How to Bathe Your Dog Like a Professional Groomer

Bathing your dog might seem simple enough. After all, all you have to do is wet them down, scrub with shampoo, rinse them off, and call it a day, right? Well… not exactly.

If you want a professional dog bath like a groomer keep reading!

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have all the following handy:

1. A bathtub or area with running water.
2. And anti-slip bath mat.
3. A hair trap for the drain—if you’re using a tub or a shower.
4. A rinsing tool. Hoses and attachments work wonderfully, but a large pitcher will work in a pinch.
5. Shampoo and conditioner. Formulations for sensitive skin are usually best. Make sure to buy tearless shampoo specifically for your dog’s face!
6. A towel for drying off.
7. If your dog gets anxious about baths, consider buying a lick pad you can stick on the wall in front of them. Spread peanut butter across it to keep them busy and distracted.

Steps for Bathing Your Dog Like a Groomer

Now that you’re all set and have everything you’ll need handy, you’re ready to give your dog the best bath they’ve ever had! Here’s how to do it:

1. Rinse your dog from head to hail. Make sure to fold their ears down to prevent water from entering the ear canal.
2. Add shampoo and start scrubbing. Start at the base of the shoulders, then work down the sides all the way to the skin. Don’t use your nails.
3. Remember to get their paws! Dogs sweat through their paws, so gently hold each one and massage between the toes before rinsing.
4. Use tearless shampoo on your dog’s head. Be careful not to get it in their eyes, ears, or nose. Fold down their ears before rinsing their head.
5. Give your dog a full rinse—and then do it again. Any residual shampoo can cause irritation and bacteria growth, so be extra thorough. When you think you’re done, do it one more time. Seriously.
6. Let your dog shake off a few times, then start toweling them off to remove excess water and speed up the drying process. Most groomers will use a high-velocity dryer to blow out any loose hair and leave a fluffy finish to your dog’s coat, but a towel or hairdryer on low or cool will work, too!
7. When your dog is completely dry, run an undercoat rake over their entire coat to remove any hair that was loosened during the bath.

Remember: As a general rule of thumb, most dogs do well on a bathing schedule every 6 to 12 weeks. Bathing too often will strip their hair of healthy oils, while bathing too little can lead to mats and unpleasant odors.

Make sure to brush your dog regularly between baths to help them stay clean and looking good longer!

Bring Your Dog to Lucky Dog for Professional Grooming Services

No time to bathe your dog? Want to make sure they’re getting the full spa treatment? Bring your four-legged friend to Lucky Dog! No matter your dog’s size or breed, we’ll get them looking good! And if they’re a little nervous about their bath, don’t worry—we’ll take things slow and give them some extra treats and praise to help make the process less scary for them.

Call today to schedule your dog’s next grooming appointment!