Bathing your dog is an important part of its hygiene. While some dogs love splashing around in the water, others might not want to have a wet paw. Regardless of how your dog feels about taking a bath, regular baths are important to keep it well-groomed and healthy. But how often should you bathe your dog? 

How Often Should You Bathe a Dog

The frequency with which you should bathe your dog isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors come into play, each affecting how often your dog needs a bath. Here’s our vets’ recommendation on how often you should bathe a dog:

Breed and Coat Type

One of the most significant factors in determining how often to bathe your dog is their breed and coat type. Different dog breeds have specific needs and wants when it comes to grooming, which are often related to their coat and skin type. Bring your dog in for a visit, and we’ll help you find the best schedule for their needs. In the meantime, here’s a short guide:

• Short-Haired Breeds

Dogs with short hair, such as Beagles or Boxers, typically require less frequent baths. Their coats tend to shed dirt easily, and over-bathing can strip the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. When bathing short-hair breeds, you might want to consider bathing your dogs once every three months. Regular brushing will help keep that shiny glow and soft coat between baths.

• Long-Haired Breeds

Breeds with long hair, like Shih Tzus or Afghan Hounds, may need more frequent baths to keep their coats clean and free from tangles. If your long-haired dog has a particularly thick coat, consider using a dog-friendly conditioner to keep the fur smooth and manageable. Long-haired dogs are more prone to matting and collecting dirt, so they might need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. 

• Double-Coated Breeds

Double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers or Huskies have a double coat, which has two layers. These dogs shed heavily, particularly during shedding season, and while they don’t need frequent baths, regular brushing is essential. 

Bathing every 1 to 12 weeks is usually enough. But during shedding season, they might benefit from more frequent baths to help remove loose fur. When they shed often, it’s recommended to bathe them more often. This number could go up to once every four weeks.

• Dogs with Oily Coats

Breeds like Basset Hounds have naturally oily coats, which can lead to a strong odor if not managed properly. These dogs may need more frequent baths, about once every three months, to keep their coat from becoming too greasy and smelly. 

• Hairless Breeds

Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested or the American Hairless Terrier, which lack fur to absorb the oils from their skin, may require more frequent baths. We recommend bathing them about once a week to keep their skin clean and free from acne or other skin issues. Always use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo, and consult with us if you’re unsure of what to do.

Activity Level

Your dog’s activity level is another important factor. Active dogs love to play and spend lots of time outdoors, but they may get dirt and debris in their fur faster than dogs who just stay inside.

• Outdoor Lovers

If your dog loves to run, hike, swim, or roll around in the dirt, they might need a bath more often. Mud, dust, debris, and even allergens can get trapped in their fur, making it necessary to bathe them every few weeks or even more frequently, depending on their adventures. 

Based on their breed, if they love the great outdoors, they may need a bath more often than the recommended number above.

• Indoor Enthusiasts

Dogs that spend most of their time indoors, on the other hand, may not get dirty as quickly. These dogs might only need a bath every as prescribed in the guide above, based on their coat type and any specific needs.

Health and Skin Conditions

Dogs with certain health conditions or skin issues may need special bathing routines to keep their skin and coat in good condition.

• Allergies

Dogs with allergies, whether to food, their environment, or other triggers, may benefit from regular baths to keep their coats clean from allergens. Our vets might recommend a specific bathing schedule or a medicated shampoo to help manage your dog’s symptoms.

• Skin Conditions

If your dog has a skin condition like dermatitis or mange, they might require frequent baths to help them feel relief from these conditions. A good dog shampoo can help your dogs feel better during and after the bath. These baths can help soothe the skin, remove excess oils, and keep the condition under control.

• Older Dogs

As dogs age, their skin can become more sensitive and dry. Older dogs might not need as frequent baths, but it’s important to keep an eye on their skin condition and consult with our vets to determine the best bathing routine.

Environment

Where you live can also influence how often your dog needs a bath. 

• Urban Dogs

Dogs living in urban environments might need more frequent baths due to exposure to pollution, dirt, and other urban grime. The smoke and presence of dust and debris can accumulate in your dog’s coat, making them dirtier faster.

• Rural Dogs

On the other hand, dogs living in rural areas might get dirty from playing in fields, rolling in mud, or interacting with livestock and nature in general. Depending on how much they get into, they might need baths more often.

• Seasonal Considerations

The season can also affect how often you should bathe your dog. In the summer, when it’s hot and humid, your dog might need more frequent baths to stay cool and clean. In the winter, however, you might want to reduce the number of baths to avoid drying out their skin. Take into account your dog’s breed, and you’ll keep them clean and happy!

How to Properly Bathe Your Dog

Bathing your dog might seem straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure the process is effective and enjoyable for both you and your pet. 

Choose the Right Shampoo

The first step in a successful bath is choosing the right shampoo. Always use a dog-friendly shampoo so they won’t get uncomfortable. Our vet pharmacy can recommend the best ones for your dogs. Using human shampoo can lead to dryness, irritation, and other skin issues, so it’s better to find the perfect one for your dog.

Prepare for the Bath

Before you even turn on the water, take a few steps to prepare:

• Brush Your Dog

Brushing your dog first can help remove the dirt and debris present in its fur. This makes the bathing process easier and more effective.

• Gather Supplies

Have everything you need within arm’s reach before you start. This includes shampoo, conditioner, towels, and, of course, treats!

• Set the Water Temperature

Make sure the water is lukewarm. Water that’s too hot or too cold can be uncomfortable for your dog and make them anxious during the bath.

Bathing Steps

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to get started:

1. Wet Your Dog

Use a showerhead in a gentle setting and wet your dog’s coat thoroughly. Make sure to be gentle in this process to keep your dog comfortable with the water. Aim for all the spots, especially those that are hard to get into.

2. Apply Shampoo

Apply the dog shampoo starting from the neck to the paws. Let’s handle the face later. Avoid your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth to make sure no shampoo gets in those areas. Massage your dog and reach down on those hard-to-reach areas. Make sure to have fun in the process!

3. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinsing is one of the most important steps in bathing your dog. Make sure to get all the shampoo out of your dog’s coat as it has completed its mission. Any residue left behind can cause irritation. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

4. Apply Conditioner (Optional)

If your dog’s coat is particularly long or prone to tangles, you might want to apply a conditioner. Follow the same steps as with the shampoo, making sure to rinse thoroughly.

5. Dry Your Dog

Once the bath is complete, use a towel to dry your dog as much as possible. For dogs with thick or long coats, you may need to use a blow dryer on a low setting, being careful not to hold it too close to the skin.

Drying Your Dog

Proper drying is essential to avoid skin issues after the bath. Here are some tips:

• Towel Drying

Start by towel-drying your dog thoroughly. For dogs with shorter coats, this may be all that’s needed. For dogs with longer or thicker coats, you may need to follow up with a blow dryer.

• Blow Drying

If you use a blow dryer, keep it in a low cool setting and hold it at a safe distance from your dog’s coat. Move the dryer constantly to avoid overcooling any one area. Make sure your dog is completely dry.

• Air Drying

If your dog is comfortable and the weather is warm, you can let them air dry. Just be sure to keep them in a warm, draft-free area until they’re completely dry. 

Conclusion

Bathing your dog is a must when taking care of these wonderful canines. Although it seems complicated, our dog grooming and bathing guide will have you ready for your best friend’s next bath in no time! Remember, understanding your dog will help you understand how to bathe it. Most importantly, have fun!