How often to bathe JRT?

Question

I can't find any information on how often I should bathe my Jack Russell (possible rat terrier mix)

I got him in July. I bathed him a few days after I got him (He really needed it!!) And once since (probably in October or November)

He doesn't look dirty, but he's a little smelly. I'm not sure if it's just normal doggie smell or if he needs a bath.

I know some dogs shouldn't be bathed too freqently. Thanks for your help!

I just want to say that the smell started VERY recently and it's very light... just kind of a doggie musk... nothing too bad... and I don't care if he smells or not, I'm just trying to do what's best for the dog.

Answer 1

Most dogs don't need to be bathed more than once a month at most. Over bathing can cause dry skin, which causes itching, which can then cause hot spots, which then can cause sores, which can lead to infections.....on and on.

Since it's been a few months since his last bath, and he's getting a little smelly, go ahead and give him a bath. Don't use people shampoo! Use dog shampoo. People shampoo can be over drying. Petsmart or Petco will have a varitey of different shampoos you can use. My dog is prone to dry skin due to allergies so I like to use an oatmeal shampoo that is moisturizing.

Since my dog goes to the groomer every 4 weeks and gets a bath, I don't bathe him very often at home. We do participate in Agility and Flyball so he gets very dirty. I will often throw him in the shower with me and rinse him with clear water for about 10-15 minutes. It removes most of the dirt but doesn't dry his skin out.

Answer 2

Dogs should be bathed once every six months unless obviously dirty. Between baths daily brushing will keep them clean. Overbathing strips the dogs skin of its natural oils causing dry itchy skin. It also puts the dog's skin into overload to make more oil, and can lead to more doggie odor.

Feeding a low quality dog food can also lead to doggie odor. I feed raw, and my dogs have very little doggie odor.

Answer 3

normally they should be bathed once a wk. you may want to try 'johnson and johnson' baby shampoo if the regular dog shampoo doesnt help. if the smell persist, it's probably not becoz he's dirty but the type of food he takes. try cut down on meat. feed him with meat only once a day. get the dried food for his meal for the rest of the day instead. my dog got the same problem and i change the brand of its dry food. the smell is gone. you may want to try 'Back to basic' dog food, pork favour instead of chicken and beef.

Answer 4

I bathe my JRT Bailey about 4 or 5 times a year. My vet told me that the dog shampoo they sell at the grocery store is more for farm dogs that are always outside. She suggested people shampoo.

Answer 5

I never had a jrt, but I wash my boxer 1x a week and ditto for the shih tzu, just because they "stink" after a week....
I'd say wash him when he starts to smell. If you brush him every day, that'll distribute the body oils and he might smell fresher longer....

Answer 6

You should probably bath him at least once a month. Maybe even every other week if it lives inside.

Answer 7

I would think as long as you use a mild shampoo you could bathe him once a month if he needs it.

Answer 8

my lil jack russell cleans himself ..A LOT! he is always inside and we feed him dry puppy chow. he cleans himself when he wakes up and after he relieves himself. i believe they are normally pretty clean doggies. try changing the food... we dont even brush ours. but he is short hair.