How Often Should You Really Bathe Your Dog?
You're not alone if you have ever asked this question on Google as your muddy dog looks at you from the doorway. The fact is, every dog's answer is going to be different due to breed, lifestyle, coat type, and even the time of year!
If your Labrador swims every day, you will have different bath time needs compared to a Maltese who stays inside and naps. What should be considered when you decide it is time for a dog to have a bath?
Why Bathing Frequency Actually Matters
If you bathe your dog too often you are likely to remove some of the natural oils that keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny. However, if you wait too long to give your dog a bath this can lead to itchy skin, a smelly dog, and even infections if dirt or bacteria is allowed to build up.
Finding a schedule that works for you and your dog can be a little tricky but you want to aim for happy dog that is clean. Most veterninary sources suggest that if your dog is healthy and has skin that is normal they can go up to 3 months without a bath depending on their individual needs with the absolute lowest being 1 month.
Factors That Change the Schedule
The type of coat your dog has can affect how often they'll need to be bathed. Breeds with oily coats (i.e. Basset Hounds) are likely to require bathing more often than breeds with water repellent coats (i.e. Huskies) In the case of long haired breeds, such as Poodles and Shih Tzus, they usually need to be bathed every couple of weeks and more frequent grooming is required.
On top of coat type, lifestyle is another factor to consider. A dog that gets to romp around outside will require more frequent bathing than a dog that is more of an inside dog. Your dog may also have a skin condition or allergy that will require special bathing schedules that your vet can help you with.
Step by Step Bathing Guidelines
Here’s your guide to figuring out how often to bathe your dog!
As a good starting place, schedule your dog’s bathing at least once a month. Your vet may recommend a different baseline depending on your dog’s breed. After each bath, pay attention to how your dog’s skin and coat react. You may be bathing your dog too often if his skin appears flaky or dry, or if he seems to be scratching more. You may need to bathe your dog more frequently if he has an odor or if his coat is greasy.
When it comes to bathing your dog, pay attention to his activity level as well. Off schedule baths may be necessary after a hike that involves a lot of mud, or if he goes swimming in a lake. In between sessions, you can use a damp cloth to target and clean specific areas of your dog such as his paws.
When selecting a shampoo for your dog, be sure to use a gentle formula made specifically for pets. Human shampoos can cause irritation because they have the wrong pH for dogs. Your vet can recommend a specific dog shampoo formula if your dog has sensitive skin or allergies.
Between bathing sessions, it is important to brush your in order to distribute natural oils, remove dirt and hair, and to actually reduce how often your dog needs to be bathed.
Signs You're Bathing Too Much or Too Little
Bathing your dog too frequently can result in dry, flaky skin and a dull coat. Some dogs may become itchy, and exhibit signs of discomfort. Their skin can even instrument become red and irritated.
On the flip side, not bathing your dog often enough can result in a strong odor emanating from their coat, greasy or matted fur, and visible dirt that is difficult to brush out. If bacteria is allowed to build up on a dog's skin, it can even result in hot spots or skin infections. Copper has had a couple of baths after particularly rainy yard weeks.
When in doubt, trust your eyes and your nose. You know your dog best.
When to Call Your Vet
If your dog's skin suddenly changes, or if they are licking, scratching, or biting at themselves check in with your vet. An issue that looks like it's caused by not bathing your dog frequently is actually a bigger issue like an infection, some parasites, or even an allergy.
If your dog has special needs and you are not sure which products or a schedule is best then your vet is the best place for you to start. Dogs that have medical skin conditions may need a certain bathing schedule or even medicated shampoos that you won’t know without professional help.