How often should I bathe my dog?
While dogs don't require daily scrub downs like we do, they do need regular baths--but just how regular depends on several factors, such as the dog's environment and type of coat.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Bathing at least once a month works for most dogs.
- Dogs with an oily coat, like Basset Hounds, may need bathing as frequently as once a week.
- Many short-haired breeds with smooth coats, such as Beagles and Weimaraners, do just fine with less frequent baths. Short-coated Basenjis are fastidious in their personal hygiene and rarely need a bath.
- Breeds with water-repellent coats, such as Golden Retrievers and Great Pyrenees, should be bathed less often so as to preserve their natural oils.
- Dogs with thick, double coats--such as Samoyeds, Malamutes, and other Northern breeds--do best with fewer baths and a lot of extra brushing (which gets rid of loose, dead hair and helps distribute natural oils that keep your dog's skin and coat healthy).
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Basically, the best way to gauge when your dog needs a bath is to give her a good sniff. How does she smell to you? Not so good? Start running the water.
