Everyone typically gets drenched when it is time to give the dog a bath. Even if the work happens outside with the hose, each canine seems to take great pleasure in the idea of shaking themselves dry while standing right next to you.

If you’re going to get wet anyway, why not take a shower with your dog? You can save time, reduce water consumption, and possibly limit a mess.

Is it allowed to take a shower with a dog? Are there specific hygiene products that shouldn’t be used on canines?

Is it safe to have a dog in the shower?

Can I Shower with My Dog?

Showering with a dog is fine. You will need to use canine-specific shampoo or soap to ensure the oils from the skin and fur are managed appropriately. The hair can get clogged in the drain, so using a stopper that prevents this issue from happening is helpful. Most dogs require a shower about once every 2-3 weeks.

If you have a walk-in shower, the process of giving your dog a thorough cleaning is relatively straightforward. You get them wet, add some canine-friendly soap or shampoo, provide a rinse, and let them shake off in that space before running around the house.

When you have a tub-style shower to use, things get a little more complicated. Smaller dogs can be lifted into that space, while larger canines can jump right in to start getting clean.

Tubs tend to be more slippery than tile floors, so care must be taken when showering in a tub. It helps to have a non-slip mat available.

I like to use the Gorilla Grip Shower and Bath Mat for this work. It offers suction cups that keep it in place while showering with a dog, while the drain holes in the product keep the water from building up around your feet.

Steps for Showering with a Dog at Home

Once you have a safe place for bathing, here are the steps to follow when taking a shower with your dog.

1. Get everything you need to have a proper shower before turning on the water. That means you’ll need a towel for you and your dog, another one on the floor to prevent slipping after, and shampoo. If your showerhead doesn’t detach, it helps to have a bowl to facilitate faster rinsing.
2. Before going into the bathroom, brush out the fur. It’ll be easier to manage if it is smooth and free of tangles. If you detect any matting, cut these spots out first before starting the shower.
3. Dogs can develop infections if water gets into their ears. It helps to place a small cotton ball inside to prevent moisture from entering the canal.
4. Turn on the shower. Allow the water to turn lukewarm before allowing your dog to join.
5. Wet everything down, then apply shampoo as instructed by the bottle. It helps to use a washcloth to get the areas around the face, being careful not to put soap in the eyes.
6. Once your dog is fully washed, you can give them a complete rinse in the shower.
7. Take care of your showering needs next. Most dogs like to help, which is why it works better to get them clean first.
8. After you’ve finished, your dog will likely shake off excess water. Take them outside the shower after this step, using a clean and dry towel to remove the extra moisture.

I like to use Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Dog Shampoo for the times when my pup needs to get clean. It has extra conditioners and aloe vera to create more shine while reducing problems with tangles. I’ve found that it controls long-term odors effectively while eliminating that musty dog smell that happens right after a shower.

Why Does My Dog Jump in the Shower?

When you have a dog that likes to jump on you at every moment, you can bet that they’ll try this behavior in the shower.

Most dogs jump or bite because they’re excited to see you. Even if you don’t have a favorite treat or toy, there’s an expectation that it could be there.

If you’ve been gone all day, the whole-body wiggle you see often leads to jumping and face boops (if the dog is big enough) because the excited energy needs to get released. Friendly and active pups show enthusiasm with a paws-first jump.

The other reason why dogs jump involves their perception of a threat. If your pup looks wary, tense, or growls, they could be contemplating an attack.

Most dogs jump in the shower because they’re excited to spend time with you. Others want to chase the water streams. If you hear growling or sense muscle tenseness, then the bathing is considered a threat – and you should take whatever precautions are necessary to stay safe and avoid injury.

How to Get a Dog to Stop Jumping

The easiest way to stop dogs from jumping on you is to ignore the behavior. Your goal is to teach your pup that a jump or bite will not get the desired result. Even if you deliver a silent and stern look, your doggo will take that as a victory and continue those unwanted actions.

Positive reinforcement works wonders for most dogs. Canines are social creatures and pack-orientated, so if you’re the leader, the goal is to make you happy. Try teaching a different behavior, such as touching a nose to a person’s hand. Offer a treat for a successful encounter.

Some dogs need more activities to release their energy, especially for breeds in the working class. Try to give them a longer walk during the day. Some labs and shepherds need 3-5 miles of outdoor running.

If you don’t have the time to provide a long walk like that, the Dog Pacer Treadmill is an investment that makes sense. You can exercise your pup indoors, even if you have an extra-large good boy or girl at home. The maximum weight rating is 179 pounds. The treadmill even folds up when not in use to reduce its spatial profile.

It took my dogs a couple of weeks to get used to this method of running, but now they go right to it when they want to get some exercise.

Why Do Dogs Hate Taking Baths?

Most dogs know when you plan to take them to the vet and when it is time for a bath. Both instances create a lot of anxiety and stress.

I know my dogs like to hide under the bed when they think one of these two events is about to happen.

When you make a few minor adjustments to the bathing routine, it can make the experience more pleasant for everyone.

Sensitive Dogs Need a Positive Sensory Experience

When a dog hates a bath, it’s often because of extreme sensory issues. The feeling of a wet and slippery floor is enough to make everything feel uncertain and unwelcome.

If you haven’t invested in the Gorilla Grip Shower and Bath Mat, try placing a towel on the shower or tub floor for extra traction. It’ll get soaked, but you’ll potentially reduce the anxiety levels that they feel.

Focus on the Motivation

When a dog has one poor bathing experience, it can lead to a negative association that triggers avoidance behaviors. If you know what motivates your pup to behave, you can bring that element into the tub or shower to help them enjoy getting clean more.

Most dogs have a high degree of food motivation. If you smear peanut butter on the inside of the shower door to lick, you can help them forget about the negative associations with bath time.

I’m not too fond of the idea of cleaning up peanut butter and dog slobber after a shower, so I use a LickiMat for food distractions.

Once the shower is over, I just take the product outside to spray it clean.

Too Much Noise

Dogs have keen senses. It might not be the water that causes issues when taking a shower. The sound of those high-pressure streams can be enough to trigger the animal’s fight-or-flight mechanism.

Instead of using the shower, consider filling up some buckets for their bath. Use lukewarm water, bring the pup to the tub or dedicated space, and give them a good shampoo and rinse.

Soap or Shampoo Smells

A dog has a sense of smell that can be up to 40 times stronger than what humans experience. If the soap or shampoo you use has a strong odor, it could cause your pup to avoid taking a shower whenever possible.

Try using an unscented product to see if your dog’s behaviors change. I highly recommend using Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Shampoo and Conditioner in this situation. It offers a hypoallergenic formula that deodorizes the fur while providing a superior pH balance. The product is meant for puppies at eight weeks or older.

Leave It to the Pros

If your dog experiences too much anxiety during a shower, it might be necessary to work with an experienced professional to manage your grooming needs. Some businesses come to your home to work with your pup.

Most pros offer additional services, such as trimming nails or providing a haircut, to take care of your dog’s grooming needs.

Should I Take a Shower with My Dog?

Puppies should not shower with their humans, especially if they’re under four weeks of age, because they cannot regulate their body temperatures appropriately. Once a dog gets old enough, the water temperature should be 100°F or less to ensure the experience isn’t uncomfortable.

I have a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd at home. They find pretty much every smelly thing you can imagine in the backyard whenever I let them out there to run. Since the hose water tends to be colder than they prefer, my next best option is to put them in the shower.

When we’re getting rid of the stink, there’s no way I’m hopping in there with them. It’s better to get wet while staying on the outside.

If we’re doing a regular cleanup without the risk of anything weird coming out of their fur, I don’t mind taking a shower with my dogs.

Some people think this choice is weird, but I’ve found it is a lot more convenient. Dogs don’t care if you wear a swimsuit or not while taking a shower. They’re more interested in spending time with you and wondering what the next adventure will be.

A lot of dogs don’t like the idea of bath time. When you make it a fun event in the shower, it doesn’t need to be a traumatic experience.