How to Wash a Dog without a Bathtub

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Easy
10 - 25 Minutes
4 Weeks

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Introduction

There might be a multitude of reasons for needing to wash your dog without a bathtub. Either you have a large breed dog who doesn't fit in the bathtub anymore, or you have a small dog or medium size dog and no bathtub in which to wash him. When you need to wash your dog without a bathtub, you can use a few different items to create a tub, or you can put your dog in a shower and shower with him to get him clean. You can even consider a dry bath or a bath outside.

Dog's Perspective

Though there are several ways to clean your dog without a bathtub, you may want to consider what's easiest for you and the needs of your dog. The size of your dog might affect where you choose to clean him. Either way, keep him calm and rewards with treats.

The Dry Clean Method

Most Recommended
2 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Step
1
Dry mixture
Purchase a dry shampoo from your local pet store or create your own at home by mixing baking soda and cornstarch together. Be sure you have enough to liberally cover your dog. The amount you’ll need will depend on the size of your pup. You can mix to half and half baking soda to cornstarch when making your own dry cleanser.
Step
2
Brush
Before applying any dry shampoo or baking soda mixture onto your dog, brush him thoroughly. This will remove any loose dirt and tangles. Brushing also releases natural oils from your dog’s skin, coating the fur.
Step
3
Apply
Sprinkle or spread the dry mixture to your dog’s fur. Let it sit on his skin and coat for several minutes. During this time, the dry mixture will absorb extra oils and odor from the coat. While you wait, you can massage the mixture into your dog’s skin, or you can let it sit. Try to keep your dog from licking or chewing on the mixture.
Step
4
Brush again
After allowing the mixture some time to work, brush your dog again. Take your time moving the dry shampoo through the coat. As you brush your little guy, those natural oils will spread, moisturizing the skin and fur, and the mixture will absorb odors.
Step
5
Shake
Once your dog has been brushed and beautiful again, he might want to shake a bit. It might be a good idea to get him outside for this moment so he doesn't shake baking soda all over your house.
Step
6
Treat
Reward your pup for good behavior during his dry bath with a tasty treat and let him know how great he smells with some excitement.

The Sink Bath Method

Effective
2 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Pin Brush
Towel
Step
1
Prep the area
Whether you are bathing your dog in the bathroom sink or the kitchen sink, gather all your supplies before getting your dog ready to bathe. You should have your shampoo or dog wash, a towel or two, a cup for rinsing, and cotton balls for his ears.
Step
2
Fill sink
Fill the sink about halfway or just enough to reach your dog’s belly. Make sure the water is warm, not too hot and not too cold.
Step
3
Add dog
Put the cotton balls just inside your pup’s ears to keep water out. Add your dog to the sink and use the cup to pour warm water over him to wet him down.
Step
4
Shampoo
Apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands and lather onto your little dog. Scrub his body to get him clean.
Step
5
Rinse
Use the cup to rinse the shampoo off your dog. You can empty the sink of the dirty water and add clean water or use the cup and rinse from the faucet. If you have a handheld faucet, you can use this to rinse your dog as well. Be sure to check the water temperature before rinsing your dog.
Step
6
Towel
Once the sink is empty, place a towel over your dog and soak up the water from his fur. Once he’s no longer dripping, take him out of the sink and continue to dry him.
Step
7
Brush
When he is dry, brush his fur to remove any tangles and make him beautiful again. You can also give your little guy a treat too as a reward for his sink bath.

Caution & Considerations

  • Brush your pooch on a regular basis to have a cleaner pup. Daily brushing will help remove dirt from your dog’s fur and skin.
  • If your dog is stinky, you can count on his bedding being stinky as well. Be sure to wash his bedding and toys on a regular basis as well.
  • Keep your dog cleaner for longer by spot cleaning with a wet washcloth or a wipe.
  • Don’t forget your dog’s ears and mouth when cleaning him. He’ll smell fresher and this kind of hygiene maintenance will help keep bacteria away.
  • You can make your own dry shampoos using cornstarch and baking soda at home.
  • Baking soda has bacteria-killing properties. Sprinkle some on your dog and brush through for those time you need to bathe your pup but cannot.
  • If you can give your dog a wet cleaning, a shower works well, especially if you have a handheld showerhead.
  • If you decide to shower your dog, be prepared to get inside the shower and get wet as with him.
  • If your dog is a small breed, put him in the kitchen or bathroom sink. He’ll fit fine, be warm, and you won’t have to bed over into a bathtub.

Conclusion

Sometimes your beautiful puppy isn't smelling so beautifully and needs to be cleaned. If you don't have a bathtub handy for a bath or cannot get your little guy wet, you still have options to get him clean. Don't let Fido suffer the fate of being in the doghouse because he's stinky. Get him clean and smelling like roses again easily.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question
jade
German Shepherd
5 Years
1 found helpful
Question
1 found helpful
jade
German Shepherd
5 Years

my dog got injured on her leg a while back and her injury doesnt seem to be healing but rather is forming a hard coat on top of it. is it a serious matter of concern and what should i do?

4 years, 7 months ago
Jade's Owner
Darlene Stott
Darlene Stott
Dog Trainer and Groomer
0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, my recommendation is to see the vet. If the injury is not healing, the vet may be able to prescribe a medication or ointment that will clear up the problem quickly. You don't want infection to set in. Don't delay and all the best to Jade!

4 years, 7 months ago

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