It really wasn’t my fault. I was protecting my family from a striped intruder. Then, BAM!

I was overtaken by the most awful smell that was so bad it made my eyes burn. Over and over, I rubbed my eyes and nose in the grass, but the terrible burning and horrible smell wouldn’t go away.

My human decided it was bath time, even though I had just been bathed this month.

Sometimes, a dog bath is a must-do-it-right-now situation, such as after a muddy walk or stray encounter with a skunk. Other than extreme circumstances, good dog hygiene means getting regular dog baths.

Why is a Dog Bath Important?

Humans need baths to help maintain their appearance and promote good overall health, a dog bath provides the same benefits for us canines.

Our skin is our largest organ, and proper grooming and bathing helps protect their skin from harmful bacteria and infections.

How often does a dog need a bath?

Some dogs love bath time and others are repulsed by it. How often a dog bath is needed depends on several factors. Breed, coat and lifestyle are determining factors. Let me break down some of the most prominent factors that determine how often humans should bathe their dogs.

Coat Length and Texture

The coat and hair length play a huge role in determining how
often a dog needs to be bathed.

·Hairless breeds actually need more frequent bathing since they can be prone to skin issues.

·Breeds with shorter coats may only need a dog bath every one to three months.

·Breeds with medium to long hair (like me – the border collie!) need to be bathed more often. But you didn’t hear it from me! Our longer coats get matted and dirty easily. Good dog grooming habits like brushing between baths can help a lot. These breeds need to be bathed at least every couple of months.

·My pup friends with soft or oily coats need more frequent baths since these types of coats retain dirt easily.

·Canine family members with thicker fur actually need fewer baths since they shed a lot more which tends to remove bacteria and dead skin.

Activity Levels and Dog Baths

Dogs that are very active need baths more often than sedentary pups.  Those of us who like to go swimming, roll around in the dirt and grass, like to chase squirrels, and generally love to play and get dirty outside, need to be bathed more frequently. Basically, if a dog is always active, bathe them more often.

Can a Dog Be Bathed Too Often?

It is possible to bathe a dog too much. Bathing removes natural oils from our coats. As long as our humans space out our baths, there usually isn’t a problem. However, giving too many dog baths can remove important oils and cause our skin to become irritated.

If a human is worried about bathing a dog a lot because of matting hair, regular brushing can remove some debris and detangle matted hair.

Do Dogs Even Like Baths?

It really does depend on the dog’s preference. Some dogs love to be groomed. A good brush can be very calming for some dogs, but very annoying for others. When it comes to dog bath time, I love to jump in the water and pretend it’s a pond or a pool. Other dogs may not be as happy about it and may be a bit reluctant.

Tips for Making Bath Time Go More Smoothly

The best way to make bath time go more smoothly is to be prepared. Start by gathering the supplies needed including:

·Dog shampoo

·Dog towel

·Dog treats

·Pitcher for rinsing

·A hairdryer (optional)

It is very helpful to get all the supplies set up before beginning the dog’s bath. If the bathroom or other small room is the best location, shutting the door can be helpful. This can make sure dogs don’t bolt before they are dried off.

About the Author: Hazel

Hazel is the head engineer at Pawer Lab where he develops and tests our latest pup-focused inventions. He is passionate about enjoying the small things in life. His hobbies include fetching tennis balls, riding in the car, and stalking the mailman.