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Do Your Research
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Study your dog's breed and find out what kind of maintenance its fur and coat require. Some long-haired breeds, such as Maltese, require baths more often because their fur is longer and can get tangled, messy and dirty quickly. On the other hand, Labrador retrievers have shorter fur but are bigger dogs that can get into messes quickly. They may require baths more often.
Get on a Schedule
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Generally, most dogs need a bath once a week or once every two weeks. If they get into something outside and they smell, they may require a bath more often. Check to see how your dog is acting after a bath to see whether you are bathing them too frequently. If they are scratching and itchy, the dog shampoo you are using may have stripped their skin of natural oils. A dog's skin may become dry or flaky. Oils are important for a dog because they help the animal maintain a healthy coat. If dryness occurs, spread out their baths, putting more time in between each one. Be sure to brush your dog every week. This can keep his fur from tangling and help keep him clean.
Look at Other Bathing Options
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In place of a bath, there are several products on the market that can help keep your dog's coat fresh and clean in between baths, without having to go through the trouble of getting your dog in the tub. Spray-on dog shampoo is one way to get your dog's coat smelling nice without a bath. Another way is bath wipes that are very similar to baby wipes. Simply wipe down the dirty parts of your dog rather than putting her in the bathtub.
If you still have questions about how often to give your dog a bath, ask your veterinarian or a local dog groomer for advice.
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How Many Times Should You Give a Dog a Bath?
It's natural for humans to shower every day, but what about your dog? Do not bathe your dog daily. They sweat through their tongue rather than their skin like we do, so they do not need to bathe as often. As a caring pet owner, it's important to figure out how often you should give your dog a bath. Not bathing them enough can result in itchiness and fleas. Bathing them too much can strip away the natural oils from their skin and also cause irritation, rashes and infections.