Washing once a month is unheard of among humans, but it should be the "norm" for dogs to bathe once every four to eight weeks.
Research from the pet information website Veterinarians.org shows that over 60 percent of American dog owners use the "sniff test" to determine if their furry friend needs a wash or not. And over half of the 332 participants revealed they wash their pooch less frequently than they should.
Newsweek spoke to experts to find out why dogs shouldn't be washed more than once a month, and what can happen to their pet's coat if they are excessively bathed.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
Newsweek spoke to Dr. Preston Turano, a veterinarian and spokesperson at AKC Pet Insurance to find out how often owners should wash their canines.
Turano told Newsweek: "This really depends on the owner, lifestyle of the dog, and breed. Most companion dogs are often in a home and typically only need a bath every couple of months. Working breeds and active dogs may need more frequent baths depending on the activity and weather.
"Washing your dog reduces unpleasant odors and removes debris. Baths reduce the number of allergens that stay in contact with the skin, which helps to reduce the risk or severity of allergic dermatitis.
"When you bathe your dog regularly, it gives you a chance to inspect their skin as washing may reveal underlying skin issues or lesions, especially in longer-haired breeds such grass burns, abrasions, and fleas.
"There is no need to wash a dog weekly unless directed by your veterinarian for a specific skin condition. But, washing weekly runs the risk of causing dry skin. It also may damage the coat based on the breed. Talk to your veterinarian if you plan to wash your dog this frequently. There are leave-in conditioners and other options for keeping the skin hydrated that you can also discuss with your vet."
How To Wash Your Dog At Home Like A Groomer
Giving your dog a good scrub in the tub is an essential part of grooming and good hygiene. Daily Paws, an online pet resource, has shared a guide on how to bathe your canine at home.
1. Preparation is key
Make sure you have dog shampoo and conditioner at the ready, along with a towel. You want to try and make the groom as stress-free as possible, for both you and your pup!
2. Place your dog in the tub or wash station
Treats are a great way to get the process off to a positive start. Vetericyn, which produces animal wellness products, suggests: "Before the bath, play the "Jump in the Tub" game. Toss treats into the tub, and when your dog jumps in to retrieve them, praise them. After a good belly rub, lead them out of the tub and throw another treat in for them to retrieve. This teaches your dog to associate positivity with being in the tub."
3. Dilute the shampoo with water
Add some shampoo to a bowl full of water, or put the shampoo in a dispenser containing water. Diluting the shampoo will help it sud up, and spread better.
4. Wet your dog using warm water
When bathing your dog, you should always use lukewarm water, at temperatures no more than 98.6°F. Always check the water temperature before wetting your dog. What may feel lukewarm to humans, tends to be over 100.4°F, and this is too warm for your dog's skin. However, you should also avoid using cold water when bathing your dog. It does not work as well for cleaning, and you'll have a more compliant and happier pet if you use lukewarm water.
5. Shampoo your dog TWICE
During the second go-around, you're really washing the skin and pulling out all the remaining dirt and oil in the hair. Be sure not to overlook places like the pads of the feet, armpits, and bellies. Above all, make it an enjoyable experience by using your hands to massage your dog.
6. Use conditioner
Using a conditioner will remove matting and make tangles a lot easier to get out so that the after-bath brush out will be less stressful for you both! However, you should never use human conditioner on dogs. The chemical makeup of your dog's skin and hair is completely different from your own.
7. Towel dry or use a hairdryer on a cool setting
Dogs can be unpredictable, so it is all about finding a method that works for you and your pet. Newsweek previously shared a story about a Rottweiler who would only have his hair dried when feeling involved.
Daily Paws has suggested praise and treats to try and reinforce a positive bathing experience.
In a viral video shared to TikTok, an owner who uses the handle @atldoglady, shared a bathing at-home tip that raked in over 127,000 likes. More than one million people viewed the video that shows the owner diluting a gallon of water with dog shampoo and pouring it onto the dog.
The Dangers Behind Washing Your Dog Too Often
Speaking to Newsweek, Marisol Tajeda, who is the head groomer at Los Angeles-based Dogromat, said: "It is important to keep your dog's skin healthy and dirt-free by washing him or her every four weeks. The bath will not only keep your dog smelling clean but it will improve their well-being. The dog will feel better and happier with clean skin and coat."
Tajeda explained washing your dog too often can "deplete the natural oils that they need for a healthy coat and skin."
Tajeda has listed the dangers that come with washing your dog infrequently:
• Allows bacteria to grow in a dirty coat and leads to infections
• Can lead to dry and flaky skin—this can interfere with flea treatment
• Makes your pet more prone to getting hot spots due to a dirty coat and skin
• Long-haired dogs can get matted if not bathed regularly
• Dog will be itchy and scratch a lot
The Dangers of Not Washing Your Dog Enough
However, it is important to remember a dirty dog can turn sick if they aren't washed after playing in mud or swimming in open waters.
According to the pet care website PetMD, one infection to look out for is leptospirosis, a bacteria that can enter the bloodstream through small cuts in the skin and damage the kidneys and sometimes the liver. Dogs usually develop this infection after contacting urine from an infected animal or swimming in contaminated water. The common symptoms include fever, poor appetite, increased thirst, and vomiting.
There are many other types of bacteria that can make dogs sick including E. coli infections of the urinary tract and salmonella which can be passed from a pet's GI tract to people. You can protect your dog from bacteria by washing them regularly which may not always be easy but is worth it for the health of your pet.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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