A vet has shared how often you should be giving your dog a bath. Veterinary Surgeon Brian Faulkner told Petplan how much dogs should be bathed and how owners should go about it.
Faulkner said “a good rule of thumb” is every three months, but you can give your dog a bath once a month or even once a week if they need it. If you have a less adventurous dog, like a toy breed, it will likely need less bathing than a dog happy to get wet and muddy, like a Spaniel or a Beagle. Likewise, city dogs and short-haired dogs will need fewer regular baths than a countryside or a long-haired dog. The vet said that it’s important to note that dogs secrete natural oils to help keep their coats healthy, and bathing them too regularly can strip these away, leading to dryness and skin irritation. Breeds like Border Collies, Cocker and Springer Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Basset Hounds produce lots of these oils, which give their coats a naturally waterproof quality. Dogs also self-clean with the antibacterial chemicals in their saliva, licking and nibbling dirt and debris out, shaking, and rolling around.
Faulkner said to “let your nose be your guide”. If your pet smells, bathe them. Bath time is also a good opportunity to check them for parasites like fleas or ticks, skin infections, wounds, or lumps that need medical attention.
Dog owners know how little man’s best friend tends to care for baths. It can be a frightening and stressful experience for them. Panting, trembling and ‘whale eye’ (showing the whites of their eyes) are all signs of stress. Running around after a bath is a way for them to release pent-up stress from the overstimulation and confinement.
The vet said to use a calming voice and praise your pet during a bath. Have some treats on hand, too, so they associate baths with a reward. A non-slip mat for them to stand on and a lick sheet to distract them can help baths go faster.
Brush your dog first to remove any debris, then use a gentle stream of lukewarm water so as not to overwhelm them. If you have a large dog, consider buying a paddling pool to use in hot weather.
Start with their hindquarters and work forward, so they’re more cooperative when you approach the sensitive tummy, neck and head areas. Massage dog shampoo into their fur for five minutes.
Rinse and repeat, ensuring no soapy suds remain. Take care not to direct water or soap into their sensitive ear canal as this can cause infections; instead, use a wet flannel.
Do not be tempted to use human shampoo, even if formulated for babies, as this can still be too harsh for your pet’s skin. If you don’t have dog shampoo, stick to just water.
Give them a rub down with a towel before allowing them to shake off the excess and air-dry. Double-coated breeds may need to be dried using a hairdryer. Keep it on the coolest setting and hold the nozzle well away from their fur.
