Can Dog Baths Be Done Too Often?

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The problem with dog baths is that people tend to either do dog bathing too often or not enough. The rule of thumb is dog bathing should be done when needed. Your dog does not have to smell like a perfume bottle but also not like he just left the garbage dump either.

If you keep your pet well groomed, which means frequent brushing and keeping his sleeping area clean, you will not have to be bathing a dog more than every month at most (see guidelines below). The reason you do not want to be constantly bathing your dog is because dogs do not have pores to product oil; therefore, it may dry the skin and coat and make the fur dull and cause dandruff. If your dog is being groomed on a regular basis and you notice a strong doggy odor, it is time for a bath.

Here are some guide lines to follow when bathing your dog

1. Bath when he has rolled in something nasty, which is pretty obvious, just use your nose; that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a bath. Use an antibacterial or deodorizing shampoo and follow up with a conditioner.

2. He has simple doggy odor - use one of the many tearless dog shampoos on the market.

**Note**you may want to check with your vet if you feel that the odor from your dog is abnormal. Things that can cause this would be ear infection, problems with the mouth or anal glands or skin disease.

3. Dandruff - a veterinarian will be able to determine the cause and advise you which shampoo would be best for your buddy.

4. Allergies - bathing a dog with allergies can be soothing for itchy skin. Try oatmeal, a gentle hypo-allergenic or hydro-cortisone based shampoo.

5. External Parasites - if your dog has fleas, tics, mites or lice use a shampoo specific for this problem. Bathing is one of the best methods of ridding your pet of these parasites while cleaning and conditioning his coat.

6. If he’s had a run in with a skunk. Special shampoos are made for this problem.

7. Swimming in salt water - salt will cause itching and skin irritation.

Dog Bathing Tips

1. Puppy Bathing - if you have a puppy use one specially made for him.

2. The younger you introduce your pet dog to bathing and brushing the easier it will be.

3. Shampoo can leave a residue which may irritate your best friend so rinse well after shampooing.

4. Human shampoos should not be used on dogs. The PH level is not the same.

5. You may want to add an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement to your dog’s diet for healthier skin and coat.

6. Dry shampoos are available if you have a doggy that does not like the water and does not find bath time fun. Keep in mind though, it does not really take the place of a bath because it does not reach the skin. You are going to have to shampoo your doggie at some point.

7. There are many options for shampoos, choose one that is right for your dog.

8. Wear old clothes, you will get wet!

9. Use a drain screen to prevent clogging.

One final word on dog baths and grooming in general; your dog’s appearance says a lot about you and how you feel about your best friend. There is no such thing as a breed that requires no grooming.