A clean dog is a healthy dog, but how do you know how often to bathe your dog? The right bathing schedule will help your furry friend maintain their skin and coat health and keep them feeling comfortable. How often you should bathe your dog depends on a few different factors, and we’ll cover all of them! So, let’s get started.
So, How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
How frequently your dog needs a bath varies greatly based upon their breed, coat type, activity level, and allergies. Other than being good for their hygiene, bathing your dog is a good chance for you to check for any scratches, fleas, bumps, or other abnormalities.
Here’s what you need to know to answer the question of “How often should I bathe my dog?”:
Breed and Coat Type
Your dog’s breed and type of coat is a significant factor in how often you need to bathe them. However, it’s not as simple as short hair equals less bathing. Hairless breeds, like the Xoloitzcuintli and Chinese Crested dogs, need a lot more intensive care and require weekly baths.
On the other hand, long-haired breeds like the Collie and Maltese have a lot more fur and need more frequent baths, but not as often as hairless ones. Dogs that have medium-large coats typically need a bath every four to six weeks, as long as you properly maintain their coat in between bathing.
But, some breeds like the Puli, which are long-haired, do not need to take baths as often when corded. They don’t develop the typically doggy smell, and Puli’s don’t really require the amount of bathing as many other breeds.
But, what about dogs that fall in between these categories? Dogs with double or thick coats, like labs, retrievers, and huskies, can suffer from over-bathing. Bathing them too often strips the oil from their skin and disrupts the natural insulation that their coats provide. For these breeds, it’s also important to use dog shampoo meant to prevent shedding.
Activity Level
While it might seem obvious, we want to mention that dogs that are highly active and spend lots of time outside probably need a bath more often, especially if they like to swim or play in the dirt regularly. Even for active dogs who aren’t prone to making and getting into messes, they can usually benefit from more frequent baths to control their doggy smell.
