Everything you need to Easily Wash Your Long Haired Dog

Have you ever tried bathing your long-haired dog at home and found yourself dripping with water and covered in fur?

Perhaps you attempted to wash your pup in the bathtub only to discover that it takes more time to clean up the fur that ends up on the ceiling?

Washing long-haired dogs can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you can get your pup clean and fluffy without making a mess.

Preparing for a Long-Haired Dog Bath

Baths are not most dogs' favorite activity, but they are a necessary part of dog ownership. To make the experience as painless as possible, you should have everything you need within reach: shampoo, towel, and treats.

Prepare yourself mentally as well, as you may need to be firm with your dog.

Supplies for Bathing Long-Haired Dogs

To bathe your dog smoothly, you'll need a dog-specific shampoo, towel, brush, hose, sponge, and tub. Choose a location that is comfortable for you and your dog. Wet your dog with warm water and shampoo their coat, avoiding their eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and dry your dog off with a towel. Use the brush to remove any tangles or mats.

Choosing the Right Shampoo

When choosing a shampoo for your dog, consider the type of coat they have, their skin type, and your preferences. For example, if your dog has a thick double coat, you'll need a shampoo that can penetrate the outer layer and clean the undercoat.

If your dog has sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic shampoo. If you prefer a naturally-scented shampoo, choose one made with essential oils.

Shampoo for Long Fur:

One-Stop Shampoo:

Flea Shampoo:

Dry Shampoo:

Shampoo for Puppies:

Choosing the Right Brush

The right brush can make a big difference when bathing your dog. A slicker brush is good for removing tangles and mats, while a bristle brush is good for removing loose hair and dirt. Consult your veterinarian or groomer for recommendations, and brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritating the skin.

Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Combo Brushes

De-shedding Brush

Bathing Your Long-Haired Dog Indoors

If you have a long-haired dog, you may have considered bathing them inside but do not know how to keep the mess at a minimum.

After all, it can be difficult to bathe a dog outdoors in the winter, and you may not want to deal with the mess in your backyard. 

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before bathing your long-haired dog.

First, ensure you have enough space for washing your dog comfortably. You will need to move around and wash them thoroughly, so a small bathroom may not be suitable. 

Second, consider the mess that your dog will make. Long-haired dogs can shed a lot of hair and will track water through your house when they are done. Make sure to lay down towels before starting to bathe your dog. This will ensure the floor stays dry and will make cleaning up easier. 

Make sure that your dog is comfortable with being bathed indoors. Some dogs may feel more anxious in an unfamiliar environment, so it is important to introduce them to the idea of being washed indoors gradually. 

Finally, I like to use a detachable showerhead. There are so many to choose from, which makes cleaning your dog much easier. 

Steps For Bathing Your Dog Inside

If space or weather is an issue, you can still give your dog a refreshing bath indoors. 

Start by ensuring you have everything you need within reach: shampoo, towel, cup for rinsing, and non-slip mat for the bottom of the tub.

Close any doors leading to other rooms, and put a “Do Not Enter” sign on the bathroom door. 

Fill the tub with lukewarm water and thoroughly wet your dog's fur. 

Apply shampoo and work it into a lather, carefully avoiding the eyes. 

Rinse thoroughly, lift your dog out of the tub and wrap him in a towel. 

Rub him dry, and then give him a treat for being such a good boy! 

Bathing Your Long Haired Dog Outside

For owners of long-haired dogs, bath time can be a bit of a challenge. These furry friends tend to make a mess of the house, and getting them into a traditional tub can be quite an ordeal. 

However, bathing your shaggy dog outside can be a much simpler process. Just bring out a kiddie pool or large basin and fill it with water. 

You may need to use a hose to wet down your dog if he is particularly hairy. 

Be sure to use dog shampoo to avoid irritating his skin, and rinse all of the suds thoroughly. 

Once your dog is clean, towel him off and let him shake off the remaining water. 

Bathing your shaggy dog outside is easy to keep him and your home clean. 

Steps For Bathing Your Dog Outside

If you are like most dog owners, you probably dread bath time. Your dog might seem to have endless energy and patience, but when it comes to getting wet they often turn into a wiggly, anxious mess. 

Fortunately, you can do a few things to make the experience more bearable – for both you and your furry friend. 

For starters, make sure you have everything you need within reach. This includes the shampoo, a towel, and a cup for rinsing. 

You will want to choose a spot sheltered from the wind that has easy access to fresh water. 

Once you are all set up, it is time to get started.

Begin by wetting your dog down with a garden hose or bucket of water.

Next, apply the shampoo and work it into a lather. Be careful not to get any soap in their eyes or ears.

It is best to leave their head for the end. Dogs often tend to shake when their ears get wet. Saving this part for the end will help to keep you dry. 

Finally, rinse thoroughly and dry off your pup with the towel. 

If you follow these simple steps, bath time will be over before you know it- and your dog will be squeaky clean! 

How to Keep Your Dog Inside the Outdoor Tub

When bathing your dog outside, you must take a few extra steps to keep them in the tub and not run around the yard. 

First, make sure the tub is firmly placed on the ground – you do not want your dog to be able to tip it over. 

Then, use a leash or rope to tie your dog to the tub. Make sure the rope is secure and short enough to keep them in the pool but still gives them enough room to move in the tub. If your rope is too long, the dog could jump out and get hurt or hurt you. 

You may also want to put a towel or tent over the tub so that your dog cannot see what is happening outside the pool- this will help them remain calm. 

Finally, make sure you have everything you need within reach. This way, you will not have to chase after your dog whenever you need something. 

Here is an outside bathtub I often use for my own large, hairy dogs. I like this bathtub because it has a spot for the hose to hang when you need to scrub the soap into your dog's fur. It can also hold up to 125 lbs. 

By following these simple tips, you can keep your dog in the tub and avoid any unwanted messes in the yard. 

Keep Your Pet Clean and Healthy Long-Term

One of the best things you can do for your pet's health is to keep them clean. 

This not only helps them avoid infections and other health problems but also makes them more comfortable and less likely to trigger allergies. 

However, baths are just one part of the equation. Pets also need regular brushing to remove dead skin and hair and nightly teeth brushing to prevent gum disease. 

In addition, it is essential to trim your pet's nails regularly and to keep their coat free of mats and tangles.

To find easy ways to keep your pet healthy, click on the link to these articles: 

Teeth Brushing: https://visionpetcare.com/keep-your-dogs-teeth-healthy/

Finishing Up

If you are a visual person, like me, here is a video on how to easily wash your long haired dog inside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6mS7laP_SA

These simple steps can help your furry friend stay healthy and happy for years to come. 

Another great way to keep your dog healthy is by taking them on hikes. Find out the best dog breeds to take on off-leash hiking adventures at: https://visionpetcare.com/category/dog-pet-care-2/

Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to share this post with your fellow dog owners- they will thank you for it!