How Often Should Dogs Receive a Bath?
Other People Are Reading
-
Once a Month
-
It is important not to bathe your dog more than once a month. Unlike human skin, a dog's skin contains necessary oils that will not withstand frequent washes. Bathing your dog more than once a month will dry out its skin, causing the dog to become itchy and uncomfortable. Additionally, if you use topical flea treatment on your dog, bathing it may wash off the medicine, making it ineffective. A good rule of thumb is to give your dog a bath at the beginning of each month prior to applying its flea treatment.
-
Specific Bathing Needs
-
Different breeds can tolerate bathing at different rates, so it is important to consult your vet or groomer about how often you should bathe your dog. For instance, if your dog has a skin condition such as mange, it may require frequent baths. Also, your dog may require a bath more often if it is prone to certain behaviors such as rolling around in mud, dirt, feces or dead animals.
Bottom Line
-
Always follow your veterinarian's advice when it comes to bathing your dog. Outside of special circumstances, bathing your dog once a month should be adequate and not cause dryness. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner on your pet. Finally, make sure to regularly clean the environment in which your dog dwells to reduce any odor in your home.
References
- Photo Credit SONY DSC image by gierczak2007 from Fotolia.com
