How Often Should I Give My Dog a Bath?

Credit: Mikumistock

Dog shampoo used to be harsh, and many vets recommended only bathing your dog once per year because the shampoo used to strip the dog's coat of essential oils and dried out the skin.

Today's dog grooming products are much milder and actually enhance your dog's skin and coat. Using a gentle dog wash allows you to bathe your dog more often, even once every week and it's actually beneficial to your dog's health.

Following a few simple dog bathing steps will keep your dog clean and well groomed, putting a spring in his step and a smile on his face.

Brush out Your Dog’s Fur before a Bath

Always brush your dog before applying water or dog shampoo to prevent tangles and mats in the dog's fur. Thorough brushing also removes dead fur, flaking skin, and any sticks, leaves, or burrs that your dog might have picked up outside. If necessary, cut out any mats, especially under the dog's belly and behind the ears.

Apply vegetable oil or mineral oil to any sap, paint, gum, or other sticky substances that are stuck in the dog's fur 24 hours before bathing your dog. This will help wash it off more readily.

Since you're already preparing your dog for a bath, this would be a good time to brush his teeth, as well. He'll have nice fresh breath to go along with his clean coat.

Shampoo with Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner

Choose a gentle dog shampoo with added skin conditioners and detanglers. Today's pet shampoos actually heal skin allergies, eliminate germs and bacteria, and repel fleas, ticks and biting insects. Tear free dog wash is also available at pet stores and makes your dog bath more enjoyable for both of you. If the dog likes the bath, she won't be afraid to get into the tub on the next bath day.

Gather Your Dog Bathing Supplies

Gather up all the dog bathing supplies before putting your dog into the tub. Have towels, cotton balls, shampoo, a brush if you're using one, and a cup for rinsing, then you’re all set to go.

Fill the tub with warm water and put cotton balls into the dog's ears to prevent water from running into his ear canal. Now it's time to put your dog into the tub. Gently lift him into the tub if he won't jump in on his own. Talk in soothing tones to keep him calm and wet his coat thoroughly with warm water. Make sure the water reaches all the way to the skin for a complete washing.

Lather up and Start from the Back of Your Dog

Apply dog soap to the fur and scrub until a lather forms. Wash your dog starting from the back to the front to prevent him from shaking too much, saving you from getting a shower, as well. A dog usually only shakes when her head and ears get wet.

After shampooing your dog’s whole body, rinse the coat with clean water. Be sure to rinse all the way to the dog's skin, removing all traces of dog shampoo. Any soap left in the coat dries and causes itchy, flaking skin.

Dry Your Dog with a Towel or Low-Heat Hairdryer

Squeeze out any excess water by running your hand firmly along your dog's body. Cover him with a towel and gently pat dry. Avoid rubbing the dog's fur too much or mats and tangles will form.

Use a hair dryer on low heat to completely dry your dog, if she isn't afraid of it. It is fine to let the dog's fur air dry. Take her for a walk if it's warm outside to help the fur dry quicker.

Source: American Kennel Club, New Puppy Handbook, 2009.

Taking Care of a New Puppy

Your puppy or adult dog depends upon you for everything in his life.  Learning about how to take care of him is the most important part of being a pet owner. Although the following dog care tips might seem like common sense, you'd be surprised how many dog owners do not follow up on regular dog care.

You love your dog and that is really important but he has physical needs too.  You are responsible for making sure your dog is happy and healthy.  Follow these dog care tips and your puppy will live a long, healthy life, always your faithful friend.

1.  Feed your dog twice a day when he is under one year old, then only once per day.  Any high quality dog food that meets the nutritional needs of a growing dog is fine.  Read the dog food label for the recommended amount to feed your dog, according to his ideal weight.  Try to avoid too many treats and feeding your dog human food.  It’s hard to resist when your dog starts begging for a treat but keeping him at his ideal weight will make him more energetic and healthier.

2.  Groom your dog every day.  Dogs love to be pampered and most dogs enjoy a good brushing.  Grooming your dog removes dead fur and helps eliminate shedding all over the house.  It also enhances the fur for a shiny coat and healthy skin.

3.  Brush your dog’s teeth at least once per week because dogs develop plaque just like humans do.  Use toothpaste made only for dogs since human toothpaste can irritate your dog’s stomach.  The first time you brush your dog’s teeth, just do it for a few seconds to get her used to the feel of the brush and taste of the toothpaste.  Eventually, your dog will look forward to having her teeth brushed.

4.  Exercise is essential for all types of dogs.  Walking your dog is the best way to bond with him and give him the exercise he needs.  Walk your dog at least twenty minutes per day.  If you have a large dog that is hard to handle, a harness helps keep your dog walking beside you.  Exercising your dog also helps him behave in the house because he used up his energy walking with you.

5.  Regular visits to the veterinarian are also a necessary part of dog care.  Make sure your dog is updated on all his vaccinations, especially rabies.  The vet also performs a blood test on your dog every year, testing for heartworms.  Using a monthly heartworm medication prevents your dog from becoming infected with life threatening heartworms.