There will always be a need for vets. That idea, plus my huge love of animals, has led me down the path of becoming a veterinarian. I have not graduated from my course yet, but the reason behind this blog is to share my learning journey. I intend to write blog posts on subjects like the veterinarian education path, my thoughts on whether to be a general or specialist vet and how I wish to use alternative treatments like acupuncture in my practice. If you too have a love of animals and want to make this your job, then my blog will be interesting to you.
Too Much or Too Little: How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
How often should you wash your dog? There isn't a straightforward answer to that question, and the best response may well be as often as needed. A healthy dog with no known skin conditions and who predominantly lives inside won't need to be bathed all that often. An outdoor dog prone to rolling in whatever mess they might encounter will need more regular bathing. How do you know if you're bathing your dog often enough?
Signs That It's Bath Time
There can be signs that your dog is in need of a bath, and this might be your motivation for washing your dog as often as needed, with your nose telling you when it's needed. Nevertheless, it's possible to wash your dog too often, which can disrupt the physiology of their skin, drying it out and making their skin more prone to bacterial and fungal infections. This is even possible when you're using a shampoo formulated for dogs, intended to avoid these specific problems.
Lifestyle and Breed
Your dog's lifestyle and their breed can help you to work out the best schedule. A dog with a thick, layered coat will need attention more often than a dog with a short, more manageable coat. And keeping your dog clean can be more about efficiency, as opposed to how often you actually bathe them. This is most relevant for dogs with thick coats.
Alternating Bathing
Consider alternating your dog's bathing. If you feel that once a month is sufficient, then bathe them at home every other month, using a shampoo formulated for dogs. This can be alternated with regular trips to a pet grooming salon. This results in a more intensive cleaning but can also make your job easier.
More Than a Shampooing
Professional grooming can be extremely beneficial for dogs with thick coats, as grooming is not limited to just shampooing your dog. The groomer can remove excess fur, thinning it out in the same manner as a hairdresser. This helps to prevent matted fur, and this regular removal of this excess hair makes it easier for you to wash your dog at home. Of course, you can ditch the at-home bathing and have a groomer take care of the job each time. But in any event, professional grooming can supplement your own efforts.
There isn't a one size fits all approach to bathing your dog. For dogs with thick coats, your home bathing should be complemented with regular trips to the groomer, since the removal of excess hair and debris will make the overall process of keeping your dog clean far more efficient. Look for a place that offers pet grooming near you to learn more.