How to Bathe a Dog

Once you learn how to bathe a dog, once a month will help unclog the pores without stripping away the skin's natural oils (especially with the vinegar rinse). The best dog shampoos have no harsh chemicals, insecticides, or synthetic ingredients so read the labels.

Once you know how to bathe a dog, it should be enjoyable for both of you. Most dogs learn to enjoy the water. My daughter's Lulu has to be locked out of the bathroom during shower time or she jumps in to share the experience. Not much fun before school in the morning!

On the other hand, Helen and Lily both avoid eye contact with me when I run the tub water for them.

It's fairly common to find Helen in the back of my clothes closet. She is not looking for something to wear. If it is a closet day, I must lead her to the tub with authority (and totally without anger). This way she will climb into the water. Okay so she does it grudgingly. At least she gets in.

Once the shampooing begins all my dogs groan with delight. Here's how I do it.

How to Bathe a Dog

Have ready:

• 2 - 3 large towels
• 1 wash cloth or bath sponge
• shampoo
• large plastic cup
• Vinegar rinse
  (1 qt. non-chlorine water + 1/4 c. organic apple cider vinegar)
• goggles and raincoat (just kidding)

Since my dogs are big, I fill the tub about 4" deep with comfortably warm water. I usually leave a collar or choke chain on them just in case they have the desire to vacate the tub early.

I sit on the edge of the tub with my feet inside so my back doesn't get sore. First I wet the wash cloth and wipe down the face. Using a large plastic cup, I scoop water onto them beginning at the head.

To avoid getting water in the eyes or ears, I hold up the chin with one hand and pour from behind the ears backward. Holding the head like this helps pour water under the chin also. Its always best to start at the head. If your dog has fleas, it will chase them toward the body where they can be washed off.

After wetting the dog down completely I suds them up with shampoo by rubbing and scratching everywhere but their sensitive area. Shampoo in any orifice can be quite uncomfortable.

Once the massage portion is over, I rinse with the same bath water (unless its really dirty) and let the water out. While water is draining I put the vinegar solution on with the wash cloth or sponge.

Standing in the tub with my dog, I rub her head. Usually I get a moaning sound while she pushes into the towel. (This is Helen, who swore she didn't want a bath.)

I quickly run the towel over the whole body so the floor doesn't get flooded.

I say "Okay" and she jumps out of the tub onto the big dry towel I have on the floor. Now I can dry thoroughly and get the legs and feet as well.

As soon as I dry the last foot she is ready to race around the house like a dog on amphetamines.

And now you know how to bathe a dog!

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A few tips to remember:

• Only wash your dog outdoors with the hose on hot days to avoid a chill
• Avoid drafts during bath time by closing the door. Also avoid drafts until they are dry.
• When bathing a small dog use the same method, except in the kithen sink. I washed my cats for years this way.
• Attitude is everything. Don't set about bathing dogs when you are in ill-humor. Your dog will catch your attitude and washing a dog could turn into a nightmare.
• Please avoid harsh flea shampoos. The vinegar is not only healthy for dog skin but repels fleas at the same time. If you must use a flea killer, use a blue dish washing soap like Dawn.

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