A bath at home between professional grooms can keep your dog fresh and clean, as long as you go about it the right way. Done poorly, bathing can actually create problems, like matting or dry, itchy skin. Here are the dos and don'ts.
Do brush before you bath
Always brush your dog out before a bath, never after a knot has got wet. Water tightens existing tangles into firm mats that are very hard to remove. Brushing first means the bath cleans the coat instead of setting knots.
Do use a dog shampoo
Dog skin has a different pH to ours, so human shampoo, and even baby shampoo, can dry it out and cause irritation. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo, and if your dog has sensitive or itchy skin, ask us or your vet for a suitable one.
Do rinse thoroughly and dry properly
Leftover shampoo is a common cause of itchiness, so rinse until the water runs completely clear. Then dry well, a damp coat left to air-dry, especially a curly or double coat, can mat and can lead to skin problems. Towel dry, then blow-dry on a cool setting while brushing if your dog will tolerate it.
Don't over-bath
More is not better. Bathing too often strips the natural oils that keep skin and coat healthy, leaving them dry and flaky. For most dogs, every few weeks at most is plenty, and many need less. When in doubt, a good brush does more than a bath.
Leave the big jobs to us
A quick freshen-up at home is great. But full grooms, deshedding, and anything involving heavy matting or a nervous dog are best left to the professionals, with the right tools, dryers and experience to keep your dog safe and comfortable.
More advice: Brushing your dog at home · How often to groom