Giving your dog a bath seems like a simple task, but if you bathe him too often, it may actually do damage to his skin and coat.
Learning how often should you wash your dog is different for every pet owner. The frequency of his baths will depend on your dog's coat type and skin condition.
First thing is first, you have to know how to give your dog a proper bath. Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way to bathe a dog. Most people think that a bath is just about getting the dog wet, rubbing shampoo into his coat and then rinsing him off, but there is a lot more to it than that!
You need to choose the right grooming products, decide where the best place to bathe Fido would be and have a plan for drying him off. We've created a step-by-step guide to bathing your dog if you need some help with this task.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog
Choose the right products
Typically, most owners bathe their dogs too often. Did you know that a dog's skin naturally creates healthy oils to moisturize and condition the skin and coat? Unfortunately, poor-quality shampoos and grooming products strip these necessary oils.
This is why it is so important that you choose safe, healthy grooming products that are made with quality ingredients. DO NOT use human shampoo on your dog. A dog's skin has a different pH level than human skin, and human shampoo will dry out the skin and make the coat brittle.
Not only do you need to find a shampoo that is made specifically for dogs, but it has to be safe, too. Many of the cheap shampoos you'll find on the shelves of big box stores are made with harsh chemicals, toxins, and artificial ingredients.
Over time, these harmful ingredients can leech into your dog's bloodstream through his skin and cause serious health problems.
Look for a shampoo that is made with natural ingredients that will be gentle on your dog's skin and coat. Do some quick research before heading to the pet store. Look up the ingredients of the shampoo you plan to purchase and find out if the company is reputable.
Find a shampoo that is made with your dog's needs in mind. If he has dry skin, search for a formula that will help with that condition. If his coat is prone to mats and tangles, look for a dog shampoo that will help with that.
How often should you wash your dog?
As I mentioned, most owners bathe their dogs much too often. Your dog's skin health is dependent upon a delicate balance of the oil produced by his skin. Bathing too frequently can deplete these oils and cause him to feel itchy and uncomfortable.
Most dogs should be bathed every 3 months or so. This is only about 4 baths per year! Of course, this does not include any incidents where your pet is exposed to odorous substances or extreme dirt. For example, if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk or rolls in feces, he'll obviously need a bath as soon as possible.
When discussing how often should you wash your dog, you need to keep in mind that bathing and rinsing are two different things. You can rinse mud off your pooch without giving him a full bath with shampoo.
How can you tell if you are bathing your dog too often? You will notice that his skin becomes dry and itchy. You may also notice that his fur becomes dry and brittle. Likewise, if you notice that his coat is more oily than normal, it may be due to overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate for excessive dryness.
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