Our furry friends are undeniably adorable, and a shiny, fluffy, fresh-smelling coat is definitely a large part of their appeal. However, if we’re not consistent with proper washing/grooming habits, several problems may arise.
Why Do You Need to Wash Your Dog?
You can smell it before you even enter the room. It can stick around your home, in your car, and even on your clothing in an unmistakable way. We don’t even have to say it and you’re already imagining it; that dreaded dog smell. We’ve all faced it at one time or another, and in trying to solve the problem and create a healthier coat for our pets, have been bombarded by information that we aren’t even sure is correct.
What are the Factors That Impact How Often You Should Wash Your Dog?
With the multitude of factors that impact exactly how frequently your dog should be washed, how can you determine what the best bathing and grooming schedule is for your specific furry best friend? petbar is here to help. Take a look at the following categories to learn more about your dog’s needs and begin to develop a plan:
Breed
To state the obvious, dog breeds often vary wildly in a category of needs ranging from diet, to activity level, and even to grooming. Your dog’s specific breed will determine the frequency with which you should have them bathed and groomed, as well as the grooming methods and products that are best for keeping them and their coats healthy. For example, more heavily-coated breeds like Chow Chows, Doodles, and German Shepherds require daily brushing and maintenance along with grooming at least every two to four weeks, while shorter-coated breeds such as Terriers and Basset Hounds handle an every four to six-week schedule much better. Understanding the type of coat your pet has (especially as in the same breed there can be seen variations between coat length and texture) is vital for developing an optimal grooming schedule. The experts at petbar are here to help you identify your pet’s individual needs and allow them to thrive with a healthy and shiny coat.
Activity Level
A dog’s grooming schedule can also be affected by their activity level. Is your pet one who can’t stay out of a pond or lake, no matter how much you try to keep them away? Can they frequently be seen rolling around outside in grass or even mud? Or are they mostly indoor animals who have full dominion over the couch? Do they sleep in your bed? The answers to these questions about their daily behavior are another key to understanding what the ideal grooming schedule is for our dog. No matter the breed, a good rule of thumb is the more active your dog is, the more frequently he or she will need grooming. Left unchecked, a dog’s coat could begin to harbor bacteria or unwanted pests like fleas and ticks – this is especially true for active dogs who spend most of their time outside, but these risks should be taken seriously no matter how often your canine steps into the great outdoors.
In general, most nature-loving and active dogs should be groomed closer to every two to four weeks, while a less active dog who spends most of their time inside can be extended to every three to five weeks or so. But of course, activity level is only one factor to consider.
Health and Allergies
If your furry friend suffers from allergies, they will likely require a more frequent bathing and grooming schedule. Bathing helps to remove allergens from their fur and skin, which reduces the severity of their symptoms such as over-scratching. However, bathing too frequently can cause their skin to dry out considerably, possibly making those issues worse rather than better. This is where utilizing only high-quality bathing products with ingredients that enrich your dog’s skin (AKA, the types of products petbar is committed to using) is vital. The trained professionals at petbar can help you identify if your pet has allergies, and work with you to determine what products will work best for their skin, as well as a schedule that will help alleviate some of the issues caused by their allergies.
Are you or a member of your household affected by the dander that your dog produces, causing you allergy symptoms such as sneezing or a scratchy face? Keeping up with your dog’s bathing can also lessen those unpleasant reactions by helping to limit shedding and dander.
Other health conditions can also impact a dog’s bathing needs. For example, folliculitis, which affects the individual hair follicles, or hot spots, which result in red and inflamed areas throughout the body, will require a more frequent grooming schedule using gentler products that will prevent further irritation. If you ever have any questions about the health of your dog’s skin or how a certain health condition may affect their grooming needs, please reach out to a professional. We at petbar are always happy to help make sure your dog stays happy and healthy.
It is important to remember that general bathing guidelines for your dog’s breed are a good starting point when determining how often to bathe your pet, but you shouldn’t stop there. Seek professional advice on how the health, fitness, and activity characteristics of your pet can impact their optimal grooming schedule. Do you want to know exactly how often you should wash your dog? Fill out the form below and our dog grooming experts will provide you with more information specific to your dog’s breed and lifestyle.
