Bathing Basics

One of the most common grooming questions is how often to bathe your pet. The answer depends on several factors:

Dogs

Most dogs only need a bath every four to six weeks, unless they have gotten dirty or smelly. Overbathing strips natural oils from the coat, leading to dry, itchy skin. Some exceptions:

• Dogs with skin conditions may need medicated baths on a schedule prescribed by your vet
• Dogs that swim regularly may need more frequent rinsing
• Double-coated breeds can be bathed less frequently — their coats are designed to be somewhat self-cleaning
• Hairless breeds (like Chinese Cresteds) may need more frequent bathing due to oily skin

Cats

Most cats groom themselves effectively and rarely need baths. Only bathe a cat if they have gotten into something they should not lick off, if they have a skin condition that requires it, or if they are unable to groom themselves (elderly or unwell cats). Bathing a cat unnecessarily causes significant stress.

When in doubt, ask your vet or groomer for advice specific to your pet’s breed and skin condition.

Preparation

• Brush your pet thoroughly before bathing — wet mats are much harder to remove and can trap moisture against the skin
• Use a pet-specific shampoo, never human shampoo — the pH is different and human products can irritate your pet’s skin
• Place a non-slip mat in the tub or shower to prevent slipping
• Have towels ready before you start
• For small dogs, a laundry tub or large sink works well

Bathing

• Use lukewarm water — test on your inner wrist like you would for a baby’s bottle
• Wet your pet thoroughly, starting from the shoulders and working back — leave the head until last
• Apply shampoo and work it into the coat with your fingers
• Avoid getting water or shampoo in the eyes, ears, and nose
• Rinse thoroughly — leftover shampoo residue causes itching and skin irritation
• If using conditioner, apply and rinse according to the product instructions

Drying

• Towel dry as much as possible — let your pet shake first
• For long-coated breeds, you may need a pet-safe blow dryer on a low, cool setting — never use high heat
• Make sure your pet is fully dry before going outside in cold weather
• Brush again once the coat is dry to prevent tangles