Ask any dog owner how often they bathe their pet, and you’ll get a wide range of answers. Some insist on weekly baths, while others go months without washing their dog.
The truth is, there’s no hard and fast rule for how often you should bathe your dog. But there’s one thing experts can agree on…you’re probably doing it far too often.
When it comes to bathing your dog, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Like overwatering plants or spending too much time in the sun, there’s a point when something healthy turns harmful.
Here is the shocking truth about bathing dogs and some practical tips to help you establish a holistic bathtime strategy.
Bathing your dog: Is it doing more harm than good?
Many pet owners think that more baths equals a cleaner, healthier dog, but like washing your hair too often, overbathing your dog interferes with their natural skin microbiome and oil production.
According to Robert Hilton, a veterinary dermatologist, “In general, dogs are bathed more often than they need to be.”
Though your dog smells fresh and has a nice, shiny coat after their bath, this isn’t always good, especially if you’re bathing them too often or with the wrong products.
Bathing, even with natural, dog-safe shampoo, washes away natural oils that protect their skin and keep their fur healthy. It can also disrupt the delicate balance of the skin microbiome, which helps protect against skin infections and bacteria.
Dogs have extremely sensitive skin, and many types of shampoo, including those recommended for pets, have harsh ingredients like drying alcohols, sulfates, and dangerous chemicals.
Excessive bathing can contribute to the following issues:
- Dry skin
- Dull coat
- Greasy, oily fur
- Hot spots and itchy skin
- Skin problems like dermatitis
Don’t forget: Dogs might not be as meticulous about grooming as cats, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t effective! Self-grooming, through licking and scratching, helps them manage their coat and remove debris — keeping everyday dirt and stink at bay. Of course, there are times when a bath is in order, so finding a healthy balance is crucial.
Benefits of bathing your dog
Though overbathing is a real problem, it doesn’t mean you should never bathe your pup! Baths can help your dog stay clean, improving their hygiene and overall health and well-being.
Here are some of the top benefits of bathing your dog:
- Removes stubborn dirt and debris from their fur and paws
- Helps them smell better
- Loosens and removes hair (reducing shedding)
- Allows you to examine them for any visible health concerns like lumps or lesions
- Helps prevent skin conditions by removing allergens, bacteria, and excess oil
- Gives you a chance to check for fleas, ticks, or mites
- Strengthens your bond with your dog
How often should you give your dog a bath?
Some experts recommend bathing your dog once every two or three months, but this can vary widely depending on several factors. Instead of keeping your dog on a strict bathing schedule, give them a bath if they’re noticeably dirty or stinky. For instance, if your dog found a patch of mud or met with an unfortunate skunk interaction, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start the tub.
Dr. Hilton says, “In general, healthy dogs only need to be bathed if they smell. There’s no reason in particular to bathe a healthy dog, unless they’re dirty.”
While you should always bathe your dog if they’re noticeably dirty, these guidelines can offer further insight to help you establish an appropriate bathing routine.
Lifestyle
How does your dog spend their time? Are they roaming through the woods, rolling in mud, or swimming in the ocean regularly? If yes, they’ll need to be bathed far more frequently than the dog who only ventures outdoors to use the bathroom and bask in the sun.
Regular bathing is especially important for dogs that like to play in the water, as ocean salt, chemicals, and chlorine from pools can irritate and dry out their skin. If you can’t give them a full bath after every aquatic excursion, rinse them off with clean water and dry their fur with a towel.
Breed and coat
Short-haired dogs are less likely to get dirt and debris trapped in their fur — requiring less grooming and bathing than long-haired dogs. Medium and long-coat dogs are also more prone to mats and tangles, making more frequent baths necessary. Most experts recommend bathing dogs with medium to long coats every four to six weeks and dogs with short coats every one to three months.
This isn’t a strict rule, as some short-haired breeds can be pretty high-maintenance, depending on their fur texture. Always be sure to research any special requirements or exceptions.
Health conditions
According to Dr. Hilton, “The danger is dogs with allergic skin disease commonly have a defect in their skin barrier, which manifests as drying of the skin and that contributes to their misery.”
If your dog has skin problems or other health conditions, it’s always best to work with a veterinarian to determine an appropriate bathing schedule. Depending on the condition, the vet might recommend a medicated shampoo and more or less frequent bathing.
Age
Generally, younger dogs and puppies will find any opportunity to get as dirty as possible, while senior dogs tend to be more inactive. However, this doesn’t mean older dogs don’t require bathing.
As dogs age, they have a harder time grooming themselves and may need more frequent baths or spot cleaning with grooming wipes. Consider your dog’s age when determining where to bathe them, as well. If your furry friend has arthritis or joint problems, they may have trouble getting into a tub by themselves.
Human sensitivity
Some dog owners are sensitive to pet dander. If this is the case, weekly bathing with a dander-removing shampoo can help keep your allergies at bay. When bathing your dog this frequently, follow up with a hydrating conditioner to help restore the natural oil barrier and keep their skin from drying out.
Grooming vs. bathing
Grooming your dog is just as important as bathing them. While bathing helps to cleanse their skin and coat, brushing removes surface dirt, stimulates natural oils, and keeps tangles at bay. Using a soft-bristled brush on your dog’s fur is a great way to help lengthen the time between baths and keep them looking and feeling great.
If your dog enjoys being groomed, feel free to brush them every day. In fact, experts recommend daily brushing for long-haired breeds and weekly brushing for short-haired dogs.
Grooming your dog offers many of the same benefits as bathing them without the risk of drying out their skin. It allows you to bond with your pup and helps remove tangles, dead skin cells, and debris from their fur.
Regular grooming also includes other hygiene tasks like trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and using de-shedding tools on pups with thick coats. Utilize grooming wipes, dry shampoo, or a simple once-over with a wet washcloth to help remove lingering dirt and prevent odor.
Bathing your dog: Secrets to success
Make it enjoyable: While some dogs love getting bathed, others have extreme bath anxiety. For dogs who get skittish around bath time, try to make the bath as fun and relaxed as possible. Give them plenty of praise and treats when they enter the bathroom, and make it a rewarding experience. Peanut butter also makes a great distraction for anxious pups. Try spreading it on the tub wall or using a special peanut butter mat designed for bathtime distraction.
Start and end with brushing: Before turning on the water, use a brush to remove any dirt, mud, or tangles from their fur. This is also a great time to check for any fleas or ticks. After the bath, once they’ve dried off, brush them again. This keeps their coat shiny and soft and helps remove any lingering loose hair.
Use the right shampoo: Use a gentle, natural, dog-formulated shampoo. Oatmeal-based shampoo is generally very moisturizing and great for most breeds. Avoid using human shampoo, as it can interfere with the pH balance of your dog’s skin and contribute to dry skin and itching. Be cautious of sensitive areas like eyes and ears when lathering and rinsing shampoo.
Rinse well: Leftover shampoo can cause irritation and dryness. For dogs with thick coats, you will likely have to rinse multiple times to get out all of the shampoo. Use lukewarm water and rinse well, scrubbing through their fur with your hands to ensure the soap is gone.
Dry your dog: Grab a towel and use it to help wring out some excess moisture before letting their fur air dry. Spend extra time drying if your dog has wrinkly skin or thick hair, as trapped moisture can lead to skin problems like hot spots.
Don’t hesitate to get help
While most pet owners can accomplish regular grooming and baths at home, certain situations require professional help. Professional groomers have the tools and training necessary to ensure your pet has a safe, stress-free experience.
When to call a groomer:
- You are physically unable to bathe your dog
- They have extreme bath anxiety and don’t stand still
- They need to be clipped or trimmed
The verdict: Don’t overdo it
While baths are essential for the health and hygiene of your dog, don’t overdo it! Excessive bathing can be extremely drying and strip your dog’s coat of natural oils and protective layer. Instead, focus on regular grooming, where you can bond and care for your pup without compromising their skin and coat health.
