How to Bathe a Dog at Home (and How Often)
Brush your dog first, wet it with lukewarm water, work a dog shampoo in along the body toward the tail and wipe the face with a wet washcloth instead, keep water out of the eyes, ears and nose, then rinse until no soap is left and towel dry. How often is less settled: the ASPCA says at least once every three months, the American Kennel Club says monthly in its current puppy bathing guide (an older AKC article allows weekly with a gentle shampoo), and VCA Animal Hospitals answers "true" to whether bathing once a week can dry out a pet's skin and coat.
Below: how often, the steps in the tub, and a dog that hates water. Sources are linked where we first cite them.
Key takeaways
- Brush before the bath. The AKC and the ASPCA both say to remove dead hair and mats first.
- Use a shampoo made for dogs. The ASPCA says a shampoo formulated for pets is best.
- Keep water out of the eyes, ears and nose, the ASPCA says, and rinse out every bit of soap, as the AKC puts it.
- Sources disagree on how often: anywhere from weekly to every three months, and VCA says bathing once a week can dry out skin and coat. See below.
- For a dog that hates baths, the AKC suggests a rubber mat in the tub and small steps, with treats and praise.
How often to bathe a dog
Our sources differ, so here are all of them. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog at least once every three months, and says some dogs need baths more often if they spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems. The American Kennel Club's current puppy bathing guide, updated in 2026, says bathing should happen monthly. An older AKC article from 2018 says that with a gentle shampoo, a dog can usually be bathed weekly without drying out its coat, and Washington State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital says it is generally safe to bathe a dog with veterinary shampoo once a week.
On weekly baths, our sources disagree. VCA Animal Hospitals answers "true" to the question of whether bathing a pet once a week can dry out its skin and coat: it says bathing too often can affect coat quality and strip the natural oils, leading to skin irritation and itchiness. Washington State also says bathing too frequently can strip a coat of its protective oils. VCA's advice: if your dog's skin is dry or irritated and you are bathing often, bathe less often, and follow up with your veterinarian if the problem continues. VCA adds that your veterinarian can give you guidelines for your own dog.
Before the bath: brush, then set up
Brush your dog thoroughly first. The AKC says this removes dead hair and mats that will tangle when wet, and the ASPCA gives the same first step. Washington State says to comb a longer coat before bathing, because wet fur mats more than dry fur and can be hard to untangle. For tools, see our dog brushes for shedding.
For a bath at home, the ASPCA suggests a tub or sink filled with about three to four inches of lukewarm water. The AKC's puppy guide also says lukewarm, noting that dogs are sensitive to heat. To protect the ears, the ASPCA suggests a large cotton ball in each ear until the bath is over, and the AKC also mentions cotton balls. Because shampoos and soaps can be major irritants, the ASPCA suggests asking your vet for a sterile eye lubricant to use during bathing.
Choosing a shampoo
Use a shampoo made for dogs. The ASPCA says a shampoo formulated for pets is best, and to choose one made for your species, because some ingredients may be harmful when applied to a different kind of animal. The AKC says never to use shampoo made for people. Washington State says to stick with products formulated for veterinary use, and that dish soap or your own shampoo may strip away dirt but also strips natural oils from the fur and may irritate the skin.
The ASPCA says it is always smart to talk with your veterinarian to make sure the shampoo you choose will meet your dog's needs. Our dog shampoo picks quote what each label says it is for.
Step by step in the bathtub
The ASPCA and the AKC describe the same basic routine:
- Wet your dog completely with a spray hose, a large plastic pitcher or an unbreakable cup, the ASPCA says, taking care not to spray or pour water directly into the ears, eyes or nose.
- Skip shampooing the head: the ASPCA suggests gently wiping the face with a wet washcloth instead. The AKC's puppy guide warns that even tearless shampoos can irritate a dog's eyes.
- Gently massage in the shampoo, working from head to tail (the ASPCA's words; it suggests skipping the head itself), and avoid the eyes and the inside of the ears, as the AKC puts it.
- Rinse thoroughly. The AKC says it is very important to rinse out every bit of soap, and a master groomer quoted in its puppy guide says that when you think you have rinsed enough, rinse some more. A sprayer or a showerhead with a long hose lets you control the water while rinsing, the ASPCA notes.
- Towel your dog dry. The ASPCA suggests a good rub with a large towel; the AKC says to absorb as much water as possible.
After the bath
The AKC says to keep your dog in a warm place until it is completely dry. Dogs with loose facial skin or wrinkles, such as Shar Peis and Pugs, need special attention, the ASPCA says: clean the folds with damp cotton to prevent dirt and bacteria from causing irritation and infection, and always dry thoroughly between them.
Bath time is also a chance to look your dog over. The ASPCA's at-home grooming advice says that if you suspect a problem with your pet's skin, eyes or ears, contact your veterinarian right away.
A dog that hates water
Start early if you can. The AKC says it is best to show your dog at a young age that bath time is not punishment, and suggests making it fun with a toy, lots of praise and a treat at the end. A master groomer quoted in the AKC's puppy guide says grooming training has to be done repeatedly, gently, minimally and gradually.
For a dog that is already scared, the AKC's guide to a dog scared of the bath suggests a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub so your dog will not scramble, and says keeping the nails trimmed short helps too; see our guide to trimming dog nails at home. It describes small steps: walk your dog around the house on a leash, away from the bathroom, and reward it; later, lead it into the bathroom, close the door, play and leave, over a few weeks. Once your dog is in the tub, hold it there for a few seconds at first, and after a few good sessions, turn on the water without getting your dog wet. If your dog relaxes, the AKC says, praise it, give a treat and take it out.
None of our sources covers a dog that panics or snaps at bath time. If yours does, ask your veterinarian.
FAQ
Can I use baby shampoo on my dog?
VCA Animal Hospitals says no: never use shampoo or conditioner made for people, even human babies, on your pets. The ASPCA says human shampoos are not toxic to pets, but some may contain fragrances or other substances that can irritate the skin.
Can I use a hair dryer on my dog?
The AKC suggests a blow dryer made for dogs on a warm, gentle setting, held at least a foot away so you do not burn the skin. Its puppy guide suggests a small handheld dryer on a low setting, brushing the hair in the direction it grows.
Should I use a conditioner?
It is optional. The AKC says some people apply a small amount of conditioner to help with combing out, rinsed out like the shampoo. VCA says to use conditioners formulated for pets, and a master groomer quoted in the AKC's puppy guide suggests dog products that are pH balanced.
What if my vet prescribed a medicated shampoo?
Follow your vet's instructions. Washington State's veterinary teaching hospital says prescription shampoos treat specific problems and may mean bathing more or less often than once a week, and that a shampoo containing a medication or insecticide should be used as your veterinarian directs.
Why does water in the ears matter?
A master groomer quoted in the AKC's puppy guide says a dog's ear canal is shaped like an L, so water that gets down there is trapped and can cause ear infections. She is a groomer, not a veterinarian, so ask your vet about your own dog's ears.
How do I bathe a wiggly puppy?
The ASPCA says young puppies especially will wiggle, bounce and tend to nip at bath time, and suggests a floating toy in the tub to focus on. The AKC's puppy guide suggests talking to your vet first about which products suit your puppy.
Editor's note: Sources were read on October 25, 2026. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.
