The rate at which you should bathe your dog depends on a number of things – hair type, pet’s age, activity level, allergies, and more. Not two dogs need the same amount of baths and it’s important to consult with the Brodheadsville Veterinary Clinic team to discuss proper grooming techniques for your pet. Just remember, a clean pet is a happy pet!

Find the right bathing frequency

Is your dog healthy? What type of dog is she? What kind of coat does she have? How active is she? How much time does she spend outdoors, and what does she do out there? These factors and more will help determine how often your pup needs a good scrubbing in the tub.

If your dog spends her days on the couch and only ventures outside for bathroom breaks and walks, she’ll need to be bathed far less frequently than a dog that loves to be outside and regularly rolls around in the grass, jumps into bodies of water, or trots through puddles.

Sometimes, rather than bathing on a regular frequency, it’s best to use common sense. If you can smell your dog when she walks into the room, or if she’s visibly covered in dirt or mud, give her a bath.

Find the right bathing products

If your pet has a diagnosed skin condition or known sensitive skin, it’s best to call us for a shampoo recommendation. For healthy dogs without skin issues, mild, moisturizing, oatmeal-based shampoos are usually a good choice.

Don’t use products intended for humans on your dog. Human skin is more acidic than canine skin, and shampoos and other products meant for humans can be irritating to your dog. Some dogs can even be bothered by products made specifically for canines, whether they cause skin irritations or stomach upset as a result of accidental ingestion.

Some signs of an adverse reaction to a product include red skin, itchy skin, and hives. If your dog ingests too much shampoo, she might suffer from vomiting, drooling, or decreased appetite.

Find the right bathing help

Bathing some dogs requires professional help. An experienced dog groomer will understand the varying coat textures and lengths of different dog breeds and will be able to address those specific needs. For example, the coat of a sheepdog will require much different care than the coat of a Chihuahua or a golden retriever.

If you have questions about how often you should bathe your dog, or which products to use, call our office.