If you are like many dog owners, you have likely wondered at some point how often you should be bathing your dog. Just ask around and you will find many different answers and opinions on the subject. There isn’t a solid answer because the answer isn’t the same for every dog. How often you should bathe your dog depends on a lot of different variables.
Is Your Dog’s Coat High-Maintenance?
In most cases, the longer and thicker that your dog’s coat is, the more often you will need to bathe him or her, and the more work is involved in its upkeep. According to the AKC, dogs with high-maintenance coats should be washed every 4-6 weeks.
However, some specific breeds of dogs, such as the Puli don’t require as much bathing, regardless of their long-haired coats. On the flip side, some short-haired breeds such as the Collie need to be bathed more often in order to keep good hygiene. Learning about the grooming requirements of your specific breed is very helpful.
Take Any Health Conditions Into Consideration
If your dog has any health conditions, speak to your veterinarian about how this should affect their bathing schedule. Ear cleaning and nail trimming should be taken care of monthly. Keeping your dog’s coat clean, brushed, and conditioned is especially important if your dog is suffering from any ailment.
Don’t forget about your own health. Dander and hair will pile up in your home, particularly during the times when your dog needs to be bathed and groomed. If you suffer from allergies, keeping your dog clean and brushing will help you stay healthier as well. Using a dander-removing shampoo may help with your allergy situation.
Does Your Dog Have an Active Lifestyle?
Keeping a short-haired dog clean in-between baths may be an easier task than with a longer-haired one. With that being said, it really depends on the activity level of your dog. If you have a couch potato on your hands, your dog might not be getting very dirty and therefore won’t need to be bathed as often. However, if you have an adventurous canine that enjoys hunting or exploring out in the woods, your dog might need to be bathed more often. This is true, no matter the breed.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Do you have a puppy? Bathe him or her whenever it seems necessary. This may be needed when your pup simply gets dirty, or if they get fleas. Just make sure to use a gentle dog shampoo.
If you have an adult dog, it is more important that you brush him daily. If your dog spends many hours outdoors, you may need to bathe him weekly. If your canine spends more time on the couch then anywhere else, once a month may suffice.
To keep your dog fresh in-between baths, try using a waterless shampoo. It works by absorbing excess oils in your dog’s coat. Pet wipes made for dogs are also helpful. They remove dirt and dust as needed, and help your dog smell fresher.
Final Thought
When your pup no longer looks clean or smells huggable, that is a good indication that your dog needs a bath and some grooming attention.
