To bathe a small dog at home, brush out tangles first, then use lukewarm water and a shampoo made for dogs. Wet and lather from the neck back, keep water out of the ears, eyes and nose, and rinse until no shampoo is left. Towel dry and keep your dog warm until fully dry. A sink or bathtub both work.
The Pawsling grooming hammock mentioned below is for small dogs and cats only, not medium or large dogs.
Never leave your pet unattended in the hammock.
How often should you bathe a small dog?
Less often than many owners think. The AKC warns that "bathing too frequently can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, leaving them dry and brittle" (AKC: dog grooming at home). Guidance on the interval varies:
- The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog "at least once every three months", more often for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems (ASPCA dog grooming tips).
- VCA Animal Hospitals says non-shedding breeds with no health issues typically need a bath about every six to eight weeks (VCA).
In between, a damp cloth on muddy paws is often enough. If your dog has a skin condition, follow your vet's bathing plan instead.
What do you need before you start?
- A dog shampoo. VCA says dogs should only be bathed with shampoo made for dogs, and that "human shampoo, including baby shampoo, is far too harsh for their skin." It suggests a hypoallergenic shampoo without added perfume for routine baths.
- A brush or comb. Brush out tangles before the bath, because VCA notes they "can become impossible to remove after a bath."
- Something to wet and rinse with. A hand-held shower head, a spray hose, or a pitcher or unbreakable cup (ASPCA).
- A washcloth for the face, and cotton balls for the ears if your dog tolerates them.
- Two towels and treats, all within reach. Once your dog is wet, you shouldn't step away.
How do you bathe a small dog, step by step?
- Brush first. Remove loose hair and mats while the coat is dry.
- Set up the water. The ASPCA suggests a tub or sink with about three to four inches of lukewarm water. The AKC puppy-bathing guide says to make sure the water is lukewarm "so that the ritual is pleasant" (AKC). VCA adds that washing dogs under a cold garden hose is not recommended and "is often why dogs dislike being bathed."
- Protect the ears. The ASPCA suggests a large cotton ball in each ear until the bath is over, and not spraying or pouring water directly into the ears, eyes or nose. The AKC explains that water trapped in the ear canal can cause ear infections.
- Wet and lather from the neck back. The AKC says to apply a mild dog shampoo "working from the neck backward." Wash the face with a damp washcloth instead of shampoo.
- Rinse, then rinse again. Leftover shampoo can irritate the skin. The AKC's groomer advice is blunt: "When you think you've rinsed enough then rinse some more."
- Keep it short and reward. A quick, thorough bath is better than a long one. Give treats as you go.
How do you dry a small dog after a bath?
Towel dry first, then keep your dog in a warm room until the coat is completely dry, as VCA advises (VCA). Dry the ears thoroughly too (AKC). If your dog accepts a hair dryer, the AKC suggests a small handheld dryer "on a low setting", brushing the hair in the direction it grows. If your dog won't accept the dryer, towel drying in a warm room is enough.
Where does a grooming hammock help at bath time?
Bathing a small dog on the tub floor means kneeling and bending over the edge, while your dog tries to walk away. A grooming hammock used as a bath stand changes the physical part:
- Your dog lies in a mesh sling, lifted off the tub floor and closer to your hands.
- The legs go through leg holes, so you can reach the paws, belly and legs to wash and rinse.
- The breathable mesh bed lets water drain through instead of pooling under your dog.
- Your dog can't wander off halfway through rinsing, and you can towel dry right there.
The Pawsling grooming hammock with foldable stand stands on its own folding stainless steel X-legs, so it works in a bathtub, a walk-in shower or outdoors, and folds flat afterwards. Check that all four feet sit flat and don't slide, and keep one hand on your dog.
Where it doesn't help: it won't make a dog that dislikes water relaxed, and it is not for medium or large dogs. Practise short dry sits with treats before the first wet session. Afterwards, rinse the hammock, wipe the frame dry and let the bed air-dry fully before folding it away. See our pet bath stand guide for setup in different tubs and showers, and the size guide to check the fit.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe my small dog?
Usually every few weeks to every three months, depending on coat and lifestyle. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, and VCA says about every six to eight weeks for non-shedding breeds with no health issues. Bathing too often can dry out the skin.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No. VCA says human shampoo, including baby shampoo, is far too harsh for a dog's skin. Use a mild shampoo made for dogs.
What water temperature is best for bathing a dog?
Lukewarm. The AKC and the ASPCA both say lukewarm water, and VCA advises against washing dogs with cold water from a garden hose.
Can I bathe my small dog in the kitchen sink?
Yes, a sink works for a small dog. The ASPCA suggests a tub or sink with about three to four inches of lukewarm water. Keep one hand on your dog the whole time.
Can I bathe my dog in a grooming hammock?
Yes, if your dog is small and fits the hammock. Set the stand flat in the tub or shower, use lukewarm water, keep a hand on your dog and never leave your pet unattended in the hammock.
The Pawsling team