How often should I bathe my dog?

Giving your dog a bath can clean dirt and debris from their fur, which can help them look and smell their best. In this post, our Baltimore vets explain how often you should bathe your dog and share how to make the bathing process as easy as possible for you and your pup. 

How often should I wash my dog?

Regularly bathing your pup is one of the many tasks you'll likely take on as a dog owner. However, if you bathe them too often, their skin may become dry and irritated, or they could develop a skin condition. So, you may wonder, how often should you bathe your dog? 

There is no specific answer to this question and the right bathing frequency for your pooch will depend on various factors like your dog's health status, lifestyle, and coat type. Dogs with longer coats tend to have more dirt and debris in their fur, which will mean you'll have to be bath them more frequently (about once a month depending on how dirty they become) than a dog with a shorter fur that may only require a bath every three months. 

If your dog is active and loves playing in the mud and dirt, you'll need to bathe them more frequently than a dog that's content spending most of their time inside. 

You can bathe your dog if they smell bad, are covered in mud, or if their fur is oily. Just be sure not to overdo it. If your dog has an allergy or a specific health condition, your vet may recommend bathing your four-legged friend more or less often. 

If you are uncertain how often you should give your dog a bath, you may want to consider bathing them once every two or three months as a general rule of thumb. However, it's always best to ask your veterinarian about your dog's specific bathing needs. 

Why do I need to bathe my dog?

Dogs may sometimes need help from their owners to get their coat and skin clean, especially if they love swimming in lakes, rolling in mud, or even if they have naturally oily fur. 

Giving your dog regular baths: 

• Helps them smell better
• Helps prevent skin conditions
• Removes dirt and debris 
• Reduces shedding
• Strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion 

Bathing your dog also allows you to monitor their health and check for any signs of developing skin or health conditions, such as redness, swelling, or unusual bumps on their ears, nails, pawks, or skin. You can also look for external parasites like fleas, mites, or ticks in their fur. If you notice any signs of external parasites, contact your veterinarian to book an appointment. 

How to Give Your Dog a Bath 

Bathing your dog will be easier and less stressful if you know how to do it and are prepared to take on the task. Here are some steps to follow for giving your dog a bath at home: 

1. Decide where you want to bathe your dog (bathtub, sink, kiddy pool, patio, etc.). Be sure to bathe them in the same place each time so they know what to expect. 
2. Gather the supplies you need, like a slip-resistant mat (if you are using a tub), a brush, scrubber, and shampoo that's specially made for dogs. Never use human shampoo or conditioner on your pup as it can irritate their skin. Your vet can suggest the shampoo that will suit your dog best.
3. Begin by brushing your dog's fur from head to tail to loosen dirt, and remove knots and mats.
4. Use lukewarm water when washing your dog (never use hot water) and keep the water out of your dog's face.
5. Talk to your dog in a calm and soothing voice, pet them often, and offer praise and treats when they are behaving. If your dog starts to resist and struggle, wait for them to calm down again before continuing.
6. Lather and massage the shampoo all over your dog's body, being sure not to get any in their eyes, ears, or face. You can start at their paws and work your way up to the head, to provide fewer opportunities for the shampoo to run into their face.
7. Rinse your dog from head to tail. Continue rinsing in this pattern until you have gotten all of the soap out of your dog's skin because any soap left behind can cause irritation.
8. Dry your dog well with a warm, clean towel to help your dog air-dry faster.
9. Let your dog's fur air-dry. Don't use hot blow dryers designed for human hair because they can be too hot for your dog's skin. If you'd like, you can use a blow dryer designed for dogs. These operate at a lower temperature than the ones designed for people.
10. Reward your dog after they have made it through the bathing process. Give your dog a treat, lots of praise, and maybe even some playtime!

When should I bring my dog to the groomer?

If your dog fights you every time you try to get them into the tub, it might be best to take them to a professional groomer. Professional groomers have the equipment and education needed to safely bathe dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments.

At Falls Road Animal Hospital, our veterinary team offers professional bathing services for dogs. We can also provide your canine companion with de-shedding treatments, hair cuts, nail trimmings, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and more.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

For more tips and advice on bathing your dog at home or to book a professional grooming session, contact our Baltimore veterinarians today to book an appointment for your pup.