What is that smell? The pungent scent of a cow pat? Yep – your dog has been rolling in manure again, and NOW is the time to wash them! But what about beyond the muddy romp or the dung day? How often should you bathe your dog on a scheduled basis?
Dog-washing factors to consider
Unfortunately, there is no one correct answer to the dog-bathing question. Generally speaking, though, a healthy dog with no skin problems does not need to be bathed often. Dogs have special glands throughout their bodies that produce oils to keep their skin and fur healthy. Over washing your dog can strip these oils, leading to dry and itchy skin. Over washing can also send those oil glands into overdrive – leaving your dog more musky-smelling than ever! So how to find the perfect dog-washing balance?
Your dog’s lifestyle
If your dog is living the (human) high life (penthouse apartment, short romps on lush green grass), they’re not going to need a weekly wash. However, if your dog is more of a dog’s dog (romps in swamps, extended mud meanders), you’ll most likely need to wash them more regularly. Often this is going to come down to pet-parent preference – after all, there’s only so much dirt you want tramped through the house!
Your dog’s age
To start with, puppies should not have their first bath until they are at least eight weeks old. Because young pups can’t yet self-regulate their temperature, they might get too cold or too warm during a bath. If they do need a bit of a wash, you can always wipe your pup down with a warm, damp cloth. Once your puppy is of bathing age, it’s a good idea to start a consistent bath routine – just so that they get used to the process.
Older doggos are possibly slowing down and getting up to less mischief. This means that their bathing schedule can slow down too. Keep an eye on their skin and fur (and scent!) and bathe them only when necessary.
Your dog’s coat type
This is where things start to get complicated. As we all know, different dogs have different fur, and different fur needs different treatment!
Owners of dogs with short coats know that these sweet puppers can be prone to skin allergies. Keeping their natural oils intact is key, and bathing your short-haired pooch should happen only once between every month and three months – or even more infrequently if they’re not getting whiffy!
Owners of dogs with medium coats, long coats or curly coats can suds up a little more often, with a wash recommended around every four to six weeks. And if you happen to have a hound with extra-long and luscious locks – Afghans, we’re looking at you! – bimonthly bathing may be in order.
And who gets to bathe most often? That’s right – hairless dogs! Basically bald canine breeds – such as the Xolo and Chinese crested – are likely to need a bath once every one to three weeks with a specialised shampoo.
Allergies or skin conditions
If your pupper has any form of allergy or skin disease, it’s important to consult your vet before you get scrubbing. Depending on the issue, Fido may need more regular bathing or as little washing as possible. Your vet will also be able to advise you on the best products to use. And they’ll almost certainly remind you not to use products intended for use by humans. Our skin is very different and people-products are not appropriate!
Dog-washing advice
If you’re still feeling uncertain as to how often your dog should be hitting the bathroom, speak to your vet or groomer. By considering your pet’s age, breed, health and lifestyle, they should be able to provide you with your-hound-specific advice to help keep your pooch healthy and clean.
Dog-washing transport – pet taxi for Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast
If you’ve wiped dog hair out of the bath once too often and need to get your doggo shampooed offsite, we’re here to help! Our pet transport service is the best way to get your dog from point A to point B (and even onward to point C!).
With ShowFur Around pet transportation services you can be sure that your furry friend is in the best possible hands.
Contact Dave on 0475 263 662 or email info@showfuraround.com.au to reserve your transport spot today.
