Bathing your dog

Like many factors when it comes to dog ownership, dog bathing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whilst it is essential for grooming and hygiene purposes, not all dogs will have the same requirement when it comes to the frequency and method of bathing. This will be dependent on several factors, including breed and the type of coat your dog has, the environment around them, their lifestyle and activity, and any underlying skin or health conditions.

What is a good frequency to bathe your dog?

The recommended frequency of bathing a dog has a wide range of variability, anywhere from weekly to once every three months. Some factors that influence how often a dog needs to be bathed include:

Regularly checking your dog's skin can help identify any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps, redness, or irritation. If you notice any unusual changes, consult with your veterinarian promptly.

When it comes to bathing your dog, it is crucial to use products specifically formulated for their needs. Regular human shampoos are not suitable for dogs and cats due to their different skin pH levels and the presence of additives that can irritate their skin. While baby shampoo may be a temporary alternative, it is still designed for human skin and should not be a long-term solution. Using cat shampoo on dogs is permissible in a pinch, as cat shampoos are generally milder and safer for dogs than vice versa. However, it is not ideal for regular use, as cat shampoos may not effectively remove dirt and grime from a dog's longer and thicker coat. Additionally, prescription or medicated shampoos should be used after seeking veterinary advice, to make sure to use a product adapted to your dog's specific issue.

Specially formulated to gently cleanse, DOUXO SPA Ultra-safe Shampoos leave your dog's skin hydrated and their coat luxuriously soft and shiny with every wash. With a range of options tailored to meet your dog's unique needs, DOUXO SPA shampoos are made with 97% naturally sourced ingredients, ensuring a mild, chemical-free cleanse that promotes healthier skin and a shiny, more vibrant coat. Recommended by veterinarians, DOUXO is your trusted partner in providing the best care for your furry friend. For a complete grooming routine, pair the shampoo with DOUXO SPA conditioner, wipes, ear cleaner, or spray – all designed to work together for optimal results.

One of the most important steps to consider when bathing your dog is to make the experience as positive as possible for them. The last thing that we as owners want is to wage a battle with our dog when bath time comes around. A positive bath time is good for everybody and will make the process so much easier. So how do we do this? 

Positive reinforcement

Ideally starting as soon as you get a puppy, rewarding their good behaviour during bath-time with lots of treats and praise is a good place to start. Besides, your dog is influenced enormously on your own energy and body language, so the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your dog will be. Treat and reward it as play, and your dog is much more likely to see it as something to enjoy, rather than something to run away from, leaving a trail of muddy soapy suds behind them. 

Ensure they are well-exercised first

If bathing your dog does prove to be a little bit of a battle, then taking them for a nice walk to remove some pent-up energy will be a good first step. 

Ensure the floor isn’t slippery

Sometimes a dog’s hatred for something can come down to their sensory experience, so ensuring that they feel comfortable is important. Also, if you are bathing your dog in the tub and not outside in the garden (climate will determine this), then slipping can cause injury, especially whilst they are growing. Cushioning the floor with a non-slip bathmat or towel is such a simple step that can make a huge difference to their enjoyment of bath time. 

Be mindful about water temperature and pressure

Ensuring optimal comfort will pave the way to a more positive bath experience for your pooch. You want the water to be a comfortable temperature for them (lukewarm, ideally), and make sure that the pressure is not too harsh for their body.

1. Brush coat and ensure there are no knots or matts. 

2. Consider the best location for your dog. Whether they are bathed outside, in the sink or in a bathtub will largely depend on climate and the size of your dog. Ensure the floor isn’t slippery. 

3. Make sure that you are prepared. Having everything you need right there at your fingertips will prevent any last-minute excursions into cupboards to find them and prevent a wet slippery dog running around the room.  

4. Ensure your dog is completely wetted down before applying shampoo. When applying shampoo, make sure you can get a good lather all over them, and don’t overlook places like the armpits, paw-pads and bellies. Massage the shampoo into their skin well before rinsing it off. In case of medicated shampoo, your vet may have recommended to apply first on damaged areas and a stand-time for the ingredient to penetrate. 

5. Avoid eyes and ears. Washing the face is better done with wipes or a damp cloth. If your dog has skin folds (such as the Boxer or Bulldog) ensuring you get into the depths of these folds is important to prevent skin inflammation.  

6. Ensure that the water runs clean after the rinse. Any shampoo that remains on the skin may act as an irritant and dry the skin out. Be patient with this process and rinse a few times from neck to tail. 

To know more about how to apply the products, watch our how to video:

There are a few options for letting your dog dry after their bath time.

Let them hair dry

If your dog has short hair, allowing them to dry naturally can be appropriate, especially if they have sensitive skin. A few shakes and happy zoomies later, and your dog may be comfortable enough to air dry without any intervention. However, it is not likely to be appropriate in dogs with long or thick double coats, especially in humid environments, as it can promote skin infections or lead to matting of the fur. 

Towel dry  

A tried-and-true method, towel drying will remove the extra moisture. It is best to get a dog towel that will draw out more water than your regular bath towels. Towel drying may not be appropriate in dogs with long hair that is prone to tangling. 

Blow dryers 

There are dog-specific blow dryers that groomers will use to speed up the drying process and make sure your dog is nice and fluffy by the time you come to pick them up. Using our own human hairdryers is not recommended with the heat settings, as it can be far too high for dog’s skin. If you use your hairdryer, please make sure to use it on a low heat.  There are several different types on the market, such as cage dryers, force dryers and stand dryers. 

Blow dryers that are designed for dogs are very versatile and customisable, and will promote a better and safer experience for them. Ensuring that you introduce them slowly to your dog to get them used to it is incredibly important, as the sound and force of the air can frighten them.