Is it ok to bathe my dog once a week?
Our dogs are very active with us, and get very muddy. Is bathing them once a week ok?
4 Answers
Yes, if you and your pups are very active, a once a week is okay. Weekly or bi-weekly bathing can prevent itchiness, washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin. If you hike in wooded areas, a bath will also allow you check and remove for any ticks immediately following your active time outdoors. This while allow you to quickly wash away any pollutants, toxic chemicals or wildlife containments that your dogs may have picked up on their fur or paws. This is also a great time to check in between their foot pads of any debris or sores if you are active through rough terrane.
Keep in mind, that despite old mindsets dog shampoo's and conditioners these days are not made with harsh chemicals. A quality dog shampoo and conditioner will not disrupt your dogs natural oils and pH levels. Look for natural shampoos that contain vitamin E, aloe vera, honey, and tea tree oil specifically made for dogs.
If they're not muddy and just a little dirty, a simple wipe down with a clean wet cloth over the top of your dogs coat and feet will do the trick. You can also buy "pet bath wipes" for portability, Nature's Miracle sells a contain for about $4. The wipes are all-natural and won't mess with their essential skin oils.
However, if you still in doubt, ask your vet for a dog shampoo and conditioner they recommend for your dog. They will be able to recommend the right product based on your dog's breed, gender, climate, activity and the anatomical size as the pH levels can vary from 5.5 to 7.5 in alkaline concentration. Hope that helps! :)
I agree with Hillary. That's pretty frequent. That said, if you need to wash debris from their coats after a muddy/dirty expedition, maybe rinse them down but don't use any product to try and keep their oils intact.
I bathe my little one once a week. It was recommended by her vet. I do use a mild shampoo (oatmeal) and take her a quick bath enough to get dirt and dust off. I don't scrub her down that often but just a gentle wash. I agree with Malika, this is the time I take to check to make sure she doesn't have bumps, rashes or anything out of the ordinary.
Once a week is pretty frequent. I would recommend once a month to avoid drying out their skin/stripping it of natural oils.