What temperature should a dog bath be?

A dog’s body temperature runs a little hotter than ours – but their bath water should be cooler. 

Most dog owners tend to run the bath water at a temperature that feels warm and comfortable to their human hand, which is usually around 100 degrees. Dog groomers say that’s too warm. For smaller breeds, the water should be lukewarm, or in the low 90s. For larger breeds, room temperature is better, somewhere between 70 and 80, because they tend to overheat.

A dog’s skin is different from ours and can burn more easily. Warm water also causes the dog’s blood vessels to dilate and can make skin conditions worse. If you’re using medicated shampoo, be sure to lather up and leave that on your dog for at least five minutes if you want it to work.