How often is too often to bathe a dog

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 you should bathe your dog and signs you're overdoing it, according to veterinarians

• Aim to bathe your dog every one to three months to keep them clean and protect them from parasites.
• Dogs with health issues and long-haired, hairless, and working dogs may need more frequent baths.
• Brush your dog every few days and rinse with water between baths to cut down on odor and dander.

Bathing may not be your pup's favorite activity, but it's essential for keeping their coat clean and parasite-free.

That said, bathing your dog too often or not enough can have consequences for their health and appearance.

Knowing how frequently to bathe your dog comes down to their breed, coat, and lifestyle. Here are some tell-tale signs your dog needs a bath and best bathing practices veterinarians recommend.

How to tell when your dog needs a bath

A foul odor is one of the easiest ways to tell your dog needs a bath. However, this isn't the most reliable way to tell, since many dog owners get used to their dog's odor over time.

It might be time for a bath if your dog:

• Shows signs of dandruff
• Scratches or licks themselves more frequently
• Has matted fur

Important: If you spot signs of lice, fleas, or ticks, contact your veterinarian as treatment may require a special insecticide shampoo.

The most important thing to consider in determining the right bathing frequency for your dog is their coat. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• Short-haired breeds: Breeds like Dobermans, dalmatians, and boxers may only need a bath a few times a year, according to Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for FiveBarks.
• Long-haired breeds: Dogs with medium to long coats, like collies, terriers, and Australian shepherds, should get a bath every four to six weeks. This is because longer-haired breeds tend to pick up more dirt, mud, and bacteria, according to Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a veterinarian with SpiritDog Training.
• Hairless breeds: Since they don't have fur to protect their skin, hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested actually need a bath about once a week, according to Wigfall.
• Wrinkly breeds: Pugs, bulldogs, and shar peis may need to have their skin folds cleaned more regularly to avoid bacteria and dirt build-up, which can cause infections, Wigfall says.
• Working dogs: Another factor to consider is your dog's lifestyle and activity level. For example, Wigfall says a working collie on a sheep farm exposed to more dirt and livestock feces will require more frequent bathing than a Maltese who spends most of its time indoors.
• Dogs with health conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions, like dandruff or yeast infections, may need more frequent baths with medicated shampoos during flare-ups, Simon says.

How often is too often?

You probably don't need to bathe your dog as often as you think once every three months is a good goal to aim for, unless they have a skin condition or get very dirty.

When you bathe your dog too often, you strip the natural protective oils on their skin and coat, according to Wigfall. This can lead to dry, irritated skin and a dull coat.

Instead, Wigfall recommends rinsing away dirt and bacteria with plain water to keep your dog's coat clean and healthy in between baths,

She also advises brushing dogs with longer hair at least three times per week to help dislodge any dirt or debris.

Quick tip: Brushing your dog regularly can also help reduce dander in the house just make sure to take the brushing session outside.

What if you don't bathe them frequently enough?

The most obvious consequences of not bathing your dog regularly include an unpleasant odor and some dirty paw prints on your carpet. But it can also cause more severe health problems.

Leaving dirt and debris in areas that may cause rubbing like between their paw pads or inside skin folds can trigger skin irritation and infections.

In long-haired breeds, debris buildup can also cause matted fur, which can look unattractive and cause your dog discomfort.

How to bathe your dog

When washing your dog, Wigfall says it's important to avoid getting any shampoo into their eyes or ears. Here are two things that can help with that:

These additional tips can help you make bath time as pleasant as possible or at least tolerable for your dog:

1. Brush thoroughly before shampooing: Before lathering up your dog, Wigfall suggests brushing them thoroughly to get rid of any loose dirt and debris.
2. Find a canine-friendly shampoo: Human shampoos are the wrong pH level for dogs, so they can lead to skin irritation. Some also contain ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions. Use dog-specific shampoo, particularly products that are paraben- and dye-free and made from naturally derived ingredients.
3. Lather up carefully: Wet your dog's coat with lukewarm water and start working the shampoo into your dog's hair or fur. "Focus on cleaning areas where most debris accumulates, like between the paw pads, under the belly, between the hindlegs, the groin, and under the forelimbs," Wigfall says.
4. Keep offering positive reinforcement: Bath time can bring up anxiety for many dogs, which is why Wigfall advises continually reassuring them with a calm voice, positive phrases, and rewards whenever possible. Simon suggests keeping a lick mat smeared with peanut butter or another treat at the edge of the bath to keep them happy and distracted.
5. Rinse and repeat as needed: Using your shower's handheld spray attachment can make rinsing your dog's coat much easier, Wigfall says. You can also use a pitcher or bucket to gently pour water on your dog to get the shampoo out. Make sure you've eliminated all traces of shampoo this may take a handful of rinses.
6. Dry your dog thoroughly with a towel: Dry your dog thoroughly with a towel. Moisture and irritation on the skin create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to acute moist dermatitis.
7. Try a blow dryer if necessary. If towel drying doesn't do the job, which is often the case for dogs with longer hair or double coats, a blow dryer can help. Set it to the lowest heat setting, keep it a few inches away from your dog's coat, and continually move it in a back-and-forth motion.

Quick tip: Wigfall suggests placing a grippy mat underneath your dog to keep them from slipping and sliding while you're bathing them.

Insider's takeaway

Bathing your dog too often can lead to skin irritation and a dull coat, while not bathing them often enough could increase their risk of infections.

As a general rule, aim to bathe your dog every one to three months erring on the more frequent side if they're hairless, have a long coat, or spend their days playing or working outdoors.

You can also keep their coat clean by brushing them often and rinsing them with plain water between baths.

If you're ever uncertain about how often to bathe your dog, you can always ask your vet for breed-specific guidance.

Correction: December 30, 2022 An earlier version of this story quoted Amanda Takiguchi, a veterinarian who alerted us that a scammer had been impersonating her on a website that connects journalists with expert sources. We have removed any mention of Takiguchi's name from the article.

How Often Should You Bathe a Short-Haired Dog?

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Find out how often you should bathe your short-haired dog and why overbathing can be dangerous for your pet.

Quick Takeaways

• As a general rule, short-haired dogs should be bathed every 6-8 weeks. Some dogs may need baths even less frequently than this.
• However, many factors affect how often you should bathe a short-haired dog, including their fur type, activities, and health.
• You will need to give your dog a one-off bath if theyve rolled in something smelly or their coat is starting to smell unpleasant.
• Bathing too frequently can strip healthy oils from the coat, leading to dryness, itching, and an increased risk of bacterial infection.
• Between baths, its vital to maintain your dogs coat health with regular brushing.

Short-haired dogs generally dont need bathing as frequently as those with longer coats, as their hair is less likely to matt and holds less dirt. The occasional bath is still important for cleaning their fur and maintaining coat health though.

In this article, well discuss how often you should bathe a short-haired dog. Well also go through some reasons dogs need more frequent baths and some tips for making baths less stressful for your pet.

How Often Should You Bathe a Dog With Short Hair?

The short answer is that you should bathe your short-haired dog every six to eight weeks. Of course, your dog may also need an extra bath when they roll in something messy or if they begin to smell unpleasant.

This is just a general rule though. Some dogs can go much longer than this between baths, depending on their activity levels, fur type, and other factors. Certain medical conditions also mean that the dog needs to be bathed more frequently with a medicated shampoo.

Note: You should only use specialist dog shampoo and conditioner when bathing your dog. Human shampoo or other alternatives, such as washing up liquid, can irritate a dogs skin, eyes, and nose.

Why Its Important to Avoid Overbathing

Its important not to bathe your dog too often, as washing strips a dogs coat of its natural oils. This damages the skin, hair follicles, and fur, and can make your dog more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. It also dries out the skin, which can cause flaking and itching.

Additionally, topical flea treatments require your dogs natural oils to spread properly, so frequent bathing can make treatments less effective.

There are exceptions, such as dogs with skin conditions that need medicated shampoos. However, for most healthy short-haired dogs, its better to bathe less frequently than risk overbathing.

What Can Affect Bathing Frequency?

Fur Type

Short-haired dogs with soft and oily coats, like the Basset Hound, generally need bathing more frequently than dogs with hard and dry coats, like the Greyhound. However, be careful not to bathe oily-coated breeds too often and risk stripping the coat of its natural oils.

Dogs with short double coats, like the Labrador Retriever, are also susceptible to overbathing. Their coats are designed for insulation, so washing frequently can remove too much oil.

If your short-haired dog is a seasonal shedder, you may be tempted to bathe them more frequently during shedding season to remove excess fur, but this isnt necessary. Instead, brush your dog frequently between baths, and use de-shedding products like de-shedding spray or slicker brushes.

Activities & Lifestyle

It sounds obvious, but active dogs who spend lots of time outdoors need more frequent bathing. If your dog spends a lot of time in a muddy back garden, they may also get dirtier than an apartment dog.

Your dogs favorite activities also affect bathing frequency. Unless your dog gets into something sticky or smelly, they probably dont need a bath after a trip to the dog park or a hike. Using a brush to remove debris and a damp washcloth to clean anything stuck to fur and paws is usually all thats required.

On the other hand, if your dog spends a lot of time swimming in dirty water, running through mud, or out in the field with livestock, theyll need more frequent baths.

Although many dogs love splashing through puddles or jumping in lakes, it is quite rare to meet those that enjoy baths, says Rebecca Morello, IMDT dog trainer. This is likely because we take away their choice, ask them to balance on slippery surfaces, and get bubbles in their eyes!

Tip: Its also important to make sure your dog doesnt get too cold during or after a bath. Read our guide to why dogs shiver after a bath.

Health

While healthy short-haired dogs only need to be bathed every 6-8 weeks (or longer), dogs with certain medical conditions may need more frequent bathing. If your vet prescribes a medicated shampoo for a skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis, they should advise you on how frequently to bathe your dog with it.

Additionally, adult dogs with bladder and bowel control issues (and puppies still working on house training) should be washed immediately after an accident. However, as a full bath can be quite a negative experience for a dog, cleaning them with a warm, damp cloth is often enough.

Even if your dog doesnt have a medical condition, pay attention to their skin and fur health. If it seems dull or dry, you may be bathing your dog too frequently.

How to Make Bath Time More Enjoyable for a Short-Haired Dog

While its important to avoid overbathing, most dogs need an occasional bath to maintain a clean coat. As compassionate owners, its our job to make these baths as stress-free as possible for our dogs, rather than just rushing to get them over with.

We often think about doggie baths as a one-time activity, but they actually involve many steps, says Rebecca Morello. The key is to minimize the stress during each step.

Here are some examples, but youll need to consider your own dogs likes and dislikes to see which apply:

• Getting into and out of the bath. Many dogs dont like being lifted into a bath, so be gentle during this step. Similarly, ensure they are fully supported when they get out to avoid injury.
• Balance in the bath. A non-slip mat often helps the dog to feel more secure, which makes baths much more enjoyable.
• Water temperature. Check you could comfortably sit in the water without being too cold or hot, as dogs have difficulty cooling down or warming up a bath.
• Rinsing technique. Using a jug instead of a shower head can give you more control and make it less likely that you accidentally splash your dog in the face.
• Lathering technique. Be gentle like you would be when washing yourself! Rough handling is distressing for a dog, who cannot choose to move away when in a bath.
• Shampoo. Always use a dog-specific shampoo, as human shampoos can cause dryness and irritation. I like to use minimally scented or scentless shampoos to avoid irritating a dogs sensitive sense of smell, adds Morello.
• Drying. Place towels on the floor so your dog can rub their fur dry. Of course, you can help out with a soft towel too!

Summary

Fur length is just one factor when deciding how frequently your short-haired dog needs to be bathed. Others include your dogs coat type, activity level, and health.

Youll need to consider all of these factors when determining how often to bathe your dog. But for most short-haired dogs, bathing every six and eight weeks is usually enough.

Do you have any questions about how often you should bathe a short-haired dog? Please let us know in the comment section below. You may also want to read our article about whether you can use Head and Shoulders on a dog.