How Often Should You Really Bathe Your Dog?

by Rachel M.

Published: January 29th, 2026

Ever wondered if your dog actually needs another bath, or if you’re just overdoing it with the shampoo?

Between muddy paws, that unmistakable “dog smell,” and advice that seems to change depending on who you ask, it can be hard to know what’s best. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

How often you should really bathe your dog depends on a few key factors, including their breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin health.

Let’s break down what vets and groomers generally recommend so you can keep your pup clean and comfortable.

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Shampooing dog - image via Canva

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The Short Answer: It Depends

For most healthy dogs, a bath every four to eight weeks is a reasonable guideline. Some dogs need more frequent bathing, while others do just fine with fewer baths.

Bathing too often can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, leading to dryness and itching. Not bathing often enough can allow dirt and allergens to accumulate, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Coat Type Plays a Big Role

Your dog’s coat is one of the most important factors in determining bathing frequency.

Short-coated dogs

Dogs with short, smooth coats, such as Boxers, Beagles, or Dalmatians, usually need fewer baths. If they stay relatively clean and have no skin issues, bathing every six to eight weeks may be enough. Regular brushing can take care of most dirt and loose hair.

Medium and long-coated dogs

Dogs with longer or thicker coats, including Golden Retrievers, Collies, and Shih Tzus, tend to trap more dirt and debris. These dogs often benefit from baths every four to six weeks, along with routine brushing to prevent tangles and mats.

Curly coats

Breeds like Poodles, Labradoodles, and Bichon Frisés usually require more frequent grooming. Baths every three to four weeks are common.

Double-coated breeds

Dogs such as Huskies and German Shepherds have coats designed to protect them from the elements. These dogs typically don’t need frequent baths unless they are visibly dirty or smelly. Many do well with bathing every eight to twelve weeks, paired with consistent brushing.

Shampooing dog - image via Canva

Your Dog’s Lifestyle Matters

How your dog spends their time also affects how often they need a bath.

Dogs that hike, swim, dig, or play outdoors frequently will need baths more often than dogs who spend most of their time indoors. Dogs who swim regularly should be rinsed after each swim and bathed as needed to prevent skin irritation.

If your dog comes home muddy or has a noticeable odor, it’s probably time for a bath regardless of when the last one happened.

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Skin Conditions and Health Concerns

Some dogs have medical or skin-related reasons for needing a specific bathing schedule. Dogs with allergies, infections, or chronic skin conditions may require medicated shampoos or more frequent bathing under veterinary guidance.

If your dog scratches excessively, has red or flaky skin, or develops strong odors quickly, consult your vet. They can recommend an appropriate bathing routine and products that support your dog’s skin health.

When You May Be Bathing Too Often

Overbathing can cause problems rather than prevent them. Signs that your dog may be getting too many baths include dry or flaky skin, increased itching, and a dull or brittle coat. Some dogs also produce more oil as a response to frequent washing, which can make odors worse over time.

If you notice these issues, try extending the time between baths and focus more on brushing and spot cleaning.

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Keeping Your Dog Clean Between Baths

Baths are only one part of good hygiene. These habits can help reduce the need for frequent washing:

Regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair
Wiping paws and legs after walks
Using dog-safe wipes for quick clean-ups
Cleaning ears as recommended by your vet

These simple steps can keep your dog comfortable and clean without overdoing it.

Choosing the Right Shampoo

Always use a shampoo made specifically for dogs. Human shampoos can be too harsh and disrupt a dog’s natural skin balance. Choose products designed for your dog’s coat type or skin needs, and avoid heavy fragrances.

Drying dog's fur - image via Canva

The Bottom Line

Most dogs don’t need frequent baths, and many are healthier with fewer. The right schedule depends on your dog’s coat, lifestyle, and skin health. Pay attention to how your dog looks, smells, and feels, and adjust as needed.

When in doubt, a vet or professional groomer can help you create a bathing routine that keeps your dog clean and comfortable without causing skin problems.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Rachel M.

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Should You Bathe Your Cat?

We’ve all seen those old-school cartoons in which cats absolutely hate water or taking baths. Is there truth to that myth? Should you even question bathing your feline friend? Well, believe it or not, bathing a cat is a topic of much debate amongst owners. Some believe that it is paramount for maintaining their cat’s hygiene, while others think it is stressful and unnecessary. But what is the final word? There are several factors to consider, so let’s delve into it.Cats – and all felines in general – are well known for their cleanliness. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and will use their tongues to remove dirt, parasites, and all that loose fur. This is their natural behavior and cemented their reputation as clean and orderly animals. Besides this, the behavior ensures that their coat remains clean and it reduces the need for frequent baths. And, in fact, regular grooming is sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat – for most cats. And while many cats never really need a bath, there are situations where it might be necessary. For example, if your cat has gotten into something greasy, sticky, or even toxic, a bath might be the only possible way to remove that dirt. Similarly, if your kitty has a skin condition, your vet could recommend medicated baths as part of the treatment.What is more, certain long-haired felines, such as Persian cats, could also benefit from an occasional bath. This will prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. It should also be noted that cats with certain health issues, such as arthritis and obesity, might have problems grooming themselves. In such cases, you need to help them stay clean with a bath. If you decide that your cat needs a bath, it is important to do it safely and calmly. Cats are not usually fond of water and are often willful. So the experience could be a bit stressful for them. In order to minimize that stress, you should choose a quiet time when your cat is calm and relaxed. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo designed specifically for cats. Remember that human products can be too harsh for a cat’s sensitive skin.

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

Rub-a-dub – how clean is too clean? Let’s answer that question for you right now. While it’s a fairly straightforward question, how often you should be grooming your dog really depends what you mean by “grooming.” There are a number of elements that make up the grooming process and they need to be carried out with varying frequency. Once you’ve learned everything you need to do to groom your dog, you can find out how often you should be doing it. Brushing All dogs, regardless of their coat length, need regular brushing. The frequency with which you should brush your dog really depends on his coat type. If he has short hair, you’ll only need to get the brush out once or twice each week. Dogs with medium coats will usually need a quick brush once every other day. Long coated dogs and pups with very curly coats should ideally be brushed every day. Ear Cleaning Some dogs are more prone to getting ear problems than others. These tend to be dogs with big ears that flop down or those with lots of hair in their ears. This is because not enough air can get in and it makes it the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. If your dog has healthy ears, it’s probably only necessary to give them a clean once or twice a month. Should your dog have any ear issues, consult your vet and find out how often they’d recommend you clean his ears. Tooth Brushing Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is just as important as keeping your own clean. Failing to brush your pooch’s teeth will lead to a build-up of plaque, which could cause gum disease and mouth ulcers as time goes on. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth once every day. However, if he’s not a good sport when it comes to dental hygiene, once every other day should suffice – you don’t want to make the whole experience that much more traumatic for him. Dogs who eat a diet of dry food tend to have less plaque, as the hard kibble naturally cleans their teeth. Nail Trimming Nail trimming is one element of grooming that many dog owners are reluctant to take on themselves. There is a risk of hurting your pup if you trim his nails back to far, so leave them alone if you’re not confident with the process. You can always ask your veterinarian or a professional dog groomer to give them a trim. How often your dog needs his nails trimmed really varies, so just keep an eye on them and watch out for them getting too long. Dogs who do a lot of walking on the sidewalk or other hard surfaces may hardly ever need their nails trimmed. Bathing You might find yourself spelling out “B-A-T-H” when you’re talking about bathing your pooch, as it’s an experience that few dogs love. While it is a necessary evil, fortunately it’s not one that needs to be repeated too often. Bathing your dog too frequently can actually be bad for his skin, so it’s safe to leave four to six months between baths. Never bathe your dog more than once every 2 months, unless he’s managed to get himself irrevocably stinky! Clipping Clipping your dog isn’t a necessary part of grooming (especially if your dog’s coat is already short), but many owners of longer coated breeds like to give them the occasional trim. This makes their coats more manageable and keeps them cooler in hot weather. If you want to keep your dog’s fur neatly trimmed, you make have to go in for a clip once every two to three months. However, this varies between dogs, so just play it by ear, or, well, eye. You’ll know when your pooch needs a haircut.

Should You Let Your Dog Sleep With You?

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The following three items on your leash can help you provide immediate care and stabilize the situation until you can get home or reach your veterinarian. The Tick Remover Tool Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are carriers of serious diseases that could put your pup at risk. If you spot a tick while out and about, the priority is to remove it quickly, completely, and safely. Trying to pinch or squeeze a tick with your fingers can cause the tick to regurgitate infected fluids back into your dog’s bloodstream, and household tweezers can easily be lost in your pocket. Instead, consider carrying a leash-friendly tick remover. Look for the small, v-notched plastic tools or specialized metal tick removers designed for this purpose, like the classic Tick Key. These tools easily slide under the tick and allow you to lift it out with a simple twist or pull. It makes it easier to ensure the entire head is removed, reducing the risk of further complications. Because these tools are so small and lightweight, attaching one directly to your leash with a mini-carabiner means you never have to scramble for one. Paw and Wound Care Mini-KitWhether it’s a sharp rock on the trail or an unseen piece of broken glass on the sidewalk, a paw injury is one of the most common mid-walk incidents. My boy Lucifer suffered a small cut on his foot on a recent hike, and we don’t even know the cause. When faced with a cut, your role as a loving pet parent is to provide temporary stabilization. The priority is to stop the bleeding, keep the wound clean until you return home, and prevent your dog from licking it or further aggravating it. This, of course, requires some key first-aid supplies. You don’t need a full trauma kit, just a compact, sealed tube or case small enough to clip to the leash. I use a small zippered treat pouch for ours. In it, we keep two small, sterile gauze pads (for cleaning and coverage), a small roll of self-adhering vet wrap, a couple of antiseptic wipes, and a single disposable bootie, like those from PawZ, to keep any wounds or bandages dry.Emergency MuzzleThis is perhaps the most misunderstood piece of safety gear, yet it can make all the difference in an emergency. Even the sweetest, most friendly dog can react to intense pain or overwhelming fear by biting. For this reason, I recommend all dog parents keep some form of muzzle on hand. If your dog is in pain, quickly putting a muzzle on them lets you examine and treat the injury without risking yourself or an innocent passerby.In most cases, a simple snout loop or lightweight, fabric muzzle clipped to your leash setup would be enough. If you do have a dog that is a little “spicy,” a more sturdy muzzle (we use a vinyl muzzle from Mia’s Muzzles for my fear-reactive boy) may be necessary. Don’t forget to take time to do muzzle training in advance, so you aren’t adding more stress to an already stressful situation by throwing on a muzzle they aren’t accustomed to. Safety, Visibility, and Comfort GearBeyond the immediate medical needs, a good preparedness system addresses ongoing safety and the simple necessities your dog may need during your walk.LED Safety Light or Blinker If your walks extend into the early morning or evening, visibility is an essential consideration. Accidents often happen because a driver simply doesn’t see you or your dog until it’s too late. Consider clipping a small, bright, USB-rechargeable clip-on LED light to your leash. These lights offer flashing or steady modes. Even better, attach one to the leash to make yourself visible, and another to your dog’s collar or harness. Make it part of your routine to check the battery before every low-light walk. Hydration and Comfort Essentials Even a short walk can lead to dehydration, especially in warmer weather or for an energetic dog. A few ounces of water can make a huge difference for your dog. If you’re hiking in town where you know there are accessible water fountains, or are carrying water in your backpack, all you’ll need is a collapsible water bowl. The most common are the silicone dishes that fold up flat and usually come equipped with a small carabiner to clip directly to your leash or backpack. Personally, I love the packable design of the HydraPak Rover Dog Bowl. For those who prefer hiking in more rural areas without potable water sources, you may prefer to carry a travel-friendly dog water bottle with a built-in bowl, like the Lesotc Portable Dog Water Bottle. Poop Bag DispenserWhile this might seem like a given, I feel like I can’t make this list without stressing the importance of a poop bag dispenser. More importantly, a reliable dispenser that attaches securely to your leash. Some high-end dispensers also have a feature that holds a used, tied-off bag until you reach a garbage to dispose of it, keeping your hands free and clean. Alternatively, they can be purchased separately to add to your gear.

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How Often Should You Really Bathe Your Dog?

OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo

The Short Answer: It Depends