Most humans shower once a day, but how often should you wash your dog? We will get down and dirty with the facts on how to keep your furry friend looking fresh and clean to ensure a happy, healthy pup. 

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

Bathing your dog isn’t just good for their hygiene, it’s also an excellent chance to check for abnormal scratches, bumps, fleas, and other abnormalities. These things are easier to see when their hair is wet and flat against their body.

But how often should you wash your puppy?

There are a few factors that determine your pup’s bath routine:

Hair Length: Does your dog have long hair that can trap dirt and debris? Or are they short haired and less susceptible to getting grimy?

Activity Level: A dog who is mostly indoors and stays out of trouble when they’re outside is probably cleaner than a dog who likes to dig holes, play in the park and go swimming.

Allergies and Skin Conditions: Some dogs have skin allergies or other health conditions that make them prone to needing a bath more or less frequently. Learn more about dog skin problems.

At a minimum, it’s advised to bathe your dog at least once every three months. You can wash your dog as frequently as every other week. When in doubt, use your judgment — if your dog starts to smell, it’s probably time for a bath. If you are still uncertain about the bath frequency of your dog, a general rule is once per month.

Is it bad to bathe your dog every week? It can be. Your dog needs natural oils produced by the skin to promote hair growth. Plus over bathing can cause irritation and dryness. So don’t overdo it!