How to Give Your Dog a Bath (naturally)

Superfly unscented Dog Shampoo

RSPCA recommends dogs ideally to have a bath every three months or so (sometimes less or more depending on coat length). Or immediately if they are covered in mud, sea salt or have rolled in poo!) It’s also a good chance to give a quick health check, to look for unusual lumps and bumps. .

Never use human shampoos or shower gels on dogs, and always choose unscented (these can be unsafe on pets, especially cats even if they are nearby).

The best way to give dogs a bath, is to get prepared first, so you don’t have to run off to find something you forgot (like dog shampoo or a towel).

Before washing your dog, part the fur and look for tiny dark specks (fleas) or little bumps (ticks) and remove them with a tick remover or book a vet appointment.

For dogs that don’t like baths, set the right mood. Speak in a calm steady voice and use slow gentle movements, dim the lights if needed. Pet and stroke your dog’s chest and belly beforehand, and reward calm behaviour with nice words, a pat and a treat.

Simple Steps to Bathe Your Dog

• Experts suggest to use warm water around 37 ° Celsius (lukewarm).
• Pop a mat or tub in the bath/sink, to avoid wobbles (walk-in showers, paddling pools or outdoors may be easier for large secured dogs). 
• Begin a gentle stream of water at hindquarters, then lather softly on the back, sides and legs, avoid getting water in ears, nose, mouth or eyes. Shield the head with your hand or a small cup, and gently place hands over ear openings.
• Save the face for last (most dogs don’t need their face washed, unless they’ve rolled in something nasty). Wipe around snout and ears, rather than rinsing direct.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes during rinsing.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to gently brush away loose hairs on damp fur (if you hit a snag, hold the fur above the tangle to gently work through).
• Flip ears back to ensure they are dry, and remove splashed water around the nose.
• Dry with a big absorbent towel (if you use a dryer, use the lowest heat and hold it at least 15cm from your dog’s fur, and keep it moving).

Remove Salt After Snowy Walks

Salt is toxic to dogs, so rinse off after being at the beach (and don’t let them play/eat seaweed, which can expand in the stomach as it dries). Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.

Rock salt can burn at indoor temperatures (same with cats), so rinse their paws with lukewarm water once inside, checking between the toes and pads, for trapped grit and small cuts. EcoGrit recommends safer alternatives to rock salt.