How often should I wash my dog? This is a question we at PUPP are often asked.
Bathing your dog shouldn’t be just for after a messy play at the park, bathing and brushing your furry friend should be a routine part of your pet’s care. Bathing removes built-up dirt and debris that you may not see accumulating and can help prevent skin conditions from developing, including dermatitis & itchy dry skin, blocked pores, and oily skin.
That being said, the routine for your pet’s particular hair type and activity level can range from monthly to quarterly (If your dog isn’t one to get a little bit stinky at the park or on the farm!) below are our guides for how often you should be washing your furry friend if you are using the right shampoo that is free from potential irritants.
SHORT COATED DOGS
(E.g: Bulldog Breeds, Beagle, short-haired Dachshund, Short-haired Fox Terrier, Dalmatian, Beagle, Weimaraner)
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Bathe every 8-12 weeks (Or when they are dirty!)
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Brush weekly to ensure even distribution of coat oils to keep your pups hair and skin hydrated and shiny
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Clean your pup’s ears and trim nails fortnightly
LONG COATED DOGS
(E.g Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Long Coated Dachshund, Cavoodle, Retrodoodle)
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Bathe every 8-12 weeks, but every 4 weeks during shedding season (spring)
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If dogs are clipped or have scissor trims you can bathe them approximately every 6 weeks
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Brush weekly to ensure even distribution of coat oils and to catch any dropping hair. During shedding season, brush daily (this will also help you avoid going mad with shedding hair all over your house!)
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Clean your pup’s ears and trim nails fortnightly
DOUBLE COATED DOGS
(E.g Golden Retriever, Samoyed, Pomeranian, Aussie Shepherd, Border Collie, Chow, labrador)
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A double coat is unique as it can show as long or short but is actually two coats (an outer and an inner layer) to assist dogs with temperature regulation- both cold and hot. You should never clip a double-coated dog- The undercoat may grow back faster and overcrowd the slower-growing guard hairs, which reduces your dog’s skin protection and temperature regulating properties. There are many short-haired dogs that are actually double coated, such as the Labrador, so it always pays to check what coat your dog has.
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Bathe every 8-12 weeks, or monthly during the shedding season
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Brush weekly, or daily during shedding season. The undercoat will shed throughout the year with two peak shedding periods in spring and autumn. A shedding tool such as a furminator will help remove the shedding undercoat.
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Clean ears and trim nails fortnightly.
Giving your dog a regular bath not only keeps them looking good, it also contributes to them feeling good too. As you form a bathing and brushing routine with your dog, you are also creating quality bonding time with your pet as well. Remember, some dogs are muckier than others, so this article is a guide only, regular grooming will help you to understand the timings of baths that work best for you and your pup.