The dogs we love need to be washed the same way as our children sometimes. Washing your pet may seem daunting, but it’s alright. Like washing your hair, suds are your friend when bathing your dog.

If you want to know how to wash your dog, keep reading to learn how to keep your pet looking amazing!

Select the Right Shampoo

When selecting the right shampoo to wash a dog, make sure it’s specifically formulated for dogs. Human shampoos may strip away the natural oils of your dog’s coat, and may even dry out their skin.

Choose a shampoo designed for pets, which should not contain harsh chemicals that could dry out their skin. If your dog has skin problems, like dandruff, select a shampoo for their condition.

Opt for an all-natural dog skin supplement, hypoallergenic, or organic shampoo, especially if your pup has allergies. Dogs with fleas should use medicated shampoo to kill fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

Gather Supplies Needed for Washing

Gathering the supplies needed for washing your dog is the first step of the process. You will need dog shampoo, a conditioner, towels, a sponge, a brush, and a large sink or tub.

To ensure you have everything needed, check your supplies and organize them in a spot you can access. Having all the supplies required nearby and organized will make the process of washing your pet go by much smoother.

Ready Your Dog for Washing

Preparing your dog for a bath is essential to a successful wash. Start by brushing through their fur and removing as much excess dirt or mats as possible. A thorough brushing before their bath will go a long way in making the cleaning process more manageable.

Make the entire process as gentle and enjoyable for both of you. Also, make sure the water’s temperature is comfortable for your pup by using the inside of your wrist to judge.

You can begin by running your fingers through the fur and lathering with the shampoo. Ensure to use a cup to rinse the coat until the water runs clear.

After Care and Maintenance

After you wash your dog, you need to dry them off. Towel drying your dog is the simplest form of aftercare and maintenance. Pat your dog down with the towel until they are dry.

They are careful not to rub their coat too much or leave their skin or fur damp. Once their coat is dry, please give them a nice brush or comb through their coat. This helps to shed any remaining dirt and moisture from their fur.

To finish their aftercare and maintenance, it’s essential to treat your pup for being a good sport throughout the process. This will let them know bathing is not something they fear!

Learn How to Wash Your Dog Today

Following the steps on how to wash your dog, you should have a clean, healthy, and odor-free pup. Be gentle during the process, as dogs can be sensitive, and reward them with treats, praise, and cuddles.

If you need more guidance, consult your veterinarian to keep your pup healthy and happy.

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These pet portrait paintings were created by Zann Hemphill, a Canadian artist whose work with animals is featured in galleries and homes across North America. In Zann’s portrait studio, Paws By Zann, she uses entirely traditional techniques. The resulting oil paintings are beautiful and expressive, and capture each pet as an individual.

#11 Soft Lighting on These Puppy Dog Eyes

This oil portrait of mixed-breed Ella uses light streaming in from a nearby window to achieve a soft, natural lighting effect that reflects beautifully off one eye.

#10 This Cat Painting with the Most Beautiful Eyes

Cat’s eyes are a wonder, and we could stare at Zann’s rendering of them in this painting for hours. 

#9 This Golden Retriever Painting you can Almost Touch

This Golden Retriever painting stands out against a bright fresh background. Because the background is neither too bright nor too dark, shadows and highlights stand out clear and sharp. You can really feel bright sunlight soft fur in this beautiful piece.

#8 This Head-and-Shoulders Painting of a Siberian Husky

In art, blue backgrounds are often used to make the subject in a portrait pop forward. In this case, artist Zann Hemphill has made this technique work especially well for a painting of a Siberian Husky.

#7 This Pet Portrait Centrepiece

With the right artist, pet portrait paintings can become amazing talking pieces for your home. This painting of Misha is a 4-foot-tall splash of colour that brings joy to the whole room.

#6 and #5 These two Matching Cat Paintings 

Cookie and Chester aren’t technically related, but their owner says they totally act and look like siblings! Putting pets in two separate canvases is great because you get so much flexibility in how you display them. Gazing across at one another? Or haughtily looking away, like typical cats?

#4 This Relaxed Pooch, Sitting Like Royalty

In the past, a person would have to sit for ages to get a portrait, but now the artist can put in those same hours without their subject’s cooperation. Zann Hemphill is able to bring amazing depth into her work thanks to her extensive experience painting from life.

#3 Neutral Tones Give this Pet Portrait Depth (Thor)

This painting come to life with traditional oil-on-canvas techniques. It proves that a classically trained portrait artist can use even snapshots to create art that will stand the test of time.

#2 This Labrador Retriever Painting at Sunset

There’s a reason so many painters love working outside during sunrise and sunset, the so-called “Golden Hour”. During this time, reflected sky blues fill every shadow and contrast beautifully with warm tones from the sun, producing dramatic and poignant images — if the artist has the skill to capture them.

#1 These two Adorable Friends Snuggling on the Couch

Moments like these make every other pet owner jealous. As a painting, this friendship will last forever.

Commission information for Zann’s work can be found on her website, Paws By Zann.