New dog owners tend to fixate on questions related to training, behavior, and the general well-being of their pets.
But one area that goes overlooked is grooming. Specifically, how often a dog should be bathed, and the factors that impact that frequency.
There’s no all-encompassing answer to how often your dog needs a bath, but this article will help you set a healthy doggie bathing schedule moving forward.
We’ll also throw in some tips on how to keep your dog clean and happy between washes and how to get the best results from bath time.
Bath Frequency – 3 Factors
There may not be an exact equation to determine how often your dog needs a bath. However, the following three factors matter most when setting a schedule that makes sense for both you and your dog.
Coat Type
The long vs. short coat debate doesn’t make much of a difference when figuring out a bath schedule for your dog. What matters more is the quality of the dog’s coat and how quickly it gets dirty.
Labradors, Basset Hounds, and various types of Spaniels have thick coats and are known to get rather smelly. Dirt and bacteria get caught up in these coats fast, leaving owners reaching for the shampoo bottle more frequently.
“Cleaner” dog breeds like Greyhounds and Poodles can go longer without baths, but the grooming process is often more complex in other areas like trimming, clipping, and shaving.
Like many aspects of choosing a dog breed, it’s a game of tradeoffs and compromises when figuring out which one is best for you.
Lifestyle
How active is your dog on a weekly basis, and how messy do they get after an adventure or playdate with doggie friends?
Answer these questions honestly and you’ll have a better idea of how often your dog should be scrubbed down with shampoo and water.
Just look at the difference between a Sheepdog working the land versus a Beverly Hills Chihuahua that lounges by the pool. Those two dogs have very different bathing needs based on their activity level and interaction with other animals.
Responsible owners take their dogs for regular walks and socializing, which necessitates more frequent bathing.
Cost and Convenience
Despite our efforts to be the perfect dog parents, we often find the obstacles of life getting in the way of doggie bath time.
It could be a mix of work, family, friends, or just old-fashioned procrastination on our part. If you can’t pay for professional dog grooming, the effort can be taxing and time-consuming.
In a perfect world, every dog would have a weekly bath, but that’s just not possible most of the time. With that said, aim to schedule a bath every six to eight weeks at minimum.
Make Bath time Better
When you optimize the bathing experience for you and your dog, everything becomes easier. Use these tips to your advantage.
Improve Technique
Little things like training, communication, and experience add up when getting your dog in the bath and speeding up the process. This comes down to your technique and finesse as an owner.
The more often you set bath time for your dog and follow through with good technique, the more trust you earn. This sets a good standard for future cleaning sessions.
Upgrade Shampoo
Using a natural dog shampoo that smells good and yields great results will also help you, the dog parent.
Finally, you will actually enjoy the process of cleaning your dog and avoid long delays.
Look for coat-specific shampoos with clean ingredients and none of those unwanted extras like dyes and artificial fragrances.
In Between Bath Tips
Even the best dog owners find themselves in a jam and unable to give their pets a full bath.
This is where in-between-bath methods come into play and make a huge difference.
Clean Up Post-Adventure
Don’t wait until scheduled bath time to do a quick wipe-down after a messy adventure at the park. Keep some dedicated doggie towels near the door so that you can clean off any obvious dirt and grime right away.
Use a Refresher
Imagine a spritz-ready solution that can freshen your dog’s coat in under a minute! These products are out there if you know where to look, and can be a lifesaver when you need them most.
Try a Dry Shampoo
Odor-neutralizing ingredients like magnesium, aloe, and baking soda combine to make powerful dry shampoos. The application is quick, and the results are impressive. These products are a true life hack that you must try.
Make a Plan – and Stick to It
Use this guide to determine how often your dog needs a bath, and follow through with that plan. Every two weeks, four weeks, or six weeks – consistency is the biggest factor for a clean and healthy coat.
These tips will help you maximize the effects of every bath and keep your doggie clean in between sessions, so everyone wins!
