🐶 How to bathe a dog at home? Step-by-step guide

Bathing your dog at home doesn't have to be difficult, but it's important to do it correctly to protect your dog's skin and coat. With the right technique and products, you can keep your dog clean, fresh, and well-groomed between visits to the groomer.

How often should you bathe a dog?

How often you should bathe your dog depends on breed, coat, and lifestyle:

  • Short-haired dogs → every 1–2 months
  • Long-haired dogs → every 3–6 weeks
  • Dogs that get dirty often → as needed

Bathing too often can dry out the skin, especially if you use the wrong products.

What do you need to bathe a dog at home?

Before you start, make sure you have everything ready:

  • Dog shampoo (formulated for dogs, not human shampoo)
  • Towels
  • Brush
  • Non-slip mat (e.g., a towel in the tub)
  • Possibly conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment

See our grooming products from Always Your Friend →

Step by step – how to bathe your dog

  1. Brush the coat first – Brush out tangles and dirt before bathing. If the coat gets wet with tangles, they can worsen and be harder to untangle.
  2. Use lukewarm water – Thoroughly wet the coat. Avoid spraying directly in the face.
  3. Apply dog shampoo – Massage the shampoo into the coat and down to the skin. Pay extra attention to areas where dirt easily accumulates, such as paws and belly.
  4. Rinse thoroughly – Shampoo residue can cause irritation if left behind.
  5. Use conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment – For longer coats or dry skin, a moisturizing treatment can make a big difference.
  6. Dry thoroughly – Towel dry first and ideally use a hair dryer on a low heat setting. Make sure the coat is completely dry, especially for dogs with thick coats.

Common mistakes when bathing a dog

  • Using human shampoo
  • Not rinsing thoroughly
  • Bathing too often
  • Not brushing beforehand
  • Leaving the coat damp

When is bathing at home not enough?

In some cases, it's better to go to a dog groomer or book a dog spa:

  • If the dog has a lot of tangles
  • If the coat is difficult to manage
  • If the dog still smells despite bathing
  • If you want to have the dog clipped or trimmed

Read more about dog spa, clipping, and trimming →

Want to bathe your dog – without the chaos at home?

Bathing a dog at home can be messy and wet. With us, you can book a wash station where you get access to a complete spa, just for you and your dog. For 60 minutes, you get:

  • Access to professional equipment
  • Bathing, blow-drying, and a place to brush
  • Products tailored to your dog
  • Calm environment without stress

Stockholm Skanstull → Stockholm Vasaparken → Gothenburg Hisingen →

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