How to Wash Poop Off a Dog

Co-authored by Terryl Daluz and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 10, 2023 References

Caring for your pooch can come with a unique set of challenges for dog owners, like cleaning up poo from Fido’s fur. In a lot of cases, regular grooming and spot treatment will do the trick—however, if your dog really rolled in it, a bath is your best bet. If your furry friend gets into smelly situations pretty often, see if there are any extra steps you can take to keep your pooch clean.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Spot Treatment

1
Brush off as much of the poop as you can while you’re outside. Before you get into cleaning, grab a brush and work through any of the waste stuck in its fur. Try to brush out as many of the chunks out as you can, so you don’t have as much to clean off when you’re outside.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If your dog is really messy, it may be easier to hose them off before bringing them inside for a bath.
- If your pooch didn’t roll in poop, then you don’t have to worry about this.
2
Move your dog to a comfortable area where they can stay calm. Grooming can be a scary experience for your furry family member, especially if you’re cleaning off a sensitive area.^{[2]
X
Research source} Give your dog a lot of praise and yummy treats as you move them to the bathroom, so they have a positive experience while they’re being groomed and cleaned.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Terryl Daluz
Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.}

Advertisement
3
Dip a clean wash rag in a mixture of dog shampoo water. Fill your sink with some lukewarm water, and mix in a pea-sized amount of pet-friendly shampoo. Stir the water into a soapy solution, then dip a clean wash rag or paper towel into the mixture.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Lukewarm water will help your dog stay as comfortable as possible while you clean them off.
- You can also use pet-friendly wipes if you don’t have any pet shampoo lying around.
4
Clean off the soiled fur with a baby wipe or damp washcloth. Lift your pet’s tail and wipe down the area around your dog’s bum. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make any progress at first—the waste may not clean off right away if it’s dried on. Keep wiping with gentle, firm motions around the soiled area. As an extra precaution, clean the section of fur directly beneath your dog’s tail, as well.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You may want to wear disposable gloves when you do this.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
5
Rinse off the shampoo from your dog’s butt. Pour a small amount of lukewarm water over the area you’ve just shampooed. Rinse away all of the leftover soap, so your dog feels comfortable once the grooming process is over and done with.^{[7]
X
Research source}
6
Blot the fur dry with a clean cloth. Grab a soft, dry towel and soak up any leftover water from the fur. Keep patting it over until the fur totally dry.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Bath Time

1
Pour some warm water over your dog’s fur to get it wet. If your dog is really dirty, give it a bath instead of trying to spot-clean the fur. Wet the area you need to clean to make it easier to work the shampoo into your pet’s fur.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you’re keeping your dog in a bathtub, check that the drain is unplugged so the tub doesn’t fill up.
- Otherwise, you can take your dog to a professional groomer and get them cleaned.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Terryl Daluz
  Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
  Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.}
2
Massage shampoo into your pet’s fur. Set the bathtub tap running at a warm, comfortable temperature. Lather your hands with pet-friendly shampoo, working the product into your pooch’s fur. Focus especially on the soiled areas, gently coaxing away any waste that’s gotten stuck in your pet’s fur.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You may want to wear gloves when you do this.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Try not to get any shampoo in your dog’s mouth, eyes, or ears, since these spots are really sensitive.^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Animal Humane Society
  Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners
  Go to source}
3
Rinse off your pet carefully. Pour warm, clean water over your dog’s hair to clear away any leftover shampoo suds. Go over all of the sudsy spots carefully, so Fido’s fur is completely clean.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
Animal Humane Society
Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners
Go to source}
- Warm water helps your dog stay happy and comfortable during the bath. Cold water, on the other hand, will feel really uncomfortable for your pet.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
4
Trim away soiled fur around your pet’s bottom. Grab a pair of pet clippers and snip away any all the hair around your pet’s bottom.^{[16]
X
Research source} Be really careful when you do this—the skin here is super sensitive, so you don’t want to make your dog uncomfortable. Clip away any fur that has fecal matter stuck to it, so your dog’s rear can be fresh and clean.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t feel comfortable clipping your pet’s fur on your own, call a vet or grooming professional for help.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}
5
Dry off the fur with a towel. Take a clean towel and blot away any leftover water dripping from your pet. Your pooch will be able to air-dry once they’ve been toweled down—plus, dogs love to shake themselves dry on their own.^{[19]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Prevention

1
Wipe away fresh poop as soon as you notice it. Pet waste becomes a bigger issue if it builds up over time. Each time your pet relieves itself, check to see if any waste is smeared over your dog’s fur. If there’s a small mess, wipe it off with pet or baby wipes right away.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- It may help to carry these wipes with you when you take your dog for a walk.
2
Treat your pet’s fur with waterless shampoo to prevent poo from sticking. Pick up a bottle of waterless shampoo from your local pet supply store, then spray it over the fur around your pet’s behind. This product helps prevent feces from the sticking to the fur and can save you some clean up in the long run.^{[21]
X
Research source}
- This is a great product to use before taking your dog out for a walk. Feel free to use it in the weeks and months where your furry friend isn’t getting a bath.
3
Feed your dog plenty of high-fiber foods. Wet, runnier poops may be a sign that your pooch isn’t getting enough fiber in their diet. Talk to your vet and see if they have any ideas on how to improve your furry friend’s diet.^{[22]
X
Research source}
4
Visit the vet to see if your dog has a medical issue. Unfortunately, messy poops may occur for different reasons, like an infection or parasite. Schedule an appointment with your vet to take a look at your pooch, so you can get a better idea of what the problem is. Your vet can give specifics suggestions or medications that may help your dog out in the long run.^{[23]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my dog ready for a bath?

Terryl Daluz
Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
Terryl Daluz is the Co-owner of Wash My Dog LLC Pet Grooming, a pet grooming business based in the Los Angeles, California area. Terryl, along with co-owner Andrea Carter, has over three years of pet grooming and management experience. Wash My Dog and its certified pet groomers and bathers specialize in providing both a safe and welcoming environment for all animals they service.

Terryl Daluz

Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming

Expert Answer

Before giving a bath, it is necessary to calm your dog and make them willing to bathe. You can talk to them gently and win their trust. Make them feel relaxed so that they come to you on their own.
Question

How can I prepare my dog for professional grooming?

Terryl Daluz
Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming
Terryl Daluz is the Co-owner of Wash My Dog LLC Pet Grooming, a pet grooming business based in the Los Angeles, California area. Terryl, along with co-owner Andrea Carter, has over three years of pet grooming and management experience. Wash My Dog and its certified pet groomers and bathers specialize in providing both a safe and welcoming environment for all animals they service.

Terryl Daluz

Owner, Wash My Dog Pet Grooming

Expert Answer

Take your dog for a walk on the premises of the professional groomer. Allow them to get acquainted with the staff before being taken inside for grooming. Leave the place after handing them over to the groomer, Do not stand there because they may try to come back to you.

Warnings

It can be tricky to trim the fur around your dog’s bottom. Depending on the mess, you might risk hurting the sensitive skin around that area. If you don’t have a lot of grooming experience, call a vet for help instead.^{[26]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
In some cases, the soiled area around your pet’s bottom might be infected. Ask your vet if antibiotics are a good option for your dog.^{[27]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0