How to Bathe a Dog at Home (Step by Step)

Short answer

Brush your dog first, then bathe with lukewarm (not hot) water and a dog-specific shampoo — never human shampoo, which has the wrong pH for a dog's skin. Protect the eyes and ears, lather down to the skin, rinse until the water runs clear, and dry thoroughly.

Sourced from veterinary authorities · not a diagnosis · anything risky goes to a vet.

Who this is for

Healthy adult dogs being bathed at home when they're dirty or on a normal grooming schedule.

When this doesn’t apply

Bathing so often that it dries out the skin — most dogs only need occasional baths
Dogs with a skin condition or a prescribed medicated bath, which should follow your vet's directions
Sick, injured, or very young dogs without veterinary guidance

Step by step

Brush first
Brush thoroughly to remove loose hair, dirt, and mats before the coat gets wet.
Set up
Gather dog shampoo, towels, and a non-slip surface for the tub.
Protect eyes and ears
Put cotton balls in the ears to keep water out, and keep shampoo away from the eyes.
Wet the coat
Use warm — not hot — water and wet your dog down to the skin.
Lather
Work dog shampoo through to the skin everywhere: belly, under the tail, legs and paws, neck, and around the ears, avoiding the eyes.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse gently with warm water starting at the head, until no shampoo residue remains.
Dry
Towel your dog well; use a dryer on a low, cool setting only if your dog tolerates it.

What changes the answer

Coat type and breed (oily coats need more frequent baths; water-repellent coats need fewer)
How active or dirty your dog gets
Skin conditions, which may call for a vet-recommended medicated shampoo
Season and shedding cycle

Common mistakes

Using human shampoo, which has the wrong pH and can irritate a dog's skin
Water that is too hot
Not rinsing out all the shampoo, leaving residue that irritates skin
Bathing too frequently and stripping the coat's natural oils

Sources

It's Bath Time! Towels, Brushes, Dog Shampoo, and More — American Kennel Club · Tier 2 · verified 2026-07-20

Common questions

How often should I bathe my dog?

As infrequently as you can while keeping them clean. Over-bathing dries the skin, and frequency varies a lot by breed and coat type.

What water temperature is right?

Warm, but not hot.

Can I use my own shampoo in a pinch?

No — human shampoo doesn't have the right pH for dog skin. Use a dog shampoo.

How do I keep water out of the ears?

Place cotton balls in the ears before bathing, and avoid pouring water directly over the head.