Last Updated: 07/05/2025

How Often To Wash Your Dog

Find out our Vet's recommendations for how often to bathe your dog depending on their breed hair coat lifestyle factors and individual needs..

Author: Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM

Reading Time: 26 minutes - medium read

Many dog owners grapple with the question: How often should I bathe my dog? Bathing too frequently can strip the dog's skin of essential oils, while not bathing enough can lead to skin issues and unpleasant odours.

Without a clear understanding of your dog's specific needs, owners can inadvertently cause skin irritations, dryness or other health issues. Moreover, factors like breed, activity level and environment can further complicate the decision.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of determining the right bathing frequency for your canine companion, taking into account various factors that influence their bathing routine. By the end, you'll have a clear guideline tailored to your dog's unique needs.

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Factors to Consider for Bathing Frequency

â¢ Activity Level

â¢ Types of Coat

â¢ Allergies or Skin issues

â¢ Owners Health and Comfort

â¢ Flea and Tick Control

Risks of Over-bathing

Seeking Expert Advice

Factors to Consider for Bathing Frequency

There is no hard and fast rule every owner must stick to when it comes to bathing your dog however, bathing too frequently and sometimes even too little can cause health issues. Depending on the dog, bathing can be an enjoyable time for both pet and owner and even a great opportunity to check for health issues such as the presence of any new lumps or bumps. For others, bathing can be a stressful event so there may be a preference for as little bathing as possible.

Different factors will contribute to how often you need to bathe your dog. This may include things such as coat type, whether your pooch is indoors or outdoors, allergies or other skin issues, level of dirt exposure (ie working dogs or dogs who regularly swim) and owner preference for smell and cleanliness.

If asked, most vets would agree that unless dirty, dogs without any health issues don't require very frequent bathing. Typically it's not recommended to bathe your pooch more often than once fortnightly to once monthly. Unless there is a specific medical condition, bathing more often than this can put your pooch at risk of dry, irritated skin due to the stripping of natural oils and protective barriers of the skin.

Activity Level

Dogs with high activity, frequently outdoors, or engaging in messy activities may benefit from more frequent bathing, typically every 2-3 weeks or as needed. These active dogs tend to accumulate more dirt, mud, or debris in their coats, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene.

Conversely, less active indoor dogs or those with sensitive skin might only need baths every 2-3 months to prevent drying out their skin and stripping natural oils. Adapting the bathing frequency to suit your dog's lifestyle ensures a clean and healthy coat without overwashing, preserving the skin's natural balance for optimal canine health.

Types of Coat

Long haired dogs may require bathing every month but more importantly than this is that they should be groomed daily with an appropriate brush for their coat type to prevent matting. For more information on picking the appropriate brush check out our article on Which dog brush do you need?

Instead of a full bathe, short haired dogs (unless very soiled) may get away with a good groom with a brush such a Kong Zoomgroom and freshen up with some doggy bath wipes like the PETKIN Doggy Wipes.

Dog breeds without hair such as the Chinese crested and Xoloitzcuintli do benefit from weekly bathing to keep their skin in top condition. After bathing they also require the application of a moisturising lotion such as Palmers For Pets Direct Relief Lotion Spray.

Breeds prone to oily skin such as West highland white terriers may need to be washed with an anti-seborrheic (anti-grease) shampoo such as Mediderm weekly to minimise oil build up and odour.

Allergies or Skin issues

Some dogs suffer from allergies or other skin conditions so may need regular bathing with a medicated or gentle oatmeal shampoo to help manage the condition. The frequency of bathing in these cases should be set out by the pet's veterinarian.

Regardless of the frequency of bathing it's important to choose a dog specific shampoo. These are safe to use in comparison to human shampoos which are often not suitable and in some cases can be harmful.

To protect the skin from excess dryness and to encourage a healthy skin and coat, ensure to follow shampoos with a moisturising conditioner such as the PAW Blackmores Nutriderm Replenishing Conditioner or the Houndztooth Hugos Blend No 1 Goat Milk Conditioning And Deodoriser Spray, both of which can be used as a leave in conditioner.

Owners Health and Comfort

Like many Australians, some owners may suffer from allergies and this includes allergies to their pets. Regular grooming and bathing can play a part in helping to limit shedding of fur and dander (microscopic particles from saliva, skin or hair).

Other methods to help limit allergens include utilising products such as vacuums, air purifiers or air conditioners that contain a HEPA filter as these assist in filtering out small particles such as dander. Washing bedding at high temperatures and wet mopping/dusting to trap and remove allergens.

For owners who simply dislike their pooches "doggy" smell there are a range of effective dog friendly colognes such as Fidos Fresh Coat Spray or Yours Droolly Coconut Dog Cologne that can help keep them fresh in between baths.

Flea and Tick Control

Some shampoos contain ingredients to kill fleas and some species of ticks. They can be very effective at killing these parasites on contact however, most flea shampoos do not provide residual action. This means fleas and ticks can jump on after bathing, bite and reinfect the pet so it is recommended to also use an effective flea and tick control with a longer duration of action. This is particularly important in paralysis tick areas.

Risks of Over-bathing

Overbathing dogs can pose several risks to their skin health and overall well-being. Excessive bathing strips away the natural oils that protect a dog's skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential inflammation. This disruption of the skin's natural balance can cause itching, redness, and increased susceptibility to skin infections. Additionally, frequent baths may lead to a dull, brittle coat prone to tangles and breakage, impacting the hair's natural shine and texture.

Allergic reactions to grooming products used during baths can also occur, resulting in skin allergies or discomfort. Overbathing can alter the dog's natural scent and compromise their skin's protective barrier, making them more susceptible to environmental factors. To maintain a healthy balance, it's crucial to adhere to a bathing schedule appropriate for the dog's breed, skin type, and activity level, ensuring their skin retains its natural moisture and protective oils.

Seeking Expert Advice

Seeking expert advice about bathing your dog is advisable in several scenarios.

If your dog has specific skin conditions such as allergies, dermatitis, or infections, consulting a veterinarian or a professional groomer is essential to determine an appropriate bathing routine and suitable products that won't exacerbate their condition.

Additionally, for new dog owners unsure about the ideal bathing frequency or the use of grooming products, seeking guidance from a veterinarian or a groomer ensures that you establish a proper grooming regimen tailored to your dog's needs.

Expert advice is also valuable when encountering persistent skin issues, excessive shedding, or coat abnormalities post-bath, as professionals can provide insights into potential underlying health concerns.

Finally, seeking expert advice before introducing any new grooming products or techniques ensures they are safe, appropriate, and beneficial for your dog's skin and coat health.

Our in-house Vet Squad are available 7 days a week to provide expert advice for your dog's grooming needs.

Bathing can be an enjoyable and important health routine for pets and owners alike. However, we need to keep in mind that over bathing and even under bathing can lead to health issues in some cases. If you are unsure how frequently to bathe your pooch, reach out to our Vet Squad, your local vet, or professional groomer.

How Often To Wash Your Dog