The bathing schedule for dog’s can vary depending on a number of factors including age, weight, size, lifestyle and is very dependent on the breed and it’s coat. Typically a good rule of thumb is to bathe your dog every four weeks, this will help to keep their skin clean and their coat in good condition.
However, for example, Doodles (Poodle cross breeds) and Maltese, where their hair continuously grows, bathing is recommended once a week. Breeds with fur such as Pomeranians, Huskies, Labradors and Golden Retrievers, should be washed every 2-4 weeks.
In this article we will cover some of the finer details that you need to consider when creating a bathing schedule for your pet.
It’s important to bear in mind that washing your dog too often can strip their skin of natural oils, which they need for a healthy coat and skin and can cause dry fur and itchy skin. If you are not sure on the best bathing regime for your dog, you can consult with a professional dog grooming service provider.
How often should you wash your house dog?
The term ‘house dog’ refers to dog’s that mainly live in houses or apartments and don’t spend a huge amount of time outside. These dog’s typically need to be bathed every 1-4 weeks depending on the coat type and length. Less regularly if they are short haired and more regularly if the dog’s fur is longer.
When can a puppy take its first bath?
Just like babies, puppies can struggle to regulate their own body temperature and although some sources suggest that puppies can be bathed at four weeks it is often much better to wait until they are at least eight weeks old. If you are planning on taking your puppy to a professional grooming facility for their first bath then it’s best to wait until they have had their first vaccinations at around 12 weeks of age. In general, healthy dog’s only need to be bathed when they smell but it’s still a good idea to introduce your puppy to the idea of bathing from a fairly young age.
What type of dog shampoo is best for my dog?
Different types of dog’s need different types of shampoo for their coat. It very much depends on whether your dog is short haired or long haired and how much time it spends outside getting dirty. If your dog has itchy skin then you can invest in a calming tea tree shampoo to help soothe their skin and clean their coat at the same time. Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties which will relieve discomfort from itchy skin & fight against skin infection. If you have a long haired dog or your dog is prone to matted fur then it’s advisable to also purchase specially formulated conditioner for dogs. Conditioning a dog’s fur needs a similar technique to conditioning human hair where the conditioner is distributed through the fur and left on for a short period of time to help slicken the hair and remove tangles and knots.
How to bathe your senior dog?
Senior dog’s over the age of anywhere between 7 - 11 years depending on the breed need extra care during bathing. It’s important to pay close attention to safety and after bathing, have plenty of towels on hand to help them get dry as quickly as possible. Senior dog’s typically don’t take well to being cold so they should not be left with wet fur for longer than necessary. Take care to choose a gentle dog shampoo for your senior dog and pay close attention to their body as you are washing them. Senior dog’s tend to develop lumps and bumps on their body at times so be careful not to disturb any that you find during the grooming process.
Bathing your dog should be enjoyable for both dog and owner, if you need help or support with the process then please contact our dog grooming parlour for advice or to book an appointment.