How to Give Dog a Bath in the Tub

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

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Dryer

Towel

Step

1

Leash

If your dog is nervous to take a bath, attach a leash to him. He will take comfort in knowing you are with him and closely connected with the leash--and you will have full control of him should he decide to bolt while soaking wet.

Step

2

Prepare tub

Full the bathtub with warm water. You’ll want it to be deep enough for your dog to stand in with the water touching his tummy. Have your dog shampoo and two towels within arm’s reach. Place an extra towel at the bottom of the tub if the tub is not lined with a non-slip surface.

Step

3

Add dog

Add your dog to the warm water. Use a cup or a handheld shower to get your dog wet.

Step

4

Wash

Apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands and lather. Wash your dog from head to tail lathering the shampoo as you go. Be sure to wash his tummy and legs as well. Lift each paw for washing. Be careful not to lift those paws too high, or you could injure your pup or cause a fall.

Step

5

Clean rinse

If you are using a handheld showerhead, rinse the shampoo off your dog. Continue to rinse until the water runs clear. If you are using a cup, let the dirty water drain as you refill with clean water and rinse using a cup and warm water from the faucet.

Step

6

Towel dry

Use a towel to dry your dog while still in the tub. Holding a towel over your dog while he shakes will keep the excess water contained. Try to soak up as much excess water as you can while the dog is still in the tub.

Step

7

Out of tub

Use the leash to assist your dog as he gets out of the tub. Keep him in the bathroom by holding onto the leash and continue to towel dry him.

Step

8

Brush

While your dog’s fur is wet, brush out any tangles or knots.

Step

9

Dry

If your dog needs to be towel dried more, use a new dry towel. You can also use a hair dryer on a warm or cool setting to dry your dog.

Recommend grooming method?

The Fun Bath Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Towel

Step

1

Set up

Make the bathroom nice and warm by running the shower on hot for a few minutes. This will warm the air. Once the room is toasty warm, fill the tub with warm water. Be sure to let all the hot water drain before filling the tub, so your dog doesn’t get burned. Place a towel on the bottom of the tub to give your dog a safe cushion to stand on while taking his bath.

Step

2

Puppy play

If your dog loves taking a bath or loves the water, consider bringing a fun squeaky toy into the bath with you. Bring your dog into the bathroom and keep the door closed to keep the warmth in the room. Add your dog and the toy to the bath. Show your dog the toy so he can stay entertained while you bathe him.

Step

3

Wash cloth

Use a soft cloth the wipe your dog’s face. Clean his eyes first, rinse the cloth and wipe down the rest of his face. Unless necessary, avoid using soap or shampoo near his eyes or ears.

Step

4

Ears

Add cotton balls to your dog’s ears to keep water from running into his ear canals. This will keep his ears dry and prevent yeast growth and potential infections. Rinse your dog’s head while blocking water from entering the ears.

Step

5

Shampoo

Add a safe dog shampoo to your dog’s body and lather him up. The soap bubbles will attach to dirt to wash it away. Be sure to wash his entire body including his legs in the water, his stomach, and his potty areas.

Step

6

Clean water

Rinse your dog with clean water. You can use gallon jugs of warm water to rinse your dog, a handheld shower with clean, warm running water, or a cup or bowl and the faucet with warm water.

Step

7

Doggy shake

Hold up a towel as soon as you are done because your dog will likely want to shake off the excess water. Holding a towel up between you and your dog will prevent you from getting a shower and your bathroom from needing a wipe down after the dog’s bath.

Step

8

Dry

Drain the bath water from the tub and use a new clean towel to dry your dog. Remove the cotton balls placed earlier in his ears and dry his face and head. Move the towel down, drying his body, stomach, and tail. Once the water is drained, reach in with a towel and squeeze water from his legs.

Step

9

Out of the tub

Carefully help your dog out of the tub and finish towel drying. Be safe with your pup as he is getting out of the tub. The bathroom floor and side of tub might be slippery, and he may be eager to get out.

Step

10

Brush

Brush your dog to style his fur and remove any tangles. Always end bathtime with a tasty treat.

Recommend grooming 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.

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

Bathing your pup in your bathtub doesn't have to be messy. Make bathtime fun and rewarding by keeping your dog warm and cozy. Always end with rewards and cozy cuddles once your dog is dry. Pampering your pooch starts with a warm bath. Once he is clean, he'll look and small fur-tastic.