While it may not be the most joyful part of being a pet parent, giving your dog baths is essential to keep them healthy and clean. Seeing them go from a muddy, stinky pup into a sparkling clean dog is incredibly gratifying.
But how often should you bathe your dog? The answer might surprise you! However, there are a few things you should take into consideration before you give your dog a bath. Here are four factors to consider before you get started.
The Season
You may not think about it, but the time of year can play a role in when and how often you should bathe your dog. For example, if it’s winter, you should wait until spring or summer to give them their bath.
This is because dogs in cold climates tend to have more sensitive skin, and the colder weather can dry out their fur. In general, you should also avoid bathing your dog too often, as this can strip their fur of natural oils and lead to skin irritation.
Once every few months is usually sufficient, although you may need to increase the frequency if they get particularly dirty or smelly!
Your Dog’s Coat Type or Skin Type
The type of coat your dog has will also be a factor in how often you need to bathe them. Dogs with short coats, like Bulldogs or Boxers, will need to be cleaned more often than dogs with long coats, like Poodles or Shih Tzus. This is because long-coated dogs don’t get as dirty, and their fur repels dirt and debris better.
Dogs with long hair or curly coats need more regular baths to prevent their fur from mats forming. We recommend bathing these dogs at minimum once every four weeks and doing regular brushings between baths to help preserve the coat!
Because hairless breeds, like the Chinese Crested, don’t have coats, their skin is vulnerable to dirt. Bathing them once a week is optimal so that their skin stays clean and healthy. Dogs with oily skin, such as cocker spaniels or basset hounds, need to take more baths, so their coat doesn’t get greasy.
Your Dog’s Activity Level
Another thing to consider when deciding how often to bathe your dog is their activity level. For example, if your dog is constantly running around outside and gets dirty regularly, it will obviously need more baths than a dog that spends most of its time lounging indoors.
It’s important to find a balance, though – bathing your dog too often can strip away the natural oils in their skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation.
Skin Conditions
If your dog suffers from any skin conditions, like allergies or dry skin, you’ll want to take that into consideration when deciding how often to bathe them. Allergies can be aggravated by bathing too frequently, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian before bathing your pup if they suffer from allergies. Dry skin can usually be alleviated with special shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs with sensitive skin.
Why a Clean Dog Bed is Non-Negotiable
Bathing your dog is just one part of keeping them clean. You should also regularly wash their bedding and any toys they like to play with. This will help keep allergens at bay and prevent the buildup of dirt, fur, and dust on their most-used items.
The Hazards of a Dirty Dog Bed
Let’s start with the most obvious reason why it’s essential to keep your dog’s bed clean: dirt and bacteria. Just like humans, dogs can track in all sorts of filth from outside, including mud, dirt, leaves, and even feces. If you don’t clean these contaminants regularly, they can quickly turn your dog’s bed into a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.
Dirty dog beds can also lead to skin infections, particularly if your pup has any open wounds or cuts. Since dogs often lick their wounds as part of the healing process, any bacteria on their bedding can quickly end up in their mouth—and that’s a recipe for disaster.
Lastly, if you have other pets in the house, a dirty dog bed can also put them at risk for developing infections. After all, it’s not just dirt and bacteria that can be transferred from one pet to another; parasites like fleas and ticks can also make the jump.
No matter how often you bathe your dog, it’s essential to ensure they have a clean and comfortable place to rest their head. This will help them stay healthy, happy, and well-rested!
How To Give Your Dog a Bath
Many dog owners dread bath time, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience – for you or your pup! With a bit of patience and the right supplies, you can make bath time fun for everyone involved. Here’s everything you need to know about how to bathe your dog.
The Bathing Process
1. Brush your dog’s fur: As we mentioned earlier, brushing their fur before their bath will help remove any knots or tangles. It’s much easier to do this when their coat is dry, so make sure to brush them first!
2. Fill up the tub: Use warm – not hot! – water to fill up the tub or basin you’ll be using for your pup’s bath. They should be able to stand up and move around freely without being too cramped.
3. Wet their fur: Once the tub is filled, it’s time to wet your pup down with some water. Slowly pour water over their back and use your hand to help work it down into their fur. Avoid getting water in their face – you can do this at the end of the bath instead.
4. Apply shampoo: Now that their fur is wet, it’s time to apply some shampoo. Start at the back of their neck and work the suds down towards their tail. Be sure to avoid getting soap in their eyes, nose, and mouth!
5. Rinse off the shampoo: Thoroughly rinse all of the shampoo out of your pup’s fur until the water runs clear. You must ensure they’re clean before continuing to the next step, as even a small amount of residue can severely irritate their skin.
6. Dry them off: The best way to dry your dog off is by letting them shake themselves dry outside or towel dry them off as much as possible before letting them run around loose inside. Whatever you do, resist the urge to use a hair dryer – it can seriously harm their skin!
7. Reward them!: Last but not least, don’t forget to treat your pup for being such a good sport during bath time! They deserve it after sitting through all that sudsing up 🙂
>> Can Dog Beds Cause Allergies?
Conclusion
So there you have it. You now know how to give your dog a bath. If all of this seems too much for you, don’t worry. Pet groomers offer baths as part of their services. Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could always take your pup to a do-it-yourself dog wash.
No matter how you choose to get your dog clean, dogs typically only need one bath a month, but if they seem dirty or smelly, feel free to bathe them more frequently. Remember, some dogs only need a bath about every two months. Also, keep an eye out for dry skin, as that may be a sign you are bathing them too often.