--- title: "Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs" id: "224822" 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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/bathing-your-pet-what-to-do-for-cats-and-dogs/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/blog/) / [Dogs](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/dogs/) / **Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs** [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) # Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs July 22, 2020 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.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=petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/) - ![Yorkshire Terrier - 14246, Yorkshire Terrier](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792499_800.jpg)Sale 84 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14246](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/yorkshire-terrier-14246/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Poodle Mini - 14234, Poodle Mini](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792502_800.jpg)Sale 101 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14234](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/poodle-mini/poodle-mini-14234/) ### [Poodle Mini](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/poodle-mini/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Cocker Spaniel - 14247, Cocker Spaniel](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792486_800.jpg)Sale 91 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14247](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/cocker-spaniel-14247/) ### [Cocker Spaniel](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![German Shepherd Dog - 14251, German Shepherd Dog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792477_800.jpg)Sale 131 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14251](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/german-shepherd-dog/german-shepherd-dog-14251/) ### [German Shepherd Dog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/german-shepherd-dog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Cane Corso - 14250, Cane Corso](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792487_800.jpg)Sale 119 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14250](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cane-corso/cane-corso-14250/) ### [Cane Corso](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cane-corso/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Dachshund - 14244, Dachshund](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792488_800.jpg)Sale 114 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14244](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-14244/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Pomeranian - 14243, Pomeranian](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792495_800.jpg)Sale 93 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14243](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-14243/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - 14242, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792485_800.jpg)Sale 100 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14242](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-14242/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Newfoundland - 14239, Newfoundland](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792492_800.jpg)Sale 103 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Female #14239](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/newfoundland/newfoundland-14239/) ### [Newfoundland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/newfoundland/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Giant Schnauzer - 14238, Giant Schnauzer](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792489_800.jpg)Sale 112 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14238](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/giant-schnauzer/giant-schnauzer-14238/) ### [Giant Schnauzer](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/giant-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Havapoo - 14233, Havapoo](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792491_800.jpg)Sale 109 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14233](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/havapoo/havapoo-14233/) ### [Havapoo](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/havapoo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) - ![Affenpinscher - 14213, Affenpinscher](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790109_800.jpg)Sale 166 views Very Popular Petland Mall of Georgia ## [Male #14213](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/affenpinscher/affenpinscher-14213/) ### [Affenpinscher](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies-for-sale/affenpinscher/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(678) 324-9046](tel:(678)%20324-9046) 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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/blog/) - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Pet Store](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Petland](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/petland/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.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 ``` Petland Mall of Georgia 4082 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Emily H Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```