How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?

You want your dog to smell good, but how often should you wash him? Spoiled dogs that spend much of their time on your lap do not get as dirty as adventurous dogs who follow their owners on trails all day.

How frequently you wash your dog all depends on its coat, skin, skin issues and its lifestyle. Understand why dog baths are vital, whether you're bathing him too much, and how to maintain his hair healthy between showers to establish a personalised bathing routine for your greatest furry buddy!

Why is it important to bathe your dog?

Bathing your dog on a regular basis is necessary to keep his coat clean and healthy. Regular baths keep your dog's skin healthy, and you have the added benefit of having him smell great.

While that extra perk is fantastic for snuggle time, frequent baths are essential because they help your dog develop a defensive shield—their skin, like yours, is the largest organ on their body and requires proper care.

While that extra bonus is fantastic for snuggle time, frequent baths are essential because they help your dog develop a defensive shield—their skin, like yours, is the largest organ on their body and needs proper care.

How Often You Bathe a Dog Depends on These 3 Factors

• Lifestyle

• Coat Type

• Skin Condition

Lifestyle

Active dogs need to be groomed more regularly. How often you bathe your dog should primarily depend on how active they are. However, if your dog enjoys activities where they easily become dirty, like swimming in the ocean or playing in the mud, you should give them a bath after each one.

However, if your dog is more of a Netflix binge-watcher than an outdoor adventurist, you might only need to bathe them a few times a year. As long as they are maintaining good hygiene, less active dogs with short coats, like a French Bulldog, may only require one bath every two to three months.

Dogs with short coats can be washed every one to three months, but those with medium to long coats should be washed frequently, generally every four to six weeks. However, regardless of your dog's level of exercise, your dog's coat type is important.

Coat Type

Dogs with short coats can be bathed every one to three months, but those with medium- to long coats should be bathed frequently, typically every four to six weeks. While some dogs' coats naturally repel dirt, others seem to keep it.

Breeds with drop coats, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus tend to accumulate oil and debris and require frequent bathing to maintain a clean, appealing appearance. Huskies and other breeds with thick, double coats can be bathed every one to three months.

Skin Conditions

Your dog's skin is a crucial third consideration when deciding how frequently you should give your dog a bath. Some dogs have temporary skin infections or skin disorders that need frequent use of shampoo prescribed by a vet.