A walk-in wash tub at waist height changes bath time completely. Instead of kneeling over a bathtub or wrestling a wet dog in the yard, you stand comfortably while your dog stays secure. Whether you are a groomer training new staff or a resident using your building’s pet spa for the first time, these steps will help every bath go smoothly.
1. Get everything ready first
Set out shampoo, conditioner, a brush, towels and treats before the dog goes in. Once your dog is wet, you do not want to step away. Check the water temperature on your wrist: it should feel lukewarm, not hot.
2. Brush before the bath
Brush out loose hair and mats while the coat is dry. Water tightens mats, and removing loose undercoat first means less hair in the drain and a cleaner result.
3. Help your dog in safely
Large dogs can walk into a parallel access tub through the slide-away door. Smaller or older dogs may prefer safety steps, which give them a steady way up without being lifted. Use a short tether if the tub has one, and keep a hand on your dog at all times.
4. Wet the coat from back to front
Start at the shoulders and work back, then down the legs. Leave the head for last, since a wet face is what most dogs dislike. The flexible hose and sprayer let you get water right down to the skin on thick coats.
5. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly
Use a shampoo made for dogs and work it in with your fingertips. Clean the face carefully with a damp cloth, avoiding the eyes and ears. Then rinse, and rinse again. Leftover shampoo is one of the most common causes of itchy skin after a bath. When the water running off is clear and the coat no longer feels slippery, you are done.
6. Towel off, then dry
Squeeze excess water from the coat and towel off while your dog is still in the tub, so the shake stays contained. For double coats and long hair, a forced-air dryer speeds things up and helps prevent hot spots. Our wall-mounted dog dryer offers 4.0 HP variable speed with a 10 ft hose: start on a low setting, keep the nozzle moving and keep it away from the face and ears.
7. Finish and clean up
Give a final brush, a treat and plenty of praise. Then clear the hair catcher and rinse the tub so it is ready for the next dog. Our guide to keeping your wash station clean covers the full routine.
How often should dogs be bathed?
It depends on coat type, skin and lifestyle. Many dogs do well with a bath every four to eight weeks, while active dogs that swim or play at the dog park may need one more often. Your veterinarian or groomer can recommend a schedule for your dog.