Dogs are wonderful companions, but they can also be a lot of work. One of the most troublesome tasks for many dog owners is knowing how often they should bathe their dog.

Washing your dog too often with the wrong soap can strip away vital oils. Commonly you will hear that this overwashing leaves their skin dry itchy. 

What's the right answer? How often should you bathe your dog?

 

Factors to Consider in How Often You Should Be Bathing Your Dog

There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to how often you should be bathing your pup. Furthermore, every dog is different, and there's no single answer to this question. However, having the right kind of shampoo is critical to keeping your dog clean and their skin healthy. Hint: it's easier than you think!

Your Dog's Lifestyle

If your pup stays inside a lot, regular grooming may be enough. However, if your dog is fairly active and gets dirty from playing outside, you may want to wash them more frequently, even for dogs with sensitive skin.

Your Dog's Skin Type

Just like with people, dogs have different skin types and can suffer from itchy, or sensitive skin. If you notice your dog scratching excessively, their skin may be dry or irritated. Gentle shampoos and conditioners can help to restore and protect your dog's skin. Nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, coconut oil and broccoli seed oil can help dogs with dry, oily, or irritated skin. 

Some breeds are also more prone to skin issues. Doberman Pinchers are prone to acne, whereas some boxers have super sensitive dry skin. If this is the case, it can actually help to wash them more frequently because a shampoo with soothing ingredients can help calm irritated skin and a moisturizing conditioner can help nourish dry itchy skin. However, using a pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner is a must.

Danylion is a gentle pH-balanced shampoo that is perfect for all skin types and can help to moisturize dry skin.

Related: Dandylion Ingredients

Washing your dog more often can, in fact, help itchy skin because by bathing them, you are removing dander and other irritants.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure about your dog's skin condition, make sure to make an appointment with a vet, to make sure it's not allergies, infections or an underlying skin condition. 

Your Lifestyle And Preferences

Your own lifestyle can also be a huge factor in how often you bathe your dog. If you enjoy getting outside and being active, you can expect your furry friend to love running and playing outdoors with you. If your dog loves digging in the dirt and scampering through mud, it would be a good idea to bathe them more regularly. On the other hand, if your dog spends more time indoors, free from the elements, then you might space their bathtime schedule out;  consider how they are smelling or if they have gotten into a messy situation such as raiding the garbage.

If you have allergies yourself, you might also want to wash your pup a little more often as well to help remove environmental irritants that might irritate your own skin or trigger any allergic reactions. 

Common Myths About Bathing Your Dog

All we want as dog owners is to have a happy and healthy dog at the end of the day. But with all the information (and new information we learn each year!), it can often be hard to tell what is accurate anymore. So here are some common myths about washing your dog.

"It will strip your dog of their natural oils!"

Many people think that if they wash their dog too often, they will strip away their natural oils and leave your dogs’ skin dry and itchy. However, this is not the case if you use the right products. 

Look for a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo that is designed for dogs like Dandylion Shampoo and Conditioner! This will help keep their skin healthy.

Related: Why Dandylion?

"You can use any human or baby shampoo on your dog."

While some of these products are safe on animals, that doesn't mean that they are suitable for your pup. Even sensitive lines of human hair care and baby products can cause more damage to your dog's sensitive skin. Because the pH levels in even baby shampoo are lower than what a dog’s skin needs.

Using a shampoo with the wrong pH levels can cause your dog's skin to dry out and become irritated. This can lead to itching, dryness, and skin damage. 

It's best to use a formula specifically made for dogs like Dandylion. 

General Best Practices for Washing Your Dog

Go ahead and wash your dog as often as you feel like you need to. If your dog has a thick coat and you desire to wash them more often, just be sure they fully dry between each wash. If your pup is dirty from rolling around, don’t feel bad about giving them a bath.

Just make sure that you are using a gentle pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner, and your dog's skin will stay healthy and clean.

Final Thoughts 🌼 

Dogs need baths just as much as we do, and it's essential to use the right products to keep their skin healthy. Today, we touched on some general best practices for bathing your dog and debunked some common myths about washing them.

Be sure to use a gentle pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner that is designed for dogs, and be sure to check out Dandylion's full line of dog grooming products for a happy, clean dog. Shop now.