How often should you wash your dog?

Question

My dog is a shih tzu and i usually wash her when she begins to smell usually once a month.

Answer 1

If I had a small dog that was always inside I would wash her every week, probabley have a sunday morning wash. I have a Lab and he only gets washed maybe once a month, Its a huge hassel.

Answer 2

Of course every breed and every dog is different. As well as a matter of preference. The first thing to consider is the shampoo being used:

Forty years ago the shampoos that were available for pets were essentially detergents that stripped the skin of dirt (which was good) as well as all the oils that were important for a healthy coat. Hence, the myth began that to bath a dog would lead to a dry coat. Over the years, the formulations of the shampoos changed and conditioning agents were added to the detergents thus allowing the skin to be cleaned without damaging the precious oils.

I tell my clients that ninety percent of the dogs could be bathed every day with ninety percent of the shampoos on the market without any problems, although I routinely recommend bathing every one to two weeks. But, here is where the cause and effect principle comes into play.

Bathing may not cure a skin problem but it should never make it worse. However, there may be times where a particular shampoo may cause a reaction particular to that individual. If you are observant enough to notice redness, flakiness or increased itching after a bath, don't condemn the institution of bathing, just use a different shampoo.

Specific skin conditions often require specialized medicated shampoo. Consult with your local veterinarian for the professional advice, which will benefit your pet.

Good luck

Answer 3

Gosh, my shih tzu smells weekly! You are verrrrry lucky!

Bathing - Your dog should have regular, but not frequent, baths, depending on the breed and coat of your dog. Too-frequent washing removes natural oils and causes the coat to become dry and harsh.

When necessary, use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs. Stand the dog in a tub or basin, and put cotton balls in his ears and a couple of drops of mineral oil in his eyes. Wet the dog with warm water and apply shampoo from the neck back. After lathering and scrubbing, rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Rub vigorously with a towel (he'll help you with vigorous shaking!), and then blow-dry if necessary. Comb or brush as required.

For more on grooming I found this at : http://thedivadog.com/dog-grooming.aspx

Answer 4

That is the way to judge when to bathe her.Dogs have natural oils on the skin and washing too often will cause the skin to dry out, then itch.I had a chihuahua that did everything with me and even sleep.I got those pet wipes and every 3 days would just wipe her down.She never had any skin disorder.She was a inside dog and never smelled.If the dog has a lot of hair then try brushing it before you wash them that gets the dirt loose so it will wash away......

Answer 5

You got it right. For a shih tzu, Once a month is perfect. I have a toy chidoodle and he gets one per month unless he gets into something stinky between times. Just use a mild, conditioning shampoo for those infrequent in-between bathings.

Thicker haired pomeranians can go even longer. Thinner haired dogs 2-3 weeks.

Answer 6

Well it can depend. If the dogs hair is long you should try to wash her or at least brush her often to keep fur from becoming matted. Also, if the dog is outside alot she may need to be washed more. But for a normal, inside dog probably once a month is fine.

Answer 7

Shih tzu's can be bathed about once a month. Any more than that will dry out her skin and coat. There are freshening sprays that can be sprayed on the dogs coat inbetween bathing too.

Answer 8

Each breed is different. You don't want to over bathe a dog as it may dry the skin out or make the oil glands work overtime which could produce the dreaded doggie smell.

Answer 9

I wash my chihuahuas once every one to two weeks. I have gotten grief from saying how much I was my dogs in the past because people say it is too much. However, my dogs don't have skin problems, no dryness or anything and they don't smell. I say wash them as much as you need to unless dryness or a problem develops and then you will have to find another solution. I wash them in a shampoo that has a conditioner in it and it's very mild.

Answer 10

Dogs should only be bathed about once a month, so you don't remove their natural oils from their coats. However, you can buy scented grooming sprays to use between baths. Make sure you brush often, so that her hair doesn't matt. Good luck!