As a pet owner, it can be hard to know exactly how often you should wash your dog. With so many opinions out there, it’s tough to figure out what’s truly best for your furry friend’s health and happiness. While some people believe that the more baths, the better, washing your dog too often could actually do more harm than good, stripping away natural oils and causing skin irritation. Finding the right bathing routine will depend on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and environment.
To help settle the debate, a veterinarian has shared expert advice on the ideal bathing routine for your dog. Petplan Vet Expert and President of the UK Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Brian Faulkner, explained that how often you wash your dog depends on factors like their activity level, environment, and breed.
While the RSPCA recommends bathing your dog roughly every three months as a general guideline, more frequent washes are perfectly fine if your dog needs them.
This often depends on their lifestyle, as some dogs are more adventurous or spend a lot of time outdoors, while others live mostly indoors.
For instance, a long-haired dog that enjoys rolling in mud in the countryside is likely to need more baths than a short-haired pup living in a city flat.
However, be cautious about overwashing. Bathing your dog too often can strip away the natural oils in their coat, leading to dryness and irritation.
The expert also noted that dogs have their own ways of staying clean canine saliva contains antibacterial properties, and they often groom themselves by licking or nibbling at dirt and debris.
That said, he warned that excessive or obsessive self-cleaning could be a sign of an underlying health or behavioural issue, and it’s worth getting it checked out by a vet.
When it’s time for a bath, use lukewarm water and a hypoallergenic shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
Start from the back and work your way forward, being gentle around sensitive areas like the face and the ears.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all the shampoo, then dry your dog with clean towels. Don’t forget to reward them with praise or a treat to make bath time a positive experience.
