Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
In general, moderate- to long-coated dogs should be bathed every four to six weeks, while short-haired breeds may go for months without a bath. Some cats can live their entire life without a formal bath, while some long-haired breeds (e.g., Persian) require routine care.
If you bathe your pooch too frequently, you can compromise their hair quality, upset the skin, and increase their risk for various infections. Conversely, dogs who aren't bathed enough can develop a dry coat, irritated skin, and even fleas.
Since senior dogs don't move around as quickly as younger pups do, it is even more important for them to be bathed regularly. This is because their skin will stay in one place for a long time, making it vulnerable to any irritants that may get on it like dirt and grasses.
Rule of thumb: You can bathe your dog about once a month unless they seem smelly/dirty, or you notice it over-dries their skin. Note: Be sure to avoid over-bathing. Dry skin caused by over-bathing can be very uncomfortable. Dogs need a certain amount of oil to maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Even dogs that once loved bath time may feel scared or show reluctance at getting a bath during their later years. For that reason, you should always prepare for your senior dog's next bath and set aside enough time to make the bonding experience positive, successful and safe.
They may feel like a member of the family, but dogs shouldn't be washed with human shampoo. Even baby formulas can be too harsh for canine skin. Instead, choose a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, which works with their more neutral skin pH. If you don't have any dog shampoo, it's best to stick to water alone.
But older pets are generally less able to groom themselves. This is typically because seniors are less flexible, whether from arthritis and joint pain or just the stiffness of old age. Senior pets have more trouble cleaning certain parts of their body, especially their genitals and paws.
Arthritis and other health conditions can make it difficult for your dog to properly groom himself, which can cause his fur and skin to smell funky over time. Weekly shampooing or visits with a professional groomer can help. Impacted anal glands are also common in older dogs.
Dirt can be itchy! So can microorganisms hitching a ride on your dog, such as parasites, bacteria, or yeast. Bathing can help relieve these conditions and remove dead skin and debris, resulting in a much less itchy dog. However, water can also dry skin and harsh detergents can make skin conditions and allergies worse.
Secondary yeast or bacterial infections on the skin or inside the ears remain the most common medical reasons dogs might smell awful. Allergies often begin the process, which leads to scratching and licking that open the door for infections.
Although dogs don't groom themselves as extensively as cats do, self-bathing and grooming is still a normal behavior for dogs. For example, you may notice your pup licking their paws after spending time outside to remove dirt and debris.
In general, it's wise to bathe your dog early in the day — especially if they have thick fur — so they'll be dry before their evening walk. Adapt to the animal's lifestyle: If you have a dog that lives outside, you can still give them a good cleaning, even when it is too cold to bathe a dog outdoors.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
Show respect to your elders — that includes your dog, who at 13 to 15, has officially entered old age. Even if your dog is moving a bit more slowly these days, there are lots of things the two of you can still enjoy together. And there are many things you can do to help ensure she remains in the best health possible.
Try an aromatherapy shampoo, citrus or tea tree are best for fighting odors. Brush your dog, 2-5 times a week. A good brushing distributes natural oils and gets rid of dead fur and limits shedding. Pat your dog's fur with baking soda or corn starch for a quick dry bath.
No, it is not recommended that you use baby wipes on dogs, or any other pets. That's because the pH level on human skin is different to dogs so baby wipes are unsafe because they may cause irritation or itching.
Baking soda is often used around the home for a fresh, clean scent. Using it on your dog is just as easy. Be sure to cover your dog's fur, not just sprinkle a small amount, for deodorizing and neutralizing odors. Brushing your dog before a wet or dry bath will help the baking soda work more effectively.
Washing your dog's head is one of the trickiest parts of the dog bathing process. You don't want to get soap or water in sensitive areas like your dog's ears, nose, and eyes. Easton recommends you save this part for the end of the bath and suggests using a washcloth to clean your pet's face.
No, you should not use human shampoo on dogs as it can strip their coat of natural oils and cause irritation. If you must use a dog shampoo substitute, opt for something that is gentle and designed for sensitive skin, like baby shampoo.
Never bathe your dog more than once a week unless it's recommended by your vet. While you're bathing your dog, take special care to note any lumps, bump or skin changes that could indicate a health problem. If you find something of concern, be sure to let your vet know.