DTC DIY Series: How to groom your dog part B

How to bath using natural soap.  I prefer natural soap for bathing dogs because they are nontoxic, biodegradable, and do not irritate or dry out the skin.  Natural soap uses natural plant-based oils that aid in cleansing without stripping the oils.

To use Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Pure Castile Soap Hemp Lavender for bathing your dog, here’s the process I follow: Since this is a concentrated soap, I begin by diluting it. I mix ¼ cup of the soap into a one-gallon bucket of warm water, ensuring it is well blended. For convenient applications, I transfer the soap mixture into smaller squeeze containers, which makes it easier to distribute evenly over the dog’s coat.

Next, I apply the soap mixture directly to the dry dog while they are positioned comfortably on the grooming table. Starting at the neck and working my way down, I massage the mixture gently but thoroughly into the dog’s skin and coat, taking care to cover all areas. I begin at the dog’s buttock, wash each foot and move toward the dog’s head.  Stopping soap application just behind the dogs ears and under the jaw bone.   This massage process lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, allowing the cleansing of natural oils in the soap to do their work.

When it comes to rinsing, I ensure the outside temperature is comfortable—usually between 75- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit—to avoid any discomfort for the dog. Using a cold-water hose, I rinse the dog meticulously for about 8 to 10 minutes, making sure no soap residue remains, as leftover soap can irritate the skin. Finally, I dry the dog carefully, ensuring they are warm and comfortable post-bath.

Tip if you dog is extra stinky a double cleanse may be needed.  The first cleanse helps loosen up the coat on double coated dogs and the second cleanse deep cleans.  During the first cleanse use a wet brush to remove the shedding dead undercoat, then rinse then cleanse a second time. 

 Join me next week for DTC DIY series:  part C natural outdoor dog grooming summer time series.

Read DTC DIY Part A: How to Bathe Your Dog on a Grooming Table