How often should you wash your dog
Determining how often your dog needs to bathe can be tricky. With so many different types of dogs, differences in their lifestyle and health needs, there is no universal answer to this question. How to choose the right bathing frequency for your pet – in the article.
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How often should a dog be bathed? Factors to Consider
A healthy dog with a short, smooth coat that does not have skin problems does not need to be bathed frequently. In most cases, washing dogs brings more joy to the owners than to the animals themselves. It is recommended to bathe your dog at least once every two to three months. Bathing your dog gives you the perfect opportunity to check for skin problems or lumps that could indicate a serious health problem.
However, in some cases it may be beneficial to give your dog more frequent baths. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding how often to bathe your dog.
Dog activity level
If your dog is very active and spends a lot of time outdoors, he should probably be bathed more often, especially if he regularly swims in water or messes around in the mud. Even non-staining sporting dogs may need more frequent bathing to control odor. Washing the dog after a walk will be appreciated not only by the pet itself, but also by your pets.
Type of wool or skin
According to the American Kennel Club, long-haired and curly dogs generally require more frequent bathing and grooming to avoid matting. The AKC also recommends bathing these dogs at least once every four to six weeks, with regular brushing between baths to maintain their coat. Short-haired breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, which do not have health problems, do not need to bathe often.
What to do if you have a hairless dog? Washing hairless dogs, such as the Chinese Crested, whose skin is not protected by hair, is necessary weekly. Animals with oily skin, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, will also benefit from more frequent baths to prevent oil from building up on the skin, Care.com notes.
Allergies or skin problems
Some dogs suffer from allergies or skin conditions that require regular bathing with medicated shampoo. In such cases, the correct frequency of bathing your pet will depend on the recommendations of the veterinarian or groomer. If your dog itches after washing, regular baths with colloidal oatmeal shampoo can help. Animals that do not respond well to oral or topical pest control may need regular baths to control fleas and ticks.
Your health and comfort
Sometimes more frequent bathing of the dog is beneficial to the owner. For example, if you are allergic to pet dander, or if your puppy tends to bring allergens into the house from outside. Regular baths to wash your dog and clean its coat will help you breathe easier. And if you allow your pet to lie on the couch or in your bed, bathing at the first sign of an unpleasant smell will make life easier for everyone around.
Too much – how much?
If you’re wondering how often to bathe your dog, you need to know that washing too much can be harmful. Bathing too often can deprive a dog of natural fats needed for a healthy coat and skin, according to Reader’s Digest. If the dog itches after bathing, the cause may be dry and dull coat and itchy skin. If you need to bathe your pet more than once a month, be sure to use a moisturizing dog shampoo or apply a moisturizing dog conditioner after washing to replenish the lack of natural moisture.
If you’re still not sure how often to bathe your pet, ask your veterinarian or groomer about it. Depending on the breed, health status and lifestyle of the dog, they will be able to give individual recommendations on how many times to bathe the dog and how to choose the necessary products for this procedure. Expert advice will help keep your dog clean and healthy.
