How often should you bathe your dog?
There are several factors to consider when deciding the frequency of bathing your dog. Age, breed, and activity level are some of the things we look at in our Olathe Pet Shop. Most dogs can go months between baths but there are some dogs that require more frequent baths.
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At 4 Paws Pantry & Spa, here are several things we consider:
- There are many different dog breeds with all kinds of different coats. Most dogs that require regular haircuts only need a bath when they get their grooming which can range from 3 to 10 weeks, depending on the owners’ preference. Some dogs that have double coats like most doodles may need more frequent baths in between grooms to prevent harmful matting and tangling. Generally speaking, most short hair breeds need baths less often. Other dogs such as Huskies will need de-shedding baths as needed when they are blowing their coat.
- Dogs that are really active like going to dog parks or spending long periods of time outside may require more frequent baths. These types of activities can lead to dogs rolling in mud or jumping in dirty water.
- There are some dogs that develop skin conditions such as dry itchy skin, dandruff/yeast in their coats, or may develop an odor. These issues may require bathing more often. These issues may also be caused by poor quality food, so please consult your trusted local store for nutritional information.
- If your household has a member that is allergic to pet dander, you may need to bathe your dog more often.
- Your professional groomer may have recommendations based on their experiences with your specific dog and it’s needs.
Your dog has natural oils occurring on their skin and coats and overbathing may strip them of these oils which can lead to itchiness and dry skin, so please be mindful. Always use pet-specific shampoo and conditioner and always completely rinse out their coats.
Each animal is different and one answer doesn’t always work for every dog. Consult with your groomer or local Pet Store in Olathe to develop a schedule for your pet.
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