One of the most common questions posed by pet owners is, “How often should you wash your dog?” Understandably, this question can be confusing, especially when we consider that we as people often shower once a day, yet are never as dirty as our canine friends. For dog owners, knowing the answer to how often should you bathe your dog and knowing how to wash your dog goes a long way to contributing to the best life possible for your little friend.

Bathing your dog is more than just good hygiene practice. Bath time is a great time to take a closer look at your dog’s coat and skin for any inconsistencies or possible health hazards, like ticks, scratches, bumps, fleas, and more. Issues like these become much more visible when a dog’s thick fur is soaked with water.

That said, even if your dog does roll around in the mud every day and get himself dirty during playtime, how often should you wash your dog? Let King Komb provide you with all the answers and more. Keep reading!

How often should you bathe your dog?

Before you can answer this general question, ask yourself some more specific questions pertaining to your dog’s breed and lifestyle.

Length of hair: Does your dog have an extremely long coat? Does he or she play outdoors often and get lots of debris and dirt stuck in their hair? Or does your dog have a short coat, more often than not leaving their mess visible to everyone in the neighborhood?

Level of energy: How energetic and excited is your canine friend? Is most of their playtime restricted to the indoors, or are they allowed outdoors whenever they want? Is your dog anxious or often nervous? These dogs might need longer breaks between bathing sessions, considering they’re more likely to be afraid of the experience.

Allergy conditions and immune health: Does your dog have a lot of allergies? Do they have any skin problems that require more frequent treatment to keep their skin healthy and clean? If you have trouble answering these questions on your own, it’s a good idea to make an appointment at the veterinarian to learn how to wash your dog.

Many people advise that it is best to wash your dog every one to three months, that way they become accustomed to the grooming process and don’t react too anxiously or excitedly when you need to get them clean. If your dog is especially active and requires more attention to stay clean, though, there is nothing wrong with washing your dog every few weeks.

How often should you wash your dog: bathing tips and tricks!

Purchasing the best possible shampoo: Treat your dog’s hair with the same care and attention you give to your own hair. Make sure not to purchase a shampoo that is not organic or that is full of toxins and other harmful irritants. Purchase natural shampoo made with real organic materials!

Buying a safe, stable mat: Keeping your dog steady on the floor is one of the most overlooked aspects of bathing dogs. The more often they slip, the more likely they are to develop bathing related anxiety, which means it will be harder to bathe them in the future.

Finding a consistent bathing location: Some dog owners try to bathe their dog at home and then find out that they prefer having it done at a local pet salon. Switching between locations once or twice is fine, but doing it too often might disrupt the routine for your dog, providing negative excitement or anxiety that will make it more difficult to wash them with ease. If you wash your dog in your home, using the shower for a larger dog or a sink for a smaller dog is absolutely fine. Just be sure to make them familiar with this area before trying to bathe them, otherwise, you’re in for a wet surprise!

Choosing the right temperature: Not all dogs like hot baths like people do! Dogs have unique personalities and tastes, and different breeds like different things. Test out warm water on your dog before moving to hot water, and if they react negatively to things heating up, try bringing the water temperature down to a cooler temperature until they feel comfortable. Using warm water in the winter and cool water in the summer isn’t a bad idea, considering the change in coat sizes many breeds experience when the weather shifts.

Towel or blow-dry: Some dogs appreciate the spa feeling that comes with using a blow dryer after being bathed, whereas others like being handled with a towel. Start with a towel, which is a little bit more natural, before moving on to handheld devices. Once you find a preference for your dog, stick to it.

These are just some tips when it comes to learning how to wash your dog.

Conclusions

We hope you have come away with some more knowledge with regard to how often should you wash your dog. If you have anything more to share with our readers, post in the comment section below. If you’re looking for advice on the best dog shampoo and cleaning solutions on the market, contact King Komb today!