I grew up with a terrier mix named Caesar. He was a sweet, playful dog, but my favourite thing about him was that he loved bath time. I was used to washing cats who didn’t need, want, or like it (I am from a very boring town and had to invent ways to keep myself busy. Forgive me, kitties!), and Caesar’s unabashed enthusiasm for bathing was a refreshing change. As a result, he was the cleanest dog on the street.
For most dog owners, the issue is a bit more complicated, though. Whether it’s that your schedule is jam-packed, or your dog isn’t a fan of the bath, weekly baths are not likely to be on the calendar. But how often should you wash your dog? We asked around, and we’ve got some answers for you.
When They Smell Bad
I asked several of my dog-loving friends how often they wash their dogs, and while there was some variation in their answers, there was a recurring theme: poop.
“I wash my dog when he rolls in poop,” said Meghan. “So, every 3-4 months.”
Added another friend, “When spring rolls around, Abby rolls around, too. I call it ‘doggy perfume season.’ She gets a lot of baths this time of year.” Another friend told me that her Australian cattle dog, Snickers, has aged into a certain…ripeness, to put it mildly.
“I wash Snickers when her corpse-y musk gets overpowering,” Jenn told me. For some dogs (and their owners), the answer to “How often should I wash my dog?” is pretty bloomin’ simple. It’s when they get stinky.
The Short Answer: It Depends
But what about dogs less likely to roll in poop? What is the ideal bathing schedule for them? Well, it depends.
How often your dog needs to be washed is decided by several factors. There are plenty of physical considerations, such as your dog’s skin and fur type, breed, and health. Dogs with thick undercoats will need more frequent bathing than shorthaired breeds, or dogs with sensitive skin. Lifestyle is another important factor, if you’ve got your hands full with young kids you might not have time to bathe your dogs as regularly.
Daily Maintenance Is Key
To keep your pet’s coat clean and free of debris between baths, establish a routine of daily brushing. Regular brushing distributes natural oils evenly through their fur, and gives your dog a glossy, healthy appearance. Plus, it cuts down on shedding. For most dogs this should take about 5-10 minutes and can be worked into your walk routine.
An occasional wipe down can do wonders, and is a lot less time-intensive than a full bath.
Grooming wipes are a quick solution between baths.
Keep In Touch
One of the major benefits of washing your dog at home is that it helps you maintain familiarity with your dog’s body, so that if anything is amiss, you can catch it early.
When your dog is wet it’s easier to examine them for skin masses and parasites (fun!), which have the best prognosis with early intervention. If you prefer to outsource your dog-washing, use the same groomer consistently so that they’re familiar with your dog’s skin and can tell you if they notice anything out of place.
Okay, But How Often Should I Wash My Dog?
The RSPCA says that you should bathe your buddy at least once every three months, but different strokes for different folks. The actual number may be higher if your dog is extremely hairy, or particularly enthusiastic about rolling in poop, but most dogs should be able to get by with quarterly baths. And that’s my final answer.
As with most things, what matters is what will work for you, your dog, and your family. Don’t worry if a little time passes between baths. Unless you’re bothered by the smell, or your dog is uncomfortable, it’s fine. If my informal survey is any indication, you’re in good company.
In fact, one friend informed me that she never washes her dogs at all, saying, “They just have a perfect doggy smell. We never feel the need!”
To each their own!
Finding the Right Shampoo
On shampoo, there are a myriad of options on the market to get your buddy squeaky clean. DogsNaturally has a list of things to avoid in shampoo, including synthetic colour additives and added fragrance derived from chemicals. VetUK has a selection of dog-friendly shampoos here, but you can always ask your vet what shampoo might work best for your dog’s coat and skin. From dry skin to tangly fur, there’s a shampoo for every scenario.
Further Reading
If you’d like to get cracking, check out our article on How to Give a Dog a Bath. Good luck and have fun!
