How to Give Dog a Bath in the Tub
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Giving your dog a bath in the tub is fairly easy to do but can become quite messy. Prepare yourself for a bath of your own when your dog is clean and decides to shake off the excess water. Having all the right tools on hand such as an extra towel to hold up when your dog shakes off that excess water will be key to a successful bathtub bath. You should also be prepared with whatever shampoos or supplies you will need to get your dog clean while in the bathtub, so you never leave your dog unattended. Your dog’s safety needs to be first when you are bathing him in a bathtub.
No matter how you decide to bathe him in the bathtub, use a towel or a non-skid mat to keep your dog from slipping and sliding while in the tub. Some dogs love to take baths in the tub, and some dogs absolutely hate it. How well your dog manages taking a bath in the tub may very well depend on how prepared you are.
Dog's Perspective
If your dog hates bathtub baths, preparing with a tub full of water and a warm bathroom before you even introduce your dog into the water might speed the procedure up and make it quicker for your pup. Some dogs don't enjoy the sound of running water, so consider having pitchers or milk jugs of warm water on hand and ready to go for fresh water rinsing. When in doubt, always bring treats into the bathroom to reward your dog as he's getting clean.
The Keep Calm Method
The Fun Bath Method
Caution & Considerations
- Start bath time prepared with all the supplies you’ll need before bringing your pup into the bathroom.
- Cotton balls in your dog’s ears can help prevent water from entering the ear canal.
- You can spread ointment around your dog's eyes to keep shampoo from dripping into his eyes.
- Be sure to make your bathtub safe for your dog by incorporating a non-slip surface or towel on the bottom of the tub before allowing your dog to get in.
- Having an extra towel handy can help keep you dry as your dog shakes excess water from his fur when the bath is over.
- Have your bathtub full of warm water and ready to go before you bring your dog into the bathroom.
- Heat up your bathroom by running a hot shower with the door closed for several minutes before you prepare the tub for your dog's bath. Keep the bathroom door closed when your dog is bathing.
- Consider using hypoallergenic or natural ingredient shampoos to protect your dog's skin and beautiful coat.
- Be sure to rinse out all shampoo with clean running water to avoid dry skin.
- Try to dry your dog as much as you can before leaving the bathroom to avoid giving your dog a chill.
Conclusion
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Mayhem
He is such a big dog and I'm such a little person... He doesn't like baths but he needs one bad. He doesn't really like new people, so how do I give him a bath? He is a rehomed dog and he has taken to my husband and I pretty well. But my husband works a lot and I'm the only one with time to bathe him...
Best buds as long as the little gets to be first and the larger one usually doesn’t mind! ‘I’m’ potentially the concern...it’s my first time but I’ve taken good preparation notes! Thanks! 🤞🏽
0 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for the photos. All the best and good luck!
What is the best way to bathe a Great Dane? Ramsey hates water and its cold outside to use the hose and she won't go near the tub. Should i try to use the bathtub with treats to help her get use to the tub or should i wait until it warms up outside? Thank you
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, unless Ramsey is super dirty, I wouldn't struggle with a bath experience. I imagine she's pretty big to get in the tub if she really doesn't want to! Instead, use quality pet wipes from the pet supply store or even a cloth just with water to wet her down. Then towel her off thoroughly. I expect that could do the trick. There are also dry shampoos you can try. But again, unless she is very dirty, I think wiping her down is perfect. In the warmer weather this spring and summer, you could try Ramsey in a low-sided baby pool with just a little water. She may find that fun and you can bathe her at the same time. All the best to Ramsey!
Hello! My dog Ginger is scared of the bath but REALLY needs a bath. My main concern is that she is tall and the water will only reach halfway up on her legs. She is also about 80lbs and 3 legged so kind of hard to lift for me. Would really appreciate the help!
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, if you are in a warm-weather location, I would recommend a low-sided child's pool that Ginger can step into easily. I would not attempt the bathtub - you or Ginger could get injured. The low-sided pool is a great solution even if you have a basement area where you can work. You can also use pet or baby wipes to wipe Ginger down instead of a bath. They do work really well. Then take a very wet washcloth and give her a good rinse. Fluff with the towel, and you are all set. Take a look here as well for great ideas on waterless cleaning: https://wagwalking.com/grooming/bathe-a-dog-without-water. It's completely possible to get Ginger fresh and clean without using the bathtub and causing stress to either one of you which is no fun at all. Good luck and all the best to Ginger!
I am disappointed you do not mention conditioning! Your readers will get a dry, itchy dog whose signature "Dog Funk" smell quickly comes back (often leading to a trip to the veterinarian which they commonly diagnosed as “allergies” and an expensive "fix" that doesn't address the cause) They will also see an increase in shedding because dry skin can't hold healthy hair.
IMPORTANT!
Don't skip the conditioner! That's right, dog conditioner is essential to replace what the shampoo removes. Because, even a high quality, dog specific shampoo is still shampoo. If you skip your conditioner you will likely have a dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. Our dogs are the same, only it's called dander. And, if you thought all dogs have dander, sigh a breath of relief, because hydrated, healthy skin is not dandery! You and your dog will likely notice a major improvement in coat manageability and skin comfortability, as well as an improved odor in your home once you start conditioning. Most dog shampoos have a conditioner counterpart. (2 in 1 products are not effective because they are breaking down oil in the same step as adding it to the skin and the body does not get to benefit from the hydrating ingredients before they are gone.)
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, thank you for your input. We also have informative guides on conditioning the coat: https://wagwalking.com/grooming/condition-a-dogs-coat, https://wagwalking.com/grooming/condition-a-dogs-dry-skin, https://wagwalking.com/grooming/condition-a-dogs-skin, and more. All the best!
