The Truth About Bath Time
Brown pittie in a tub.

Date

While we may have our self-care routines figured out, knowing when it’s time for your dog’s spa day can feel like a guessing game. If you bathe them too often, it can dry their skin out, wait too long and things can get stinky. How do you find balance? Although it may seem like common sense to bathe Fluffy when they start to look scruffy, you may be surprised by what their skin and coat really needs. Below is a schedule that will help keep you on track to keeping your dog healthy, looking, feeling & smelling great.
Coat Type
Flat coated, double coated, long-haired.. oh my! Your dog’s coat type plays a major role in determining how often they should be bathed.
  • Short-haired (or flat-coated) dogs are generally low maintenance. They can be bathed or groomed on a 6-8 week schedule. Regular wipe downs, with a cloth or grooming wipe, can help remove debris and keep their coat clean in between baths.
  • Double coated dogs can usually be bathed every 6-8 weeks. Brushing is essential to managing this coat type. Weekly combing will help them (and your furniture) with shedding, especially during a seasonal coat change!
  • Long-haired breeds need daily brushing at home and professional grooming every 4 weeks to keep their luscious locks in their best shape. If you opt to do bathing at home, always remember to fully dry and thoroughly brush to avoid tangles, matting & hot spots.
  • Curly coats require daily brushing and grooming every 4-6 weeks. Like long-haired dogs, they can mat and tangle very quickly causing a myriad of problems & pain for your pup, so always making sure your dog is fully dry and brushed out.
Benefits of a Routine
Grooming will also address other health concerns like your dog’s nail length or ear condition. Nails that are too long can cause mobility issues. Ear infections can develop in the blink of an eye. A routine could help find things like this early on. Consider your health as well! Dogs pick up dirt and other allergens even in your own backyard. Pet dander is a common air pollutant. Having a solid hygienic routine for your pup is beneficial for the health of the whole family, too!

Skin Care

Dog skin care may not be the first thing that comes to mind when caring for your dog, but healthy skin is vital to a comfortable and healthy pup. Without proper care, issues can develop and cause uncomfortable symptoms like licking and chewing which can cause infections. Regular attention to the skin by a groomer helps detect any concerns early on and save costly vet visits.

 

Life Style

How active your dog is will also help determine whether they need a quick wipe down or a full groom. If they frequent daycare, their favorite trail, or enjoy digging that hole in your yard they could need a bath sooner than the couch potato pooch.

Grooming will also address other health concerns like your dog’s nail length or ear condition. Nails that are too long can cause mobility issues. Ear infections can develop in the blink of an eye. A routine could help find things like this early on. Consider your health as well! Dogs pick up dirt and other allergens even in your own backyard. Pet dander is a common air pollutant. Having a solid hygienic routine for your pup is beneficial for the health of the whole family too!

 

When it comes to knowing how often your dog needs a bath, the truth is there’s no” one size fits all” answer for every pup. Your dog’s grooming frequency may change by the season if they’re prone to hotspots in the summer or shed coat in the winter. Knowing when it’s time for just a brush, a bath, or a full professional groom is essential to their health and comfort. If you’re unsure what your dog’s routine should look like, schedule a consultation and let’s discuss your furkids unique needs! Email me at [email protected]

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