As all dog owners know, your canine companion rarely stays clean for an extended period. Dogs have an uncontrollable drive to roll in things they shouldn’t and, more frustratingly, a fondness for muddy puddles. It’s nearly hard to keep your dog clean 24 hours a day, so in this article we examine the age-old question: How often should I wash my dog ?
Table of Contents
When Should A Dog Be Bathed?
To begin, when should you bathe your dog? While there is no exact science that applies to every dog, it is generally recommended that you wash your dog at least once every three months. However, it is not uncommon to wash your dog as frequently as once a week, provided you use a soft shampoo and avoid over-cleaning your dog.
As with humans, excessive cleaning can be just as detrimental as little cleaning. For example, much like humans, dogs require a certain amount of natural oils in their hair and skin to stay healthy. Just like you should avoid shampooing your hair every time you shower, your dog probably does not require a wash the moment they pick up a speck of dirt on their coat. While they have a natural inclination to maintain a basic level of hygiene, their definition of clean is quite different from ours!
Before committing to a regular washing plan for your dog, there are a few factors to consider, including the following: how active has your dog been?
While you should exercise your dog regularly, some dogs enjoy digging in the mud and rolling around, while others prefer a calm stroll. One of these activities will produce more filth than the other.
Similarly, you should evaluate the length of your dog’s hair; is it long enough to trap dirt and other muck, or are they short-haired with a coat that is less likely to grow dirty? Additionally, do they suffer from any skin condition? Your veterinarian will explain this to you, but if your dog suffers from an allergy, they may require more or less frequent washing than other dogs. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have a skin disease.
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Why Is It Important To Bathe Your Dog?
Why is it necessary to bathe our pets so frequently? It is not solely to maintain cleanliness and eradicate offensive odors. Instead, bathing our pets allows us to perform a quick check-up to ensure no suspicious lumps or fleas. Of course, your dog should continue to receive routine veterinary care, but washing provides an excellent opportunity for a self-scan.
What Is The Proper Way To Bathe A Dog?
Therefore, how do you clean your dog? It’s not the same as washing a car unless your automobile enjoys leaping out of the driveway as you’re washing it. To begin, ensure that your dog can stand in your bath on a plastic bath mat or in a plastic tub if you’re doing it outside — this will guarantee that your dog feels comfortable and isn’t sliding around.
Following that, you must ensure that you use the proper dog shampoo. Baby shampoo should be avoided at all costs, as dogs’ skin is extremely fragile, and even mild shampoo can cause irritation. As a result, we urge that you use only dog shampoos to keep your dog as safe and comfortable as possible.
Once your dog is completely submerged in water at a decent temperature, thoroughly apply the shampoo, taking care to avoid the eyes and mouth and paying special attention to their hindquarters. Rinse and repeat, then thoroughly dry your dog with an old towel.
Thus, while bath time can be a hardship for both you and your dog, it is ultimately in their best interests, so make it as relaxing or enjoyable as possible for them, and you should have no problems bathing your dog.
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Selecting The Proper Dog Shampoo
Again, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all dog shampoo. For most typical dogs, we recommend a gentle dog shampoo or baby shampoo. Natural dog shampoos are readily available at most pet stores and are extremely gentle on your dog’s coat and skin, as well as on their eyes if they get a splash to the face accidentally.
If your dog is a particularly oily breed, you may need a harsher shampoo. Flea and tick washes are an effective way to rid your dog of unwanted bugs but should be used sparingly due to their abrasive nature.
Certain breeds of dogs have extremely sensitive skin and may benefit from being cleaned and towel-dried to eliminate extra dirt and oil.
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How Frequently Should A Dog Be Bathed?
Varying breeds have vastly different bathing requirements, so ensure that you bathe your dog appropriately.
Dachshunds, German Shorthaired Pointers, and other dogs with comparable short coats can go an extended period between baths. As a result, their coats naturally shed excess dirt and oil, and they rarely smell.
Breeds with higher oil content, such as basset hounds, may require bathing up to once a week. Additionally, their natural oils may protect their skin from becoming too dry.
Retrievers and other dogs with water-resistant coats should be brushed regularly, and excessive bathing should be avoided to preserve their coat’s natural oils.
Similar procedures should be followed for double-coated breeds such as the Akita, Chow Chow, and the smaller American Eskimo. Brushing also aids in the distribution of their natural oils and promotes healthy skin.
As a general rule, you can bathe your dog around once a month unless they appear smelly/dirty or their skin becomes very dry.
Hope this article has given you proper insight on How Often Should I Wash My Dog. If you have any suggestions , do let us know so that we may improve the way we help pet parents.
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