If you're a dog owner, you know their hygiene is important — just as important as our own. You have to brush their teeth, trim their nails and bathe them regularly for their overall well-being. Well, that and you probably just want 'em to smell fresh (especially if Fido sleeps in your bed). However, unlike humans, dogs don't need to take a shower every day. Bathing them that frequently could even dry out their skin or damage their coat.
How often should you bathe your dog?
The answer depends on their breed, activity level and environment, experts say. "Unless your dog has a history of skin disease or other medical conditions that may necessitate more frequent bathing, you can bathe your dog as needed," says Dr. Tristan Daugherty-Leiter of VCA Animal Hospitals. "This may vary depending on their breed, how much they shed and if they have any allergies, as well as how often they get dirty or smelly." So, if they love to roll around in the dirt or go on daily walks in a crowded city, it'll be bathtime more frequently than it is for mostly indoor pooches who avoid puddles and stick to the sidewalk.
Want a more precise timeline? Bathe them every four to six weeks, or more when they get dirty or start to stink. And be sure to use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for dogs. Daugherty-Leiter says human shampoos are too harsh for dogs' delicate skin. If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, that advice is even more important — check with your vet for a recommendation or choose one that's formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
For poodles, doodles and other fluffy dogs whose hair continues to grow, going to the groomer for a proper haircut every four to six weeks will keep their hair from growing over their eyes and stave off matting. Matted hair can be uncomfortable and even painful for dogs, because it causes hair to pull at the skin, especially in delicate areas like behind the ears or under the legs where a harness might sit. It's even more painful to brush out.
At-home dog bathing and grooming tips
Embrace shortcuts. If you have to bathe your dog in between grooming sessions, you can use wipes and dry shampoo for quick cleanups (like for dirty paws).
Don't let your dog air-dry. Ashley Rodriguez, owner of All Things Grooming in New York City, recommends brushing and blow-drying your dog's hair really well after a bath. She says air-drying can lead to tangles and matting fast. While blow-drying, "You want to brush, and then, [groomers] call it checking your work with a comb, so you brush and then you comb through it," Rodriguez says. Of course, avoiding matted hair can also help your dog avoid a full shave at the groomer (if you know, you know). "If your comb can go through it, our blade can go through it," she adds.
Remember to brush your dog. For a healthy, shiny coat, brush your dog daily. It removes dead hair and skin cells, surface dirt, loose hair and parasites. Regular brushing also prevents matting, especially in dogs with curly coats. In the long term, your dog's coat will be shinier and fluffier, and they'll even smell less. (Plus, they may even enjoy it!)
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It's hard not to get soap and water in your dog's eyes when they're moving around the bathtub. That's why so many shoppers prefer this gentle two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. It's formulated for dogs' sensitive skin and uses buttermilk and linseed oil to condition coats.
"We love it because it doesn’t leave our pup smelling perfume-y and it leaves her so, so, so soft," said one five-star fan. "I've had people tell me to not switch away from what we're washing her with because of how soft she is. I would recommend it!"
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Clean your dog with these thick disposable wipes, whether you're dealing with dirty paws or want to refresh their whole body after a long play session. They're gentle enough for the face, eye area and backside, and they're formulated with sensitive-skin-friendly aloe. The light, fresh scent isn't overpowering.
"We have a pup that has very sensitive skin and allergies to boot, these wipes soothe her skin while removing anything that has made her itchy after being outside and between baths," said this fan. "The wipes are large and soft, much nicer than other brands. Highly recommend if your fur baby is sensitive as well."
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While a regular brush may suit dogs with short fur, those with long or curly hair will likely need a slicker brush to reduce shedding and reach the undercoat. This brush (loved by over 69,000 Amazon shoppers) is strong enough to remove tangles without scratching the skin, and the bristles retract, leaving just the hair to wipe off the brush head.
"We bought this brush after having tried so many, and what I love most is how easy it is to remove the hair from the brush! Easy peasy!" said one dog mom. "The coated tips on the metal bristles make it easy on our fur baby. You're going to love it!"
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You can slowly and gently remove mats with a strong comb, as well as check for knots, fleas and more. This one has a soft silicone handle to prevent slipping and sturdy stainless steel teeth.
"Great comb," said a shopper. "I purchased this comb for my Maltese puppy and this comb works very well with her silky hair. The two different-spaced tines [are rounded] and are much better on the skin — you don't have to worry about gouging your dog's skin with sharp tines. It's very comfortable to hold due to the rubberized part of the comb and appears to be very well made, not flimsy."
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If you have a dog that sheds, these gloves are a godsend! Slip them on, and then pet and massage your furry friend. That's it! Just watch hair stick to them like glue. More than 45,000 Amazon shoppers give them five out of five stars.
"These gloves are pure sorcery. The amount of fur they collect is nothing short of alarming — I could probably start a side hustle knitting sweaters out of it," said one amazed reviewer. "Cleaning them is a breeze: Yank off the hair mound, marvel at your newfound fuzz mountain, and occasionally toss them in the wash for a spa day."
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To keep your dog's coat soft and shiny, try a leave-in conditioner. This spray comes out like a fine mist and has almost no scent. Use it after a bath or wiping your dog down, or anytime you're brushing them and you need a little extra power to remove knots and tangles. It hydrates their hair and moisturizes the skin at the same time.
"We have a Maltese/cocker spaniel mix. Her hair is prone to tangles and matting and overall just looks rough. We began using this after every washing and combing it through. She now has soft, silky hair that rarely mats up," said a reviewer.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
