No one likes the smell of a dirty dog, but how often should a dog be bathed? Although some dogs love a dip in the tub, others will fight you tooth and nail, literally. It is possible to bathe a dog too often, causing skin irritation and other issues. These tips should help dog owners determine how often to bathe their four-legged friends.
How often should a dog be bathed? Factors to consider
Unlike most cats, which spend a great deal of time on personal hygiene, dogs require assistance in keeping clean and smelling fresh. A regular bath helps to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and odor free. When asked how often a dog should be bathed, most veterinarians recommend no more than twice per month, depending on several factors. Remember that brushing your dog in between baths can help to remove dirt as well as dead skin and fur. Not every dog has the same bathing needs and several factors can help you determine how often to bathe your dog.
- Breed: Certain breeds require more frequent bathing than others, so do some research or ask your veterinarian about your particular breed. Breeds that tend to have oily skin, such as shih tzus and cocker spaniels, may need a bath once or twice per month to stay clean and fresh. Other breeds may be just fine with only a few baths per year.
- Activity level: The more active your dog, the more likely it is to get dirty and smelly, especially if it likes to keep busy outdoors. Activity leads to sweat and oil production, as well as more opportunities to pick up dirt and odors (not to mention rolling in savory -- to them -- objects), so the more active your dog, the more likely it is to require a monthly bath.
- Medical issues: Certain skin and coat problems, such as fungal infections, can require bathing your dog every few days with medicated pet shampoos until the issue is resolved. Bathing this frequently is recommended only on your veterinarian’s advice when treating a specific medical concern, because overbathing can actually lead to skin and coat issues.
- Smell: Sometimes it's necessary to simply rely on your sense of smell when deciding how often a dog should be bathed. If your dog has an unpleasant odor, it may be time for a bath, as long as you don’t bathe more frequently than what is recommended for your dog’s breed, activity level and medical issues.
Risks of overbathing your dog
Although most pet owners bathe their dogs to keep them healthy and comfortable, overbathing can lead to fairly serious issues, including skin and ear infections. Bathing properly, which includes putting cotton in its ears before a bath, using pet shampoo and drying your pet well, helps to ensure that these issues don’t develop. If you’re still wondering about how often to bathe your pet, ask your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog.
