When I was a young vet, I used to say what everyone says: that you can’t bath dogs very often.
How wrong I was. If I wasn’t lucky enough to work with the right people (and have the right dogs) I might never have woken up. You need to hear this too: every day I see dogs that could be much better if only their owners knew the truth.
The following examples show how canine skin disease is usually made better by the right bath (there are at least eight other reasons why a dog can smell bad so follow the link if you’re not sure).
Jack is an enormous cuddly giant of a breed called a Cane Corso, and one of the nicest dogs I know. Except when I first met him for a second opinion you wouldn’t have known.
Suffering from what seemed to be an endless cycle of ear infections had made him highly anxious about his ears. Each time, the pain was making him more and more difficult to treat. Recently, only sedation and ear flushes were possible, and these never work as well as ointment.
I looked at his vet history, and couldn’t fault it. Ear infections are really just skin problems and his vets knew this: he was getting the right food for his skin, good flea prevention and even some skin medications. But you can guess what was missing: like Jack, it was the elephant in the room.
I know the other vets normally use shampoos too. I’m sure the only difference between me and them was the strength of my personal convictions about bathing. Asking owners of an 80kg dog to bathe him weekly isn’t something you do unless you’re dead certain it will help.
I ordered them in an industrial-sized Dermcare Natural, and to their credit, they did it. That’s four years ago. Jack has only had one ear infection since.
When I saw Tiffy for the first time this year, it was hard to watch. Throughout the consultation she itched almost constantly, and you just wanted it to stop.
Like, Jack, other things had been tried without success, but not shampoo. The breeder had specifically warned Tiffy’s owner of the evils of bathing, and so it hadn’t been done. That is, until she came in contact with me.
As I also said with Jack, I can’t promise this will work but it’s the glaring omission and harmless to try. It takes a lot to reject a breeder’s advice, but I’m pleased to say that’s what happened. I saw Tiffy the other day and she’s now a different dog: relaxed and comfortable (you can read a comment from her owner below). Yes, it can sometimes be that easy.
Have you just brought home an adorable, fuzzy puppy who’s already gotten into something stinky? Or maybe you’re wondering if your regular bathing schedule is helping or hurting your new furry friend? As a dog lover who’s raised several puppies (and made plenty of mistakes along the way!), I totally understand the confusion about proper puppy bathing schedules
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about bathing your puppy – how often is too often, what products to use, and how to make bath time less of a wrestling match!
The Truth About Puppy Bathing Frequency
The short answer is: Yes, you can bathe your puppy weekly if you use the right products, but it’s not always necessary for every puppy.
Most new puppy parents are told never to bathe their puppies frequently but this widespread belief isn’t entirely accurate. Let me explain why.
What Veterinarians Actually Recommend
According to most veterinarians, how often you should bathe your puppy depends on several factors:
- Coat type: Different breeds have different bathing needs
- Lifestyle: Active, outdoor puppies get dirtier faster
- Skin conditions: Some puppies have special skin needs
- Smell factor: Some puppies just get stinkier than others!
Beth Cristiano owner of Pretty Paws LLC explains that bathing frequency “greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework a pet owner is willing to do.”
Dr. Andrew from Walkerville Vet challenges the old myth directly: “When I was a young vet, I used to say what everyone says: that you can’t bath dogs very often. How wrong I was.”
Bathing Based on Coat Type
Your puppy’s coat type plays a big role in determining how often they need baths:
Short-Coated Puppies
Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Beagles typically need less frequent bathing – every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient, unless they get particularly dirty or smelly.
Long-Coated Puppies
Breeds like Maltese and Collies need more maintenance. Jorge Bendersky, a celebrity dog groomer, notes that “For dogs with medium-to-large coats, a bath could be needed from weekly to every four to six weeks, as long as the coat is properly maintained in-between baths.”
Double-Coated Puppies
Breeds like Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies have natural insulation from their coats. Monica Handy of Woofie’s Mobile Pet Spa warns that “Overbathing could strip too much oil from the skin and disrupt this process.”
Hairless Puppies
Surprisingly, hairless breeds like Chinese Crested actually require MORE frequent bathing – often weekly – according to experts.
The Benefits of Regular Bathing
When done properly, regular bathing can actually provide several benefits:
- Reduces itching and allergies: Dr. Andrew from Walkerville Vet shares stories about how regular bathing helped his dogs with skin allergies
- Prevents ear infections: Regular bathing can help prevent recurring ear problems
- Removes allergens: Bathing removes environmental allergens that can cause discomfort
- Keeps skin healthy: The right shampoo can improve skin condition
- Makes your puppy more huggable!: As Bendersky wisely says, “We should wash our dogs when they are no longer huggable”
Signs You Might Be Bathing Too Often
If you’re using the wrong products or bathing too frequently, you might notice:
- Dry, flaky skin (dandruff)
- Increased itchiness after baths
- Dull, brittle coat
- Irritated or red skin
Choosing the Right Puppy Shampoo
The key to bathing your puppy weekly without causing harm is using the right shampoo. Here’s what to look for:
Good Quality Shampoos
- Soap-free formulas: These won’t strip natural oils
- Puppy-specific: Formulated for sensitive puppy skin
- Gentle ingredients: Like oatmeal for sensitive skin
According to Dr. Andrew, “The best dog shampoos for frequent use are described as soap-free, and cost a little more than the rest.” He recommends brands like Dermcare, Virbac and Blackmore’s in Australia.
What to Avoid
- Human shampoos (even baby shampoo)
- Harsh detergent-based shampoos
- Products with artificial fragrances
A real-life example: Helen, the owner of an itchy dog named Tiffy, reported: “She has been a much happier dog since I started bathing her with Dermcare. She needed three baths for the first week, then two for the next couple of weeks and now I only need to bath her once every month or so.”
How to Make Bath Time Enjoyable
Many puppies don’t naturally love bath time, but these tips can help:
- Start slow: Get them used to the bathing area before adding water
- Use treats liberally: Associate baths with positive experiences
- Keep water lukewarm: Not too hot or cold
- Speak soothingly: Use a calm, reassuring voice
- Use a non-slip mat: Helps puppies feel secure
- Make it fun: Add floating toys if your puppy enjoys them
Step-by-Step Puppy Bathing Guide
Here’s my tried-and-true process for a stress-free puppy bath:
- Brush first: Remove tangles and loose fur before getting puppy wet
- Prepare everything: Have towels, shampoo, and treats within reach
- Use lukewarm water: Test on your wrist like you would for a baby
- Start at the neck: Work your way back, leaving head for last
- Avoid eyes and ears: Use a washcloth for the face
- Rinse thoroughly: Leftover shampoo can cause irritation
- Dry gently: Pat dry with a towel (avoid rubbing vigorously)
- Praise and reward: Give treats and love after the bath
Special Circumstances When Bathing Rules Change
There are some situations where the normal bathing rules don’t apply:
Puppies Under 8 Weeks
Very young puppies shouldn’t have full baths until they’re at least 8 weeks old. Before then, spot-clean with a warm, damp cloth if necessary.
Medicated Baths
If your vet prescribes a medicated shampoo for a skin condition, follow their directions exactly, even if it means more frequent bathing.
After Swimming or Getting Very Dirty
Rinse your puppy thoroughly after swimming in chlorinated pools, saltwater, or lakes. You don’t always need shampoo – sometimes a good rinse is enough.
Before Full Vaccinations
It’s generally best to wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before giving them a bath, to reduce the risk of contracting illnesses. Check with your vet for their recommendation.
Between-Bath Cleaning Options
For those times when your puppy needs freshening up but doesn’t need a full bath:
- Puppy wipes: Great for quick clean-ups
- Waterless shampoo: Spray-on products that clean without water
- Damp washcloth: Perfect for face and paw cleaning
My Personal Experience
I remember when I got my Lab mix, Buddy, and was terrified of bathing him too often because everyone said it would ruin his coat. He had such terrible itching that I finally tried weekly baths with a good quality oatmeal shampoo. The difference was amazing! His itching stopped almost completely, and his coat actually looked better than ever.
The key was using high-quality, soap-free shampoo and making sure to rinse thoroughly. Sometimes the “rules” we hear about pet care aren’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s okay to try different approaches (with veterinary guidance) to find what works best for your unique puppy.
Common Questions About Puppy Bathing
Q: Will weekly baths dry out my puppy’s skin?
A: Not if you use a high-quality, soap-free puppy shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Q: My breeder said never to bathe my puppy more than once a month. Are they wrong?
A: Breeders have valuable experience, but the “no frequent baths” rule is becoming outdated as better shampoos are available. Many veterinarians now support more frequent bathing with the right products.
Q: Can I use human shampoo on my puppy?
A: No. Human shampoos (even baby shampoos) have the wrong pH balance for puppies and can dry out their skin.
Q: My puppy hates baths. What should I do?
A: Start slow with positive reinforcement. Make bath time fun with treats and toys, and keep sessions short at first. Gradually build up to full baths.
Q: How do I know if my puppy needs a bath?
A: If they smell, have visible dirt in their coat, or are starting to look greasy, it’s probably bath time. Some dogs also get itchy when they need a bath.
Conclusion
So, can you bathe your puppy weekly? Yes, you absolutely can – as long as you’re using the right products and techniques. The old advice about infrequent bathing is outdated, especially when we have access to such high-quality, gentle pet shampoos today.
That said, not every puppy needs weekly baths. Pay attention to your puppy’s individual needs based on their coat type, activity level, and skin condition. Some may need weekly baths, while others might do fine with monthly baths.
Remember, the goal is a happy, healthy, and huggable puppy! Trust your nose (and your vet’s advice) to determine the right bathing schedule for your furry friend.
What’s your experience with puppy bath time? Have you found products or techniques that work particularly well? I’d love to hear your stories!
My Dogs: Ruby, Tinker & Loki
We all have our weaknesses, and mine is liking Terriers. As luck would have it, all three of mine have had the common skin allergy of dogs called atopic dermatitis.
For the past 20 years, my house has been itchy-dog boot camp. It’s on these dogs that I first noticed how just well bathing can work on the itch level. Ruby in fact never needed anything else; every time she got itchy I just bathed it away, sometimes up to twice a week.
Tinker, like Jack, needs baths to stop him getting ear infections, but he had a few before I worked this out. His ears do a neat trick of swelling up so the canal closes, but if you’re quick, a bath makes the swelling go down in hours.
Loki is my most severe case, and a good example of when bathing doesn’t work. When he was younger, I could manage him just with baths. Have a look at the picture. That was Loki’s paws just before a bath and four hours afterwards.
Atopic dermatitis tends to worsen up to 4 years of age, and in his case baths weren’t enough any more. About two years ago he went on Apoquel and last spring when even that wasn’t working I switched to Cytopoint. Funnily enough, these treatments are so effective that I don’t have to bath him much any more.
I’ll finish by answering four common questions I get about bathing dogs.
Is It Bad To Bath Your Dog Every Week?
Frequent bathing can be harmful to some dogs, especially those with more wolf-like coats. However, using a good shampoo should allow you to bathe as often as you like. If you bath correctly, it should result in a softer, shinier and less itchy skin and coat.