The Right Way to Bathe Your Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide from the Experts at KLŌS
At KLŌS Fine Pet Salon, we know that a proper bath isn’t just about getting your dog clean—it’s a ritual of care, wellness, and restoration. Many pet parents are surprised to learn that how you bathe your dog can make a significant difference in the health of their skin and the beauty of their coat. With the right method, you’ll not only eliminate dirt and odor—you’ll support your dog’s overall comfort, immunity, and shine.
Here’s how we do it, following the trusted Iv San Bernard protocol used by pet care professionals around the world.
Start with Intention—and the Right Tools
Before you begin, have all your products and tools in place. At KLŌS, we never step away once the bath begins. Dogs absorb toxins and irritants from the ground up—especially through areas like the face, feet, legs, and belly. Those sensitive zones deserve special attention.
We use Iv San Bernard therapeutic grooming products, which are gentle, effective, and imported from Italy. Their proprietary formulas support skin regeneration, coat hydration, and deep cleansing without irritation.
Frothing: The Secret to Superior Clean
Rather than applying shampoo directly to the coat, we froth our products first. By mixing the proper amount of shampoo or conditioner with three times as much water and whipping it into a foam using a milk frother, we’re able to create a lightweight, luxurious lather that clings to the coat and doesn’t just run down the drain. This technique ensures full coverage and allows us to target high-risk areas more effectively.
Bathing Order Matters: Follow the Flow
Always bathe with the direction of the coat, never against it. Going against the grain can damage tender hair follicles and irritate the skin.
Apply shampoo in this order:
1. Face & Head
2. Neck & Chest
3. Bottom & Belly
4. Feet
5. Legs
6. Back
Let the shampoo sit for five full minutes. This allows it to bind to oils and debris so it rinses clean without needing a second wash.
After a thorough rinse, apply conditioner in the same order and let it sit for another five minutes. This step restores the skin’s natural sebum and protects against dryness, itching, and flakiness. During this phase, we may blend in customized ISB oils or PEK treatments based on your dog’s unique needs.
Final Rinse: Don’t Forget the Details
Once rinsed, we perform a final rinse between the toes and footpads—often missed but critical for dogs prone to yeast, odor, or allergies.
- We base the amount of product used on the size and coat type of your dog. Here’s a general guide we follow:
- Small short coat – ½ tsp
- Small long coat – 1 tsp
- Medium short coat – 1 tsp
- Medium long coat – 2 tsp
- Large short coat – 1 TBSP
- Large long coat – 2 TBSP
- Beyond Clean: Why the Right Bathing Method Matters
A proper bath is the foundation of skin and coat health. At KLŌS, our CoatCare philosophy guides every grooming session—from therapy selection to rinse technique. Our clients see the difference in fewer skin issues, reduced shedding, and glossier, more manageable coats.
If your pup has allergies, dry skin, or dull fur, the problem might not be your shampoo—but how it’s being used.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Schedule your pet’s next Full Groom + CoatCare Session at KLŌS and let us show you how a proper bath can transform your dog’s comfort and appearance. We include a complimentary Ozone HydroSpa treatment with every full groom to detox and soothe the skin on a cellular level.
Visit experienceklos.com, call our Client Services Team at 470.377.5254, or find us on Google.
KLŌS Fine Pet Salon
Enhancing Beauty. Elevating Wellness.
Milton | Alpharetta | Roswell | Johns Creek
