Bath Your Dog

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” – Elayne Booster

Bathing your dog is an important part of their overall health. But how often should you do it? The answer to that question depends on a few key factors:

• your dog’s breed
• coat type
• lifestyle
• health

Bathing too frequently can dry out their skin, while not bathing enough can lead to odor, dirt buildup, or skin problems.

Smart Tips for Keeping Your Pup Fresh and Clean

1. Understand Your Dog’s Coat Type – Different breeds have different grooming needs, and their coat plays a big role in how often they need a bath.
   • Short-haired dogs (like Boston Terriers or Dalmatians): These pups don’t hold on to dirt and odors as much. A bath every 2–3 months is usually enough, unless they get into something messy.
   • Medium or long-haired dogs (like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers): These breeds, because of their long hair, benefit from more regular baths—about every 4–6 weeks—to keep their coat clean and mat-free.
   • Double-coated dogs (like Huskies or German Shepherds): These are breeds that have two layers of fur; an inner softer undercoat and a longer coarser outer layer. These dogs shed naturally and don’t need frequent baths. Every 2–3 months is typically fine, in addition to regular brushing.
   • Hairless or sensitive-skinned breeds (like Chinese Cresteds): These pups may need baths every 1–2 weeks to keep their skin healthy and free from buildup.
2. Lifestyle Matters – If your dog spends most of his time indoors he will stay cleaner longer than a pup who loves to romp through mud, sand, or woods.
   • Active outdoor dogs may need baths more often—sometimes even once a week—especially after hikes, beach days, or rolling in something smelly.
   • Indoor or low-activity dogs can go longer between baths. Unless they’re getting into messes, once every couple of months may be fine.
3. Keep an Eye (and Nose) Out for Clues – Your dog will usually let you know when it’s time for a bath—even if they don’t mean to!
   • Odor: If your dog starts to smell “doggy” or just plain bad, it’s time for a wash.
   • Dirt and Grease: Greasy fur, visible dirt, or a dull looking coat, are signs your dog needs a bath.
   • Itching or Scratching: If your dog is scratching more than usual, a bath with a gentle or medicated shampoo may help soothe their skin.
4. Use Dog-Safe Products – Always use a shampoo made specifically for dogs. Human shampoos, even baby formulas, can disrupt your dog’s skin pH and cause irritation.
   • If your dog has sensitive skin, allergies, or specific health issues, ask your vet about hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos tailored to his needs.
5. Don’t Overdo It – Bathing too often can remove the natural oils that protect your dog’s skin and coat. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
   • Unless otherwise directed by your vet, most dogs don’t need to be bathed more than once a month. Focus on brushing regularly to help maintain cleanliness between baths.
6. Brush Between Baths – Brushing not only helps prevent tangles and mats but also distributes oils and removes dirt and debris from the coat. It’s an easy way to stretch the time between baths while keeping your dog fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one size fits all schedule for bathing dogs—it depends on their breed, coat, lifestyle, and skin health. A good general rule: bathe your dog when they’re dirty, smelly, or if your vet recommends it.

Remember, a clean dog isn’t just about appearance, it’s also about good health. Regular baths, when done right, help prevent skin issues, reduce shedding, and make cuddle time even better.

In a future post, I’ll share some tips to make bath time easier.

***BowWow Fun Towne offers  the finest in a do-it-yourself dog wash. Bring in your best friend in for a fast, easy and fun cleaning event.***

At BowWow Fun Towne…

Dogs are our business, and our friends, and we understand how important your dog is to you.