How often do dogs really need a bath
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
For a lot of new dog owners, it can be difficult to determine how often you should bathe your puppy or adult dog. The truth is, the answer depends on a lot of factors.
How frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework a pet owner is willing to do, says Beth Cristiano, owner of Pretty Paws LLC, headquartered in Harrison, N.Y.
Whats Your Dogs Coat Type?
The type of coat your dog has is a big factor in how often they require baths. However, its not as simple as the shorter the hair, the less bathing required. Hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli, are actually quite care-intensive, according to Cristiano, who says these breeds require weekly baths.
At the other end of the spectrum are the long-coated breeds, such as the Maltese and the Collie. Obviously, the more hair a dog has, the more work is involved, including the frequency of the bath, says JorgeBendersky, a celebrity doggroomer, pet expert, and best-selling author of DIY DogGrooming, From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show: Everything You Need to Know. He adds, For dogs with medium-to-large coats, a bath could be needed from weekly to every four to six weeks, as long as the coat is properly maintained in-between baths.
But a breed such as the Puli, which is technically long-haired, is not bathed as often when corded. According to the Puli Club of America, the Puli doesnt develop that typical doggie odor, and really, a Puli probably doesnt require as many baths as most other breeds.
So, what about dogs that fall somewhere in the middle? Thick or double coats on breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, etc., naturally insulate the dogs seasonally, explains Monica Handy ofWoofiesMobile Pet Spa. Overbathing could strip too much oil from the skin and disrupt this process. Using a product specifically for shedding will help avoid this.
Does Your Dog Have Specific Health Conditions?
If your dog suffers from certain health conditions, your groomer and/or veterinarian may suggest that you use medicated shampoo while bathing your dog. Even if your canine companion is healthy, a grooming regimen usingproducts like de-shedding tools and brushes helps keep them that way. All pets benefit from monthly ear cleaning and nail trimming, Cristiano comments. Thorough coat-brushing and combing and conditioning are more integral to the pets health than bathtime.
Then, theres the health of the owner. Sometimes the bath is for the humans comfort, not the pets, Cristiano continues. For owners who suffer from allergies, theyll typically react to their pets dander, which can be managed with a weekly bathing routine. A dander-removing shampoo may also help manage human allergies.
Whats Your Dogs Lifestyle?
Bendersky notes that an active lifestyle may be easier with a short-coated breed, given that keeping the dog clean in-between baths typically requires less effort. You can get away with giving short-haired dogs a good rubdown with a damp washcloth to remove the dirt that was picked up during a busy visit to the dog park, he says.
Of course, dogs that are playing in oceans, hunting in muddy waters, or herding sheep all day may end up needing more baths than pups that spend most of their time indoors regardless of the breed.
At the end of the day, Bendersky offers this advice: We should wash our dogs when they are no longer huggable.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
Many pet parents find themselves asking questions after adopting a new pup, including how often they should bathe their dog. The answer can be tricky since it depends on the dog and other factors.
There are no hard and fast rules for bathingbut how often will depend on many things, including the breed of dog, their coat type, lifestyles, and the time of year.
Key Takeaways
- Your pups breed will be a major determining factor when it comes to how often they need full baths.
- Products matterespecially if your dog is managing a health or skin condition. Always work with your veterinarian.
- Dog odor tends to be more obvious in the summer versus the winter months.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
Bathing and grooming are two related but different things. All dogs need regular grooming. This includes trimming their toenails, brushing their coat out, using de-shedding tools for dogs with thicker coats, and cleaning their ears and folds of their skin.
Some dogs will need more frequent grooming than others. However, most dogs will benefit from a weekly once over to shorten their nails, clean their ears, and take care of small snags and tangles in their fur. A full bathincluding a wet down, shampoo, and rinse varies. Bathing too frequently can lead to dry coats and skin problems, while not enough bathing can lead to health problems and a stinky pup. The happy medium may range from bathing your dog once a week to only a few times a year.
Dog Breed and Dog Coat Type
Your dogs breed will be a huge determining factor for how often to bathe them, and how much work this process entails. It isnt as simple as fur length, as hairless dogs like the Xoloitzcuintli need quite a bit of coat care even though they dont have much fur. Other dogs, such as the Puli, have super long coats. They surprisingly need little careespecially after their coats have been corded. Double-coated dogs like Labradorsoften need more de-shedding work than they do bathing, and long-haired pups like Collies tend to get more tangles and mats which require regular care.
As a rule, the larger the dog and the longer the coat, the more effort will be needed to keep things under control, although this may not mean bathing, but more general grooming and coat care. Be sure to research the breed (or mix of breeds) to find out its needs before adopting. As a responsible pet parent, you need to know what to expect.
Health Conditions
If your pup has any health conditionsparticularly those that affect the skinyour veterinarian will likely have additional guidelines to consider when developing a bathing schedule. Be mindful that medicated shampoos may be necessary to treat some skin conditions, and that these dogs may need to be bathed either more or less frequently than the general breed recommendations.
Using the wrong product on a dog with unhealthy skin could make matters worse, so if you are noting any changes in your pets skin, be sure to check it out with your veterinarian before opting for a product.
Seasonality
The time of year will also affect how often to bathe and what products to use. During the warm, wet months of the year, many dogs are prone to greasy coats and doggy odor.Skin allergies will also be more in focus, with scratches and sores developing. Parasites such as fleas and ticks are also more common, further irritating the skin. This means that more frequent bathsoften with medicated productsare necessary.
Dogs that swim in the warmer months may not need as many baths but will need a good rise in clean water post swim. During the winter, dogs typically arent as dirty, but are more prone to dry skin which can be itchy and irritating, so a moisturizing shampoo is necessary. The level of bathing will depend on the amount of dirt and grime on your pooch.
Age and Lifestyle
Puppies and young adults tend to be experts when it comes to finding ways to get dirty. As a result, these dogs often need more baths.
As dogs age, they tend to become more inactive. Some dogs prefer to stay indoors rather than play outside. Senior pups typically do not need as much bathingusually just enough to keep any body odor at bay. You can also invest in some grooming wipes to keep them smelling fresh between baths.
Senior dogs also have restricted activity and may have trouble keeping themselves clean. They may require more intensive grooming, as they may not be able to do it on their own. Some of these pups may start to show health issues, such as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can cause dogs to easily soil their coat. If they are managing health conditions, daily wipes and spot cleaning may be necessary.
How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?
Brushing should be done daily for long-coated breeds and at least weekly for dogs with a short coat. Brushing goes a long way to keep fur and underlying skin healthy. Dogs with thick coats will need to have the undercoat pulled out with de-shedding tools, while dogs prone to tangles will need careful dematting.
Most mixed-breed dogs will benefit from brushing a few times a week. When in doubt, brush it out.
Dog Bathing Products to Have on Hand
Before stocking up on bathing supplies, chat with your veterinarian to be sure they are right for your pooch.
Some great products to keep on hand include:
Professional Grooming Considerations
Many pet parents take their pups regularly to have a groomer do all the heavy hitting. If you prefer a particular haircut for your pup, or its time to do a seasonal shave down, these tasks are often best left to a groomer. If you notice your dog has tight knots or has rolled in something sticky like bubblegum, groomers have special tools to deal with the situation safely.
Whether you want to groom your dog or have a professional take care of them, good coat care is not only cosmetic, but also critical to the health of your pup.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Su Arslanoglu
WRITTEN BY
Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVPVeterinarian
Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine.Since graduation, she has worked in many fields...
Do cats need baths? Everything you need to know
You don't often hear the question "do cats need baths?" but it can pose a dilemma for many feline owners.
Cats typically find baths stressful. While many dogs hate baths but generally don't have a strong aversion to water, moggies famously dislike the wet stuff anywhere near their fur. They may be fascinated by the sight of water dripping from a tap and look to play or drink it, but once they've come into contact with it, you're sure to know about it.
Our feline friends often flinch or show distress if they've accidentally fallen into the tub. Most often it's simply a comical flinchbut it is a wider indication of the stress felines can feel at the touch of water. So, do cats need baths, even if they look for the nearest exit at any given opportunity?
This guide will explore common questions you may have around bathing your cat, including do cats need baths in the first place, and outlining any circumstances where you may need to aid your kitty's cleanliness. Plus, how to bathe a cat if the need does arise.
Do cats need baths?
The short answer to the question, 'do cats need baths?' is no, cats don't need baths. Cats already have a pretty good way to keep themselves clean: they lick themselves and are naturally equipped with all the tools they need to groom themselves. This includes paws they moisten with saliva, teeth that dig out debris and a rough tongue that smooths out any unruly fur.
For cats, grooming is a natural behavior that is learned around 4 weeks of age. It's common to see a mother licking her kittens, or even kittens grooming one another.
If your cat has come in contact with a skunk, has significant dirt on them, they're struggling to remove something they've rolled in, or their long hair is prone to matting, a bath is a viable option.
Elderly or obese cats may also require a little extra help in the cleaning department, but generally a frequent brushing should be enough to help untangle any significant tangling issues.
Some pet owners with allergies may also choose to give their feline a bath to help reduce cat dander.
Another exception to the rule is hairless cats. Due to the lack of fur, sphynx cats experience oily and sweaty skin, and requirefrequentbaths.
Is it OK to never bathe a cat?
Yes, if you've never given your cat a bath before, there's no need to worry. Short-haired cats are generally self-sufficient in the cleaning department, and don't require regular bathing.
A great alternative to a cat bath is simply to use a damp cloth to remove any nasties trapped in the fur.Regular brushing can also be a sufficient way to deal with any matted fur that may occur, particularly in longer-haired cats.
Hairless cats, however, will require a frequent bath to help them, but you don't need to groom them is the upside!
How often should I bathe my cat?
Do cats need baths on a frequent basis? Fortunately for feline owners, regular bathtimes are not a necessity for most cats.
Pet owners, on the other hand, may choose to bathe their kitty on a weekly basis to help reduce cat dander. If you have a hairless cat in the family, it's also advised to bathe them once a week to reduce oils on their skin using warm water and a hypoallergenic pet shampoo.
If you do choose to give your cat a bath, opt for no more often than every 4-6 weeks, as bathing can dry out the skin.
Should you give a kitten a bath?
If you have a very young kitten and the mother cat isn't around, you'll need to help keep your cat well-groomed. Kittens can be very messy - they're messy eaters, they often walk in their food or stick their heads in their bowls, they play in their litterboxes and walk through their poo, or they have accidents while they're learning to go to the bathroom on their own. Without a mother cat around, you'll need to help keep them clean - especially in the hard-to-reach areas where mama cat would usually help clean them up.
Keeping a kitten clean is very important for their overall health, as "dirt, bacteria, and leftover food residue can cause skin infections in young kittens called pyoderma," according to the Animal Humane Society. They recommended using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic wet wipes as a means of keeping your kitten clean in terms of spot-cleaning, but your kitten will occasionally need a full bath. When that time comes, get a friend or family member to help you, as extra hands make light work. Make sure you keep the bathwater and the room you are bathing them in warm (but not too hot), as kittens under eight weeks old can't regular their own body temperatures.
Use fragrance-free shampoos like baby shampoo or fragrance-free dish detergent, and avoid their eyes and inside of their ears. If you're looking to buy a specialized shampoo, check out our best cat shampoos - but make sure they're kitten safe first. The easiest way to hold a kitten while bathing them is by scruffing them, which is holding the skin on the back of their neck. As soon as you're done washing your kitten, warp them in a clean towel and give them some serious cuddles as you dry them to ensure they stay warm.
Bathing your kittens can be an adorable and enjoyable experience, and it's one that helps ensure the health and happiness of your furbaby. It may also help get them acclimated to baths in the future, should you ever need to give them one when they're an adult cat.
How to bathe a cat
If you do need to bathe your cat for whatever reason, you could opt to take your feline along to an experienced groomer, particularly if they require special attention to skin and coat.
For felines that are having a tough time removing dirt or debris on their coat, however, you can choose to bathe them at home. Here are a few recommended steps to keep them calm come bath time...
1. Prepare your cat
For a mellow cat come bath time, scheduling a bath after playtime can help tire them out. If you have time on your hands, you could also get them used to the tub by placing them in the sink or tub and provide them with a treat a couple of days before.
The ASPCA recommends trimming your cat's claws before the bath, and giving them a good brush beforehand. Placing cotton in your cat's ears helps keep the water out.
2. Have everything you need to hand
Assemble everything you need before you bring in the cat. You'll need plenty of towels, a shampoo specifically made for cats, a comb or brush for longer-haired cats, a jug or a handheld spray hose for rinsing and a rubber mat or towel.
You can also keep a ball to hand, like a ping pong ball, to distract your kitty during bath time. Floating it in the water may encourage your kitty to fish it out, rather than fear the water.
3. Create a calming environment
We don't mean light the candles and put on some soothing music! To help a cat adjust to the bath, it's advisable to pre-fill the tub while they're in another room.
Ensure the temperature is warm but not uncomfortable; it should be around human body temperature.
You may feel most comfortable bathing your cat in the sink so look to remove any breakables that surround it such as toothbrush holders. Avoid strong scents and remove any mirrors that could potentially scare your cat.
Adding a towel or a placemat to the bottom of the sink will help stabilize your cat and be sure to close the bathroom door behind you.
Never scold your cat during the process, as this is more likely to cause more harm than good. You want to praise them as much as possible, and provide treats as a reward at the end of the bathing session.
4.Wet and lather
You can use either a handheld spray hose on a low setting or a plastic pitcher to wet your cat, making ensure you avoid the face.
If your cat finds running water particularly scary, you may also choose to use a ladle to gently spoon the water across their body. Gently massage the cat shampoo into their fur, and rinse off again, ensuring all residue has been removed. For the face, use a soft cloth to wipe off any dirt.
5. Dry
Once bath time is complete, wrap your cat in a clean towel, and use it to blot away any excess water.
The noise of blow dryer may scare some cats, but for other felines who don't mind the experience, opt for a low setting to ensure it's not too hot on their skin.
