Wait, What? Here's How Often You Should Really Be Bathing Your Dog, According to Vets

Daily showers are considered good hygiene for humans (and, frankly, good manners). It begs the question: is the same true for pets? How often should you bathe your dog?

Good question, veterinarians say.

"Knowing how often to bathe a dog is essential for maintaining their skin and coat health," says Michael Thompson, DVM, the founder and leading veterinarian of Pets Food Safety. "Bathing too frequently can strip the natural oils, leading to dry and irritated skin, while not bathing enough can lead to a build-up of dirt, oils and odors, possibly causing infections or discomfort."

As a pet parent, you want to do right by your dog. Ultimately, the answer to the question, "How often should I bathe my dog?" is "It depends."

"It needs to be balanced with the dog’s individual lifestyle and conditions," says Heather Berst, VMD, a veterinarian with Zoetis.

However, while there's no universal magic number, veterinarians can give a general guideline.

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How Often Should You Bathe a Dog?

The answer to this question depends on various factors, including coat length, breed and lifestyle. However: "As a general rule, for a dog that is in good health and not undergoing treatment for any active skin issues, a bath every four weeks is adequate," says Leslie W. Gillette, DVM, a veterinarian at Chewy.

Dr. Berst agrees.

"In general, I say not to give them a bath more than one to two times a month," Dr. Berst says. "Dogs that live on farms, hike a lot or do other outdoor activities when they get dirty may need more frequent baths."

However, all three vets emphasize that there's wiggle room.

"The bathing frequency varies by breed, coat type and lifestyle," reiterates Dr. Thompson. "Short-haired dogs might only need a bath once a month, while long-haired breeds prone to matting may need to be bathed more often. Dogs with oily coats, like Basset Hounds, might need weekly baths. Dogs that are frequently outdoors or get dirty often may also require more frequent bathing."

Dr. Gillette says other reasons for more frequent (or impromptu) baths include:

• Dogs who swim regularly

• Dogs who came in contact with or were exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals

• Dogs with dermatitis or chronic allergies

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The #1 Biggest Hygiene Mistake That Pet Parents Make

Bathing too frequently is a common mistake.

"Frequent bathing can actually do more harm than good for many dogs," Dr. Gillette explains. "Dogs have natural body oils that exist on the surface of their skin to help nourish both the skin and hair follicles, providing an added layer of defense against yeast, bacteria, fungus and other organisms that may cause itching, pustules, rashes and hair loss."

Dr. Gillette adds that these natural oils are critical to internal temperature regulation.

Is It OK To Bathe a Dog Once a Week?

Maybe. "Bathing a dog once a week may be acceptable for some dogs, especially those with oily coats or those that get dirty frequently," Dr. Thompson says. "However, for many dogs, weekly baths might strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry and itchy skin."

Dr. Thompson advises pet parents to speak with their vets about bathing frequency.

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6 Tips for Bathing Your Dog

1. Brush

You'll also want to brush your dog's fur before putting them in the water.

"Brushing your dog before a bath can remove loose fur and detangle the coat, making the bathing process easier and more effective," Dr. Thompson says. "It can also help you inspect for any hidden issues such as ticks or skin irritations."

1. Check the water temperature

You may enjoy a piping hot bath, but your pup likely won't.

"Always use lukewarm water, as hot or cold water can be uncomfortable or even harmful to a dog's skin," Dr. Thompson says.

2. Choose a shampoo

You and your pet may share secrets and a bed, but don't share a shampoo.

"Use a dog-specific shampoo, as human shampoos can be too harsh for a dog's sensitive skin," says Dr. Thompson. "Dog shampoos are formulated to clean without removing essential oils."

3. Wait it out if your dog uses topical preventatives

Dr. Gillette suggests waiting 24 to 48 hours to bathe a dog if you've given them a topical preventative.

"Washing prior to application will strip the skin and fur of the natural oils that help disperse the product, and washing too soon after application may strip enough of the product away to compromise the protection it should be providing," Dr. Gillette says.

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4. Care of the eyes and ears

No one likes shampoo in their eyes and ears—even Fido.

"Place cotton balls in the ears during a bath and remove them when the dog gets out," suggests Dr. Berst. "This can avoid getting water in the ear that could lead to an ear infection. If you do get shampoo in the eyes, rinse the eyes with an eye wash and call your veterinarian if they look red or if they are holding them shut."

5. Clean their ears post-bath

Even if you successfully used the cotton-ball hack above, cleaning your dog's ears after bathing them is essential.

"Use a damp cloth to clean the ears or ear drops prescribed by a vet," Dr. Thompson suggests.

6. Finishing touches

Your dog is probably eager to get out of the tub and move on. However, you'll want to take some extra steps to ensure a clean, shiny coat.

"As the dog dries, you can towel dry them or use a hair dryer," Dr. Berst says. "A hairdryer can come in handy for a dog that has a long or a thick coat, but make sure you do not burn their skin. As your dog is drying, brush the coat out to avoid knots."

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