The Best Way to Give Your Dog a Bath (Without Clogging Your Plumbing!)

Dog bath time.

At Diamond Plumbing, we may not be dog groomers, but we are experts at what happens after the water goes down the drain. If you’ve ever tried to bathe your dog at home, you know it can be a splashy, hairy adventure—one that often leads to a clogged drain or a flooded bathroom floor.

Whether you’ve got a pint-sized pup or a muddy Great Dane, here’s how to keep your dog clean and your plumbing happy.

1. Choose the Right Location

Big dogs? Try the walk-in shower, laundry sink, or even an outdoor hose with a spray nozzle (just watch the temperature).

Small dogs? A kitchen sink or bathtub will do just fine—but throw down a towel first to prevent a slip-and-slide situation.

Plumber’s Tip: If you use the tub or sink, make sure you have a good drain screen in place to catch all that fur. Dog hair + soap = plumbing nightmare.

2. Brush Before Bathing

We know your dog doesn’t love it—but giving them a quick brush before bath time can drastically reduce how much hair ends up down the drain. Trust us, your pipes will thank you!

Plumber’s Tip: More fur in the brush = less fur in your drain trap. It’s like preventive maintenance for your plumbing system.

3. Use Pet-Safe Shampoo (Not Dish Soap!)

Stick to shampoos made for dogs. Human shampoos or dish soaps can dry out their skin—and worse, some can be harsh on your drain lines if they’re overly sudsy or full of chemicals.

Plumber’s Tip: Avoid pouring leftover shampoo or conditioner straight into the drain. These thick liquids can stick to pipe walls and trap fur and other debris.

4. Rinse, Then Rinse Again

Make sure you rinse your pup thoroughly—leftover soap can cause itching and more scratching (read: more shedding).

Plumber’s Tip: If you’re using a handheld sprayer in your tub or shower, check your hose and spray nozzle for leaks. A slow drip wastes water and could be a sign your fixture needs a tune-up.

5. Dry Your Dog Somewhere OTHER Than the Bathroom

It might be tempting to dry them off where you washed them—but once that towel comes off, the zoomies usually kick in.

Plumber’s Tip: Redirect those zoomies out of the bathroom. A wet dog and slippery tile floor are a recipe for a cracked toilet or busted baseboard from the chaos. Don’t ask us how we know.

Bonus: Consider a Dog Washing Station

If you’re a multi-dog household or your fur baby is constantly getting into Oklahoma red dirt, you might want to install a dog washing station in your laundry room or garage. Our expert plumbers at Diamond Plumbing can hook up a utility sink or even install a custom pet shower—with proper drainage and easy access!

When Bath Time Becomes Clog Time…

If your pipes are barking louder than your dog after a bath, give us a call. Our team at Diamond Plumbing Services, LLC is here for all your drain cleaning and plumbing needs—dog hair clogs included.

📞 580.332.7668📍 Serving Ada, OK, and surrounding communities🌐 diamondplumbingok.com

From dogs to drains, we’ve got your back. Now go give your furry friend some treats—after all, they just survived bath time!