How To Keep Dog Clean Without Bathing

How to Bathe a Dog without Water

Easy

10 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

Introduction

There may be a few occasions in your dog's life when you have to bathe him, but he cannot get wet. This might happen after surgeries or even as a matter of convenience. If you've ever been camping with your dog, you know what it's like to be without water and yet have a filthy dog who needs to be cleaned. With a little bit of preparation and planning in advance, you can bathe your dog without getting him wet at all. This will at least get him by temporarily until he can have a full bath with shampoo and water. Bathing your dog without water is also quite helpful when you need to spot clean your dog. This means he only has a few areas that are dirty rather than his entire body.

Dog's Perspective

Depending on the reason your dog needs a bath without water, he may be a little apprehensive for you to touch him in any way. If your dog has just had surgery, he may be sore, tender, and tired. If he has just gotten into something that he shouldn't be involved with and you have no water on hand to bathe him, he may be a little nervous feeling like he's done something wrong and could potentially be in trouble. Either way, talk to your dog in a nice soothing voice to make him comfortable and make his bath without water quick and painless for him.

Caution & Considerations

Some dogs are terrified of water and need a bath. Don't hesitate to give your dog a dry bath if he's terrified of water.
Post-surgery is a perfect time for a dry bath or for at least spot cleaning using a dry method.
There are many products on the market such as waterless shampoo and foams as well as shampoo powders you can use for your dog.
Making your own dry shampoo at home is easy to do with cornstarch and baking soda. You can even add a few drops of a pleasantly scented essential oil to give a fresh smell to your pup.
If you don't bathe your dog often using water and shampoo, using a dry bath method or baking soda and cornstarch can help get dirt off of your dog's skin and fur and leave him with a fresh clean scent.

Conclusion

Bathing some dogs is im-paws-ible. Don't put your dog through a pawful experience having to deal with water for every one of his baths. Give him a dry bath without water before your best friend becomes furociously stinky.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

he stinks sometimes after he is out side

Hi there, and thank you for the question. Are you accompanying Rudy outside when he goes? He may have found something smelly and attractive to him to roll in when he goes out. Try wiping his fur with gentle, dog-friendly wipes when he comes in to give the fur a mild cleaning. Brush him daily as well to remove dirt and debris in his fur. Don't over-bathe him as you do not want to dry out the skin. Good luck!

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He is not a proper breed and I don't know how to take care of him according to his physiology.. . He is really playful and really fussy eater.. He runs out of home... OtherHe ran away last night to my old house... I didnt sleep all night... Please help..

Hello and thank you for the question about Shiro. He looks like a beautiful, inquisitive dog. I expect that he needs a lot of exercise so be sure to give him long walks every day. He would benefit from obedience classes, too. Dogs love the challenge and the interaction. Look for a training class in your area (they are typically very reasonably priced) and then go speak to the instructor. Training, and the mental and physical stimulation the outings provide, would be very beneficial for both you and Shiro. It's a great bonding time, too and will teach him to listen when you call for him. Good luck!

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Petey started off with seasonal allergies and now seems to have them year round. He has been on a raw diet for a couple years now which seemed to help. He recently developed scabs all over his body a few days after I took him on a walk through some woods at a park. I narrowed it down to allergies and I read the article on giving your dog a bath that has allergies. You mentioned dry shampoo of oatmeal/cornstarch and baking soda. What ratio would that be, do I grind up the oatmeal to a powder? How would I apply it? And lastly, would that still be ok with the scabs he has currently? They seem to be getting better but I just want to help speed up the healing process. Thanks in advance!

Thank you for the question about handsome Petey. I have a dog as well who reacts this time of year when we walk in a wooded or forested area. Although I am not a vet, I tend to think that your idea of allergies may be right. However, if the situation worsens or does not clear up, a vet visit may be a good idea. The oatmeal bath will most likely be soothing. Here are instructions on quantities of oatmeal and how to apply it. https://wagwalking.com/grooming/bathe-a-dog-with-oatmeal Good luck to you and Petey!

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