Dog Bathing: Everything You Need to Know

Do you wonder whether you are bathing your dog too often or way too little? But then, what is the ideal frequency for bathing your furry friend? Well, there are multiple factors that affect your dog’s bathing requirements. Consider the following guidelines to determine the best bathing schedule for your pet.

Importance of regular baths for dogs

If your pup smells bad or is covered with dirt, it’s time to give him a bath. But, bathing your dog just when they require is not enough. Dog bathing and dog grooming regimens should be followed at regular intervals in order to maintain overall pet hygiene. Bathing keeps their coat and skin clean and prevents odor. Moreover, it also maintains skin health by keeping infection-causing germs at bay.

#1 Factors determining the frequency of dog bathing

All dogs are different and not all of them require bathing at similar intervals. Here are the factors to consider while deciding the frequency of your dog’s baths:

• Dog breed: Different dog breeds have different skin types. Based on breed, the coat length, dog size and skin texture will also be different. Accordingly, your dog’s cleaning needs may vary.
• Dog activity level: If you have a hyperactive dog who often gets involved in outdoor activities like swimming and playing, he has a higher chance of catching dirt compared to a pup that spends most of the time indoors. And so, he will require more frequent bathing.
• Dog coat type: There is no universally accepted rule that dogs with long coats should be bathed more often than their short-coated counterparts. Certain dog coats ward off dirt naturally, while some double-coated breeds can shed more, so they may not require frequent bathing.

#2 Recommended bathing frequency for different types of dogs

Puppies less than 8 weeks of age should not be bathed. They should be wiped with a warm, wet cloth when required. In general, older puppies and dogs should be bathed once a month. Too frequent bathing can remove the natural oils their coats have and can damage their skin and fur.

• It is fine to bathe hairless or short-haired dogs every two to three months. However, Chinese crested dogs, a hairless breed, actually need more care and require weekly baths.
• Long-haired dogs are more prone to tangled hair and mat problems and require more frequent bathing. However, some long-haired dog breeds like Corded Pulis may not require frequent baths as they are not prone to have typical doggie odor like other long-haired counterparts. 
• Dirt clings easily to the coats of curly-haired dogs like Poodles. In order to look clean and smell good, they need more frequent baths.
• Thicker or double-coated dogs like golden retrievers tend to store more dirt and debris on their coats. And so, bathing them at least every six weeks is ideal to keep them clean and healthy.

#3 Signs indicating the early bathing need for dogs

If your dog had a day full of activities or if you find him stinking after playing outdoors, you will definitely want to clean him. Rigorous physical activities and exposure to dirt or mud may lead to odor buildup and will require immediate bathing. To maintain overall hygiene, your dog will need more than the usual number of baths after spending time outdoors.

#4 Tips and tricks for the perfect dog bathing experience

Bathing your dog may not be an easy task for some dog parents. Here are a few things that you can consider to make the bathing time easier for you and your pet:

>> Selection of the right shampoo:

Read these dog shampoo selection tips to choose the best one for your dog:-

• Use dog shampoo to bath your dog. Shampoos made for human use can be harsh on dogs and can damage their skin.
• Use a medicated shampoo if your dog has any skin issues or allergies.
• Use a flea-killing shampoo if your dog has flea infestations.

1. Benzoyl peroxide shampoo: This medicated sulphur shampoo is specially formulated for dogs. The mild shampoo cleanses the coat deeply and removes dirt and grease. It has anti-bacterial properties and makes the skin smooth and shiny. 

2. Regal Healing shampoo: This Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES)-free shampoo relieves itchy, irritated and inflamed skin. It has a pH balance of pH7 and is suitable for all types of skin, including very sensitive skin.

>> Bathing process

• Brush your dog’s coat before bathing to remove the knots, mats, and dirt.
• You can use skin care treatments before bathing your dog to improve the skin condition. Take a look at this skin supplement, Essential 6: Dermoscent Essential 6 is an innovative treatment that treats different skin conditions. It controls skin rashes. This solution hydrates the skin and replenishes natural oils and moisture. Apply this solution on dogs 2 days prior to bathing them.
• Use lukewarm water for bathing your dog. Hot water can burn your dog’s skin and too cold water can lead to shivers.
• Dry your dog’s coat thoroughly with a towel or dog dryer after the bath.

>> Bathing equipments checklist

Once you start bathing your dog, your hands will be occupied. So, it is advisable to collect all the equipments you need beforehand. Refer to this checklist so that you do not miss out on anything.

• Brush and comb
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Bathtub. If you do not want to use the tub, you can select a place in your house where your dog is most comfortable bathing. 
• Towels or rubber mat for your dog to stand on, to avoid any slipping mishap 
• Pet hair dryer
• Treats to keep your dog occupied during the bath and for rewarding after bathing

#5 Maintaining overall pet hygiene beyond baths

Bathing of course helps in keeping your dog clean. But, extra care should be taken for cleaning other sensitive body parts of your dog for their overall well-being.

• Ear cleaning and care: Use ear cleansing drops to clean the debris and wax from your dog’s ears. Be vigilant for ear mites infestations too and treat them on time. Occasional cleaning of the ear skin with wet cotton also helps maintain ear hygiene.
• Dental cleaning and care: Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a toothbrush and pet toothpaste helps in maintaining oral hygiene. Dental chews may also help improve oral health and reduce bad breath.
• Eye cleaning and care: Be careful while bathing your dog to make sure the shampoo does not enter their eyes. Clean your dog’s eyes with eye cleansing drops after the bath. Use a soft cotton ball to remove the tear stains with the help of a tear removal solution.
• Flea and tick prevention measures: Use preventive spot-ons, chewables, and/or collars to protect your dog from flea and tick infestations. If you see fleas or ticks on his coat while grooming, take immediate action.

To conclude

How often to bathe your dog, depends on multiple factors. Make sure you bathe them regularly enough to keep them clean and healthy. But at the same time, avoid over-bathing them. Set a routine for bathing after careful consideration of relevant factors. Also, keep other sensitive parts of your dog’s skin healthy by cleaning them as and when required.