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Coat care

Bathing a Dog at Home Without the Drama

How often to bathe, which products to use and a calm routine that keeps skin healthy.

By Dr Hana LindqvistVeterinary review: Dr Elena Marsh5 min readPublished 2026-09-29Updated 2026-09-29
Illustration of a long-haired cat being brushed beside grooming combs and clippers

How often

Most dogs only need a bath when dirty or smelly, often every few weeks to months. Frequent bathing can dry the skin unless your vet has prescribed a medicated routine.

Products

Use a dog shampoo. Human shampoo suits a different skin pH and can irritate. Avoid tea tree oil products.

Step by step

  • Brush out tangles first
  • Use lukewarm water and a non-slip mat
  • Keep water and shampoo out of the eyes and ears
  • Rinse thoroughly — leftover shampoo causes itching
  • Towel dry; use a hairdryer only on a cool setting

Make it pleasant

Reward calm behaviour with treats and keep early baths short. A lick mat stuck to the wall helps many dogs.

References

  1. Grooming your dog — PDSA