How often should I bathe my dog?

Many pet parents wonder how often to bathe their dog without overdoing it. There is a lot of outdated or misleading advice on the internet warning that overbathing can strip away the natural oils and dry out your dog’s skin and coat.

While I'm sure that might be possible, I have never encountered a situation where a dog was harmed by over-bathing. However I have encountered countless cases where regular grooming could have saved both discomfort and hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in vet bills as a result of insufficient cleaning.

The oil in question, Sebum, is an oil secreted by the sebaceous gland in hair follicles which moisturizes the skin. Shampooing does remove sebum, but using a good conditioner afterwards takes its place while more Sebum is produced naturally.

Sebum is actually a very sticky substance, and when allowed to build up can cause issues like:

Trapping dirt and odors in the coat
A greasy feeling coat leading to dandruff.
Clogged hair follicles leading to pimples, cysts or boils.
Allergens or toxins become trapped against the skin, which can lead to skin infections or hot spots.

Harsh detergents such as dish soap can certainly irritate a dog’s skin. But most pet shampoos today are extremely mild. If your dog’s skin is especially sensitive, I would avoid using heavily scented products.

When irritation does occur after bathing, it’s often because cleaning the coat and skin has revealed an underlying condition that was already present but not visible. In severe cases the freshly cleaned skin may cause tingling or itching sensations that lead a dog to scratch or lick causing further irritation or even infection.

If your dog shows signs of irritation after grooming, consider using an Elizabethan collar to stop them from scratching or licking until the discomfort subsides. Inspect the area to ensure there are no injuries or signs of infection and seek medical attention if necessary. Otherwise mild discomfort should subside fairly quickly if given an opportunity to heal.

Excessive amounts of brushing, dematting, or deshedding in one session can also cause irritation and damage to the coat, which can cause further tangling and matting in the future.

Regular bathing and undercoat removal can prevent many skin conditions and expensive trips to the Veterinarian. Plus it's much easier to enjoy time with your dog when they are clean and smell pleasant.

Most dogs will benefit from grooming every 4-6 weeks or whenever they are dirty. After swimming in lakes or the ocean, it’s also a good idea to bathe them to prevent a variety of health issues.

If you or your dog are prone to allergies, bathing once a week can reduce the amount of allergens in the coat and help their body cope with mild irritation.

While these recommendations can prevent many problems, it cannot take the place of professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian and/or professional groomer regarding your dog’s specific health and grooming needs.