How often should I bathe my dog with skin issues

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, DABVP

Veterinarian

Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine.Since graduation, she has worked in many fields...

Should I Bathe My Dog to Stop His Itching? (A Vet Explains)

Your dog is itchinga lot, and you want to help ease his misery. Will it help to bathe him?

When Id get a call from clients asking if they could give their dog a bath to help ease itchiness, I would tell them its usually a good idea. Then Id recommend a checkup to help figure out the cause of the skin irritation. During the appointment, I would discuss the what, how, and when of bathing.

In this article, well discuss why its usually helpful to bathe dogs to stop itching and what you can use. After that, well go over how and how often to give your pup a bath when he has itchy skin.

Because many itch dogs have skin sensitivities, well discuss what types of shampoos are best for your pal. Well also tell you about some other things you can do to relieve your pups itching and when its time to call your vet about your furbabys itchiness.

Lets get going.

Is It a Good Idea to Bathe My Dog to Stop His Itching?

Its often helpful to bathe your dog when hes itching, but you should try to find out whats irritating him first. Knowing the underlying trigger can help you choose the best solution for your pooch. When you use the right kind of shampoo, it can moisturize the skin and remove dead skin, bacteria, and other irritants.

However, there are times when bathing your itchy pooch is counterproductive. Sometimes, using the wrong product or bathing your pooch too frequently can increase itching instead of relieving the symptoms. Thats why you should always use a gentle shampoo with ingredients that soothe and protect the skin.

Bathing your itchy dog usually helps to relieve the symptoms. Before you start the bathwater, its best to figure out the cause of the itching so that you can pick the best solution. Otherwise, you may not get the results youre looking for.

What can I bathe my dog with to stop itching?

There are a variety of things you can use to bathe your itchy dog. Some products are natural while others are available for purchase.

• Colloidal oatmeal bath When your pooch has dry, itchy skin you can use colloidal oatmeal to bathe your dog. Grind about 1 cup of oatmeal to a fine powder and mix it with a tub of warm bath water.
• Baking soda solution You can also add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your dogs bathwater to help soothe itching.
• Natural, gentle shampoo Shampoo formulas with natural ingredients can help to relieve itchy skin. Its best to look for products that include oatmeal, dog-safe essential oils, or other substances that soothe and moisturize irritated skin.
• Medicated shampoo If the itching is severe or wont respond to regular shampoos or home remedies, you may want to try a medicated shampoo with active ingredients. Other products may include ingredients to combat fungal or bacterial infections.
• Flea and tick shampoo Sometimes, itching in your dog is due to skin parasites like fleas or ticks. In this case, you want to choose a product thats gentle on the skin but also includes ingredients designed to kill the bugs.

If your pooch is itching all the time, there are various bathing options you can try to soothe his skin. Homemade remedies include colloidal oatmeal and baking soda. You can also use commercial products that are gentle and natural or medicated to address the cause of the itching.

How to bathe my dog to stop itching?

Once you find the cause of your pals itching and choose a shampoo or home remedy, how do you use it to help soothe Fidos skin? Lets look at what you should do to prevent undesired effects.

First, only bathe your pooch as often as needed. Overbathing can wash away the skins protective oils and increase dryness. If youre using an over-the-counter product, choose a gentle formula designed to be anti-itch or hypoallergenic. Dont select human products or formulas that arent pH balanced for canine skin.

Once you select a product, bathe your pooch gently. Massage the product into his coat, but dont scrub too hard because that can be irritating to the skin. After lathering your pooch, rinse his coat thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue then apply a hypo-allergenic conditioner to protect the skin and coat.

Finish by drying your pup thoroughly, but dont use hot air. Pat dry with a towel and dry the fur with fans or a hair dryer set on low. Moisture can increase itchiness.

To prevent increasing your dogs itching, dont over-bathe your pooch. You should select a product hypoallergenic product thats pH-balanced for dog skin. Its important to use a gentle bathing technique and rinse the fur thoroughly after shampooing. Also, make sure you dry your pooch completely, but dont use hot air.

How often should I bathe my itchy dog?

The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits-all frequency. How often you should bathe your pooch depends on your dogs breed, activity level, and health condition. But in many cases bathing once a month is a good starting target.

However, bathing too often can have negative effects because the water and shampoo can remove protective oils from the skin. Rather than automatically bathing your pup on a schedule, watch for signs that its time to run another bath. One rule of thumb for bathing your pooch is if you can smell a doggy odor. In the case of an itchy dog, you should also take action if you notice scratching or red, irritated skin.

How often you should bathe your itchy dog depends on his breed, activity level, and signs that he needs another bath. Over bathing can cause dry, itchy skin to get worse rather than better. Watch for undesirable doggy odor, scratching, and red irritated skin.

Should I use a special Shampoo?

You should use a hypoallergenic shampoo that contains ingredients to soothe your dogs skin. Ideally, your product will be free of harsh or synthetic ingredients that often contribute to skin irritation. There are several varieties of anti-itch formulas on the market.

There are different varieties of anti-itch shampoos that you can select depending on your pups needs. For dogs with the occasional itch, try gentle formulas with natural ingredients that include substances like oatmeal or coconut oil. If your pooch has more severe itching and skin issues, look for a medicated shampoo with active ingredients to soothe the irritation or address issues like bacterial infections. Dogs with fleas or ticks need anti-parasitic shampoos.

The type of shampoo you use will depend on your pups needs, but it should have natural ingredients and be gentle on the skin. Special medicated shampoos may be called for if your pup has skin issues, infections, or parasites.

What else can I do to relieve my dogs itching?

Besides using homemade or commercial shampoo, there are a variety of other things you can do to relieve your dogs itching. Some options include substances that you can apply to your pooch, and other options are lifestyle-oriented.

Topical remedies

In addition to using an anti-itch shampoo or bathing your dog with oatmeal or baking soda, you can use other topical remedies to help reduce itching.

• Coconut oil Virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory effects and helps to soothe and moisturize dry skin. You can rub some coconut oil onto your dogs coat and gently brush it in to get to the skin. After about 10 minutes, rinse off any excess oil.
• Apple cider vinegar You can make a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water to spray on your pooch to soothe itchy skin. As an acid, vinegar is antibacterial and antiseptic so it can help fight skin infections.
• Aloe vera Aloe vera promotes skin healing and includes anti-inflammatory substances. You can use commercial aloe vera gel or use some from a plant leaf. Rub the gel into the irritated part of your dogs skin.

Lifestyle solutions

• Give skin-supporting supplements Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and digestive enzymes can help boost your pups immunity and support skin health.
• Check the environment Investigate your dogs environment and any recent changes to see if something is triggering a skin reaction. Did you recently change cleaning products or laundry detergent?
• Feed a hypoallergenic diet Your dog may have a food sensitivity to one or more ingredients in his diet. Talk to your veterinarian about evaluating Fido for food allergies.

Summary: Some of the other things you can do to help relieve itching in your dog include topical applications of a vinegar and water solution, aloe vera, or virgin coconut oil. You can also try lifestyle changes such as feeding supplements, checking the environment for triggers, or

When Should I See a Vet?

Sometimes using anti-itch shampoo and trying other measures doesnt help your pooch. So, when do you know its time to call the vet? You should contact your furbabys doctor whenever:

You Notice Hives, Redness, or Swelling

When you see hives, swollen areas around the face, ears, or other parts of your pups body, or if the skin is reddened, it may mean your pup is having an allergic reaction to something. Some allergies can be life-threatening, so you should call your veterinarian immediately and seek medical attention.

There Are Abnormal Skin Changes

If your dogs skin is getting thicker, changing texture, or turning black, there may be an infection. Talk to your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. He can take skin scrapings, run tests to diagnose the problem, and develop a treatment plan.

You Cant Stop Your Dogs Itching

When youve tried everything you can but your dog is still scratching continuously, you should contact your vet. There may be allergies or other underlying conditions that need attention. Your pups doctor can examine your pooch, take blood samples, and run other diagnostics to get to the bottom of things.

Any time that you observe signs that your dog is having an allergic reaction, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also call the doctor if there are abnormal changes in your dogs skin or if nothing you tried was able to stop your dogs itching.

Final Woof

Its usually a good idea to bathe your dog if hes itching. You just have to make sure you use a gentle, natural product thats non-allergenic, and dont over bathe your pooch. When you bathe your pup, gently work the formula into your dogs fur without irritating his skin, then rinse thoroughly. The type of product you use will depend on the reason your pup is itching.

There are other things you can try to help relieve your dogs itching. Some are topical applications and others involve your pals diet or environment. If shampooing and other interventions dont help or your pup shows signs of an allergic reaction or skin infection, you should contact your vet.