Bath time might not be every dog’s favourite, but keeping them clean and groomed is key to their health and happiness. 🛁 From reducing itchy skin to keeping their coats shiny, the right shampoo (and a bit of grooming) goes a long way. It’s great (and cheaper!) if you can do it yourself but I completely get that for some dogs it is NOT an experience that they enjoy in which case taking them to a professional is always an option.
I’ve had dogs who have actually quite enjoyed a bath – one of my old dogs, Toby, used to like it and he was also a fan of fox poo so it’s just as well as he needed a bath more often than most!
Here’s a simple guide to dog shampoos and grooming essentials to help your furry friend look and feel their best. As always, please be aware that some links may be affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission if you purchase anything at no extra cost to you.
🧴 Why Regular Bathing Matters
Unlike us, dogs don’t need a daily wash. Too many baths can actually dry out their skin by stripping out the natural oils. But every so often, a good scrub helps remove dirt, allergens, and odours.
💡 Tip: How often you bathe your dog depends on their coat, activity level, and whether they’ve rolled in something “questionable” – looking at you Toby! I lost Toby back in 2020 at the grand old age of 15 and I can’t find any pictures of him having a bath so here’s one of him looking cute on a walk.
🌿 Choosing the Right Dog Shampoo
Not all shampoos are created equal! Here are some popular types:
- Gentle & Hypoallergenic 🐾 – great for puppies or dogs with sensitive skin. If you aren’t sure then go with something like this to be on the safe side. It will give them a nice gentle clean without being too harsh.
- Oatmeal Based 🌾 – helps soothe dry, itchy skin. We use products with oatmeal in for soothing purposes, this is exactly the same premise with a tried and tested ingredient.
- Medicated 💊 – useful for dogs with skin conditions – only use one of these with advice from your vet as they could do more harm than good if they’re not the right product for your pups condition.
- Deodorising 🌸 – perfect for pups who love mud puddles or rolling in the grass. You can also get doggy deodorants so another option is to use a gentle shampoo and then give them a mist of doggy fragrance after!
- Flea & Tick 🐜 – extra protection during the warmer months but just to note that these won’t replace your standard flea and tick treatment.
Always pick a shampoo made specifically for dogs – human shampoo can be too harsh and throw off their skin balance.
✂️ Brushing & Grooming Between Baths
Regular brushing keeps coats shiny, reduces shedding, and prevents matting. The right brush depends on coat type (see here for a previous post that I did about brushes). At a high level:
- Slicker brush 🪮 – great for long-haired breeds.
- Deshedding tool 🐕 – perfect for heavy shedders.
- Bristle brush ✨ – works well on short, smooth coats.
Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and the occasional trim are all part of the grooming routine too. All these are likely to take your dog some time to get used to so don’t expect too much too soon! I’ll do another post soon on things like this with some tips.
🚿 Making Bath Time Easier
Some pups love baths… others not so much! Here are a few tricks to hopefully make life easier:
- Use a non-slip mat in the tub.
- Try a spray attachment or dog shower head.
- Have plenty of towels on hand (bonus points if you have a quick-dry dog towel!).
- Reward with treats and praise afterwards.
- Keep the bathroom door shut unless you’re happy for them to potentially escape and then shake themselves dry all over the house!
🌟 Final Thoughts
Bathing and grooming are more than just keeping your dog looking nice – they’re about keeping them healthy, comfortable, and happy. 🐕💛 With the right shampoo and a few handy tools, bath time can become less of a battle and more of a bonding moment.
Return to Blog!