How Often Should You Really Bathe Your Dog? A Vet Explains

May 19, 2025

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How Do You Bathe a Dog?

Hello everyone! I’m Rafael – a veterinarian and dog grooming expert – and today, I want to talk to you about an important topic: how often should you bathe your dog? or the question how often do I give my dog a bath?

Why does this matter?

Because a clean coat doesn’t always mean healthy skin. Bathing affects more than just appearance.
And let’s face it—pet parents are confused. You hear one thing on YouTube, another on TikTok, and then different advice from vets and groomers.

So let’s settle this—with science and practical guidance.

How does a dog’s skin actually work?

Dogs have a natural lipid barrier made of sebum. This keeps their skin moisturized, maintains a neutral pH of around 7.5, and supports the microbiome—the good bacteria on their skin.

This microbiome includes helpful species like Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium, which help prevent harmful pathogens from taking over.

But over-bathing, or using harsh shampoos too often, can strip this barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and even infections.
Antibacterial shampoos should only be used when prescribed by your vet for medical reasons.

So, how often should you bathe your dog? can I bathe my dog twice a week?

Well, it depends—because not all dogs are the same. But here’s a general guideline:

Dog Type	Bathing Frequency
Normal skin / short coat	Every 4–6 weeks
Oily coat breeds (e.g., Basset Hounds)	Every 2–4 weeks
Dry or itchy skin	Every 6–8 weeks (or as advised)
Long-haired breeds (e.g., Shih Tzu)	Every 3–4 weeks
Medical skin conditions	As prescribed by your vet

What happens if you don’t bathe your dog enough?

Dirt, allergens, and dander can build up, leading to:

A persistent bad odor
Increased risk of skin problems
Bacterial or yeast overgrowth
Skin fold infections

What are the signs you're bathing too often?

Watch out for:

Flaky or dry skin
Constant scratching
Hair loss or excessive shedding
Licking or biting at the skin

How to choose the right shampoo

For healthy dogs: oatmeal-based or neutral pH shampoos work well.
For allergies: choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free shampoos.
For medical conditions: only use medicated shampoos as directed by your vet.
Never use human shampoo or dish soap! They have the wrong pH, and ingredients like tea tree oil (in high concentrations) can be toxic to dogs.

How to Wash a Dog? : How to bathe your dog properly

Brush your dog thoroughly before the bath.
Use lukewarm water.
Wet the entire coat before applying shampoo.
Lather gently—avoid the eyes and ears.
Rinse thoroughly—leftover shampoo causes itching.
Towel dry, and blow-dry for long-haired breeds if needed.

Special cases to keep in mind

Puppies - how often to bathe a puppy: Don’t bathe them before 8 weeks old unless absolutely necessary.
Senior dogs: Be gentle—they have more sensitive skin.
Double-coated breeds (like Huskies): Brush more, bathe less!

My advice? Individualize.

No two dogs are the same. Consider:

Their lifestyle (dog parks, beaches, etc.)
Allergies
Coat type and activity level

When in doubt, consult your groomer or veterinarian.

Conclusion

Don’t over-bathe, and don’t under-bathe.
For most dogs, every 3 to 6 weeks is the sweet spot.

Clean = healthy. But balanced hygiene is best.