How to Wash your Dog: Questions and Answers

Come lavare i cani: domande e risposte
Washing your dog is not just a matter of hygiene, but an act of care and attention. Find out how often to do it and the answers to frequently asked questions.
"It's bath time!": How many times has your dog heard this phrase? For some of our four-legged friends, it’s a moment of joy and play, while for others, it’s a small challenge to face with patience. But in any case, the bath is much more than just a matter of cleanliness: it’s an opportunity to care for and strengthen the bond.
From the frequency with which the dog needs to be washed to the tricks to make everything easier, let’s discover together everything you need to know about how to wash dogs, with practical answers and useful tips to turn this moment into a gentle and respectful act of well-being.

1) How often should you wash your dog?

One of the first questions that is most often asked is: how often should dogs be bathed? And, as with many things related to our animals, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the breed, the type of coat, and the dog’s lifestyle.
A dog that lives indoor with a short coat, for example, may need a bath every 4-6 weeks. But if your adventure companion has a long coat and loves running through fields, rolling in the grass, or following you on walks in the woods, it’s possible that they may need a bath every 2-3 weeks.
And then there are natural exceptions: after a day at the beach, with sand and saltwater between the paws, or after a hike in the rain or along muddy trails, a rinse with fresh water is always recommended. It helps eliminate residues and protect the skin and the coat.
What really matters, however, is not to overdo it. Washing your dog too often can compromise the natural balance of their skin: the hydrolipidic film that protects the skin can be altered, leading to dryness and discomfort.
If you have doubts about the ideal frequency for your dog, a discussion with the vet can help you find the right answer for your pet and their lifestyle.

2) How should you bathe your dog?

When it comes to washing a pet, the keyword is: gentleness. You should never use shampoos meant for humans or generic detergents, even if they’re natural or “neutral.” It’s important to use specific products, designed to respect their skin's pH (which is different from ours) and to nourish their coat. Again, the choice depends on your dog’s characteristics.
And during the wash? Here are some tips that can make the difference:

  • Always check the water temperature: it should be lukewarm, neither too cold nor too hot. Boiling water can be uncomfortable or even harmful to the dog’s skin, while water that is too cold makes the bath unpleasant and may scare them.
  • Protect delicate areas: ears and eyes should be kept safe. You can use your hand to shield them or a soft towel to gently blot. Water entering the ears is one of the most common causes of ear infections in dogs.
  • Massage calmly and with care: apply the shampoo in gentle, circular motions, following the direction of the fur. Pay attention to tricky areas such as between the paws, under the tail, or behind the ears, but don’t apply too much pressure.
  • Rinse thoroughly: this is often an underestimated step. Removing product residues is crucial to avoid itching or irritation. If necessary, give them a second rinse.
  • Dry carefully and patiently: first, blot the dog with an absorbent towel, then – if they tolerate it – use a blow dryer on a medium or low setting, keeping it at a distance. Avoid hot or noisy air jets and make sure to dry the paws and skin folds thoroughly.

3) Can you wash the dog at home? Bathtub or shower?

Washing the dog at home is possible and often preferable, especially if your companion feels more comfortable in a familiar environment. The important thing is to create the right conditions, for both you and your dog, and avoid environments that are too cold, too hot, or too noisy, which can stress them out.
If you have a bathtub, it’s perfect for medium or large dogs. Just place a non-slip mat at the bottom to make everything more stable. For small dogs or for those already used to water, the shower is a great option: choose a gentle, adjustable shower head to avoid scaring them with a strong flow.
And in summer? If you have a garden or terrace, you can take advantage of it to make bath time more casual: a large basin or a hose with a gentle flow can turn washing into an outdoor activity, light and cheerful.

4) How to make washing easier?

When it comes to bath time, there are no universal rules: dogs have their own character, habits, and timing. But there is one element that always helps: a reassuring routine. Dogs can perceive calmness in your voice and trust those who accompany them with patience. That’s why the first step is to prepare carefully, without improvising.

  • Have everything you need at hand: specific shampoo, towel, brush, non-slip mat. Having everything ready helps manage each phase better.
  • Before the bath, gently brush the coat, especially if it’s long or prone to knots. This will make it easier to distribute the shampoo and help the coat stay soft after drying.
  • During the wash, talk to them in a calm tone, as if you were having a normal conversation. Dogs don’t understand words, but they can definitely sense intentions.
  • And at the end of the wash, always reward them: a playtime session and a snack are small gestures that make the memory of the bath positive. You can also give them a cuddle session: a few minutes of shared relaxation (as suggested in our article “How to make your Dog relax: four Tips”) helps end the routine with gentleness.
If your four-legged friend is particularly wary or sensitive, don’t force them through the entire process immediately. You can start with a simple rinse, just to get them used to the sensation of water and the environment. Even washing one paw at a time, if necessary: everything helps, as long as it’s done gradually. Every moment of care, approached with empathy, can strengthen the bond.

5) What about the dog's teeth? Should they be brushed too?

When thinking about dog hygiene, skin and coat often come first. However, another very important aspect is dental care. Plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation, if neglected, can lead to problems that affect the dog’s overall well-being, appetite, and even mood. Taking care of their mouth requires some patience, but with the right habits, it becomes much easier.
You just need the right tools – a soft toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs, with flavors that won’t bother them and with gentle formulas – and take your time. In this case, too, there’s no need to force it: at first, just letting them sniff the toothbrush, getting them used to the contact with the muzzle, and rewarding them with a small positive reinforcement will help. Gradually, the action becomes familiar, almost natural.

Diet also plays a role in maintaining the oral health of the dog. Quality ingredients, appropriately consistent kibble, and a balanced nutrient intake help maintain strong teeth and healthy gums every day. The Oasy One Animal Protein line, for example, is designed for your dog's daily well-being: the unique texture of the kibble supports the cleaning action on teeth and gums, while the proper balance of Calcium and Phosphorus contributes to dental health.

A final tip? Nutrition is also important for your dog’s skin and coat health

Not everyone considers it, but the health of your dog’s skin and coat, as well as its scent and softness, also depend on what you choose to put in their bowl every day to ensure a balanced diet.
Once again, the Oasy One Animal Protein range is one of the most suitable options.
Thanks to the balanced intake of Omega-6 and Omega-3, our single-protein offering promotes a shiny coat, healthy skin, and fewer unpleasant odors over time. Not to mention that the presence of a single animal-based protein source helps reduce the risk of skin reactions, itching, dermatitis, and inflammation, and is ideal for dogs with intestinal sensitivities and food intolerances.

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