How Frequently Should Your Dog Get a Bath?

You care if they are covered in dirt or smell, but dogs don't.  However, how frequently should dogs get a bath? Most pets only need to be bathed once a month, however some important conditions may necessitate frequent bathing.

 

Important Takeaways

• Depending on the breed, coat type, and lifestyle, most dogs require a wash every one to three months.
• Dogs with long hair, greasy coats, or high levels of activity can require more frequent washings. Bathing promotes healthy skin by removing dead hair, odour, and grime.
• Your dog's skin may get irritated and lose its natural oils if they have too frequent bathing.
• Keep water out of your dog's ears, brush before washing, and use mild shampoos.
• Puppies shouldn't have their first proper bath until they are at least eight weeks old.
• Regular grooming and veterinarian-recommended treatment may be partially covered by certain wellness add-ons to pet insurance.

Your dog needs a wash if it smells and looks like it needs one. Depending on your dog's coat type and level of activity, you may be able to establish a bathing schedule that suits them.

Continue reading for tips on how often to bathe your dog and ideas for both short- and long-haired breeds.

• Several certified veterinarians reviewed it
• Updated with the most recent medical information
• A compilation of veterinary studies

 

Browse to the section below that most concerns you.

• What makes bathing dogs necessary?

• How frequently may I give my dog a bath?

• Advice for a simple bath

• Can a dog be washed too frequently?

• When to take your canine companion to the groomer

• When may a puppy be bathed?

• Give your dog a proper bath.

• Commonly asked queries

 

What makes bathing dogs necessary?

Understanding how to wash your pet will help you maintain their appearance and improve their overall health. 

Bathing clears their coat of dirt and detritus, eliminates odours, and helps remove dead hair.  In addition, your dog's skin is its largest organ. 

Regardless of age, washing your pet helps shield their skin from dangerous bacteria and illnesses.  You may utilise wellness plans as supplements to regular pet insurance coverage and take your pets to a groomer if you have other obligations.

It's usually worthwhile to get pet insurance for these and other reasons, such as your dog's health.

 

How frequently may I give my dog a bath?

The frequency of dog washing depends on the characteristics of each dog's skin and coat. To minimise odour and oil buildup, the majority of healthy dogs need to be washed once a month; however, this may differ depending on the following factors:

Texture and length of the coat

Take your dog's coat length into account when deciding when to give them a wash.

• Dogs with medium to long hair usually need to be bathed more frequently. They should be bathed every few months because their coats may get matted and dirty very rapidly.
• Breeds with short hair may only need to be washed every one to three months.
• Dogs with oily or soft coats may need to be washed more frequently.
• Because they shed more often, breeds with thicker fur—like the Bernese Mountain Dog—need fewer baths because the shedding removes pathogens and dead skin cells.
• Hairless breeds may need more frequent washings and are more prone to skin issues.

Level of activity

Based on their activity level, how frequently should a dog be bathed? Dogs who spend a lot of time outside need to be thoroughly brushed and bathed anytime they get visibly unclean, which might happen once a week or more. Dogs who are active also have a tendency to smell more rapidly. To make sure there is no environment for the growth of germs and yeast, their paw pads, ears, and body rolls should be completely cleansed of dirt and dried, especially if they get wet when playing outside.

The condition of your dog's skin

When determining how often to wash your dog, take into account their skin condition.  Severe itching in dogs due to allergies can irritate the skin and lead to scratching. 

For example, to relieve fleas, a gentle flea bath for dogs can be made using lukewarm water and mild soap.  Consult your veterinarian first since items like flea shampoo may include chemicals that worsen your dog's skin.

If your dog has allergies, inflammation, or other skin concerns, speak with your veterinarian as well.  To ease pain, they could recommend hypoallergenic or medicated dog shampoo, depending on the problem.

Breed

Golden Retrievers and other dogs with oily coats benefit from bathing every few weeks to combat odour and frequent brushing to remove hair and distribute oils. Furthermore, some Bulldog, Pug, and Hound breeds emit odours more rapidly.

 

Advice for a simple bath

Both you and your dog may not always like the process of washing your dog. From the dreaded wet-dog shakes to the trembles before the bath, bathtime can be a messy, hairy hassle. 

Thankfully, these professional tips will make your dog's wash go more quickly, smoothly, and cleanly.

• Before giving your dog a bath, brush them.
• Assemble the following supplies: a blow dryer, three or more towels, dog-friendly shampoo, cleansing face wipes or a washcloth, and a dog brush or comb.
• Give lots of snacks and praise.
  
• Get your dog's ears ready. Shampoo and conditioner should be kept away from your dog's face to prevent recurrent ear infections.
• Give your dog a soak. Make sure your dog's coat is completely wet, especially the underbelly, before massaging shampoo into its opulent coat.
• To prevent having to wash and rinse certain parts of your beautiful dog again, use the perfect lather method, moving from the neck down to the back and paws.
• Dry completely.

Pro Tip: To stop water from dripping down, insert cotton balls in both ears. Then, be sure to take them out.

 

Can a dog be washed too frequently?

It is possible to wash your dog excessively.  Their coats lose their natural oils when they bathe.  Spacing out the tubs is not a problem.  However, frequent showers that remove excess oil may cause skin irritation.

Regular brushing can help remove some dirt and detangle matted hair if you often bathe your dog to avoid mats.

 

When to take your canine companion to the groomer

There are dog owners who would rather bathe and brush their pets at home.  But if you are too busy, have several pets, or have a dog that needs regular cleaning, a groomer could be a useful resource.

Certain health plans, like the one provided by Embrace, might cover the expenses of routine care, including grooming, if maintaining grooming standards at home seems too challenging. 

These policies are offered as supplements to regular pet insurance, which is intended to help with unforeseen veterinary expenses.

How to reduce the cost of dog grooming

You might wish to cut expenses when it comes to dog grooming.  Naturally, one option is to never take your pet to a groomer.  Another is to go less often or seek out a salon that charges less for treatments. 

Whichever strategy you choose will rely on how you want to strike a balance between keeping your pet clean and healthy and keeping your spending under control.

 

When may a puppy be bathed?

It is not necessary to bathe puppies younger than eight weeks of age.  The capacity to regulate their body temperature is still developing in their little bodies. 

If your dog has to be cleaned, you can use a warm cloth.  You may start washing your puppy in the washbasin after they are older than eight weeks.

 

Give your dog a proper bath.

You will have a lot of questions as a new pet owner, like how frequently a dog needs to be washed.  There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to washing; the frequency of bathing depends on a number of variables, such as the dog's breed, coat type, amount of activity, and skin health. 

For advice on how to properly wash your dog, speak with your veterinarian.  To budget for the costs, always verify the cost of the veterinary appointment in advance.

 

Commonly asked queries

How can I tell whether my dog is ready for a bath?

It's usually time for a wash if your dog has an odour, has dirt or debris visible on their coat, or is scratching more than normal.  Generally speaking, if they appear or smell unclean, they most likely are.

Can I give my dog human shampoo?

No, human shampoos can cause skin irritation and are not pH-balanced for dogs. Use a shampoo made especially for dogs at all times.

How frequently should I give my dog a bath?

Your dog's coat may get dry and irritated if you bathe them too regularly (more than once a week).  Baths should be limited to every few weeks or months, depending on the breed and lifestyle, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

 What if my dog despises taking a bath?

Try using a non-slip mat, providing snacks, and keeping the water lukewarm to make bath time more enjoyable.  If it's too stressful at home, you may either go to a groomer or try using dog washing wipes in between showers.

Do pups require a certain kind of shampoo?

Yes, use a mild shampoo made specifically for puppies that is safe for their sensitive skin and doesn't cause tears.  Additionally, unless your veterinarian approves, avoid bathing puppies less than eight weeks.

Is it better to brush my dog after a wash or before?

Both!  While brushing after (after it has dried) maintains their coat sleek and helps avoid mats, combing before helps get rid of stray fur and tangles.

Does pet insurance cover grooming?

Although most pet insurance policies don't cover routine grooming, some provide wellness plan add-ons that can help you be reimbursed for grooming expenses. Check to see whether this option is part of your plan.