Towels: enough to both dry the dog and protect the ground from splashing water Dog shampoo: shampoo formulated for humans will dry out a dog’s skin, so buy dog shampoo at the pet store, vet, or online. If your dog has any skin conditions, consult your vet for recommendations. Sponge Comb or brush Small cup or bucket (for pouring water) Doggy treats (optional, but can comfort stressed dogs)

Dog conditioner: this will keep his fur soft and smooth after shampooing Toothbrush and dog toothpaste Cotton balls for ear cleaning You don’t have to do all these things at once the first time. If you feel your dog is getting overwhelmed, just work on the bath-time first. Then, you may add in more extensive things, like nail trimming, later.

If there’s any chance your dog will get skittish and jump away from you, bathe him in a bathtub. Don’t risk a fall from the sink! Consider taking your dog with you right into the shower. You’ll get wet no matter what, so this can be an effective time and mess-saving approach. Put cotton in your dog’s ears if you take him into the shower. This prevents water from getting in the ears and causing an ear infection.

Help your dog into the dry tub. Speak reassuringly in a soothing voice, petting and praising him while he sniffs around and explores. Give him treats for being calm inside the tub. Touch and rub him all over while he’s in the tub, so he knows how the bathing process will look. When he’s comfortable with that, try splashing a little water on him and continue praising and treating. Let him hear the sound of the running faucet while he’s not in the tub until it’s no longer frightening. Rub him down with a dry towel after every session, to get him used to the drying process. Place him in a tub or sink that has enough water to just cover his paws, then gradually work up to a full, immersive bath.

To remove small mats, place your fingers between your pet’s skin and the mat, then snip it away a few hairs at a time. Check under the tail for fecal mats (“dingleberries”) that need to be trimmed off. If the stool is too hard, you can wait until after it’s soaked in the bath to work it out of the hair. After the bath, put diaper rash or hemorrhoid cream on any irritated skin around the anus after the mat is removed.

Use a dropper to place the ointment or mineral oil onto the eyeball without touching the eye itself. Let the dog blink several times (or push the eyelid open and shut yourself) to spread the ointment or oil around. Never use your finger to wipe ointment onto the eye, and don’t let the tip of your container touch the eye.

If in doubt, skip the cotton ball and use a washcloth to wash the dog’s head instead of pouring water over it. [6] X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet Groomer Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.

Lift your dog gently into the tub if he can’t get in on his own.

A dog conditioner is a good idea for dogs with long fur. Apply after thoroughly rinsing out the shampoo and follow the instructions on the bottle. You can buy a bathtub spray attachments at the pet store or online.

Lift his lips and brush the teeth at the front and sides of the mouth. Give praise and speak in a soothing voice throughout, taking frequent breaks for petting.

Do not pour anything, including water, into your dog’s ears, as it can get trapped down by the eardrum and cause infection. Use an alcohol-based ear cleaner so it dries out any water in your dog’s ear. [13] X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet Groomer Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.

Blow-dry the coat to speed up the process, if he tolerates it. Make sure to keep it on a cool setting so you don’t burn the dog’s skin. If your dog is scared of the blowdryer, don’t push him. Put in the extra time needed for a towel-drying. Older dogs may be more sensitive to the loud sound of the blow dryer, so it’s usually better to towel dry them. [15] X Expert Source Lancy WooCertified Pet Groomer Expert Interview. 26 February 2020. Chamois towels are thin fleece like towels that are great at drying dogs when used first. It’s best used with normal towels and blow drying for faster drying time.