Does My Dog Need a Bath?
Not All Dogs Need Bathed Often
Some dogs enjoy getting a bath. Others have to be dragged out from under the bed. Is it necessary to bathe your dog regularly?
A well groomed dog needs to be brushed, have ears and mouth checked, and toenails trimmed regularly. Beyond that, unless your dog is a breed that needs to be clipped, an occasional bath may be the only other thing to add to the grooming checklist.
Some breeds rarely need to get in the tub, and a quick wipe with a damp washcloth will suffice, whereas others that spend more time outside may need a bath more often. Dogs with shorter, smooth coats - such as the Jack Russell Terrier - shouldn't need bathed often, but if he has access to do what terriers do best, that won't necessarily hold true. Once the feet get to flying in the terra firma, no quick wipe-down is going to do the job on a muddy JRT.
Dogs don't sweat like people do, so normally don't give off that foul, locker room odor. If your dog smells funky, it's probably because of something he rolled in and not strictly due to the length of time between hitting the showers. Dogs with longer or curlier coats that allow dirt to become trapped within might need more regular bathing, but frequent brushing to loosen dirt can help lengthen the time between baths.
Bathing a dog too often can strip their coat of essential oils needed to protect their skin, and can lead to further skin problems. Harsh shampoos, except those prescribed by your veterinarian for a specific reason, can actually do more harm than good to your dog's skin and coat. Residue left from shampoos can dry out the skin, so no matter how often you bathe your dog, make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Stretch the time between baths by sprinkling baking soda on your dog's coat and brushing it through to help take the edge off any slight doggy-smell. There are many products on the market to dry-bathe your dog and even doggy 'baby wipes', but I wouldn't waste my money. Most contain perfumes that simply mask odors and do little to actually clean your dog, and since they're not rinsed off, may not be good for your dog's skin if used excessively.
Bottom line - if your dog is excessively dirty, get him in the tub. Otherwise, if you don't find his odor offensive, he probably doesn't either. Go ahead and skip the Saturday night bath.
A well groomed dog needs to be brushed, have ears and mouth checked, and toenails trimmed regularly. Beyond that, unless your dog is a breed that needs to be clipped, an occasional bath may be the only other thing to add to the grooming checklist.
Some breeds rarely need to get in the tub, and a quick wipe with a damp washcloth will suffice, whereas others that spend more time outside may need a bath more often. Dogs with shorter, smooth coats - such as the Jack Russell Terrier - shouldn't need bathed often, but if he has access to do what terriers do best, that won't necessarily hold true. Once the feet get to flying in the terra firma, no quick wipe-down is going to do the job on a muddy JRT.
Dogs don't sweat like people do, so normally don't give off that foul, locker room odor. If your dog smells funky, it's probably because of something he rolled in and not strictly due to the length of time between hitting the showers. Dogs with longer or curlier coats that allow dirt to become trapped within might need more regular bathing, but frequent brushing to loosen dirt can help lengthen the time between baths.
Bathing a dog too often can strip their coat of essential oils needed to protect their skin, and can lead to further skin problems. Harsh shampoos, except those prescribed by your veterinarian for a specific reason, can actually do more harm than good to your dog's skin and coat. Residue left from shampoos can dry out the skin, so no matter how often you bathe your dog, make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Stretch the time between baths by sprinkling baking soda on your dog's coat and brushing it through to help take the edge off any slight doggy-smell. There are many products on the market to dry-bathe your dog and even doggy 'baby wipes', but I wouldn't waste my money. Most contain perfumes that simply mask odors and do little to actually clean your dog, and since they're not rinsed off, may not be good for your dog's skin if used excessively.
Bottom line - if your dog is excessively dirty, get him in the tub. Otherwise, if you don't find his odor offensive, he probably doesn't either. Go ahead and skip the Saturday night bath.
Published by Marie Anne St. Jean - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
A Top 1000 Content Producer for the last three years, Marie Anne is a retired U.S. Marine MSgt whose weapons of choice are now crochet hook and pen. When not writing for Yahoo! sites such as YCN! Voice... View profile
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13 Comments
Post a CommentI had my dog for 16 yrs. She was an animal shelter, They found her by accident in a snow storm. She was a 10 month old(approx age by my vet) and was abused. She was a Shelty, Springer mix and was 20 lbs full grown. She loved to play with the kids; yep; in the dirt, mud, sand, puddles whatever; and I bathed her once a week. Tara was spoiled by me and my step daughter. We used baby shampoo and then a diluted hair conditioner. I had a water massage head and she loved it. Then brushed while being blow dried by my step daughter. People who have never had a dog won't understand how much love your pet gives back to you.
I have a white short legged jack russell with black spots on her ears. She weighs 13 pounds. My dog loves to dig very deep holes and even moves rocks with her paws to try to get to chipmunks and other rodents. My vet told me a long time ago to just use baby shampoo and it works. She has never had a skin condition and fortunately for me she accepts that when she digs and goes in the house; she goes back to the bathroom herself and stands in the shower waiting for me to bath her. Ha Ha!
I drive for Fedex and have a house on my route that smells of dog from the street. And this is a rich gated community.
Thanks for this Marie. Our dog weighs over 70 pounds and it takes my son and I to wrestle him into the bath tub. He hates it. It's good to confirm that I don't need to have this workout too often. :)
This is good news. We found a wonderful groomer for our long-haired 70# dog. Although I brush her daily, I cannot bathe her myself. The groomer is expensive so she only goes in the spring.
And Jacks new Jack is a "holy terriorist" And those feet do get to flying! Busted a dew claw last nite. Sounded like he been shot.
Our little rescue needs medicated baths regularly due to a skin condition - but you are right, most dogs do not need regular bathing. cheers ;)
I love this. My wife was always wanting to give our pets a bath and I had a hard time convincing here it was only necessary every once in a while.
Well now, that's some doggone good advice! Blessings. Michael
GREAT! Thanks =0)