Proper hygiene is an important aspect of a dog’s life; however, as many dog owners know, getting your furry friend into the bath is sometimes easier said than done. At the Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic, we’re here to help! By understanding the basics of dog bathing, you can keep your dog clean and healthy and make bath time a breeze.
How Often Should You Give Your Dog a Bath?
As any dog owner knows, not all pups are created equally. Some breeds are more high maintenance than others, which can be part of the appeal. While numerous breeds and varieties of dogs exist, almost all need to be bathed or groomed regularly.
Generally speaking, a healthy dog without skin problems doesn’t require frequent bathing. Often, dog baths are more for the owner’s benefit than the dogs. Most pet owners bathe their pets to avoid smells and dirt in their homes and beds. Dogs with short coats can generally be bathed every one to three months, while those with medium to long coats should be bathed every four to six weeks.
The type of coat your dog has plays a significant factor in determining their bathing frequency. But it’s not as simple as the length of their coat. Some hairless breeds, like the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli, may require weekly baths. Long-hair breeds like the Maltese and Collie should also be bathed more frequently.
Activity level also plays a significant role in determining bathing frequency. Active pups require more frequent bathing than couch potatoes.
The activities your pet engages in also helps to determine their bathing schedule. Dogs that love to swim in pools or salt water or love to roll around in the mud require bathing after these activities.
Sometimes, things happen outside of our control that require a thorough cleaning. If your dog suffers from diarrhea, clean them with a comforting bath after checking with your dog’s care provider.
At the end of the day, you and your veterinarian know your furry friend the best. Check with them first to see if your dog would benefit from bath time and to establish a frequency that meets their needs and yours.
Can You Bathe Your Dog Too Much?
Excessive bathing can harm your dog. Bathing strips the natural oils in their skin, which they need to maintain healthy skin and coat. Without those oils, just like people, dogs can end up with dry, itchy skin. For dogs that require frequent bathing (whether it be due to their breed, activity level, or activity types), be sure to use a moisturizing dog shampoo or follow up with a moisturizing dog conditioner to help replenish their natural moisture.
Why Regular Bathing is Important for Dogs
While odor control is the most common reason for a dog owner to reach for doggy shampoo, there are so many other benefits to bathing your dog regularly.
Dogs whose owners routinely groom them are more likely to have glossy coats and healthy skin because the ingredients in most bath products promote fur and skin health. Also, by bathing and brushing your dog consistently, you can address clumps of matted fur and soothe itchy spots before they become a more significant issue.
Baths are also an excellent opportunity to check them over for signs of skin problems or lumps and bumps that could indicate a health issue.
Regular bathing can also help reduce the severity of animal allergens. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, folks with a dog allergy aren’t allergic to the dog’s hair/fur, but rather the protein that is found in the dog’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, as well as allergens that dog hair can collect.
Luckily, baths can combat the buildup of allergens by gently removing them. If you suffer from a pet allergy but can’t even consider life without your four-legged best friend, try making bath time part of your routine!
While all those factors are great reasons to clean your dog, we saved the most important one for last: your dog’s mental health. As humans benefit from a “spa day,” bathing can help a dog’s mental health by deepening the bond with its owner and strengthening trust when done correctly.
Create a calm and positive environment during bath time so your dog has a good experience. Additionally, be gentle and friendly with your dog to strengthen your bond and make bathing enjoyable.
What Do I Need to Bathe My Dog?
The tools that you use can make or break the bathing experience. Set yourself up for success by having the following supplies ready:
- Dog Shampoo – Regular old human hair products don’t cut for dog bath time. Dog skin and human skin have very different pH balances. Using human shampoo on dogs can strip away the protective top layer above their skin, leaving them vulnerable to parasites, viruses and bacteria. It also makes their skin dry and flaky. Therefore, make sure to purchase a dog shampoo designed specifically for your dog’s species. Additionally, you can choose a high-quality and gentle product with your dog’s coat type in mind. If your vet prescribes a medicated shampoo, read the instructions on the label before use.
- Non-Slip Mats – Some animals get anxious around bath time because they don’t feel comfortable inside the tub or shower. A non-slip mat can make your dog feel safer and more secure.
- Brush – If your dog has long fur, a brush will be your best friend. Brushing your dog before, during, and after bath time can remove dead hair and help you address mats or tangles.
- Water Pitcher – The best way to get your dog wet without soaking yourself in the process is by using a handheld shower head, cup, or pitcher to rinse them off.
- Cotton Balls – Keeping your dog’s ears dry and free from shampoo during a bath is important. Cotton balls are a cheap and accessible way to protect the ears – make sure to remove them when bath time is over!
- Towel – When it’s all said and done, you’ll need a towel to soak up excess water. Prepare by having a stack of clean, fluffy towels nearby! Many dogs love this part of the path and enjoy having you rub them down with a towel!
Tips for a Successful Bath Time
Our team of experienced veterinarians has a few tricks up their sleeves to make bathing and grooming your dog a stress-free experience.
Set yourself up for success by tiring out your dog beforehand. Bath time is no match for the Zoomies, so get your best friend’s energy out by playing and exercising before heading to the tub. If your animal still has too much anxious energy, you should consider using a restraint like a leash or a grooming loop to keep them stable during the bath. Make sure always to supervise your dog while they are restrained.
Make bath time enjoyable by providing lots of treats and praise during the process. Not only will this reinforce good behavior, but it can also offer a tasty distraction! We recommend spreading wet food like peanut butter or spray cheese on a lick mat that adheres to the tub’s wall.
Do All Pets Need Baths?
While it’s practically guaranteed that your dog could use consistent baths, that isn’t always the case with other pets. The School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University found that most cats don’t require more than a thorough brush now and then because their “fastidious grooming behavior” essentially makes them self-cleaning.
When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
At the Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic, we understand the importance of bathing and grooming your furry friend. Consult our experienced team to learn more about your animal’s needs so you can keep them clean and healthy.
