Most dogs should be bathed about once every four to six weeks. Dogs with oily coats, dogs who swim or roll in things, and dogs with certain skin conditions may need a bath more often, while dogs with short, low maintenance coats can often go longer. The right schedule depends on your dog's coat, skin, lifestyle and age. Bathing too often, especially with a harsh or human shampoo, strips the oils that protect the skin and can lead to dryness, flakes and itch.
Here is how to find the right bathing schedule for your dog, how to keep them clean between baths, and how to tell when you are bathing too often or not often enough.
How often to bathe a dog, by coat type
Short, smooth coats
Beagles, boxers, pit bulls, Dobermans and similar breeds. Every four to eight weeks is usually enough. Their coats shed dirt easily, and a weekly rubber brush does a lot of the work a bath would.
Double coats
Golden retrievers, labs, huskies, German shepherds and other dogs with a dense undercoat. Every four to eight weeks for most, with regular brushing in between, especially during seasonal shedding. These coats take a long time to dry, so bathing often without drying fully can cause odor.
Long, silky or curly coats
Poodles, doodles, shih tzus, Yorkies, Maltese and similar breeds. Every three to four weeks is common, because these coats trap dirt and tangle easily. Brush out tangles before every bath and use a conditioner afterward.
Oily coats
Basset hounds, cocker spaniels and some retrievers produce more skin oil and can start to smell sooner. Every two to four weeks with a gentle shampoo that removes excess oil without stripping the skin.
Hairless and very short coated breeds
Chinese cresteds and similar dogs often need weekly baths because their skin collects oil and debris with nothing to absorb it. Ask your vet about sun protection and moisturizing.
Other things that change the schedule
- Lifestyle. A dog who hikes, swims in lakes or digs will need more baths than a dog who mostly naps on the couch.
- Skin conditions. Dogs with allergies, yeast or seborrhea may be on a medicated shampoo schedule set by their vet. Follow that schedule, not a general rule.
- Age. Puppies have delicate skin and are usually bathed about once a month. Our guide on when you can give a puppy a bath covers the first months. Senior dogs may need gentler, shorter baths and more help drying.
- Season. Dry winter air makes skin more prone to flaking, so many dogs do better with fewer baths in winter.
- Your home. If your dog sleeps on your bed or someone in the house has allergies, you may want a slightly more frequent routine with a very gentle shampoo.
Signs you are bathing too often
- White flakes in the coat, often along the back
- A dull, dry or brittle coat
- More scratching or licking in the days after a bath
- Skin that looks red or feels tight
- Odor that returns faster than it used to
That last one surprises many owners. Stripped skin often produces more oil to compensate, which can make a dog smell sooner. If you see these signs, space baths further apart and switch to a milder, pH balanced dog shampoo. Our guide to dog dandruff has a full routine for dry, flaky skin.
Signs your dog needs a bath sooner
- A smell that does not go away after a brush and a wipe down
- A greasy feel when you run your hand through the coat
- Visible dirt, mud or something they rolled in
- Mats starting to form in a long coat
If your dog smells again within a day or two of a bath, the cause may be skin, ears, teeth or anal glands rather than dirt. See why your dog stinks even after a bath for what to check.
How to bathe your dog so the schedule works
- Brush first to remove loose hair and tangles.
- Use lukewarm water and wet the coat all the way to the skin.
- Use a shampoo made for dogs. Human shampoo is made for more acidic skin. We explain why in can I use human shampoo on my dog.
- Massage it into the skin and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- Rinse until the water runs clear, then rinse again.
- Condition long, curly or dry coats to help with tangles and softness.
- Dry completely, down to the skin, especially in thick coats.
Keeping your dog clean between baths
A good in-between routine is what lets you bathe less often without living with a smelly dog.
- Brush several times a week. It removes dirt, loose hair and dander, and spreads natural oils along the coat.
- Wipe paws and belly after walks. A gentle pet wipe handles mud, pollen and road salt. See our guide to dog wipes.
- Use a gentle deodorizer spray for a quick refresh instead of a full bath.
- Wash bedding every week or two. A clean dog in a dirty bed will not stay fresh for long.
Our bath and between-bath routine
For regular baths, our Prebiotic Pet Shampoo is pH balanced for dogs and removes excess oil without stripping the skin. Dogs with dry or flaky skin do well with the Sensitive Pet Shampoo. Follow long coats with the Prebiotic Pet Conditioner. Between baths, use our Pet Cleansing Wipes and the alcohol free Prebiotic Pet Deodorizer Spray.
What about cats
Most healthy cats groom themselves well and rarely need a bath. Long haired cats, senior cats who groom less, and cats who get into something sticky or dirty are the exceptions. When a cat does need a bath, use a shampoo labeled safe for cats, never a dog flea shampoo, and keep it short and calm.
If your dog has itchy, red or irritated skin, a bath will not fix the cause. Please see your vet, who may recommend a medicated shampoo and a specific schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to bathe a dog once a week?
For some dogs, yes, if you use a very gentle dog shampoo, rinse well and watch for dryness. For most dogs with healthy skin, once every four to six weeks is plenty.
Can I bathe my dog every day?
No. Daily bathing strips the skin's natural oils and usually causes dryness and itch. For daily cleanup, use a pet wipe on paws and belly or rinse with plain water.
How often should you bathe an indoor dog?
Indoor dogs with healthy skin can usually go four to eight weeks between baths, with regular brushing and a wipe down when needed.
Is it okay to let my dog air dry?
For short coats in a warm house, usually yes. Thick, double or long coats can stay damp at the skin for hours, which can lead to odor, irritation and mats. Towel dry well and finish with a dryer on a cool setting for those coats, and keep your dog out of drafts until they are dry.
Do dogs feel better after a bath?
Many dogs get a burst of energy after a bath, often called the zoomies. It is a normal way of shaking off water and stress. A calm, warm, quick bath helps your dog learn to relax through it.
