How often should I bathe my dog?

How often should I bathe my dog?

This depends on your dog's breed, your lifestyle, and the season. A dog can have a double coat, silky coat, curly coat, smooth coat, wiry coat, or a mixed blend. Be aware of any skin allergies and learn what your dog's coat requires. A Smooth coat requires less work than a double coat. If you are unsure, ask your breeder, groomer, or Veterinarian.

Some people rarely bathe their dogs, and some people bathe them weekly. Do what works for you and your budget. I chose low coat maintenance dogs, because they fit into my lifestyle. Make sure to use shampoo made for dogs' coat type and try not to bathe too often.

It is also good idea to expose your puppy to baths and your groomer by the time they are 12 weeks old to avoid making it a traumatic experience when they are older. If you have difficulty with this, work with a professional before it comes a big problem.

Copyright 2006 by Susan Jakobs. This article or any part of this article may not be reproduced in any form or circulated without author’s permission. We post articles to educate the public and would allow the use of printed materials for that purpose. If you want to use any publications, you must contact us first. Materials cannot be edited or changed and must be used in whole, including our logo.