Knowing how often to bathe your dog can be tricky. With so many different types of dogs, lifestyles and health needs, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Keep reading for guidelines to help determine the best dog bath frequency for your pet.

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog? Factors to Consider

Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months. Bathing your dog gives you an excellent opportunity to check them over for signs of skin problems or lumps that could indicate a more serious health issue.

In some cases, though, your dog could benefit from having baths on a more regular basis. Here are several factors to consider when deciding if you should increase your dog bath frequency.

Your Dog's Activity Level

If your dog is highly active and spends a lot of time outside, they'll probably need a bath more often — especially if they regularly swim or play in the dirt. Even if they're not prone to getting into messes, athletic dogs could need more frequent baths to control their odor.

How Much Is Too Much?

If you're curious about how frequently you should be bathing your dog, know that excessive bathing can actually harm your pet. Bathing your dog too often can strip their natural oils, which they need for a healthy coat and skin, says Reader's Digest. This could result in a dry, dull coat and itchy skin. If you must bathe your dog more frequently than once a month or so, be sure to use a moisturizing dog shampoo or follow up with a moisturizing dog conditioner that can help replenish your pet's natural moisture.

If you're still not sure how often you should bathe your pup, ask your veterinarian or your groomer. By taking your dog's breed, health and lifestyle into account, they should be able to provide personalized guidelines to help you keep your dog clean and healthy.

Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.