How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Having a bath routine for your pup is important, so we're here to help you figure out how much you should wash your pup. First and foremost, we want to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Second, when your dog is wet and their hair is flat on their body, it is the perfect time to see what if your dog has any unusual bumps, scratches, or bugs. Ask your Vet if you see anything unusual.

Third, we will help you figure out your dog washing routine. Dogs should be washed as often as once every 2 weeks, but they should be bathed at least once every 3 months. 

When determining how often to wash you pup… there are a few factors to consider:

1) How long is your dog’s hair?

If your dog’s hair length is long, that means their hair will hold onto more of the sand and dirt when they go on a walk, play at the dog park, or hang out at doggie daycare. For example, a golden retriever. Which means long hair dogs generally need more baths to get rid of any lingering sand and dirt.

If your dog’s hair is short, less hair for the sand and dirt to attach to. For example, a chihuahua. Which means short hair dogs tend to not need a bath as often.

2) How active is your dog? 

Dogs need to run around outside and play in order to get dirty. So if your dog likes to lounge and chill all day, then they probably don’t need a bath that often. 

On the other hand, if your dog goes for a couple walks a day, goes to the dog park, enjoys swimming in the lake, or goes to doggie daycare... then your dog is probably getting a consistent workout. Which means you’ll want to tend to bath your dog more often.

3) Does your dog have allergies/skin conditions?

If your dog has skin allergies or other health problems then you’ll want to do some research and/or talk to your Vet on how frequently you should bathe your dog.

4) Is over-washing your pup possible?

Yes, it is. Dogs need the natural oils that their skin to maintain produces in order to promote hair growth. Without those natural oils your dog might be itchy due to irritation and dryness. However, the rule of thumb to fall back on… if your pup smells, time to give them a bath.

Now, for the dog parents that feel 2 weeks between baths is too long for your pup… Check out the 4 Mistakes Dog Parents Make Between Dog Baths.