How to Clean a Dog’s Dirty Belly

Your dog has been outside on a rainy day and has come inside the house with muddy paws and a dirty belly. Cleaning your pet’s paws may be easy, but the belly? It’s a bit more difficult. We know this because we deal with it pretty often with our four dogs. To make life easier for dog owners and their dogs, below are some of the best tips on how to clean a dog’s dirty belly.

10 Tips on How to Clean a Dog’s Dirty Belly

The following tips will help you clean your pet’s dirty belly easily and quickly.

Tip #1: Damp Hand Towel

Place a hand towel under warm water until it is saturated. Wring it out just enough so that it’s not dripping. Wipe your dog’s fur under the belly. Wash the hand towel to remove the dirt from it. Repeat the process until clean.

Tip #2: Dog Wipes

Dog wipes are damp and can be very effective in removing dirt from a dog’s belly. The bonus is that it is gentle on a dog’s skin. Simply remove a wipe from the packaging and wipe the fur with it. Use a new one after each becomes dirty.

This works well for smaller dogs, while larger dogs may not be more of a challenge.

Learn more about using wipes on dogs by reading: Can You Use Antibacterial Wipes on Dogs? or Are Baby Wipes Safe For Dogs?

Tip #3: Hose It Away

If you have access to a hose, use it to wash away dirt from your dog’s coat. This is the fastest and easiest way to remove dirt from your dog’s belly. The only downside is that it may not be an option for those without a hose or dogs with a thick coat as drying could take a long time.

Tip #4: Use a Shower Head Attachment

Purchase a dog shower head attachment and wash away the dirt just from your dog’s belly. You can use a small amount of dog shampoo on the underside of your dog’s body and legs for thorough cleaning. Even though this option is almost like giving your dog a bath, it’s much faster and easier because it’s only part of the body.

Tip #5: Bissell’s Bark Bath

Bissell Bark Bath Dual is the perfect solution for cleaning a dog’s dirty belly. Simply add dog shampoo to the machine, hook up the brush, and use it along your pup’s belly. The cleaner will remove debris from the dog’s fur and skin completely and leave the area damp so it dries quickly.

The rinse-free shampoo that comes with the Bark Bath and is sold separately is great. We have used this product on our dogs and not only is it super easy to use, but the shampoo smells great and leaves their fur silky smooth.

Tip #6: Spritz It

Fill a water bottle with warm water and spritz your dog’s tummy until dripping wet. Use a bath towel or dog towel to sop up the water and rub the dirt off. It may take a few times of spritzing and wiping to completely clean the area, especially for large dogs.

Tip #7: Brush It Out

Not the best option, but something that some dog owners do is allow the area to dry and then brush the area to remove the debris. The dirt will come off, but it may be painful for your dog if the hair follicles are stuck together. Use a de-matting brush if you decide to clean your dog’s dirty belly this way.

Tip #8: Take a Shower

Take a shower with your furry friend if that’s possible. Simply walk into the shower with your pooch and give him/her a rub down. It could only take a few minutes, especially if your dog is small to medium-sized.

This dog bath brush is awesome. Just put the shampoo inside of it and then it dispenses just the right amount as you’re scrubbing your pup. LOVE IT!

Read More: How Often Should Dogs Shower

Tip #9: Make It Bath Time

Giving your dog a bath may not be a good idea if you recently gave him/her one. Dogs have sensitive skin and can become dry with excessive bathing. However, if it’s been at least 2-3 weeks, it should be okay.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the bathwater will become dirty, so it’s best to remove most of the dirt first (possibly using one of the tips above) and then start bath time.

Tip #10: Purchase a Dog Belly Band

Belly bands for male dogs are supposed to be used for dogs with incontinence, but you can also use them as a way to prevent your dog’s belly from getting dirty. Just put it around the body and wash it when needed.

Why It’s Important to Clean a Dog’s Dirty Belly

Don’t ignore your pooch’s dirty belly. It may cause more inconvenience in the long run.

Skin Infections

A dirty belly will likely cause skin irritation if not cleaned. Some dog breeds are especially susceptible to them.

Unfortunately, skin infections require treatment from a vet. If you suspect your pup’s skin may be infected, contact your veterinarian right away.

Hair Loss

A clean coat is a healthy coat. If a dog’s coat becomes unhealthy due to being dirty, hair loss could occur. This could be temporary or permanent. A vet may be able to help with hair loss, but not always. To avoid this situation, be sure to clean your pup whenever necessary.

Does Bathing a Dog Help with Shedding?

Allergies

Some dog breeds are highly susceptible to allergies. Allergens can often attach themselves to a dog’s coat and cause an allergic reaction. Keeping the fur clean can reduce the risk of a reaction.

What to Avoid When Cleaning a Dog’s Dirty Belly

When cleaning your dog’s dirty belly, be sure to keep the following in mind.

Use Gentle Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

This is especially important if your dog receives a bath often.

 

Learn more about Bissell Bark Bath Dual.

Avoid Getting Water in the Ears

When water gets inside the ear canal, it can be hard to remove it. Stuck water in the ear canal can lead to an infection. When hosing or bathing your dog, stay away from the face to prevent water from getting into the ears.

Bringing Your Dog Inside the House

This may be self-explanatory but if possible start with the above options for cleaning your dog outside, so you don’t get your home’s floors and furniture dirty along with your pooch’s belly.

There you have it – how to clean a dog’s dirty belly. Which tips are you going to use to clean your dog’s tummy?