How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog
Small Animal Relief Veterinarian
Dogs don’t care if they smell or are caked in mud, but you do. But how often should dogs be bathed?
You can often bathe most of them once a month; however, depending on your pet, a few significant factors may require regular bathing.
Key Takeaways
- Most dogs need a bath every 1–3 months, but that varies by breed, coat type, and lifestyle.
- Long-haired, oily-coated, or very active dogs may need more frequent washes. Bathing helps remove dirt, odor, and dead hair while supporting healthy skin.
- Too many baths can strip natural oils and irritate your dog’s skin.
- Use gentle shampoos, brush before bathing, and keep water out of your dog’s ears.
- Puppies should wait until they’re at least 8 weeks old for their first real bath.
- Some wellness add-ons to pet insurance can help cover routine grooming and vet-recommended care.
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If your dog looks and smells like it needs a bath, it needs a bath. Certain factors, such as your dog's coat or amount of activity, might help you create a bathing routine that works for them.
Read on to discover how frequently you should bathe your dog and suggestions for lengthy and shorthaired varieties.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
Why dog baths need baths
You can preserve your pet's look and advance their general health by knowing how to wash them.
Bathing helps remove dead hair, removes smells, and cleans their coat of dirt and debris. Furthermore, your dog's biggest organ is their skin.
Washing your pet helps protect their skin from hazardous germs and diseases, regardless of age. If you have other commitments, you can bring them to a groomer and use wellness plans as add-ons to standard pet insurance coverage.
Getting pet insurance for this and other reasons, including your dog's well-being, is always worth it.
How often can I bathe my dog?
The features of each dog's skin and coat determine how frequently you should wash them. Most healthy dogs require a wash every one month to reduce odor and oil accumulation, but this might vary based on the following factors:
Coat length and texture
When selecting when to bathe your dog, consider the length of their coat.
- Medium to long-haired dogs typically require more regular baths. Their coats can quickly become filthy and matted, so they should be washed every few months.
- Short-haired breeds might only require a wash every one to three months.
- Dogs with soft (dirt-retaining) or greasy coats may require more frequent washing.
- Breeds with thicker fur, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, require fewer washes since they shed frequently (shedding eliminates dead skin cells and bacteria).
- Hairless breeds are susceptible to skin problems and may require more regular washes.
Activity level
How often should you bathe a dog based on their activity? Canines who spend a significant amount of time outside require a thorough brushing and bathing whenever they get noticeably dirty, which might be once a week or more. Active dogs also tend to develop odors more quickly. Especially when they get wet when spending time outside, their paw pads, ears, and body rolls should be cleaned of debris and dried thoroughly to ensure there is no environment for bacterial & yeast accumulation.
The skin health of your dog
Consider your dog's skin condition when deciding how frequently to wash them. Dog allergies can result in severe itching, which irritates the skin and causes scratching.
For instance, in the case of fleas, a soothing flea bath for dogs can include lukewarm water and mild soap to provide relief. Be aware that products like flea shampoo may have chemicals that further harm your dog’s skin, so talk to your vet first.
Consult your veterinarian as well if your dog has other skin conditions, allergies, or irritation. Depending on the issue, they could suggest medicated or hypoallergenic dog shampoo to alleviate discomfort.
Breed
Golden Retrievers and other dogs with oily coats can profit from regular brushing to disperse oils and remove hair and a bath every few weeks to deal with odor. Additionally, some Hound breeds, Pugs, and Bulldogs produce odor more quickly.
Tips for an easy bath
Washing your dog is not always a fun experience for either you or your canine companion. Bathtime may be a messy, hairy hassle, from the trembles before the bath to the dreaded wet-dog tremors.
Fortunately, here are some expert techniques for helping your dog's bath go faster, smoother, and cleaner.
- Brush your dog before bath time.
- Gather your supplies, including a dog brush or comb, three or more towels, dog-friendly shampoo, cleaning face wipes or a washcloth, and a blow dryer.
- Offer plenty of praise and treats.
- Prepare your dog's ears. Keeping shampoo and conditioner far from your dog's face will help avoid recurring ear infections.
- Soak your dog. Before you massage shampoo into your dog's luxurious coat, ensure it is well wet, especially the underside.
- Use the ideal lather technique by working from your dog's neck down to his back and paws to avoid having to re-wash and rinse certain portions of your gorgeous canine.
- Dry thoroughly
Pro Tip: Place cotton balls in both ears to prevent water from trickling down, and then make sure to remove them
Is it possible to wash a dog too often?
Yes, you can wash your dog too much. Bathing eliminates the natural oils from their coats. It isn't an issue when you space out the baths. However, removing excess oils by many baths might irritate the skin.
If you often bathe your dog to prevent mats, regular brushing can help untangle matted hair and eliminate some debris.
When to take your dog to the groomer
Some dog owners prefer to brush and bathe their pets at home. However, a groomer could be a helpful resource if you have several dogs, a dog requiring frequent cleaning, or if you are too busy.
If grooming requirements sound too difficult to keep up with at home, some wellness plans, such as the one offered by Embrace, can reimburse you for costs related to routine care, including grooming.
These plans are available as add-ons to standard pet insurance coverage, which is designed to provide financial assistance with unexpected vet bills.
How to save money on dog grooming costs
When it comes to dog grooming, you may want to save costs. One choice, of course, is never to take your pet to a groomer. Another is to visit less frequently or look for a salon that offers services at a lower cost.
Whichever approach you decide on will depend on how you wish to balance maintaining your pet's cleanliness and health and protecting your budget.
When can you bathe a puppy?
Puppies under eight weeks old don't require a bath. Their little bodies are still developing the ability to control their body temperature.
You can use a warm towel to clean your puppy if they requires it. When your puppy is more than eight weeks old, you may begin giving them a wash in the sink.
If you are a new puppy owner, consider downloading a puppy proofing checklist, socialization checklist, health card PDF, and puppy vaccine schedule.
Bathe your dog the right way
As a new pet parent, you will ask all the questions, including how often a dog should be bathed. There are no hard and fast rules for bathing—how frequently depends on various factors, including the breed of dog, coat type, activity level, and skin health.
Consult with your veterinarian on the best way to bathe your dog. Always check the vet visit cost beforehand to prepare for the expenses.
Get expert guidance to find the best pet insurance for your best friend.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when my dog needs a bath?
If your dog smells, has visible dirt or debris on their coat, or is scratching more than usual, it's probably time for a bath. A good rule of thumb: if they look or smell dirty, they probably are.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No—human shampoos are not pH-balanced for dogs and can irritate their skin. Always use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
How often is too often to bathe my dog?
Bathing too frequently (more than once a week) can strip your dog’s coat of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Unless recommended by your vet, it’s best to limit baths to every few weeks or months, depending on the breed and lifestyle..
What if my dog hates baths?
Try making bath time more positive by offering treats, using a non-slip mat, and keeping the water lukewarm. You can also try dog bathing wipes between baths or visit a groomer if it’s too stressful at home.
Do puppies need special shampoo?
Yes, use a gentle, puppy-formulated shampoo that's tear-free and suitable for their delicate skin. And remember—don’t bathe puppies under 8 weeks unless your vet says it’s okay.
Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?
Both! Brushing before helps remove loose fur and tangles, while brushing after (once dry) keeps their coat smooth and helps prevent mats.
Is grooming included in pet insurance?
Routine grooming isn't typically covered by standard pet insurance, but some providers offer wellness plan add-ons that can reimburse you for grooming costs. It's worth checking if your plan includes this option.
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Small Animal Relief Veterinarian
Lila Batiari, DVM is a relief veterinarian located in San Diego, California. She has a special interest in nutrition, pain management, and surgery! Dr. Batiari enjoys working with Pawlicy Advisor to help others avoid everyday situations that some of her clientele experience. She realizes that expensive vet bills for treatment costs could be much easier for patients with pet insurance.
