There are no firm guidelines as to how often to bathe a dog. The most common reasons for bathing a dog are to eliminate doggy odor, remove accumulated dirt and debris and improve the appearance of the coat. Too few baths may have you seeing pee-yew; while too many may dry out their skin. So, the question is, how often do you want to bathe your dog?
Dog bathing guidelines
Just like people, some dogs get stinky faster than the others. The texture and quality of their fur will give you an idea how much dirt it collects and how often they should be bathed. Additionally, the dog’s activities and lifestyle are also contributing factors as to how often your pet gets dirty and how often she needs a bath.
If your dog has normal skin, veterinarians recommend bathing her once a month. Unless your pet is suffering from a skin condition, there is no need to bathe the dog more often. Routine bathing is not necessary as it can rob the coat of its natural sheen and make it dry and harsh. As a pet owner, use your best judgment and decide if it’s time to give your pet a bath.
Time for a bath!
Choose a good shampoo
First things first, you’ll need a good shampoo. Never use soaps or human shampoo on your dog as it can dry out their sensitive skin and lead to excessive scratching. Instead, choose a gentle shampoo with natural, moisturizing ingredients like aloe and shea butter to prevent their skin from becoming dry.
Take it slow and easy
Many dogs find bath time unpleasant. So take time to gradually introduce your dog to bathing. Start, by teaching your dog to get in and out of the tub and make her think that bathing is always followed by things she loves. Once she associate bathing with good things, this will make bath time easier for both of you.
Post-bath party
After a bath, it is normal for dogs to rub themselves on the ground, furniture or the carpet. If you are concerned about your getting covered in lawn clippings or your furniture getting wet, we suggest keeping her confined in one area of your house until she’s completely dry.
