How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?

Do I need to wash my dog at all?

Wild dogs don’t have baths and definitely do not use dog shampoo!

So when we think about washing them, a big reason is because we want to stop them from being smelly or dirty and to keep our homes clean. In some cases then, we are washing them to fit our lifestyle rather than theirs. This is important.

Keeping this in mind, we need to be careful about the risks of washing our dogs too often and we will get to that in a moment.

On the other hand, if not overdone, there are proven benefits to the (sometimes dreaded) bath time in preventing disease and skin/fur problems for both your dog and your family.

How often should I wash my dog?

Some dogs love to have a bath, others will hate even the thought of it.

But how often do they need one? The answer is probably less than you think.

If we were to give you a broad estimate on how often you should wash your dog, let’s say it should be once every few months at least.

The basics

First of all and simply, if your dog smells or looks dirty, it is a good indicator they are overdue for a bath or wash.

Other factors to consider is the type of dog you have.

Are they an outdoor dog or an indoor dog?

An outdoor dog or one that loves mud and dirt will obviously need more frequent baths.

What type of fur do they have?

Dogs with oilier coats may need weekly baths whereas other breeds with such as a Labrador or Retriever need it less. If your dog has a skin allergy or any health problem, speak to your veterinary professional.

Unless directed by a vet, do not wash your dog more than once a week, as this can dry their skin and hair and cause inflammation and even infection.

But keep in mind the factors included in this article and most importantly, discuss it with your vet.

Is there such a thing as washing your dog too often?

Vets say that overall, we are probably washing our dogs more often than they need it.

However, unless your dog has a skin problem or another ailment, it is unlikely to cause problems.

Just like for you and me, cleaning your dog too often can be more harmful than not doing so at all.

For example, like humans, the skin and hair of your canine friends needs to build up a level of natural moisture and oils to maintain good health. Just like you maybe don’t need to wash your hair every time you shower or even shower several times per day, your dog probably doesn’t need it the moment you notice a spot of dirt on them.

Dogs naturally have instincts to keep a baseline level of cleanliness. So ensure your washing routine complements this and improves their health rather than the opposite.

Also, you need to ensure you use appropriate cleaning products for your dog’s coat.

Other benefits of bathing your dog

Often overlooked aspects of washing your dog include the bonding time between your puppy and you as well as teaching them important skills such as to stay still and develop trust.

Washing your dog can help you to identify any scratches, flees, marks or lumps present on or under the skin.

In this case, make sure to get a review with your vet. This way, you can help diagnose and treat any health issues earlier.

Washing you dog can also be a good opportunity and trigger to brush them to remove shedding fur or even to brush their teeth.

Tips for washing your dog

Firstly, it is you may want to brush their their hair before the bath. You will need a safe environment with enough space and a non slippery surface. This helps your dog to feel secure.

It is important to ensure you have the appropriate coat friendly dog shampoo available to reduce or eliminate irritation and eye discomfort and make the bath a pleasant experience.

Maybe keep some dog treats or favourite toys handy.

Be gentle. Use water at a neutral temperature, warm but not too hot, to make sure your dog is calm. Once soaked, apply the dog shampoo, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Rinse well from head to tail. Dry with a towel afterwards.

While baths, especially early on, can be challenging for both your dog and you, this should improve with time, experience and the right preparation.

How often do you wash your dog? Let me know in the comments below.

Do you have any tips or even horror stories to share.

Importantly, take the above information as a general guide only (written by dog owners and not vets) and note that it is in no way meant to replace or provide advice in place of a qualified veterinarian. Anything else can be detrimental to your dog’s health.