--- title: "Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs" id: "239897" type: "post" slug: "bathing-your-pet-what-to-do-for-cats-and-dogs" published_at: "2020-07-22T14:02:43+00:00" modified_at: "2020-07-22T14:02:43+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandbatavia.com/bathing-your-pet-what-to-do-for-cats-and-dogs/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandbatavia.com/bathing-your-pet-what-to-do-for-cats-and-dogs.md" excerpt: "If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally..." taxonomy_category: - "Petland" --- [Home](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/blog/) / [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) / **Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs** [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) # Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs July 22, 2020 · 3 min read · [cosmick](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandbatavia.com) If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?” Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. I’ll give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps. 1. Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears. 2. Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper, and fill with warm water *before* you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet if the water running from the tap scares him.) 3. Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath. 4. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, *don’t yell!* A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water. 5. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him. 6. Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair. 7. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems. 8. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order! Visit your local Petland for more advice and a great supply of grooming tools! [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandbatavia.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/) - Ask About Me 36 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Ed - Male #24451](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/pug/pug-24451/) ### [Pug](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/pug/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 37 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Dakota - Female #24456](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-24456/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 39 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Bridget - Female #24455](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-24455/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 36 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Cici - Female #24454](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-shepherd/australian-shepherd-24454/) ### [Australian Shepherd](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 25 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Daryl - Male #24453](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/yorkshire-terrier-24453/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 33 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Romeo - Male #24450](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-24450/) ### [Pomeranian](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 29 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Chewie - Male #24443](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/lhasa-apso/lhasa-apso-24443/) ### [Lhasa Apso](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/lhasa-apso/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 24 views Many interested Petland Batavia ## [Raven - Female #24438](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/pekingese/pekingese-24438/) ### [Pekingese](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/pekingese/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 35 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Sally - Female #24434](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-24434/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 36 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Riley - Female #24461](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/adopt-a-pet-poodle/adopt-a-pet-poodle-24461/) ### [Adopt a Pet -- Poodle](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/adopt-a-pet-poodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 49 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Ruby Blue - Female #24460](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/adopt-a-pet-aussiedoodle/adopt-a-pet-aussiedoodle-24460/) ### [Adopt a Pet-Aussiedoodle](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/adopt-a-pet-aussiedoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) - Ask About Me 165 views Very Popular Petland Batavia ## [Petey - Male #24446](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/boxer/boxer-24446/) ### [Boxer](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/puppies-for-sale/boxer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(630) 761-1047](tel:(630)%20761-1047) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/blog/) - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it's a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you’ve ever paused and thought, “Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandbatavia.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Petland](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/category/petland/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlandbatavia.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there's a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 ``` AVERAGE Based on 358 reviews Posted on Google Kevin Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff. All very nice and answered all my questions. I loved all the dogs but I had to see the dog named Kevin! I went in with a completely negative view on petlands but the staff really changed my mind by going over all the breeder info, If I am ever in need of a puppy I will go there and you should too. Posted on Google Cecilia Caballero Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We came at a time they were very busy and never once did we feel rushed, or given attitude while asking questions. The two on staff were amazing and sweet! Posted on Google Noelle Chaney Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went in to get my dogs nails trimmed and was met with a smile and warm greeting from an employee, Dean. The trimming was quick and they really showed my scared dog good care. It was the most pleasant experience I’ve had when it comes to some of these pet places! Posted on Google Shayna V Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just went for a walk”puppy therapy.” Look at how cute they are. I was a little surprised that considering how few customers were in at the time & yet we only got a “let us know if we can help you with anything” and that was it. There were plenty of employees in store, as it was probably the beginning of the Friday night shift, before families started coming in. I had made an appointment, just in case we decided to see any of the dogs. I guess I’m accustomed to the employees being more personal and wanting to tell me things based on the conversation my group is having without me having to reach out to them. ```