How often should you bathe your dog, and which shampoo should you choose?
Coat, activities, skin: what affects bath frequency and the choice of shampoo.
Your dog comes back from a walk covered in mud? The question probably doesn't last long: straight to the bath! But when it's clean and its coat doesn't smell, should you still wash it regularly?
There's no single frequency that suits every dog. And when it comes to choosing a shampoo, there's no shortage of options either.
Let's see how to wash your dog at the right time and choose a shampoo that suits it.
How often should you bathe your dog?
There's no precise schedule for bathing your dog. The frequency mostly depends on its lifestyle, its coat and the condition of its skin.
A few factors can guide you, though:
- Its activities: a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors and regularly comes back covered in mud or dirt will need a bath more often than a dog that rarely gets dirty.
- Its coat: short hair, long coat, thick undercoat… each needs different care. Shedding seasons can also change how often baths are needed.
- The condition of its skin: if your dog has sensitive skin, redness, itching or a skin condition, it's best to follow your veterinarian's advice on bath frequency and choice of shampoo.
The following table gives some guidance based on your dog's lifestyle, coat and skin.
| If your dog… | Frequency to consider | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Is clean, with no particular smell or skin problem | Fairly infrequent baths | There's no need to wash it just because a few weeks have gone by |
| Gets dirty regularly during its activities | More frequent baths | Mud and dirt built up in the coat can justify a bath |
| Has a coat that sheds little or not at all | About every 6 to 8 weeks | This frequency can vary depending on the coat type and its upkeep |
| Has a thick undercoat | Occasional baths, especially during shedding | Bathing, combined with brushing, helps remove dead hair |
| Has a skin problem or uses a medicated shampoo | Frequency set with your veterinarian | Treatment sometimes calls for very frequent baths |
To give you an idea, some veterinary recommendations mention about one bath a month for a healthy dog. This pace can vary depending on your dog, however.
How do you know if your dog needs a bath?
A few signs can tell you it's bath time:
- Its coat is dirty: mud, dust or other dirt is still visible even after a good brushing.
- Its hair becomes greasy: the coat may look oily or feel greasy to the touch.
- It starts to smell: a stronger smell than usual may simply mean a bath is due.
If the bad smell comes back quickly after a bath, it may have a cause other than simple dirt. If it comes with redness or itching, it's best to talk to your veterinarian.
Can you bathe your dog too often?
Yes, baths that are too frequent can eventually irritate your dog's skin, especially if the shampoo is too harsh. Over time, the skin can become drier and itching can appear.
Baths can be much more frequent, however, when a medicated shampoo is part of a treatment.
Which shampoo should you choose for your dog?
Gentle, moisturizing, for sensitive skin, fragrance-free… with so many dog shampoos, which one to choose? Before deciding, look at a few details on the product:
- Its purpose: regular care, dry or sensitive skin, medicated shampoo… first check what the product is designed for.
- The recommended age: if you have a puppy, make sure the product is suitable for its age.
- The directions: some shampoos need to be diluted or left on the coat for a few minutes before rinsing.
For a dog without skin problems
If your dog has no particular skin problem, a gentle shampoo designed for dogs is fine for regular baths. There's no need to look for a highly specialized formula. (See the Wahl 4-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.)
If redness, itching or flakes appear after using a new shampoo, stop using it.
For dry or sensitive skin
If your dog has dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle shampoo made for that skin type. You can also go for a moisturizing or lightly scented formula. (See the Bark2Basics Sensi-Skin hypoallergenic shampoo.)
When there's a skin problem
If your dog has a skin condition, the choice of shampoo may be part of the treatment. A medicated shampoo isn't used like a regular shampoo: bath frequency and contact time with the skin can vary depending on the problem being treated.
In this case, it's best to follow your veterinarian's recommendations before using a medicated shampoo.
Can you use human shampoo on a dog?
It's best to use a shampoo designed for dogs. Their skin doesn't have the same characteristics as ours, especially when it comes to pH, and human shampoos are formulated for human skin and scalp.
Even if your shampoo seems gentle to you, it can dry out or irritate your dog's skin if used regularly.
A few good habits at bath time
Here are a few tips for bathing your dog:
- Brush it before the bath: remove dead hair and untangle knots before wetting the coat, especially if it's long or thick.
- Use lukewarm water: avoid water that's too hot and wet the coat gradually.
- Protect its face: avoid letting water or shampoo run into its eyes and ears.
- Rinse thoroughly: remove all the shampoo, including the belly, legs and areas where the coat is denser. Product residue can irritate the skin.
- Dry it well: start with a towel and carefully dry the coat, especially if it's thick. (See the DII Bone Dry microfibre bath towel.)
Frequently asked questions
Can you bathe a puppy?
Yes. Use a dog shampoo suitable for its age and follow the product directions. Start with short baths to get it used to them gradually.
Should you wash your dog after a swim?
Not necessarily. After swimming in a pool or salt water, rinse its coat with clean water to remove chlorine or salt residue. A shampoo can be useful if it swam in dirty water, is covered in mud or its coat smells bad.
Can you use dry shampoo between baths?
Yes, as long as you choose a product designed for dogs and follow its directions. Dry shampoo can be used for spot cleaning between baths, but it doesn't replace a bath when the coat is really dirty.
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Sources
To write this article, we consulted recommendations from VCA Animal Hospitals on coat care and bathing, as well as advice from PetMD on how often to bathe a dog.
