How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
The short answer is….there is no one answer!
Every dog is different and their best washing schedule can depend on a variety of factors. As an example, I wash my pup every couple of months. She is small, has short hair, lives in an apartment in the inner city and generally keeps quite clean. I book her in for a deshedding treatment each spring to minimise her shedding and otherwise only get her washed if she gets muddy at the park, rolls in something stinky or just gets that ‘dog pong.’ This results in her having a bath about once every 8 weeks. Depending on your dog’s breed, coat type, skin condition and lifestyle, their washing routine will change. Breeds that are poodle mixes need to be washed and groomed at least once every 4 – 6 weeks. Short haired breeds, depending on their lifestyle, can be washed less frequently if you wish. Usually, no dog should be washed more than once a week or once a fortnight (unless recommended by your vet for a skin condition). You can tend to know when it’s bath time if their coat has an obvious change eg. smell.
How often should you wash a dog if it is…
Affected by Skin Conditions
If your dog has a skin condition (sensitive skin, rashes, allergies, dandruff, itchy skin, etc), be sure to get it looked at by a vet as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you if your dog needs internal help with medications, etc or if they can be helped topically with moisturisers or medicated shampoos. They may also recommend a washing schedule such as once a fortnight or less frequent washing.
Dash DogWash offers a medicated shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin. Our premium medicated shampoo has an antibacterial and antifungal role that is very effective in the treatment of bacterial infections and fungal infections such as skin rashes, ringworm, itching, dandruff cuts and wounds. It will leave your dog with a lustrous, soft and clean coat with less irritation. Ask your local Dash DogWash Groomer about this shampoo option for your next appointment on 1300 327 488.
A Short Haired Dog
Short haired dogs (many of which are double coated) can include breeds such as most Terriers, Cattle Dogs, Beagles, Bulldogs, Greyhounds and many more. Short haired dogs require less frequent washing. Dependant on the breed, most short haired breeds will shed a lot especially during springtime. We recommend you get regular deshedding treatments to minimise the amount of shedding that occurs inside your home, leaving a mess. Dash DogWash offers a 3 Step DeShedding Shampoo Treatment that helps to remove loose undercoat, fur and debris. This can minimise shedding for weeks after their appointment. A deshedding treatment as part of their bathing appointment can be done every 4 – 8 weeks dependant on your dog and their amount of shedding.
A Long Haired Dog
Long haired dog breeds can include Shih Tzus, Long Haired Chihuahuas & Daschunds, Maltese and Schnauzers. Long haired dog breeds should be having a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. They should be groomed (coat clipped) once every 8 to 12 weeks. Brushing should be a daily/weekly task that you and your dog do together to keep their coat fresh, and free of tangles and matts. If you brush and comb your dog regularly – as in every two days or so – they will not require as many grooming sessions during the year. Your groomer will know instantly what is required for your dog.
A Doubled Coated Dog
Double coated dog breeds include Border Collies, Huskies, Pugs and Golden Retrievers. A double coat is made up of two layers. First, the dense under coat made of short hairs and on top of that is the longer hairs called guard hairs. The guard hairs help repel dirt and moisture, while the undercoat protects from high or low temperatures. If your dog has a fluffier coat, they probably have a very dense undercoat and will require extra brushing and grooming. You can brush your double coated dog with tools like a ‘Furminator’ between appointments with your Groomer. Like short haired dogs, double coated dogs (and your floors) can really benefit from regular deshedding treatments every 4 to 8 weeks. Discuss with your Dash DogWash Groomer to figure out the best washing and grooming schedule for your dog.
A Poodle or Oodle Mix Breed
Poodle and oodle mixes have surged in popularity in Australia over the past 5 years. Have a read of our blog on Blue Wheelers, ‘Why Are Oodle Dog Breeds so Popular’ at to learn more. Most people who get Oodle breeds are told they are ‘low maintenance’ as they shed less, but this is not always true. Poodle and Oodle mixes require a regular brushing, washing and grooming schedule for their health and safety. Your dog will have a different balance of breeds depending on their lineage, this will affect their coat, growth rate, texture and shedding. Pure Poodles do not shed fur, their coat grows more like human hair. As a general rule, Oodle mixes should be washed and groomed every 4 to 8 weeks. Consult with your local Groomer to figure out the best schedule for your dog and lifestyle. You should also be brushing your Oodle regularly, at least a few times a week. This helps their coat from becoming full of tangles and matts. Matt can be very painful for dogs and they need to be kept minimal for your dog’s health.
Spending a lot of time outside
Dogs that spend lots of time outside such as working dogs can be washed when the need arises. Preferably not more than once a week. You should check your dogs for ticks, fleas and any other nasties while washing them too!
How often should you wash your puppy dog?
Puppies shouldn’t be washed until they are at least 6 – 8 weeks old. Puppies are not great at regulating their body temperature yet, so you don’t want them to get chilly. You can first get your puppy used to the bathtime experience by giving them baths at home in the sink or bath. You should regularly brush them, touch their ears, paws and tail so they are used to being touched in those areas. You can also get them used to loud sounds like a hairdryer. Treats may help you with this process. Puppies should not get groomed or washed in a trailer or salon until they have had all of their vaccinations. This is usually around seventeen weeks old. Dash DogWash Groomers sanitise our trailers after every groom but we still like to be cautious when it comes to your puppy’s health.
