Save Time and Trouble, Don’t Wash Your Dog Much!
A veterinarian whom I know online recently gave me some information about bathing dogs, and what she said was so much like my own approach, that I got her permission to use it here. I rarely bathe my dogs, but she has the arguments against doing so! “I often have people come into my practice and apologize because they haven’t bathed their dog in a few weeks,” she said. “But in my mind, that’s great.”
She explained that normal dogs without skin allergies or other sensitivities simply don’t need bathing very much at all. A dog’s coat contains natural oils which are designed to repel dirt.
When people wash their dogs a lot, these oils can be removed. If that happens, then the coat will no longer stay clean naturally. So then the people are inclined to wash the dog again, and so it goes.
She said that she bathes her own dogs roughly once a year. She realized that would horrify a lot of tidy housekeepers, but while her dogs do shed some hair, they really don’t bring in much dirt. I didn’t think to ask her what breeds they were.
She advised that if you really felt you had to wash your dogs sometimes, be sure to use a very mild shampoo, one which is soap-free, because that will remove less oil from the skin and coat.
But won’t the dogs smell without frequent baths?
This veterinarian said, ” In my experience, doggie smell comes from less-than-healthy skin. ” There are a couple of factors that particularly affect skin: diet and parasites. A good quality diet will lead to a nice shiny coat and healthy skin. If your dog has fleas or other critters that lead to scratching, then the normal bacteria and fungi that live on the skin may multiply out of control. In this context, she added that not bathing your dog will also make the flea control meds that you apply last longer.
Ears
The skin in a dog’s ear canal is much like the skin on the rest of the body. She said to me that if the dog has normal healthy ears without discharge or excessive wax, don’t use cleaners. If you do, you might upset the natural balance of fungi and bacteria in the ear. If they multiply, they will cause infection. She had a convincing argument: she personally has owned dogs for some 22 years, and she has never cleaned their ears. Just once in all that time did she have one dog with an infection… briefly.
When this advice might not apply
She recommended that you work with your veterinarian if your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or infections. In those situations, medicated baths or some kind of ear treatment may be appropriate.
I have stopped bathing my terrier (mix breed but think jack russell hair type). I am surprised that he is really doing well without the bath. I don’t smell any odor (nor does anyone else) nor see a huge build up of dirt on him. When he does get into dirt, it seems to rub off of him by the next day (may be the natural oils?). I am really so happy that I don’t have to bath him anymore.
Julie, thanks so much for your unique perspective. Once again, it figures that diet would be pertinent, but I hadn’t thought of it!
I am a professional groomer, and I can say from experience, every dog is different. If your dog is on a healthy diet (no corn, wheat, artificial colors or flavors, or by-products), they will be far less likely to have allergies and will have better skin and coat health. They will also be less stinky and will not get as many parasites.
If you do wash your dog, first of all, do not use human shampoo – it is too harsh and the wrong pH. Buy a shampoo made especially for dogs ( I suggest all-natural). Unless you desire a harsh coat (such as with hand-stripped terriers), I recommend a good conditioner. It hydrates both the skin and coat if you let it soak for 3+ minutes. Be sure to rinse extra well to prevent residue and itching.
Cely, your comments are a perfect example of how different things work for different people! I try to make that point in training too.
I think it depends on what breed is the dog. I have Maltese which is a toy dog with white coat. I could not imagine how she will look if I give her a bath once a year. If she does not get a bath for 1-1/2 weeks and I take her for a walk her four paws look grey because of the dirt on the road. Her breast also looks grey because she sniffs sometimes while walking. Some responsible Maltese breeders that I know recommend to give the dog a bath once a week. I use a special shampoo just for Maltese. Maltese dogs are lap dogs which love to be at the lap of their owners. I could not imagine how one could stand a lap dog by giving the dog a bath once a year.
Dog Chic, I don’t know, but maybe a smell like a dog is just a natural thing and not a problem for some people where it bothers you. You could experiment with going a bit longer.
I have a 2 year old papillon that I bathe about every 3 weeks. I had no idea about these oils on the dogs coat. All I know is that in about 3 weeks he starts to smell, well, like a dog. How do you tell if these natrual oils are still present?
I’ve never bathed my 2-yr-old dog. Now, I admit, she regularly takes dips in some stream or another, and that fresh water only enhances her beauty (not prejudiced). Anyway, I’ve had plenty of compliments on how soft her fur is. And she always smells lovely.