Current:Home > ContactHow often should you wash your dog? Bathe that smelly pup with these tips. -FundSphere
How often should you wash your dog? Bathe that smelly pup with these tips.
View
Date:2025-04-13 05:20:52
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!
The only logical solution is to get your dog into the bathtub as fast as possible to rid your house, your dog and your nostrils of the stench.
A scenario like this may be the most common time to bathe your dog, but 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?
It depends on breed, lifestyle and coat. Once every three months is a good baseline, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
But it’s more about knowing your dog – does your dog spend their day frolicking in the grass and playing in the mud or would they rather cozy up on your lap inside?
It also depends on your dog's hair length. 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 – 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, the American Kennel Club reports.
When in doubt, wash your pet when they get grimy. If you spot dirt, feel something sticky or smell a funk, take it as a cue to get that pup in the bath.
How often should you groom your dog?
Regular brushing makes for a happy pup and owner – it helps prevent excess shedding and matting, which can 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.
Do dogs like baths?
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.
Why is my dog shaking?There are a couple of explanations
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Why do cats sleep so much?" to "How to get rid of hiccups" to "Why do dogs lick you?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
veryGood! (34)
Related
- Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting
- KISS OF LIFE reflects on sold
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Trump taps immigration hard
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- 'September 5' depicts shocking day when terrorism arrived at the Olympics
- Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing: $619 million lottery jackpot
- Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Most reports ordered by California’s Legislature this year are shown as missing
Ranking
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- US inflation likely edged up last month, though not enough to deter another Fed rate cut
- Lil Durk suspected of funding a 2022 murder as he seeks jail release in separate case
- Amazon's Thank My Driver feature returns: How to give a free $5 tip after delivery
Recommendation
Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Calls Him “Absolutely Pathetic” and a “Serial Adulterer”
North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline
ParkMobile $32.8 million settlement: How to join class
Luigi Mangione merchandise raises controversy, claims of glorifying violence
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
I loved to hate pop music, until Chappell Roan dragged me back
Trump taps immigration hard
KISS OF LIFE reflects on sold