The Ultimate Guide to Bathing Dogs.
- Jun 12, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: May 8
Bathing a dog properly is one of the most important steps in achieving a healthy coat, reducing drying time, and improving grooming results. Whether you’re a professional dog groomer or a pet owner grooming at home, understanding coat types, shampoo selection, and bathing techniques can completely transform the grooming process.
Bathing Dogs - the Wetting Procedure
A dog should be thoroughly wetted before a shampoo is applied. Lift long hair to be certain of getting right down to the roots. Anybody who has has a dreadful hair wash from an inexperienced junior will know how itchy the scalp feels after hair has been insufficiently wetted.
Use a decent shower attachment at all times, with the temperature set to warm (98.6F/38C). Test the water on the delicate underside of your arm, not on your hands which are hardened to the elements.
Start with the head. The dog's ears may need to be protected with cotton wool to prevent water getting into them. Wet down the neck, along the back, and down the left side including the legs. Then repeat on the right side, turning the dog at this stage could encourage him to jump out of the bath. Lastly wet the tail.
Applying Dog Shampoo
Depending on the shampoo that you are using, you need to dilute the neat solution. The Clipit range of shampoo's dilute at a rate of 25-1, so when the shampoo is ready and mixed with water, massage it into the coat thoroughly, not forgetting the area underneath the chest and stomach, the anal area and the dog's feet. Shampoo is rarely put straight on to the dog without being mixed with a certain amount of water to help distribute it and prevent it from affecting the skin.
Rinse thoroughly, until the coat feels squeaky clean. With experience, you will be able to feel when the coat is clean-it will "squeak" when clean, as human hair does.
Any shampoo left in the coat will cause flaking scurf, felting and intense itching. Clipit shampoos are very mild and hypoallergenic, but still they need rinsing well.
With short-coated breeds that shed a lot, a thorough brushing with a hand grooming glove and the Clipit De-Shed shampoo when in the bath will remove a lot of the dead and moulting hair. The dog will dry smoother and quicker, and the owner will be delighted that far less hair comes out on their carpet.
Some breeds, like the Cockerpoo, Labradoodle, and Lhasapoo, will benefit from having the Clipit Curls shampoo that is designed for curly coats. The best way to enable the tight curls to loosen, is while the dog is in the bath and standing in the shampoo, use your high-velocity blaster. The forced air with help loosen the curls and unwind the coat enough to be brushed and combed out.
The Ultimate Guide to Drying the Dog's Coat.
Water can be removed from the coat while the dog is till in the bath. Squeeze out the excess moisture with absorbent towels, making sure the head is dried first to make the dog comfortable. Continue to work along the body to remove as much moisture as you can. Some breeds will benefit from having water blasted from the coat with a blaster. Do this by placing the dog on the grooming table, with an absorbent towel underneath them to catch the water. With coated breeds, such as the Poodle, it is essential to blow-dry the hair by separating the strands with the aid of a slicker brush and using a power dryer to blow the coat.
Each section must be parted, usually starting from the back foot and working upwards. Blow the hair away from the skin, and do not blow onto the skin.
Do not leave wet dogs to dry on their own when it is not warm enough, and never leave coated breeds, such as Poodles and Bearded Collies to dry on their own; their coat needs brushing continuously while being blow-dried.
Professional Groomer Tip
Drying starts before the dryer is switched on. Removing excess water properly in the bath can dramatically reduce drying time and improve coat finish.
If you would like more information on How to Control Shedding Hair, please click here
The Ultimate Guide To Bathing Dogs - by coat type.
Curly & Doodle Coats
Curly and doodle coats require the right balance of moisture, coat control, and drying support to help prevent tangles, matting, and excessive drying time. Using the correct grooming products can make a significant difference to coat manageability, brushing efficiency, and overall finish.
Recommended for Curly & Doodle Coats
Designed to cleanse while supporting coat softness, hydration, and curl definition without weighing the coat down. Ideal for doodles, poodles, and curly coated breeds requiring regular maintenance grooming.
Helps reduce tangles, improve brush glide, and support easier coat preparation before drying and scissoring. Perfect for coats prone to knotting and matting.
Learn how professional groomers reduce drying time, improve fluff drying, and achieve a smoother finish on curly coats using the correct bathing and drying techniques.
Double Coats
Double coated breeds require effective coat preparation and powerful drying systems to help remove loose undercoat, reduce shedding, and improve grooming efficiency. Using the correct shampoo, brushes, and drying equipment can dramatically reduce drying time while helping to achieve a cleaner, healthier coat finish.
Recommended for Double Coats
Designed to help loosen dead coat, improve coat release, and support effective deshedding during the bathing process. Ideal for breeds with thick, dense, or heavily shedding coats.
Essential for removing loose undercoat, improving coat separation, and supporting coat preparation before and after bathing. Perfect for helping groomers work through dense coats more efficiently.
High velocity blaster dryers help remove excess water and loose coat quickly while supporting faster drying and coat separation. Ideal for thick coated breeds requiring powerful airflow for efficient grooming.
Sensitive Skin
Dogs with sensitive or irritated skin require gentle bathing products that cleanse effectively without stripping the coat of its natural oils. Dry skin, itching, redness, allergies, and environmental sensitivities can all impact coat condition and comfort, making product choice incredibly important during the grooming process.
Using nourishing ingredients and skin-supporting formulas can help maintain coat hydration while supporting the skin barrier and overall coat health. Professional groomers often look for shampoos that not only cleanse the coat but also help soothe and condition sensitive skin during regular grooming appointments.
Recommended for Sensitive Skin
A gentle professional dog shampoo formulated to help support sensitive skin and coat condition. Designed to cleanse effectively while helping to maintain moisture balance, softness, and coat manageability during the grooming process.
Glavaderm contains Evening Primrose Oil, rich in essential fatty acids including GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), which helps nourish the coat and support skin condition. This makes it ideal for dogs requiring extra coat and skin support during regular bathing.
Greasy Coats
Greasy coats can be one of the most challenging coat types for groomers to manage. Excess oil, heavy build-up, environmental dirt, and product residue can leave the coat feeling heavy, difficult to dry, and harder to achieve a clean finish on. Without the correct degreasing process, greasy coats can also increase drying time and affect clipping and scissoring results.
Using the right professional degreasing shampoo helps break down excess oils while thoroughly cleansing the coat without leaving residue behind. Proper coat preparation during the bathing stage is essential for improving drying efficiency, coat texture, and overall grooming performance.
Recommended for Greasy Coats
A professional deep cleansing dog shampoo designed to help remove excess grease, dirt, and coat build-up while leaving the coat feeling cleaner, fresher, and easier to manage. Ideal for greasy coats, heavily soiled dogs, and coats requiring intensive cleansing before clipping and styling.
Degreasing Advice
Learn how professional groomers manage greasy coats effectively using the correct bathing techniques, shampoo dilution, coat preparation methods, and drying systems to improve coat finish and reduce grooming time.
Ready to improve your bathing routine and achieve better grooming results?
Explore the Clipit range of professional dog grooming shampoos, dryers, slicker brushes, and coat care systems designed to help groomers reduce drying time, improve coat condition, and groom more efficiently.
