Keeping your dog clean and fresh is important. But giving them a daily bath isn’t exactly practical and can be harmful to their skin and coat. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to clean a dog or puppy without bathing them. Whether you’re still getting your nervous pup used to bath time or you’re travelling without access to a tub, these bath alternatives can help in a pinch.
To learn how to clean a dog without bathing, we spoke with Michelle North, a Fear-Free certified groomer at Earthwise Pet in Seattle, USA. Below, we’ll cover bath-free solutions for newborn puppies, long-haired dogs, and especially stinky messes. We’ll also go over the circumstances when nothing but a true bath will do.
When You Can’t Give a Dog a Bath
There are some good reasons not to over-bathe your dog. First, it’s not practical—bath time for most pups is a process, and there just aren’t enough hours in a day. Second, very frequent baths aren’t good for your dog’s skin and coat. Unless your dog gets really messy, a bath every four to six weeks is the right schedule.
It’s also important not to bathe very young puppies. Because newborn dogs can’t self-regulate their body temperature, hold off on baths until your puppy is at least eight weeks old. Otherwise, they could become dangerously cold.
Once your puppy is a couple of months old, their soft puppy coat will grow in. At this point, you can bathe your puppy once a month. It’s critical not to over-bathe your puppy, as this can dry out their skin, making it itchy and prone to infections. However, it’s okay to bathe more often if they get into something particularly messy.
Naturally, there will be occasions when a clean-up is necessary, even if bathing isn’t an option. Here’s how to clean your dog without a bath, depending on their age.
How To Clean a Newborn Puppy Without Bathing
Puppies under eight weeks old are typically cleaned by their mothers. But if the mother is unable to clean her pups or is not present, a human may need to step in.
Above all, it’s crucial to use gentle methods that minimise stress. Avoid immersing a newborn puppy in water. Instead, use a soft, damp cloth with warm water (not hot or cold) to gently wipe them down. Wring out any excess water. For very small puppies, you can use a cotton ball.
You don’t need to use soap on newborn puppies because their skin is super sensitive. Take care not to rub too hard, and focus on areas that get extra dirty: paws, rear, and face.
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In more extreme situations (say, a puppy caked in faeces or a flea infestation), a more intense cleaning method may be necessary. In these cases, it’s still important to avoid completely immersing your little guy in water.
Fill a small container with a couple of inches of warm water. If possible, avoid shampoo and use your fingers to remove dirt and debris. Avoid getting water in the puppy’s face, and make sure their head stays above water. Work quickly to prevent the puppy from getting chilled, and watch for signs of chill, such as shivering.
It’s important to maintain the puppy’s warmth during the cleaning process. Keep the cloth warm by dunking it in warm water, and clean the puppy in a room free of drafts.
Immediately dry the puppy with a soft towel and place them in a warm area, ideally with their mother. If the mother is not available, swaddle the puppy in a warm towel or use a warm water bottle to keep them nice and toasty.
How To Clean a Puppy Aged 2+ Months Without Bathing
For older puppies and adult dogs, you have more cleaning options:
- spot cleaning with a damp rag with dog-safe shampoo
- pet-specific wipes
- dry dog shampoos
- mudbusters and similar paw cleaners
First, you can spot clean with a damp rag. For extra cleaning power, squeeze a small amount of puppy shampoo into a bowl of warm water, and dunk the cloth in it. Make sure to towel dry your pup thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Professional groomer Michelle North also recommends using pet wipes to gently wipe down puppies and dogs. Wipes may not work for full-body cleaning or intense messes, but they’re perfect for cleaning specific areas, like the face, feet, and rear.
Make sure to use pet-specific wipes. Household cleaning wipes may contain harsh ingredients that could dry out your pup’s skin, and even baby wipes can disrupt a dog’s skin’s pH balance.
Dry dog shampoos offer another option that doesn’t require any rinsing. “I am a big fan of waterless foaming shampoos to help refresh a dog’s coat between regular washes,” says North. Two brands she recommends are Hyponic and TropiClean. Brush your puppy before using dry shampoo to remove excess hair and debris.
Constantly battling muddy paws? A MudBuster may be able to stand in for a full-on bath. These portable paw cleaners feature a tumbler filled with silicone bristles that work like a mini agitation washer.
Always remember that a puppy’s skin is sensitive. To avoid irritation, try to pick products that are puppy-safe, hypoallergenic, and unscented.
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Edwin Tan via iStock
Bath-Free Options for Tricky Situations
Sometimes there are complicating factors, like a dog with very dense or long fur, an especially big mess, or a dirty pup on the road. Here’s what to do.
Dogs with long hair
Dogs with long hair tend to pick up extra dirt and debris. To clean the luscious locks on these dogs without bathing, give them a thorough brushing after the mud has dried. “Brushing through the coat helps loosen up and remove some amount of dirt and debris,” explains North.
She also recommends using a conditioning or detangling spray to avoid damaging a longer coat, followed by a dry shampoo.
Stinky messes
When it comes to washing an especially stinky dog without water, some people use baking soda for its deodourising properties. However, North recommends exercising caution with this approach.
“While baking soda can help reduce odour and even potentially soothe some skin issues, I’d hesitate to use it on a dog’s coat if there are other options available because of the risk of ingestion or inhalation,” she explains. If you’re using baking soda, use it sparingly, and avoid applying it on wet skin. Be sure to brush it out thoroughly to avoid irritation.
Travel
If you’re wondering how to clean a puppy or dog without bathing while travelling, it helps to be prepared with cleaning products stashed in your car. Rinse-free shampoo mittens can be a convenient solution when you don’t have access to a tub. These mittens only require water, allowing you to spruce up your pooch on the go.
Additionally, an ultra-absorbent towel can be useful for wiping away dirt and grime during travel. These towels are made with antibacterial fabric and can be handy when there’s no bath in sight.
When Nothing But a Bath Will Do
A pseudo-bath is great for a quick refresh or spot clean when a true bath isn’t possible. These alternative cleaning methods are ideal during cold weather or on a road trip. They’re also a helpful workaround for dogs anxious about bathing. However, a pseudo-bath has its limitations.
“There is no real replacement for a thorough full body bath with a good shampoo and conditioner, especially when it comes to dirt and mud, food residue, and bodily fluids,” says North. She adds that a good bath also helps with shedding, reduces allergens, and prevents tangles. So plan on a proper bath every four to six weeks for most coat types.
Other times a full bath is necessary include the following:
- significant soiling
- rolling in a toxic substance that can’t be wiped away
- diarrhoea incident
- dogs with skin conditions (may need baths with medicated shampoo)
- dogs with an oily coat
