Whether your dog’s coat is full of natural oil or he ran through oily puddles, a greasy dog needs a bath. Grease can damage the coat, cause skin irritation, and upset the digestive system if the dog licks himself. Bathe your dog as soon as possible to keep him clean and healthy.
Step 1
Mix a paste of baking soda and water in a small bowl, and smear it over the greasy spots. Let the paste dry on the hair, and brush it away with a stiff dog brush. Baking soda absorbs oil, soaking it up before it spreads to the rest of the coat.
Step 2
Place the dog in a bathtub, and pour warm water over his entire body. Warm water cuts through the grease better than cold water does, so turn the temperature up until the water feels very warm on your hands.
Step 3
Pour a handful of dog shampoo in your palm, and add four or five drops of gentle dish soap. Dish soap slices through stubborn grease, cleaning the coat better than dog shampoo alone. Rub the soap mixture throughout the dog’s entire coat.
Step 4
Let the soap soak into the coat for five minutes. This gives the soap plenty of time to break down the oil and pull it from the hair. Rinse the dog with clean water from the faucet. Re-soap the dog if the coat is still greasy.
Step 5
Drain the bathtub, and wrap the dog in a clean towel. Rub him vigorously to remove as much water as possible, and lift the dog out of the tub. Keep the dog inside until he is completely dry.
References
Tips
- Dish soaps are ideal for bathing your dog. They are strong enough to clean even heavy grease, but gentle enough not to irritate the dog’s skin.
Warnings
- Don’t use any harsh grease-cutting chemicals on your dog. They might remove grease, but they could also cause serious skin injuries.
Writer Bio
Louise Lawson has been a published author and editor for more than 10 years. Lawson specializes in pet and food-related articles, utilizing her 15 years as a sous chef and as a dog breeder, handler and trainer to produce pieces for online and print publications.