How Often Should You Wash Your Dog

Before you turn bath time into a weekly battle, understand what your dog's coat actually needs.

Over-bathing strips natural oils and causes skin irritation, while under-bathing leaves you living with a smelly, dirty companion. 

Your dog’s age, breed, coat type, grooming needs, and especially their enthusiasm for rolling in mud, all affect how often baths are necessary.

Here’s how to figure out the best grooming routine for your dog, plus why brushing may be even more important than bathing.

How Often to Bathe Your Dog By Coat Type

The blanket advice of "bathe your dog monthly" doesn't account for the massive differences between breeds, lifestyles, and health conditions. 

Most dogs should be bathed every 1-3 months to maintain their coat and skin health; however, it's essential to customize your dog's bathing routine based on their specific circumstances.

Over-bathing consequences:

• Stripped natural oils leading to dry, irritated skin

• Increased risk of bacterial or fungal infections

• Disrupted skin barrier function

• Potential for contact dermatitis from frequent shampoo exposure

Under-bathing problems:

• Built-up dirt and oils that cause matting

• Increased risk of skin infections from accumulated bacteria

• Unpleasant odors that affect your bond with your dog

• Missed opportunities to check for skin issues, parasites, or injuries

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but let’s review some helpful guidelines.

Tips for Washing Different Breeds of Dog 

Dogs With Hair That Needs Regular Trims

Breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Doodles have coats that grow continuously and often need a bath every 6–8 weeks, alongside professional grooming.

Skipping baths here can lead to matting, skin irritation, and buildup of natural oils or debris.

Short-Coated Dogs

Dogs with short, low-maintenance coats (like Beagles or Boxers) don’t need frequent baths. But because many love to roll around in the dirt (or worse), a bath every few months helps keep them tidy and fresh.

👉 Rule of thumb: If your dog smells funky or feels greasy, it’s time! 

Double-Coated or Shedding Breeds

Labs, Huskies, and Shepherds shed seasonally and benefit from baths before and after major shedding periods. This helps loosen old hair and can speed up the blowout.

Use a deshedding brush or grooming rake before and after baths to avoid clumps and mats.

Dogs with Skin Conditions

Bathing Frequency: As prescribed by the veterinarian

Dogs with allergies, dermatitis, or other skin conditions often need specialized bathing schedules. 

Unlike humans, who absorb most environmental allergens through their noses and mouths, dogs tend to absorb allergens through the skin, making regular bathing an important part of allergy management.

Some dogs may need weekly medicated baths, while others benefit from less frequent bathing to avoid skin irritation.

Why Brushing Is Just as Important as Bathing Your Dogs

Baths get the spotlight, but brushing is where the real coat maintenance happens.

Health benefits of regular brushing:

• Removes dirt, debris, and loose hair, reduces shedding, and stimulates the skin's natural oils, promoting a healthier coat

• Allows early detection of skin issues, lumps, cuts, or parasites

• Prevents matting that can cause pain and skin infections

• Distributes natural oils for coat health and shine

Prevents bigger problems:

• Matted fur that requires professional removal or shaving

• Excessive shedding throughout your home

• Skin infections from trapped moisture and debris

• Painful pulling and discomfort during grooming

Brushing Schedule for Dogs by Coat Type

Long-Coated and Thick-Undercoat Dogs

Frequency: Daily to several times per week

Dogs with long, silky, or curly coats require daily brushing to keep their hair from becoming tangled or matted. Long-haired breeds require daily brushing to maintain their coat's health.

Breeds that need frequent brushing:

• Afghan Hounds, Bearded Collies, Old English Sheepdogs

• Poodles and Poodle mixes

• Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds (during shedding seasons)

• Any dog with hair longer than 2 inches

Medium-Coated Breeds

Frequency: 2-3 times per week

A good dog grooming routine is 2-3 times a week for medium-haired dogs to prevent matting while maintaining coat health.

Short-Coated Dogs

Frequency: Weekly to bi-weekly

Short haired dogs don't have to worry about their fur matting or tangling and can be brushed every few weeks. A good dog grooming routine is once a week for short hair.

Even though short coats don't mat, regular brushing still provides health benefits and reduces shedding in your home.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Puppies?

Puppies don’t need frequent baths unless they get into something gross. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and limit full baths to every 6–8 weeks (or longer), unless your dog is visibly dirty.

Focus more on getting your puppy used to the process:

• Soft brushes

• Feet and ears are being handled

• A calm bath routine with rewards after

This sets the stage for easier grooming as they grow up.

Signs That Show Your Dog Needs a Bath

Rather than following a rigid schedule, watch for these indicators that it's bath time:

Obvious Signs

• Visible dirt, mud, or debris in the coat

• Strong odor despite regular brushing

• A greasy or oily feeling to the fur

• Itching or skin irritation

• They’ve rolled in something... questionable

• You’re about to visit somewhere with lots of people (family event, vet visit, dog-friendly cafe, etc.)

Subtle Indicators

• Their coat looks dull instead of shiny

• Normal brushing isn't removing loose hair effectively

• Your dog seems uncomfortable or is scratching more than usual

• You're avoiding close contact because of smell or feel

Essential Bathing and Grooming Supplies for Dogs

Having the right equipment makes both bathing and brushing more effective and less stressful for everyone involved.

Bathing Essentials:

• Dog-specific shampoo (human products can irritate skin)

• Towels designated for dog use

• Non-slip mat for tub safety

• Handheld shower attachment or large cup for rinsing

Brushing Tools:

• Slicker brush for most coat types

• Undercoat rake for double-coated breeds

• Pin brush for long, flowing coats

• Bristle brush for short, smooth coats

Mental Enrichment for bath time:

• Lick mats with treats to keep dogs occupied during baths

• Puzzle toys for post-bath rewards

How to Create Your Dog's Personal Grooming Schedule

Every dog is an individual with unique needs. Use these guidelines as a starting point, then adjust based on your dog's response, lifestyle, and your household preferences.

Sample schedule for a Golden Retriever:

• Daily: Quick brush-through during shedding seasons

• Weekly: Thorough brushing during non-shedding periods

• Every 6-8 weeks: Professional grooming with bath and nail trim

• As needed: Home baths after muddy adventures

Sample schedule for a Beagle:

• Weekly: Light brushing to reduce shedding

• Monthly: Check for bathing needs (smell test!)

• Every 2-3 months: Bath unless they've gotten particularly dirty

• Seasonally: Professional nail trim and ear cleaning

Remember: these are starting points. Pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly.

Grooming Dogs Is About Health, Not Just Looks

Whether your dog needs a bath once a month or once a quarter, regular grooming is a form of care.

A clean coat = fewer parasites, less skin irritation, and more comfort.
A brushed coat = fewer mats, less shedding, and more bonding time.

Some dogs require professional expertise to maintain optimal coat and skin health, mainly breeds with complex grooming needs or those with specific health concerns.

Our certified professionals can help you develop a customized grooming schedule tailored to your dog's breed, lifestyle, and household preferences.