How Often Should Your Dogs Be Washed?

For many dog parents the question of “how often should you wash your dog” is one that probably is asked quite often.

From running around the yard, through dirt, splashing in puddles, and countless other activities that your dogs encounter throughout the day, a bath might be the best option. But, there are a few factors that will affect how often you actually bathe your dog. The number of times you should give your furry friends a bath will depend on the coat type, lifestyle, health conditions, and even the time of year.

If you have a young puppy, bathing them shouldn’t be often and even held off for a bit. The reason for this is because young puppies’ body temperatures aren’t regulated as well as older dogs are, so waiting until 8 weeks for the first bath is recommended. Long-haired breeds or double-coated breeds need more bathing in order to keep their long and thick coats clean. Huskies, for example, need more bathing so that they will be matt-free. Shorter-haired breeds that don’t get that dirty can be washed less.

Vets recommended that using dog-safe shampoo is key while bathing your dogs. In addition, using dog-safe shampoos and washes will also cut down on the amount of hair they shed. After washing your dog, using a conditioner isn’t really needed, but is required for some breeds. Speaking more with your vet for the specifics will help, and will make bath time easier and easier.