If you’re wondering how often should dogs shower, we have the answer for you. Dog Ownership Guide does the research so you don’t have to, which makes life easy when it comes to making your dog happy and healthy. Below you will find the answer to how often should dogs shower and some other dog grooming tips.
How Often Should Dogs Shower?
In most cases, dogs only need a bath or shower once a month. Dog owners can bathe their dogs less than monthly, but going more than three months isn’t recommended. Washing your dog more frequently than every other week is not recommended.
Bath Frequency for Multi-Texture and Multi-Length Breeds
Clean dogs are healthy dogs. A dog’s coat can collect and breed bacteria that can lead to not only skin conditions but medical ones as well. Regular baths keep bacteria at a low level while preserving the natural oils in the skin to keep it healthy.
How often to shower a dog depends on coat style. The following information can help you decide the best schedule to bathe your dogs.
The general rule is a dog should have a shower or bath every four weeks. Breeds that normally follow this schedule include, but are not limited to:
- Morkie
- Pug
- Chihuahua
- Pomeranian
- Tibetan Terrier
- Bichon Prise
- Poodle
How Often to Bathe Dog Breeds with Double Coats
The following double-coated dog breeds should have a bath or shower every four weeks:
- Scottish Terrier
- Siberian Husky
- Samoyed
- Schnauzer
- Bearded Collie
- German Shepherd
- Westland Terrier (Read: Best Toys for Westies)
Shower an American Staffordshire Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Australian Terrier every eight weeks.
Factors Influencing Frequency of Bath Time
Consider the following factors when determining how often should dogs shower:
Activity Level
Frequent bathing can’t be avoided for some dogs. Those with a high activity level that love to roll around in the mud will need more frequent baths. However, it is still important to bathe dogs as close to the above schedule as possible. Dry skin conditions can be painful to dogs if the skin becomes too irritated. It may be hard to control activity level, but try to ensure playtime is conducted in places where a bath may not be necessary.
Aquaphor is a great option for dry skin. Learn more here: Can You Use Aquaphor on Dogs?
Skin Allergies
Another factor influencing a regular bathing schedule is skin allergies. Dogs prone to skin allergies may need medicated shampoo more often than every four or eight weeks. Regular bathing for those dogs maybe every two weeks. Speak to a veterinarian to determine the best bathing schedule for a dog with skin issues.
CBD for dogs can greatly help with skin allergies. CBD Oil for Dog Allergies
Oily Coats
Extremely oily coats. Dogs with oily coats may need a shower more often to remove the oil. Increasing the frequency of a dog bath to every three weeks may be okay for dogs with oily skin or coat type.
Sensitive Skin
Dogs with sensitive skin may need a shower or bath less frequently, such as every eight or more weeks. Hairless breeds do not have a coat to protect them, so they may not need a full bath or shower every four weeks. A simple rinse with water may be sufficient.
Patience Level
For nervous or anxious dogs, it may be better to bathe them as infrequently as possible. A dog traumatized after a haircut or bathing will be much harder to bathe, which causes stress for you and your pup.
Advice on Dog Shampoo – What New Dog Owners Must Know About Showering Their Pup
- Do NOT… and we repeat… do NOT use human shampoo (including baby shampoo) on your dog. Human shampoo has ingredients that a dog’s skin and fur or hair may not be able to tolerate leading to skin conditions.
- The pet market has thousands of dog products available for bathing dogs, so choose a shampoo that’s designed for your dog’s breed. Natural dog shampoo is best, as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals (which have been known to cause health conditions). We recommend these natural dog shampoos:
- Always remember to use plenty of water to rinse the shampoo away – even if you are using natural shampoo. Leftover shampoo can leave a coat looking dirty and the skin irritated.
- Short-haired breeds, small dogs, and hairless breeds do not need as much shampoo as those that have a double coat. A little goes a long way and not excessively using shampoo can save dog owners a lot of money.
- Water-resistant coats will need a bit more work to clean. Take time to work the water into the coat as well as the shampoo. Rinse very well making sure that the skin is free from any shampoo to avoid irritation.
Clean Dogs Are Healthy Dogs
For your dog to have a healthy coat, it is important to shower or bathe your dog every four or eight weeks depending on the breed and coat type. Dogs with high activity levels, skin allergies, and oily skin may need a shower more often. Remember to never use human shampoo on your dog.
Dog Products for Bathing Your Dog
Shop D.O.G. recommendations for dog products that will make bath time successful by clicking below.
Dirty Dog Shammy Towel
FAQ on How Often to Shower a Dog
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