🐶 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 dog groomer.
In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to bathe your dog at home – step by step.
How often should you bathe a dog?
How often you should bathe your dog depends on their breed, coat, and lifestyle.
Generally:
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 to have everything ready:
Dog shampoo (formulated for dogs, not human shampoo)
Towels
Brush
Non-slip mat (e.g., a towel in the bathtub)
Optionally, conditioner or a conditioning treatment
See our grooming products from Always Your Friend here →
Step by step – how to bathe your dog
1. Brush the coat first
Brush out mats and dirt before bathing. If the coat gets wet with mats, they can worsen and become harder to untangle.
2. Use lukewarm water
Wet the coat thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid spraying directly into the face.
3. Apply dog shampoo
Massage the shampoo into the coat and down to the skin. Be extra thorough where dirt easily collects, such as paws and belly.
Always use products formulated for dog skin.
4. Rinse thoroughly
This is one of the most important steps. Shampoo residue can cause irritation if left behind.
5. Use conditioner or a conditioning treatment (if needed)
For longer coats or dry skin, a moisturizing treatment can make a big difference.
6. Dry thoroughly
Towel-dry first and, if the dog is used to it, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting.
Make sure the coat is completely dry, especially for dogs with thick coats.
Common mistakes when bathing a dog
Avoid these:
Using human shampoo
Not rinsing properly
Bathing too often
Not brushing beforehand
Leaving the coat damp
Small details make a big difference for your dog's skin and coat.
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 mats
If the coat is difficult to manage
If the dog smells despite bathing
If you want a dog clip or trim
Read more about dog spa, dog clipping, and trimming →
🧴 Grooming products we recommend
For best results, we use grooming products from Always Your Friend, developed for professional coat care.
They help to:
moisturize the skin
add shine
reduce mats
keep the coat healthy longer
🐾 Summary
Bathing your dog at home is easy if you:
use the right products
brush beforehand
rinse thoroughly
dry thoroughly
With the right routines, you'll keep your dog clean and healthy between visits to the dog groomer.
🛁 Do you want to bathe your dog - without the chaos at home?
Bathing a dog at home can be messy, wet, and quite impractical. Many dog owners find that the bathroom quickly becomes chaotic and it's difficult to achieve the right results.
With us, you can instead book a washing 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 space to brush
Products tailored to your dog
Calm environment without stress
A smoother and cleaner experience
Perfect for those who want to bathe their dog themselves, but avoid all the fuss.
Book your own washing station