Most people know it’s important to wash your dog, you’ve got to keep them clean. But how often should you give your canine friend a bath?
Our goal is to answer some of the common questions like, why should you wash your dog regularly, how often you should wash your dog, and when does your dog need a bath?
We’ll even go over some tips to help make bathing your dog easier than ever before. You can try these techniques the next time you wash your dog.
Why Should You Bathe Your Dog Regularly?
One of the most common reasons why you should bathe your dog regularly is the risk of parasites. Washing your dog removes dirt, mud, and fleas that can carry parasites. Keeping your pup clean improves their health and using CBD dog supplements can also aid in this quest. But we’ll touch more on that later.
Do Dogs Feel Better after a Bath?
Many dogs do feel better after a bath. Dogs that are especially dirty can often be seen feeling much more content and refreshed after they've been cleaned.
This idea is related to the theory of the psychological effect of water, in which people who bathe in water, or even stand by a lake or river for a few minutes tend to feel more refreshed. They may even act happier after they get a bath, much like humans do when they come in from playing in the rain.
Ways to Know Your Dog Needs a Bath
Look for obvious (and not so obvious) clues that your dog could use a good wash. The most noticeable is likely going to be their smell. Also keep an eye on their fur, if it starts getting visibly dirty, it’s time to get the water running. Another sign can be if they’re scratching a lot or are trying to clean themselves excessively. Take into account where your dog spends most of their time, as pups that frequent the outdoors tend to require a more consistent bathing routine.
Have They Developed the “Dog Smell”?
The other way to tell if your dog needs a bath is smelling like they need one. Dogs in rainy environments that are frequently damp are quicker to develop a "wet garbage" odor than those living in drier regions. It's important to completely dry your dog anytime they have wet fur. Keep a towel by the door on rainy days as a reminder to do so every time you return from a walk.
They Are Noticeably Dirty
One of the easiest ways to tell if your dog needs a bath is just to take a look at their coat.
If you notice that your dog has a lot of dirt and mud on them it's important to bathe them. Dogs should be bathed about once every month or two depending on how often they go outside and how dirty they are.
They Scratch a Lot
Scratching is a common problem for dogs. It can be due to allergies, parasites, or environmental stressors. In order to help prevent them from scratching, it's important to keep their fur and skin clean. If you notice continued scratching even after a bath, a thorough physical examination might be in order. Give your vet a call and schedule an appointment.
Does Your Dog Spend a Lot of Time Outside?
Dogs are often outside for long periods of time. In cooler and more humid regions this can lead to wet fur that doesn't dry off, petting dirt or mud into their coat. All these elements combine to create a dog who is really dirty. That's why it's important to give your pup a bath about once every month or two if they're getting outside regularly.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
To decide how often you should wash your dog, we recommend considering their environment and lifestyle. If your dog lives in a wet climate and spends a lot of time outside, they may need a bath more regularly than if they live in a drier region and spend less time outside. In general, we recommend bathing your pup about once every month or two.
Can I wash my dog once a week?
It's entirely up to you, but bathing once every month or two should be enough. It's important to never wash your dog too often. Do not wash them more than once a week unless advised to do so by your vet, as this can lead to dry skin or fur loss.
How often should you bathe an indoor dog?
If your dog doesn't frequent the outdoors, you can allow more time to pass between bathes. But don't think that means you never need to wash your dog. Just less often. Set a reminder in your phone or mark the calendar so you don't forget!
Do I need to bathe an outdoor dog more often?
Outdoor dogs are exposed to a range of environmental factors that can lead to them getting really grimy. Dogs who play outdoors regularly tend to get dirty from rolling around in dirt and muck may require more baths. If your dog is outside a lot, just keep an eye on their coat and give them a bath when needed.
Tips to Make Bathing a Dog Easier
There are some things you can do to make bathing your dog easier. These include making sure the water is not too hot or cold, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner, using spray bottles to rinse them off, and giving them lots of treats!
Some dogs may have more specific needs that require you to really have control over the situation to make the process easier. We've got pointers for washing a dog with dry skin or how to handle bath time with an anxious pup. Giving your furry friend a bath may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.
One thing to consider is adding CBD to your dog’s diet to improve their overall wellness. You can find a variety of supplements aimed to aid dogs with dry skin or anxiety
Washing a Dog with Dry Skin
Dry skin in dogs is often caused by environmental conditions or allergies, but can be a sign of a more serious issue. If you notice any severe cases of dry skin, speak with your veterinarian to get ahead of any problems. They can’t take care of themselves after all.
If you’re not familiar with them, skin supplements for dogs are a great way to promote a healthier, shinier coat. A dog chew with full spectrum CBD hemp extract can easily be added to their daily routine.
Should I bathe my dog if he has dry skin?
Yes, unless instructed not to by your vet, you can wash your dog that has dry skin. Make sure to be very gentle during their bath to avoid any additional irritation. Keep in mind how often you bathe them, you don’t want to be responsible for further dryness.
How often should you wash a dog with skin problems?
This depends on their specific condition and the severity. Since you don’t want to make things worse, aim to bathe them on the less frequent side of the spectrum. Maybe even longer, about every three months or so.
How do you moisturize a dog's skin?
One of the best ways to moisturize your dog’s skin is by using a moisturizing oatmeal-based shampoo. Colloidal oatmeal shampoos have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itching. They also contain ingredients such as polyphenols and avenanthramides which have strong antioxidant activity.
Bath Time with an Anxious Dog
A dog with anxiety can have a difficult time when it comes to taking a bath. Try to think of it from their perspective and try to create a comforting environment. Have some of their favorite toys around and keep treats handy. If they’re happy, you’re more likely to have a smooth bath time.
Supplements are available just like with skincare. There are calming treats for dogs that help with anxiety and nervousness. CBD can help relax a dog who gets unsettled when it’s time for a bath.
Create a Calm Environment
You know your furry friend best, so create them a calm environment specific to their personality. That might be low light with soft music playing to encourage relaxation. And be sure to consider any certain triggers they have. For example, have the bath already filled before bringing them into the tug to avoid them hearing the sound of flowing water. Try different settings and see what works to make bath time a breeze.
Do dogs like warm or cold baths?
Just like humans, most dogs seem to not prefer extreme temperatures either way. It’s recommended to stick with lukewarm water. It’s essentially the goldilocks temp. If you want to go up or down and find the right temperature for your dog, that’s a personal preference.
Using a Rubber Bath Mat
Place a rubber bath mat into your tub before bathing your dog. This prevents slipping and ensures your dog won't scratch up the tub. It’s a safety measure for your pup and the bathtub. Someone deserves a treat for that tip.
The Best Bathing Routine for Your Dog
When it comes to deciding how often you should wash your dog, that really depends on your specific pooch. Determine their routine based on the environmental factors of your region, how much time they spend outside, and any specific conditions.
Adding a healthy CBD pet supplement to their diet might make bath time easier. The calming properties of Green Gruff RELAX Plus CBD help bring your dog back to baseline behavior for a better bathing experience.