How Often Should You Give Your Dog A Bath?

Life as a dog parent comes with a large share of chaos and serious responsibilities, two elements that converge when it comes time to give your pup a bath. Beyond serving as a good hygiene practice, regular washes help rid your canine's fur and skin of dirt, debris, ticks, and fleas. They also play a key role in preventing infection and minimizing odors.

In a survey of over 300 dog parents by Total Vet, roughly 30% of the participants reported bathing their pups monthly. 20% of respondents, meanwhile, only gave their pooch the scrub-down once every couple of months. With that much discrepancy, it's inevitable that one would wonder: How often are you supposed to wash your dog? According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), how often you should bathe your pup depends mainly on three factors: lifestyle, coat, and breed.

Hairless breeds require a weekly bath, while medium to large smooth-coated dogs like the cavalier King Charles spaniel need a bath from weekly to every four to six weeks. On the other hand, dogs with thick or double coats like the Siberian husky need baths only once every one to three months. Meanwhile, dogs who spend time outdoors are going to get dirtier quicker than those that primarily stay inside all day. Another factor to consider is health conditions. Dr. Alison Diesel of Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine explained, "Dogs with skin problems often require more frequent bathing and sometimes benefit from specific kinds or medicated shampoos."

Although it's tempting to think the more baths the better, that's not the case with dogs. Bathing your pup more often than necessary can lead to skin irritation and coat dryness. A 2023 study published by Frontiers in Veterinary Science that looked at Labrador retrievers who were bathed daily for two weeks showed negative changes in their skin microbiome. At the same time, not bathing your dog at all can be detrimental to their health. It allows dead skin cells to accumulate on the skin, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.

Figuring out exactly how many baths your dog needs per year is ultimately a personal decision. Although there's some variation among breeds, most canines will benefit from a wash once every four-to-six weeks. If you're ever uncertain, consult with your vet to figure out what works best for your breed. That said, even if you decide to space out the time between baths, know that most dogs still need a weekly grooming session that consists of combing their coat, getting rid of any tangles, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears.

If your dog requires frequent baths, ease them into it rather than just throwing them into the tub. The ultimate positive stimulus for your dog is often food, so use treats as a reward for a good bath or bring their food bowl to the tub so they associate the two and move the bowl inside when they are ready. Don't be afraid to experiment with different products to make bathing your dog easier. Additionally, allow them to jump into the shower so they feel in control and can have a happier, more relaxing time. Spreading a small amount of sugar-free peanut butter on the wall can help motivate your dog to get in the bath.