How to Give a Dog a Bath: 4 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Clean

As a general rule, most dogs benefit from being bathed once a month. However, it's important to consider the grooming needs of your dog's coat. Certain breeds—such as Basset Hounds or Labrador Retrievers—have oily coats and may need to be bathed as frequently as once a week. Other short- or medium-haired dog breeds tend to get by just fine with a monthly bath time. If your dog's fur is long, consider brushing them more often than you bathe them. This helps keep your dog's coat clean while distributing natural oils for a shiny, healthy coat.

Visit your local pet supply store to pick up these dog bath essentials.

1. 1. Dog shampoo: The pH balance of a dog's skin is different from human skin. Avoid using human shampoo on your pooch and invest in dog shampoo instead.
2. 2. Conditioner (optional): Dogs with undercoats, like Golden Retrievers, can benefit from an application of conditioner. Conditioner helps prevent tangles and can make your dog's coat silky smooth to the touch. Again, choose a doggy conditioner over a human one.
3. 3. Showerhead attachment (optional): A showerhead with a hand-held sprayer attachment makes the bathing process a lot easier.
4. 4. Washcloth: Water trapped in your dog's ear canal can lead to an ear infection, and a dog's eyes are just as sensitive to soap as human eyes. Instead of spraying or dumping water on their head, use a damp washcloth to clean your dog's face.
5. 5. Absorbent towel: Towel drying is preferred over using a blow dryer. Blow dryers can reach temperatures too hot for your dog's skin and may be frightening.
6. 6. Dog brush: Brushing your dog before bath time will help prevent all that excess dog hair from clogging the shower drain.

Bath time isn't the only option available to dog owners who want to keep their pooch clean. Consider these tips for keeping your dog clean on a daily basis.

1. 1. Brush your dog daily. Brushing your dog helps remove dead hair, dirt, and dander. Brushing takes no more than five minutes and is a great opportunity to bond with your dog. If daily brushings aren't feasible, try to brush them once a week.
2. 2. Keep your dog’s bed and living space clean. Bacteria can collect on your dog's bed, blankets, or crate pad. Regularly wash their bed and linens to prevent excess bacteria from spreading to your dog.
3. 3. Choose the right shampoo. Consider your dog's coat type and any possible skin conditions when choosing a dog shampoo. If your dog has allergies, ask your vet about using a medicated shampoo.
4. 4. Wipe their paws after being outside. When your dog is done doing their business or playing outside, wipe their paws with a damp cloth or baby wipe before letting them back in the house.

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