How often should you wash a dog?

How often you should bathe a dog depends on several factors: breed, coat texture, living environment, and skin health. Despite these variables, general guidelines exist that many owners follow. Dogs with curly or long hair are usually washed about once a month. Dogs with short hair are washed once every two to four months. Many people also wash their dog if it gets very dirty or smelly.

Others say you shouldn’t wash your dog on a fixed schedule at all, only on your vet’s advice or if your dog has allergies. Veterinary sources note that dogs who need frequent baths may do better with a vet-prescribed therapeutic shampoo than with repeated plain washing.[1] With one to four washes a year and regular brushing, you can provide good coat care for most healthy dogs.

Where can I wash my dog?

Wash your dog wherever suits you: in the shower, in the bath, outside, or at a dog wash. These exist nowadays too. At Tom&Co they have a dog wash, where you buy a token at the till and wash your dog yourself.

How should I wash my dog?

Prepare well before you start; washing a dog takes far more effort than washing yourself. First, make sure you have a good dog shampoo or puppy shampoo. Puppies have more sensitive skin than adult dogs, and puppy shampoo contains gentler ingredients than regular dog shampoo. Brush your dog before you wet him, especially if he has long hair, otherwise any tangles will only get worse. Apply the shampoo, rub it in well, and rinse it out thoroughly. Then let your dog dry.

What should I use to wash my dog?

Use a dog shampoo. Dogs have sensitive skin, so the right shampoo does them a real favour. Your dog’s skin is much thinner than yours, and it reacts differently.

Zwitsal baby soap is safe to use on a dog, but it’s not the best option. Baby soap is designed for sensitive skin too, but it won’t clean a dog’s coat properly. The best dog shampoo is mild and unscented.

How warm should the water be for washing a dog?

Don’t use cold water when washing your dog, but don’t use hot water either. Water that’s too cold causes discomfort. Water that’s too hot can harm your dog’s skin and cause irritation. Around 25 degrees Celsius is close to ideal.

What if you wash your dog too often?

Washing your dog too often is never a good idea. Dogs naturally have a protective layer on their skin, and washing too often can damage it. Oily skin is a sign of healthy skin, not dirt that needs scrubbing away. A 2023 study that bathed dogs daily over five weeks found their skin’s natural bacterial balance became disrupted, with one bacterial group spiking before dropping back down once the washing stopped.[2]

Washing your dog too often can lead to coat and skin problems. Washing too infrequently, on the other hand, can lead to health problems and a smelly dog.

What if you don’t wash your dog?

In principle, you don’t need to wash a healthy dog with a healthy coat, whereas a dog with a skin condition can benefit greatly from a therapeutic shampoo treatment, ideally one recommended by your vet.[3] Washing focuses on the skin. Without an occasional scrub, your dog is more susceptible to parasites, infections, skin sores and other issues we’d rather spare our four-legged friend. Washing too often, on the other hand, can cause skin irritation, damage hair follicles and strip away protective oils.

So it’s about finding the right balance for your dog. In the meantime, you might want to try a supportive supplement like our Immune & Tune omega-3 supplement for skin, joints and immunity.

Can a dog wash itself?

Dogs often lick themselves clean; this is normal behaviour that helps them stay clean. Short-haired dogs will often groom their own coats this way, and dirt falls off naturally when they shake. A quick lick of the coat is perfectly normal, every dog does this. Keep an eye on it, though: excessive licking focused on the same spot could point to a problem.

What to do after washing your dog?

After washing your dog, blow-dry them thoroughly while brushing at the same time. It’s best to let the coat rest for a while afterwards.

Why does my dog still smell so strongly after a wash?

If your dog still smells strongly or unpleasantly after a wash, there may be an underlying health issue. Consider dental problems, excessive flatulence, food or environmental allergies, an ear infection or inflamed anal glands. A visit to the veterinarian is a good next step.

Why does my dog experience itching after a wash?

If dogs are washed too often, or if unsuitable grooming products are used, their natural lipid layer can be damaged.[2] This can lead to skin problems such as redness and persistent itching. You may notice your dog scratching or licking more after a wash than before.

Conclusion: How often should you wash a dog?

Washing your dog is an essential part of their care, but don’t overdo it. Find the right balance for your dog’s breed and living conditions. Always use a mild dog shampoo, and watch for signs of skin problems. If your dog has itching or a strong odour after washing, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable.