Skip to content
Vet RanchVet Ranch
  • Home
  • Pet Animals
    • Dog
      • Dog Crate
      • Dog House
      • Dog Nail
      • Dog Shampoo
      • Dog Bed
      • Dog Harness
      • Dog Door
      • Dog Muzzles
      • Dog Car Seat
      • Dog Feeder
      • Dog Harness
      • Dog Kennel
      • Dog Pen
    • Cat
      • Cat Carrier
      • Cat Clipper
      • Cat Couch
      • Cat exercise wheel
      • Cat Litter
      • Cat Litter Box
      • Cat scratching post
      • Cat stroller
      • Cat Tracker
      • Cat Tree
      • Cat Vacuum
    • Bird
      • Bird Camera Feeder
      • Bird Stand
      • Bird Bath
      • Bird Cage
      • Bird Crate
      • Bird Feeder
      • Bird Seed
    • Rabbit
      • Rabbit Cage
      • Rabbit Hutch
    • Fish
      • Fish Tank
      • Fish Aquarium
    • Pet Stroller
  • Knowledge
    • Best Product
    • Review
    • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
Vet RanchVet Ranch
  • Home » 
  • Blog » 
  • Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Arthur Crowley April 4, 2023
Contents
  1. Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?
    1. The Smell of Soap
    2. Soap’s Feel
    3. The Taste of Soap
  2. Is it Harmful to Let My Dog Play in Soapy Water? 
  3. Is it Safe for Dogs to Drink Soapy Water?
  4. How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy While Bathing
  5. FAQs
    1. Do dogs feel clean after a bath?
    2. Why do dogs like licking bath water?
  6. Conclusion
    1. Reference:

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water? The Science Behind Why Your Pup Loves Bath Time

Have you ever wondered why your pup loves rolling around and playing in the soapy water left behind after a bath?

Understanding why dogs love something as mundane as suds may help us find ways to make bath time more enjoyable for them. Here, we’ll explore the strange yet amusing story of why some canines have such an affinity for bubbles; from recent studies conducted into certain pheromones to ancient folk tales about magical beans.

This post has everything you need to know about why it seems like some pooches just can’t get enough soap!

See more: Where Do Most Dogs Sleep at Night?

why do dogs like soapy water
why do dogs like soapy water

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Dogs love to take baths and play in the water which makes them perfect candidates for a soapy bath. But why do they like it?

The Smell of Soap

Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, which means that they could easily detect the scent of soap even when it is extremely diluted. The scent of the soap may stimulate their olfactory receptors and make them feel calm or soothed.

Soap’s Feel

Dogs tend to be drawn to textures that are slippery, like the feel of soap in water. They may enjoy the feeling of running through a puddle with soap on its surface or simply swimming in the bathtub with a soapy lather.

The Taste of Soap

Though less likely, some dogs may also enjoy the taste of soap on their tongues. This could be due to its sweet scent and taste that may appeal to them. It is important to note however that eating large amounts of soap can be harmful to their health and should be avoided.

Overall, dogs like soapy water because of the smell, feel, and possibly taste that it provides. They may enjoy the soothing scent or the slippery texture of water, as well as its sweet flavor. Regardless of what it is that draws them to it, soapy water can be a great way to help your pup stay clean and happy!

No matter the reason, one thing is for sure: dogs absolutely love taking baths with soapy water! Whether it’s the smell, feel, or taste of soap that attracts them, there’s no denying that they enjoy getting clean with a nice lather of suds.

Is it Harmful to Let My Dog Play in Soapy Water? 

No, it is not harmful to your dog to play in soapy water as long as you use mild soap and do not leave the soap on their fur. Dogs have natural oils that protect their skin, and a mild soap won’t strip away these oils. In fact, some pet owners even recommend using natural soaps or even baby shampoo to give your dog a luxurious bath.

However, it is important to make sure that the soap is completely rinsed off of your pup’s fur when you finish bathing them. Soapy water can be harmful if left on their fur because it can cause irritation or even skin infections. Therefore, make sure to rinse your pup off thoroughly and dry them with a towel or blow dryer afterward.

Finally, it is important to remember that not all dogs enjoy playing in soapy water. Some can be sensitive to the feel of soap on their skin and fur, so make sure you are monitoring your dog for signs of discomfort when bathing them. If your pup seems to be uncomfortable or distressed, it is best to stop and adjust their bath accordingly.

Is it Safe for Dogs to Drink Soapy Water?

No, it is not safe for dogs to drink soapy water. Soap and other cleaning products contain chemicals that can be dangerous to dogs if ingested. 

Ingesting soap or other cleaning products may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, tremors, seizures, and even respiratory failure in dogs. Additionally, the suds created by soap can lead to a dangerous condition called “soap toxicosis,” which can be fatal if left untreated. 

Therefore, it is important to keep any soapy water away from your dog and to contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your dog has ingested any cleaning products. 

In general, dogs should only drink clean filtered or bottled water. If you have any questions about what is safe to give your dog to drink, it is best to speak with your veterinarian for advice. 

How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy While Bathing

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary items, it’s time to get your pup in the bathtub. Make sure you have a non-slip surface in the tub so your pup won’t slip and slide around while getting wet. It is also important that you use lukewarm water for bathing – anything too hot or too cold can cause your pup distress.

Be sure to use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs, as human shampoos may be too harsh for their sensitive skin. Make sure to cover all areas of the coat and lather gently, avoiding the eyes and ears. To keep your pup calm, speak in a soothing voice and try to make the experience as positive and enjoyable as possible.

After your pup is thoroughly lathered, it’s time to rinse them off. Make sure all of the shampoo is completely washed out before you finish the bath session. As a final step, use a towel or pet-safe blow dryer on low heat to dry your pup off. After the bath is complete, reward your pup with a treat and lots of praise!

Keeping your dog safe and happy during bath time requires a little bit of preparation, but the effort is worth it – you’ll have a clean pup that smells great! Be sure to keep up with regular baths to ensure your furry friend remains healthy and happy.

Finally, if you ever feel uncertain about the bathing process or have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for additional advice. They can provide helpful tips that will keep your pup safe and happy during future bath sessions!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alF-r5DlERY

FAQs

Do dogs feel clean after a bath?

Yes, just like humans, dogs also feel clean and refreshed after a bath. In fact, many dogs love taking baths and look forward to them because of how good they feel afterwards! Dogs have an inherent need to remain clean and tidy, so regular baths are important for maintaining their hygiene and well-being.

Plus, bathing helps rid your pup of pesky fleas, ticks, and other skin irritations. During a bath, dogs get a chance to relax and enjoy the warm water and soothing massage from their owners. So yes, dogs feel just as clean after a bath as we do!

Why do dogs like licking bath water?

Dogs are naturally drawn to water and they use their tongues to explore their environment. It is instinctive for dogs to lap up water as it helps them cool off during hot weather, as well as quench their thirst.

Additionally, some dogs may find the sound of running water soothing, or even think its fun to play with. The taste of the bath water may be interesting to dogs as it could be salty or contain soaps and fragrances. Overall, dogs likely enjoy licking bath water because it is an instinctual behavior that quenches their thirst and provides them with sensory stimulation.

Conclusion

After examining the evidence, it is clear that dogs enjoy soapy water because of its unique texture and taste. It has been found to be a pleasurable experience for them as they can feel it on their fur and skin. 

Additionally, soapy water may provide a distraction from other environmental stimuli, such as people, animals, or noises. Ultimately, dogs are drawn to soapy water because it provides a safe and enjoyable experience for them. 

Despite all the benefits of soapy water, it should be used as a last resort when dealing with filthy or smelly dogs.

We hope this post is helpful, thanks for reading!

Reference:

  • The Soap and Water of Dog Ownership
  • Vet Ranch
Share
facebookShare on FacebooktwitterShare on TwitterpinterestShare on Pinterest
linkedinShare on LinkedinvkShare on VkredditShare on ReddittumblrShare on TumblrviadeoShare on ViadeobufferShare on BufferpocketShare on PocketwhatsappShare on WhatsappviberShare on ViberemailShare on EmailskypeShare on SkypediggShare on DiggmyspaceShare on MyspacebloggerShare on Blogger YahooMailShare on Yahoo mailtelegramShare on TelegramMessengerShare on Facebook Messenger gmailShare on GmailamazonShare on AmazonSMSShare on SMS
Post navigation
Previous post

Where Do Most Dogs Sleep at Night?

Next post

Why Do Dogs Save Their Food?

Arthur Crowley

Arthur Crowley

To provide you with the expert assistance you need, Vet Ranch with licensed veterinarians can answer your health-related pet issues.

For the purpose of sharing knowledge with each other, we have jointly created this website, where you can get useful information from us and also where we expand our knowledge through your comments from you.

Related Posts

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

The Ultimate Guide to Being a Student Dog Owner: Balancing Studies and Pet Parenthood

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

CBD Oil: A Promising Ally in the Fight Against Canine Cancer

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Pug Training Book and Course

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

American Eskimo Dog Training Book and Course

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Whippet Training Book and Course

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Scottish Terrier Training Book and Course

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Portuguese Water Dog Training Book and Course

Why Do Dogs Like Soapy Water?

Collie Training Book and Course

Affiliate disclaimer

Vet Ranch (vetranch.org) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Vet Ranch (vetranch.org) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

Category

Best Product

Review

Blog

Page

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us on social

VET RANCH LOGO
FacebookFacebookTwitterInstagramYoutubeYoutube
Copyright © 2025 Vet Ranch
Your privacy

By selecting "Accept all cookies," you consent to Vetranch storing cookies on your device and disclosing information in accordance with our Privacy policy

Menu
  • Home
  • Pet Animals
    • Dog
      • Dog Crate
      • Dog House
      • Dog Nail
      • Dog Shampoo
      • Dog Bed
      • Dog Harness
      • Dog Door
      • Dog Muzzles
      • Dog Car Seat
      • Dog Feeder
      • Dog Harness
      • Dog Kennel
      • Dog Pen
    • Cat
      • Cat Carrier
      • Cat Clipper
      • Cat Couch
      • Cat exercise wheel
      • Cat Litter
      • Cat Litter Box
      • Cat scratching post
      • Cat stroller
      • Cat Tracker
      • Cat Tree
      • Cat Vacuum
    • Bird
      • Bird Camera Feeder
      • Bird Stand
      • Bird Bath
      • Bird Cage
      • Bird Crate
      • Bird Feeder
      • Bird Seed
    • Rabbit
      • Rabbit Cage
      • Rabbit Hutch
    • Fish
      • Fish Tank
      • Fish Aquarium
    • Pet Stroller
  • Knowledge
    • Best Product
    • Review
    • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
FacebookTwitterPinterest