- How Often You Should Bathe Your Dog
- September 29, 2021
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
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How Often Should I Wash My Dog?
For many happy new dog owners, the question of how often to bathe a dog remains ambiguously open.
You may have talked to your friends, who report washing their furry family members on a schedule ranging anywhere from weekly to once every two or three months. You may have browsed the internet, just to find that expert opinion varies just as much, still leaving you clueless about the mysterious ideal bathing frequency.
At Top Dog Resource, we recognize that keeping your pup clean can help to prevent unpleasant skin conditions and keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about how and how often to wash your dog.
Factors to Consider When Deciding How Often to Bathe a Dog
When it comes to determining the ideal bathing frequency for your puppy, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
With countless dog breeds and coat types, as well as different lifestyles and health conditions, deciding on how often to wash your dog can be tricky.
As a rule of thumb, most dogs will do well with a monthly bath, but, again, this will depend on the specific dog and many other factors involved.
1. Coat Type
One major factor that determines how often you should wash your dog is the type and length of their coat.
Dogs with short coats can sometimes get away with being bathed every one to three months, while fluffy dogs of medium to long coats generally need to be cleaned as often as every four to six weeks.
However, avoid going only by the length of fur. Some types of dog coats naturally repel dirt, while others seem to hold on to it.
Drop Coats:
For example, drop-coated breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers tend to collect debris and oil and require frequent bathing to ensure their coats remain clean.
Soft Coats
Other breeds, such as Bichons and Poodles, have wonderfully soft coats that can trap dirt easily, and, therefore, need to be washed on a more frequent basis.
Double Coats
For double-coated breeds with thick furs, such as Huskies and Pomeranians, you can get away with bathing them every one to three months. These dogs are prone to shedding, naturally getting rid of any dead skin cells and bacteria. This means that you don’t need to bathe the dog very often in addition to the natural shedding process and brushing.
Hairless / Short
Surprisingly, hairless dogs or breeds with short oily coats, like Basset Hounds and Labradors, need to be washed quite frequently as well – about once a week.
This will help to protect your pup’s skin from absorbing pollutants, bacteria, and toxins that are naturally eliminated when a hairier dog sheds. Without proper grooming, hairless pups can easily develop dermatological issues and pore blockages.
Surprisingly, hairless dogs or breeds with short oily coats, like Basset Hounds and Labradors, need to be washed quite frequently as well – about once a week.
This will help to protect your pup’s skin from absorbing pollutants, bacteria, and toxins that are naturally eliminated when a hairier dog sheds. Without proper grooming, hairless pups can easily develop dermatological issues and pore blockages.
2. Lifestyle
As humans, we intuitively know that if we get dirty doing yardwork or work up a sweat at the gym, it’s time to take a shower. The same general rule applies to our furry friends.
As such, active dogs will need more frequent baths than lazy ones.
A good schedule to consider is bi-weekly bathing procedures for very active dogs.
On the other hand, if your pup mostly sits around looking cute, you may only need to bathe them every two to three months as long as they stay clean.
However, if your dog gets dirty by rolling around in mud or swimming in a river, you should also give them a good bath after each “messy” activity.
3. Skin Conditions and Allergies
Another important factor in determining how often you should wash your dog is your pup’s skin.
Some dogs may have a temporary skin infection or condition that requires frequent application of a special medicated shampoo. If a specific shampoo was prescribed by your vet, you may need to bathe your pup several times a week for a few weeks, depending on the resolution of the condition.
In addition, the health of the owner should be considered as well. If you suffer from allergies, you will be more likely to react to your pup’s dander. In this case, washing your dog on a weekly basis can help to minimize any discomfort and keep your allergies at bay.
How Much is Too Much?
If your dog loves the bath time and you love the idea of having a fresh-smelling pup 24/7, you might fall into the trap of over-bathing your dog.
The truth is, most dog groomers and veterinarians agree that overly frequent baths can do more harm than good.
If you wash your dog’s coat too often, you may strip its natural oils, which will affect the fur quality, and may cause unwanted skin irritation.
If you notice that your dog’s skin appears flaky, dry, or irritated, consider opting for less frequent baths. In addition, make sure to choose high-quality dog shampoo, along with a light conditioner to restore natural oils that the shampoo may remove.
The truth is, most dog groomers and veterinarians agree that overly frequent baths can do more harm than good.
If you wash your dog’s coat too often, you may strip its natural oils, which will affect the fur quality, and may cause unwanted skin irritation.
If you notice that your dog’s skin appears flaky, dry, or irritated, consider opting for less frequent baths. In addition, make sure to choose high-quality dog shampoo, along with a light conditioner to restore natural oils that the shampoo may remove.
Simple Tips on How to Wash a Dog
Once you determine how often to bathe your puppy, you may be faced with the challenge of turning your hygiene plan into a reality.
Washing your dog can get messy and time-consuming, but it is absolutely necessary for their well-being.
Follow these simple tips to ensure that you have a successful (and pleasant!) bath time with your furry friend:
- Getting ready. First, you need to purchase a special shampoo specifically formulated for dogs – look for tearless options, if possible.
In addition, before starting the process, make sure to put some towels on a bathroom floor to catch the inevitable spills.
Have another towel ready to throw over your pup to minimize the spray caused by the after-bath shake.
Set water temperature to lukewarm and place your dog’s favourite treat near the shower wall to keep your dog occupied and provide some positive reinforcement.
Shower Treat Holder
- Getting ready. First, you need to purchase a special shampoo specifically formulated for dogs – look for tearless options, if possible.
In addition, before starting the process, make sure to put some towels on a bathroom floor to catch the inevitable spills.
Have another towel ready to throw over your pup to minimize the spray caused by the after-bath shake.
Set water temperature to lukewarm and place your dog’s favourite treat near the shower wall to keep your dog occupied and provide some positive reinforcement.
- Use appropriate tools. When it comes to bathing your pup quickly and efficiently, a handheld sprayer can prove incredibly helpful. In addition, it will make it easier to get close to the skin of dogs with water-resistant coats.
It’s also a good idea to put a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub to help your dog feel more secure and prevent any slipping.
Finally, make sure to place the shampoo bottle within the arm’s reach with the lid already open, in case you need to apply it with a single hand.
- Finish at the head. The infamous “wet dog shake” starts because of a wet head.
As such, to keep you and your floors a little drier, start by washing the dog’s body first and then move on to gently clean the ears and head at the end.
IMPORTANT:
If there is a pest problem (like a flea infestation), always wash the face first, then move down the head and the rest of the body!
- Have a drying plan. A towel is best, but you may try using a hairdryer. Avoid the “hot” setting. Use a dryer with only the warm or cool setting.
However, if your dog is uncomfortable with the noise, simply towel them off thoroughly. If the weather is warm, you may let them go off and finish drying naturally.
- Make it fun. The truth is, your dog might never love the bath. That said, there are certain things you can do to make the entire experience less stressful.
For example, having a special toy or a treat handy can make the bath time seem a little better.
It is also a good idea to get your furry friend used to a bathing routine from an early age when your dog is more easily accustomed to strange things.
The Bottom Line
Nobody likes a stinky pup – luckily, this is nothing that a well-planned grooming regimen can’t fix.
If you are wondering how often to bathe your dog, it is best to start with a once-per-month frequency and adjust it according to your dog’s lifestyle, type of coat, and skin condition.
Try to avoid over-bathing; instead, let your eyes and nose be the judge to keep your furry friend looking and smelling fresh.
And, if you are still not sure whether you are doing it right, you can always consult a vet, who will help you to understand your pup’s specific needs better.
