Just like humans need to bathe regularly, so do our pups. Nobody wants to snuggle up next to a stinky dog! Luckily, we don't have to wash them as often as we wash ourselves. We know that some dog parents (and dogs) dread this chore, so keep reading for how to bathe your pup and tips to make it a little easier.

How Often To Bathe Your Pup

Most dog parents will only need to bathe their dogs every 1-3 months. Bathing too often can dry out their skin or remove the natural oils in their coat that keep them healthy. In between baths, you can brush their fur regularly and use our Metro Wipes Natural Unscented or Metro Wipes Charcoal Peppermint to clean them up. If your pup just got extremely dirty from playing, if they have a medical condition, or if you notice they have a smell then you might want to give them another bath. If your pup is more active, you may want to bathe them every couple of weeks.

You should also take into account the type of fur your dog has. Is it long, short, thick, double-coated, etc? If you’re unsure of how often to wash your dog, you can always consult with your veterinarian.

Steps To Bathing Your Pup

1. Brush your dog prior to bathing them to remove dirt, loose hair, and work out tangles and mats. Any tangles and matted fur can become worse during baths and make your dog more uncomfortable when wet. Make sure you are being gentle with your pup (you wouldn’t want any harsh tugging on your hair!).
2. Protect your pup’s ears to prevent ear infections. You can use cotton balls in their ears or a shower cap over their head to help keep them dry.
3. Apply lukewarm water to your pup and make sure they are soaked before applying any products. This may take longer if your dog has a thicker or water-resistant coat.
4. It’s then time to shampoo your pup. Use a dog-specific shampoo as those for humans can irritate their skin. You can ask your veterinarian or groomer for their recommendations, especially if they have a skin condition. Massage the shampoo into your dog’s fur, working from the neck down. Make sure to get to their bellies, paws, and armpits, while AVOIDING their head and face. Go in the direction of their hair growth. Rinse your dog well, ensuring that all of the product is out. Any leftover product can irritate their skin. You may need to repeat this step if your pup hasn’t been bathed in a while or is especially dirty. To clean your pup’s face, use a damp washcloth.
5. After shampoo, it’s time for conditioner. While it may seem unnecessary, conditioner helps add moisture and softness back to their coat and skin. It can also help detangle longer fur. Again, make sure to thoroughly rinse the conditioner out.
6. When your pup is all rinsed, it’s time to dry! If your dog has long hair you can squeeze out the excess water with your hands. You can dry your pup with just a towel if you’d like or add a blow dryer (some dogs get anxious around the quick air and loud noise). Dry your dog with a towel as much as you can before using a blow dryer. Make sure the air is set to a low setting and constantly move the dryer along their body.

Some Extra Tips

• Get your pup tired prior to the bath with a longer walk or a game of fetch.
• Make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach. We’ve had our pups try to run out of the bathroom while we grab towels.
• Have a friend or family member help you out. They can hold the dog while you do the bathing.
• If you have the capability, tethering your dog can prevent them from escaping the tub.
• Use plenty of praise and treats before, during, and after the bath so your pup can feel positive about the experience.

Washing your pup regularly is part of ensuring they have a happy and healthy life. And it doesn't have to be an agonizing chore. What are some of your bath time tips? Share with us in the comments.