a flea problem. Due to her young age, I would recommend consulting the veterinarian. Any type of flea treatment must be age-appropriate so that she does not have a reaction. Your vet can prescribe a treatment and give accurate advice on how to remove the fleas from not only Princess, but your home. If the home is not adequately cleared of the fleas and eggs too, then the problem will return. Your veterinarian will also give Princess medication that will prevent fleas in the future. All the best and call your vet today!

Question
zorro
Pomeranian
13 Years
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
zorro
Pomeranian
13 Years

Hi, my baby has sensitive skin. but Im, having an issue with sand flies which are hanging around him constantly - around his face and body. i can only imagine how annoying this can be for him. but no matter what i try, nothing seems to help with this.

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Sian, I can imagine how this must be bothering Zorro. I think you should call your vet and ask their opinion. Sand flies can carry parasites (leishmaniasis) that can be harmful to Zorro. The vet may be able to prescribe a safe and effective product to repel the sand flies and make sure that your little buddy does not get sick. All the best to you and Zorro.

Question
Izzie
Labrador Retriever
1 Year
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Izzie
Labrador Retriever
1 Year

My dogs live inside and they take Advantage Multi every month for heart worm and flea prevention. Somehow they got fleas this year and I have tried everything. The medicine worked on everyone (my other dog, Marley, and both cats) except Izzie. I tried coconut oil, essential oils, lemon juice, store bought sprays, etc. we don’t have any carpets but I’ve cleaned everything, washed all the bedding. It’s only been 3 weeks instead of 4 but I bought frontline plus instead of their normal and used that last night because my husband and I are getting eaten alive. And this morning I saw a couple live fleas jumping around on her (she’s solid white so they’re easy to find). Do you think baking soda would help? Or do you have any other suggestions? Help!

Question
Mishka
Wolf and husky
4 Months
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Mishka
Wolf and husky
4 Months

Mishka can have a bath one day and the next smell like she's never had one. Will baking soda bath help to keep her smelling good for awhile

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Mishka is a beauty. Don't bathe her too much because you may dry out the skin or cause other skin problems to develop. Although some breeds are naturally smellier than others in general, you may want to take Mishka to the vet to rule out problems like a skin infection (such as yeast) that produces an odor. Have her ears checked, too because that can cause odor. Intolerance to a certain dog food may cause issues as well. If Mishka gets a full bill of health, ask your vet for advice on the smell. Good luck!

Question
Luna
Cavapoo
20 Weeks
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Luna
Cavapoo
20 Weeks

My dog has a broken leg and has some odors issues, I found this article and decided to give her a dry bath. She licked a little bit of the baking soda and the was very quite. I later google is the baking soda is poison for dogs and it is and now I don't know what to do. She is not vomiting or anything, but I'm concern about her.

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, my apologies - I somehow missed your email. I do imagine that the amount licked was not too harmful (but she could have had an upset stomach afterward). Any time you have a question about health, it's always wise to call the vet to be sure. I hope Luna is recovering well with her broken leg!

Question
Kimchi
Shih Tzu
6 Months
1 found helpful
Question
1 found helpful
Kimchi
Shih Tzu
6 Months

hi! i would just like to ask for help on how to get rid of red stains? my furbaby has red stains on her face :( hope you'll answer, thank you so much!

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, Kimchi is adorable and I love the name, too! Groomers typically use a professional tear stain remover product. If the staining is excessive, you could have the vet take a look just to make sure that all is okay. Not being a vet, I cannot suggest what to use. But take a look at this guide on watery eyes. There is an opportunity to ask a vet a question at the bottom of the page. Perhaps pose your question there, to see if they have a suggestion for what you can use at home. They can also give insight on the red staining. Here you go: https://wagwalking.com/condition/watery-eyes. Good luck and have fun with your pup!

Question
Ruby
Golden Retriever
3 Years
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Ruby
Golden Retriever
3 Years

My golden has always had a flake issue, the vet called it Ichthyosis? We give her plenty of fish oil and keep her clean but there is always some flakes. 2 weeks ago we took her to the groomer. They said she had super dry skin and gave her a baking soda bath? Now she has major LARGE skin flakes coming off as well as it seems her hair is falling out with it??? HELP!

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, I think it's best to call Ruby's vet to see what they recommend, just in case she is uncomfortable or needs medication. We have the option to ask a vet if you'd like to do that in the meantime. I feel a vet is a better alternative than myself. Here is the link: https://wagwalking.com/wag-health. All the best to Ruby!

Question
Wendy
Siberian Husky
9 Years
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Wendy
Siberian Husky
9 Years

Wendy is loosing hair in clumps around her neck what causes this and what can I do to fix it

Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, there are several reasons for the hair loss, from a medical condition to a parasite. I think it's best to consult Wendy's veterinarian to quickly diagnose the problem and to prevent it from getting worse. I'm not a vet, but you can pose a question to a vet here: https://wagwalking.com/wag-health. Good luck to Wendy and I hope she gets better soon!

Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd