It’s almost bedtime and you’ve just let your dog out before hitting the hay. As your pooch approaches the door, a smell emerges – skunk! At this point, of course you’re going to jump up and get your dog into the bathtub as fast as possible to rid your house, your dog and your nostrils of the stench.
As USA Today reports, a scenario like this makes giving your dog a bath a no-brainer, but experts say you should have a regular wash schedule too. Here’s a guide for when to get out the bubbles for your pup.
How often should you Bathe your Dog?
Once every three months is a good baseline, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). However, it really depends on your dog’s lifestyle, breed, and coat type.
Dogs have a lifestyle? Yes! You know your dogs and their habits. Do your pups spend their days frolicking in the grass, playing in the mud, or jumping in the lake, splashing in the surf? Or are they more the cozy indoor couch surfer type? Dogs that have a more active lifestyle generally need more frequent bathing.
It also depends on your dog’s coat. According to BeChewy, medium- and long-coat dogs should bathe every four to six weeks and short-coat dogs should bathe somewhere between every one to three months. Just be careful not to wash your pup’s coat too much! According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), over-bathing dogs with thick coats (like Labradors, Golden Retrievers or Siberian Huskies) can strip oil from the skin, which can interrupt the natural insulation of their bodies.
As a general, when in doubt, wash (or at least rinse off) your pet when they look grimy. If you spot dirt, feel something sticky or smell a funk, take it as a cue to get that pup in the bath. There are also pet bath wipes, for those in-between bath times when your pup could stand a little “freshening up.”
How often should you Brush/Trim your Dog’s Hair?
Regular brushing makes for a happy pup and owner – it helps prevent excess shedding and matting, which can actually lead to pain and infection.
The ASPCA recommends brushing dogs with long coats daily. Dogs with short coats can stand a once-a-week brushing.
If your dog has fur that falls into its eyes, ears or over the paws, a regular trimming may also be beneficial. Some owners prefer to clip at home, but it’s okay if you opt for a professional to groom your dog.
How to Help Dogs with Bath Anxiety
It depends on the dog. Just like humans, some dogs are more anxious than others around water.
For dogs with bath anxiety, Rover recommends giving your dog something to focus on, like smearing peanut butter on the wall or supplying treats. You can also bathe them like a baby and use a bucket instead of the showerhead.
Some dogs may go a little nuts after a bath by shaking to get dry or running around. Dogs typically run around after a bath to release pent-up energy or to get back to their normal scent instead of the new, clean one, Rover says.
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