There's no
definitive answer to how often you should bathe your dog. In most instances,
it's basically just a question of how frequently you want to get her into the
shower. The process can be difficult -- wet and wild, even -- especially with
puppies who aren't yet used to it. And, while keeping your pet clean is
important, your perception of her smell will tell you when it's time to lather
her up.
General Recommendations
A fairly standard rule of thumb -- and one endorsed by the ASPCA -- is to
bathe your dog once every three months or so. Some dogs need to be showered
more often, and others can get by with less frequent bathing. A number of
factors affect your dog's bathing needs -- the time of year, her typical daily
or weekly activities, the health of her skin, the type of coat she has, her
breed and the strength of her natural body odor. Ask your veterinarian for a
recommendation for bathing frequency, since he's in the best position to weigh
the individual factors. He'll also suggest a canine shampoo, conditioner and
other bathing and grooming products that are well-suited to your pet's
particular needs.
Stay Flexible
Your dog might need a shower more than once every three months if she has a
strong smell or if she gets noticeably dirty. Hot weather or a long trek
through the woods may necessitate more frequent baths or just an extra one here
and there. If your dog tends to roll around in the mud a lot, a cleansing once
every three months probably won't cut it. If you're having a dinner party and
you don't want your dog's funk to overshadow the food and wine, a bath is
probably a good idea. Stay flexible and play it by ear. Be willing to break
your normal bathing schedule when necessary. As a pet parent, it's more
important to be attentive to your dog's ever-changing needs than to simply
adhere to some bathing routine.
Skin and Coat Conditions
The health of your dog's skin and coat are also important considerations
when deciding how often to bathe her. Bathing can be significantly drying on
the skin. So if your dog naturally has dry skin, bathing as infrequently as
possible is beneficial. Or, she may just be susceptible to dryness in the
winter, so you might do best skipping the shower altogether during the cold
weather. On the other hand, if your dog suffers from itching, an oily coat or
other symptoms of seborrhea, frequent baths with an appropriate medicated
shampoo will likely improve your pet's quality of life. Develop a plan to
manage your dog's skin or coat condition with your veterinarian.
Between Baths
Whether you put your dog in the shower once every week or month, once every
three months, or even less often, perform important grooming and health
maintenance tasks between baths. Regularly inspect your dog for fleas, ticks
and other external parasites. If your dog's hair is long, frequent brushing or
combing helps keep it from tangling and matting. Keep an eye out for minor
injuries and infections; clean and tend to the former and consult your
veterinarian if you suspect the latter. Common signs of infection include
discharge, redness and swelling around a wound. As you bathe your pet and
during grooming activities, feel for bumps or lumps and look for any changes to
your pet's appearance. Consult your veterinarian about any abnormalities or
concerns.
Source; http://dogcare. dailypuppy.com/dogs-need-shower-2118.html
