“Wash Me!”

How Often Should I Wash My Dog?

Or: Why “Whenever They Smell Weird” Is Not a Scientific Measurement

If you’ve ever stood over your dog thinking,
“Do you need a bath… or is this just how you smell now?”
— congratulations, you are a normal dog owner.

The truth is: there is no single correct bathing schedule for all dogs.
Some dogs need regular baths.
Some dogs act personally offended by water.
Some dogs somehow smell like wet socks five minutes after a bath.

Let’s clear it up.

Dogs Are Not Dirty Humans in Fur Coats

Dogs have their own skin chemistry.
They produce natural oils that:

• Protect their skin
• Keep their coat healthy
• Make them water-resistant (sometimes suspiciously so)

Bathing removes dirt — but it also removes those oils.
Too many baths = dry, itchy, “why am I so flaky” dog.

So no, bathing your dog weekly “just to be safe” is usually not safe.

The “It Depends” Factors (Yes, Annoying — But Important)

🐕 Coat Type Matters (A Lot)

Short-haired dogs
(Boxers, Beagles, Greyhounds)

• Low maintenance
• Often fine with a bath every 6–8 weeks
• Or whenever they roll in something unholy

Long-haired dogs
(Goldens, Collies)

• Dirt magnets
• Usually happier with baths every 4–6 weeks

Curly or woolly dogs
(Poodles, Doodles)

• Professional-level coat chaos
• Often need bathing every 3–4 weeks
• Dry thoroughly or regret everything

Double-coated dogs
(Huskies, German Shepherds)

• Basically self-cleaning magic beings
• Over-bathing ruins the coat
• Think 6–10 weeks or “wow, you actually got filthy”

🧴 Sensitive Skin = Extra Caution

If your dog has:

• Allergies
• Itchy skin
• Hot spots
• Chronic “stop scratching” moments

Then bathing too often can make things worse.

In these cases, what you use matters more than how often.
Vet-approved shampoo > good intentions.

🌧 Lifestyle: The Real Decider

Your dog’s bath schedule depends heavily on their hobbies.

Indoor couch potato?

• Rarely needs baths

Outdoor mud enthusiast?

• Frequently needs baths
• Probably enjoys them far too much

Swimming dog?

• Rinse after salt or chlorine
• Full bath only when necessary

Rolling in mystery substances?

• Immediate bath. No questions.

👶 Puppies & 👴 Seniors

Puppies

• Sensitive skin
• Don’t need frequent baths
• Spot clean unless disaster strikes

Senior dogs

• Dryer skin
• Prefer warmth and comfort
• Fewer baths, gentler products

They’ve earned it.

Smell ≠ Dirty (Sometimes)

A dog smelling “doggy” does not always mean bath time.

Odours can come from:

• Natural oils
• Wet fur
• Ears
• Teeth
• Skin issues

Bathing won’t fix everything — sometimes it just adds wet-dog smell to the problem.

Rough Bathing Guidelines (Not Laws)

Think of these as suggestions, not commandments:

• Every 3–4 weeks → high-maintenance coats
• Every 4–6 weeks → average active dogs
• Every 6–8 weeks → low-maintenance dogs
• As needed → sensitive skin or double coats

Your dog did not read these rules. Adjust accordingly.

Signs You’re Bathing Too Much

• Dry, flaky skin
• Constant scratching
• Dull coat
• “Why do you look uncomfortable?” energy

If this happens, reduce baths and rethink products.

Signs It’s Definitely Bath Time

• Visible dirt
• Strong odour that survives drying
• Greasy or sticky coat
• After swimming in gross water
• Vet said so (this outranks all opinions)

What You Use Matters (Seriously)

Always use:

• Dog shampoo
• Products suited to your dog’s skin

Never use:

• Human shampoo
• Dish soap
• “It’s gentle, I swear” products

Your dog’s skin pH is not your skin pH.
Science cares.

Bath Alternatives (Because Sometimes You Just Can’t)

Between baths:

• Brush regularly
• Use a damp cloth
• Spot clean
• Dog wipes (sparingly)

Sometimes you just need to survive until tomorrow.

Final Thoughts: Clean Is Nice. Healthy Is Better.

Your dog does not need to smell like lavender.
They need healthy skin, a comfortable coat, and a human who understands them.

If you’re unsure:

• Bathe less
• Observe more
• Adjust calmly

Because the best bathing schedule is the one that works for your dog —
not the one on the shampoo bottle.