Kawell USA Blog

How to Wash a Dog's Face During Bath: A Safe and Easy Guide

Apr 21, 2025

Keeping your dog’s face clean, including their dog's facial fur, is essential for preventing infections, maintaining good hygiene, and keeping their fur fresh.

Unlike the rest of their body, a dog’s face requires special attention and a gentle approach to avoid irritation and discomfort.

This guide will walk you through the best techniques for safely washing your dog’s face while keeping their eyes, ears, and nose protected.

Preparing for a Safe Face Wash

Why Proper Preparation is Important

Before washing your dog’s face, it’s important to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair. This makes the cleaning process easier and more effective, reducing the chance of irritation.

Steps to Prepare Your Dog for a Face Wash

Remove loose dirt or debris – Gently wipe away any dirt, food, or dust from your dog’s face using a soft, dry cloth.
Brush your dog’s face and head – This is especially useful for long-haired dogs to prevent tangles and matting before washing. Brushing the dog's head helps keep the fur smooth and manageable. Short-haired dogs may not need brushing.
Use a wet cloth for an initial wipe-down – Start by gently wiping your dog’s face with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt.
Avoid using paper towels or napkins – These can shred easily and leave small bits of paper in your dog’s fur. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a designated pet wipe instead.
Consider using a hand-held shower head – If you plan to bathe your dog, a low-pressure shower head can make washing easier and give you more control.

Washing the Dog’s Face and Eyes

Using the Right Water Temperature

Always use lukewarm or room temperature water – Water that is too hot or too cold can cause discomfort and make your dog resistant to face washing.

How to Wash Your Dog’s Face with Dog Shampoo

Dampen the facial fur – Use a soft, wet cloth or a small cup of lukewarm or warm water to wet your dog’s face gently. Avoid pouring water directly over their head.
Massage dog shampoo into the fur – Use a tearless, non-irritant shampoo, like dog-specific facial cleansers or tearless baby shampoo.
Clean around the eyes carefully –

Use a damp cloth with soapy water to gently wipe around the dog's eyes, removing any dirt or discharge.
Never wipe directly on the eyeball.
If tear stains are present, consider using a dog-safe tear stain remover like Angel Eyes or Diamond Eyes.

Protect the ears –

Use cotton balls to prevent water from entering the ear canal, reducing the risk of ear infections.
Be extra careful when rinsing near the ears.

Drying and Finishing the Face Wash

Why Proper Drying is Essential

After washing, it’s important to dry your dog’s face thoroughly to prevent bacteria buildup, irritation, or infections, especially in breeds with wrinkles and folds.

Best Techniques for Drying Your Dog’s Face

Use a damp cloth for a final wipe-down – Remove excess soap and shampoo with a damp cloth.
Pat dry with a soft towel – Avoid rubbing too hard, especially around the eyes and ears.
Absorb moisture from the ears – If you used cotton balls, remove them and gently dry the ears with a clean cotton pad or dry cloth.
Keep the fur around the mouth clean and dry – Moisture around the mouth can lead to bacterial buildup. If your dog has a beard or long facial hair, consider using a dog-safe facial cleaner for daily maintenance to keep the dog's facial hair clean and dry.

Preventing Eye and Tear Stains

For dogs prone to tear stains or food stains around the mouth, consider using:

Tear stain removers – Products like Angel Eyes or Diamond Eyes can help remove discoloration.
Frequent face washing – Cleaning your dog’s face regularly can prevent stains from setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to wash a dog's face in the bath?

Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean your pup's face instead of pouring water directly on it.
Apply a tear-free dog shampoo, gently lathering around the face.
Wipe around the eyes and mouth carefully, ensuring no soap gets in sensitive areas.
Use a soft towel to pat dry the face thoroughly.

How do you wash a dog's face without getting water in the ears?

Use cotton balls from a pet store in the ears to prevent water from entering.
Tilt your dog’s head slightly downward while rinsing.
Avoid using running water near the ears—instead, use a damp cloth or sponge.

How do you disinfect a dog's face?

Use a veterinarian-approved pet wipe or a diluted solution of pet-safe cleanser.
Avoid using human soaps or alcohol-based disinfectants, as they can be too harsh.
If your dog has skin folds or wrinkles, clean between them with a damp cloth to prevent bacterial buildup.

How to get gunk off a dog’s face with a wet cloth?

For eye discharge, use a damp cotton pad and wipe outward from the eye.
For food stains around the mouth, wipe with a warm, damp cloth after meals.
For tear stains, apply a dog-safe tear stain remover.