How Often Should Dogs Take Baths?

There are a variety of factors that can influence when your dog should be bathed. The general rule is that it is best to bathe your dog as infrequently as possible to avoid drying out her skin. As is true with all issues relating to the health of your dog, your vet is the best person to ask if you have questions about how often to bathe your dog or what products you should use. Below are some helpful tips about dog bathing. Please note that they that are not meant as a substitute for the advice of a vet.

  1. Bathing by Breed

    • Different dog breeds need to be bathed at different intervals. Cocker spaniels and other breeds with oily skin should be bathed once a month. Siberian huskies and other breeds with very thick coats should get a bath less frequently, about once every three months.

    Medicated Baths

    • Dogs with dandruff, mange, mites, ticks, fleas, allergies and other conditions may need to be bathed more frequently than usual. Medicated shampoos should be used whenever appropriate to deal with fleas and ticks. Dogs with ongoing problems such as dandruff and allergies should be bathed according to the directions on the particular medicated shampoo being used or as directed by a vet.

    Indoor and Outdoor Dogs

    • Because they don't tend to get as dirty, indoor dogs usually need to be bathed less frequently than dogs that spend the majority of their time outside.

    What's That Smell?

    • Although bathing your dog too often can dry his skin, it is fine to bathe your dog whenever he starts to develop an unpleasant odor. Don't hesitate to bathe your dog if you are noticing the typical dog smell, your dog has tangled with a skunk or when she has rolled in something you wish she wouldn't have.

    Bathing Tips

    • It will be easier to wash your dog if you introduce him to baths when he is still young. Always brush your dog before and after a bath and be sure to use only shampoos and conditioners made for dogs.