How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Our dogs love to explore and get themselves into all sorts of trouble. It makes them fun to have around, but it also means they can get a little messy.

If you’re tired of having a stinky pooch bound through your microchip dog door, here is everything you need to know about how often you should bathe your dog:

Dog Yellow Lab Golden Retriever

Why Is Bathing Your Dog Important?

No one likes a smelly dog in the house! Regular brushing and bathing can also help to:

  • Lift debris from their coats.
  • Check for ticks, fleas, and suspicious lumps.
  • Alleviate irritation from skin conditions.

How Often You Should Bathe Your Dog

Bathing your dog is important, but how often it should be done depends on a few different factors:

  • Coat Type

Hairless dogs can require a fairly intensive bathing and skincare routine, but over-washing a thick or double-coated dog can strip protective oils from their skin.

  • Lifestyle:

Working dogs or those who like to bound in and out of the yard through a microchip dog door will likely need more regular bathing than less active pets.

  • Health

Some dogs have ongoing skin conditions, and some develop them in relation to other health issues. Make sure to take the advice of your vet and use the recommended products when bathing dogs with ill health or skin conditions.

Should You Take Your Dog to the Groomer?

golden retriever walks through a home's doggie door

While most bathing can be done at home, it’s a good idea to schedule regular appointments with a professional groomer for:

  • Nail clipping
  • Ear cleaning
  • Washing and conditioning with professional products
  • Shaving heavy coats in hot climates

Grooming Products

Human skin and dog skin exist at different pH levels, so products made for people can be much too harsh for your dog’s delicate skin. Try to buy grooming products that address your dog’s needs in terms of coat type, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle.

Now that you’re up to speed on how often you should bathe your dog, you’ll feel better giving them some freedom to muck around outside! To give your dog the freedom to move in and out of the house securely, check out our microchip dog door selection.