The general rule of thumb says that you should bathe your dog every 4 to 8 weeks, or every month or two. However, there isn’t one universal answer on how often to bathe a dog, as there are many factors to consider.
- If your dog tends to get dirty easily and quickly, you have to wash it more frequently.
- Also, during certain times of the year, it is advisable to wash your dog more frequently or less frequently, depending on the season.
- You also have to consider the season and the general health of the dog.
Don’t overdo it, though, as too frequent bathing can irritate your dog’s skin and strip it of some important natural oils. As a result, your dog might feel itchy and restless.
In this article, we will tell you more about optimal dog bathing frequency, including some specific cases. Keep reading to learn more!
How Often To Bathe Your Dog In Different Seasons (Winter/Summer)
Many dog owners wonder, “How often should I bathe my dog in winter?” or “Should I bathe my dog more often in summer?” As you probably already assume, different seasons require different bathing frequencies.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog During Winter?
In winter, you should bathe your dog less frequently for two reasons.
- First, your dog is probably spending more time indoors, which means it gets less dirty.
- Second, your dog’s fur will take longer to dry in cold winter months, even if your heating is good.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog During the Winter?
It’s the complete opposite in the summer. Your dog is more active and spends more time outdoors, and its fur takes less time to dry.
In summer, you can bathe your dog every two weeks, while in winter, every 6 to 8 weeks is more than enough.
Bathing Different Breeds Of Dogs
When deciding on how often to wash a dog, you need to consider its fur length and coat type.
Dogs with longer fur need more frequent baths, while short-haired breeds are easier to maintain and usually require fewer baths.
Interestingly enough, dogs with curly fur, such as Poodles, need fewer baths, as their fur traps dirt and prevents it from reaching the skin.
Here is a complete guide on how to groom a Yorkie.
Bathing Dogs With Skin Allergies, Fleas, or Dry Skin
When your dog has skin issues, such as allergies, fleas, or dry skin, that changes how much you need to bathe it.
For example, if your dog has fleas, you will probably need to bathe it more frequently, in order for the flea shampoo and other flea products to be effective.
If your dog has skin allergies or dry skin, you shouldn’t focus solely on the frequency of bathing, but also on the products that you use. If you haven’t already, switch to shampoos for sensitive skin, and make sure they contain no allergens.
Consult your vet before trying any shampoo or other product, as they can recommend the best and safest option for your dog.
Why Do You Need To Bathe Your Dog?
There are several reasons why you should wash your dog. The first reason is that dogs are active and energetic, and when you take them outside for a walk or a play session, they get dirty. Then, when they come back inside, they bring all that dirt into your house.
Bathing a Dog Prevents Stinking
However, even the dogs that stay outside need an occasional bath, as they would otherwise get really dirty. That dirt would accumulate over time, and your dog would stink, its fur would become matted and obviously dirty, and all that would cause your dog a great amount of discomfort.
Bathing a Dog Also Prevents Skin Diseases and Protects Its Overall Health
Dirty dogs are also more prone to various skin diseases and even parasites. You want your dog to stay healthy and happy, which is why regular baths aren’t something you can neglect.
In the summer, when the temperatures are extremely high, bathing your dog can provide a much-needed relief, and it can help remove shedded fur, helping your dog regulate its temperature even better.
Dog Washing Mistakes To Avoid
If your dog really hates bath time, then there is likely something you are doing wrong. Unfortunately, there are several mistakes that many dog owners make when washing their dogs. Here is their list, so that you can avoid them the next time you wash your dog:
- Washing your dog too often or not often enough - hopefully, this article will help you avoid this mistake.
- Not using the proper shampoo - the shampoo needs to be specifically for bathing dogs, and ideally, it would be recommended by your vet.
- Not brushing your dog’s fur beforehand - this will make any mats or tangled fur harder to remove when they get wet.
- Too hot or too cold water - make sure to use lukewarm water.
- Not rinsing enough - shampoo residue can irritate your dog's skin, and it can attract even more dirt.
- Not securing your dog, your dog can easily escape mid-bath, or it can wriggle so much that you can’t bathe it properly.
Make Dog Washing Easier and More Enjoyable
Speaking of securing your dog properly while bathing it, the best way to do it is by using dog washing stations.
There are many reasons why dog washing stations are perfect for a home, the main one bing that these stations allow you to secure your dog and prevent it from running off, but they also provide more comfort and control to you, thanks to their adjustable height.
Here are our top picks:
CO-Z 50" Stainless Steel Dog Grooming Tub with Faucet, Walk-in Ramp & Accessories
This CO-Z dog washing station is made for medium and large dogs. It has a raised tub, warm water access, a sliding door, and retractable steps. It is built from easy-to-clean stainless steel, which makes it even more convenient.
50" Stainless Steel Pet Grooming Tub - Dog Bathtub
This dog washing station is perfect for dogs of all sizes. It is built with a raised stainless steel tub, and it includes accessories like leashes, shampoo racks, and a fur trap:
Here are 5 more affordable dog bathing stations for your home
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you some useful insights on how often to wash a dog, including some specific situations. Remember, every dog is different and unique, which also requires a unique bathing schedule and routine.
However, once you figure it all out, this can become a fun experience for both you and your dog.
You might be interested in these tips for cutting black dog nails.
