To wash a dog's face in the shower, use a damp washcloth with mild, tear-free shampoo, carefully wiping around eyes and mouth, then rinse thoroughly with a clean cloth or cup, avoiding direct spray into ears, nose, and eyes, and always using lukewarm water to prevent irritation.
It's completely okay to wash a dog's face as long as you're using shampoo designed for the face. It sounds like you're doing a great job of using a flea comb to remove the gunk and keep him clean.
How Not To Wash Your Dog
Ear protection for dogs in the grooming salon
An Ear Snood is a relatively inexpensive way to do this. These snoods fit comfortably over a dog's ears, creating a swaddling effect, helping to calm nervous dogs and reduce their exposure to harmful noise pollution.
Some dogs won't want water running down their faces. For those who do not like running water all at, a washcloth will do. Be sure to rinse it with clean water. When using any cloth, start with the eyes to avoid getting dirt and bacteria from the fur and skin into the eyes later.
I usually wash the face 2-3 times until it is squeaky clean, then towel dry really well and brush/comb it. Then I dry the rest of their body and turn it all the way down to finish their face. Most dogs tolerate this fairly well. Just obv make sure not to blow directly in their eyes/nose/mouth.
Baby wipes contain alcohols, preservatives, fragrances that can irritate or harm dogs through skin/ingestion. Breeds with skin folds, allergies, and puppies face highest risk from baby wipe ingredients. Dog-specific wipes are pH-balanced and free from harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates.
It strips the natural oils in your dog's skin.
Dish detergent's job is to break down and remove grease. This will remove the natural oils in your dog's skin and cause dryness — leading to itchy skin.
Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed can help prevent issues such as hot spots, ear infections, and dental problems, leading to a happier, healthier pup. 3. Improved Comfort and Hygiene: Just like humans, dogs feel more comfortable and confident when they're clean and well-groomed.
Carefully Wash Their Face
Washing your dog's face requires an extra dose of gentleness and care, making sure to avoid dripping water or shampoo into their eyes and ears. “For the face, use a wet washcloth to carefully wet your dog's face,” Askeland instructs.
Every pet owner knows that regular grooming can prevent health issues, improve hygiene, and strengthen the bond between owner and pet. But when it comes to grooming, one golden principle stands above the rest: Rule #1 is always to prioritize the dog's safety and comfort.
 Don't pour water over your dog's head because lots of dogs develop secondary ear infections from moisture getting into the ear canal. 3.  Don't get your dirty dog a “little bit” wet - If you don't have a hose or sprayer, just fill up the bath and slowly pour the water over your dog, saturating the coat and skin.
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.
Eaten from at least 7 different containers • Been held and petted by at least 7 different people • Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides • Been in a crate at least 7 times • Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys • Walked on at least 7 different substrates (grass, gravel, concrete, etc.)
In most cases, casual facial grooming shouldn't require anything stronger than water. Remember that you should never use soaps or shampoos that are made for humans! If water isn't doing the job, you can try a little dab or spray of waterless dog shampoo. These products are available at many pet supply stores.
In reality, most dogs don't need bathing that often since most dirt and mud can be brushed out of their coat once it has dried. So, for most dogs, bath time should be reserved for when they smell or after a particularly muddy and wet adventure!
Schechter explains, “Cleaning wipes should not be used on pets, as they may have harmful ingredients or could dry out their skin.”
DOGGIE HUSH® Pro - Advanced Noise Cancelling ear protection for Dogs, designed for sound-sensitive Dogs.
Dog Ear Cleaning: 6 Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy, Happy Ears