How Often Should You Shower a Pitbull?

A pitbull does not have a double coat and so does not require too much grooming. As with any other dog, pitbull owners would like clean pets in their homes, but bathing a pitbull too often can strip its coat of its natural oils, leaving it dry and lackluster.

  1. Frequency of Bathing

    • Shower your pitbull when it gives off an offensive odor or appears visibly dirty, recommends Best Pitbulls, a website specializing in pitbull breeding. Even then the frequency of bathing should not be more than once a month. If the dog is not smelly or dirty, brushing the coat should suffice.

    Brushing

    • Pitbulls do not require extensive grooming to keep their coats clean. Brushing the dog once a week with a bristle brush helps remove loose and dead hair, dirt and debris, and also spreads the natural oils all over the coat, maintaining the natural gloss and sheen of the coat.

    Method

    • Shower the dog indoors, as water from a garden hose will be too cold for the dog. Use warm water. Wet the dog thoroughly using the spray nozzle of the shower head. Avoid getting water in the dog's ears, as it could lead to an infection. Plug the ears with some cotton. Rub dog shampoo all over the body. Let the shampoo stay on the dog for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off completely. Keep rinsing the dog until the water runs clear. Use dog conditioner as instructed on the label. Lift the pitbull out of the bathtub and rub dry with a towel. Use a damp cloth to clean its face thoroughly. Encourage your pitbull to enjoy its shower by offering it treats during and after the shower.

    Grooming Considerations

    • While brushing or showering your dog, check the ears for wax buildup. If the ears are dirty, use a dog ear cleaning solution. If the ears give off an odor or appear red, take your dog to a vet immediately.
      Also inspect your dog's toenals. Clip the nails if they are too long, but do not cut them too short, as this could cause bleeding. The nails should not touch the ground when the dog is standing upright. Clipping the toenails once a month is sufficient, according to WorkingPitbull.com.

    Whitening the Coat

    • For pitbulls with white coats, Lowchens Australia's All About Dogs suggests using corn starch to keep the white sparkling. Take some corn starch and rub it into the coat with your fingers. Keep rubbing until the excess powder comes off.