How often should I wash my dogs?

Question

They are house dogs but they go outside too so they tend to smell after a while.

Answer 1

The website below has the answer and much more! Basically if and when they need it seems to be the general consensus. A lot of sites say 6-8 weeks is about the right interval. Personally I think dogs have been keeping themselves clean for as long as humans have roamed the earth. I think it comes down to the 'nose factor'. When your nose can't stand it then it's time!

Answer 2

You shouldn't bath a dog at all really but I know from experience that the need does sometimes arise ie. when they roll in something nasty! but please don't bath them as a matter of course, 1/ It will take away their natural oils in the coat, and 2/ It can in the long term cause skin problems, I have a long coated White German Shepherd
so you can imagine how filthy she gets especially with all the rain we have just had!! I would be bathing her every day and you just can't do that! Dogs do smell it is natural, remember one of a dogs greatest senses is smell, it's how they know who's been where, I'm afraid we as dog lovers have to put up with things like a bit of pong occasionally!

Answer 3

You shouldnt wash a dog too often as it washes out all of the natural oils in their coats.
There are some dog shampoos and soaps purchasable.
I hav a massive black labradore who is terrified of jumping in a shallow bath and being showered down.
Only really need to do it if your dog really smells at a certain point!!

Answer 4

I wash my dogs roughly once a month when I put their topical flea medication on them. If they get into anything particularly nasty between baths I'll either wash the area or if it's really bad I'll just give them another bath. They don't have any skin problems but I use a sensitive skin shampoo from the vet.

Answer 5

I always do so after they have rolled in sheep or cow poo, which is at least once a week.I buy their shampoo in 5 litre containers, The lovely man at the pet shop gives me discount because I am such a good customer. My friend reckons that the pet shop owner knows my dog walking route, and dumps the poo where the dogs will find it! Apparently it is known as business strategy. By the way, sheep poo is easier to clean off and not nearly as pongy as that of the cow.

Answer 6

One a week in baby shampoo, the stuff about washing too often causing an imbalance in a dogs natural oils is utter tripe and a complete myth!

Answer 7

I wash my yorky about once every 2 months when his frontline is due .He does start smelling before but he is a dog after all.He gets a dirty **** and I have to wash that sometimes inbetween.I do use doggy shampoo it might be expensive to start but last for ages.Some dogs last a lifetime without a bath but nowadays we tend to treat them like humans.Does your dogs like a bath.Mine does I hope or he just puts up and shuts up.Just make sure they stay in to dry off.It gets cold when your fur is wet.Good luck ,wear a coat

Answer 8

Twice a year is plenty. If you have a river or stream near to your house you can always take them there and put water over them. Dogs should be treated with flea and tick treatments (ie Frontline) regularly. They must not be washed two days before or two days after, so giving time for the Frontline to get into there systems.

Answer 9

depends on the breed. if its a short haired dog then they tend to stay pretty clean all by them selves, maybe once a month just to reinforce the trust between you. if its a long haired dog then your looking at at least once every two week otherwise, dirt and muckk can make for one very smelly pet.

Answer 10

I usually wash my dog once a month, male dogs seem to smell more quickly than females.