How often should I bathe my dog?

Note:  I usually author everything on this blog, but I got lazy and found this great article that says what I'd like to say about bathing your dog.  It's from Dr. Shawn Messonier, a well known holistic vet in Texas.  You can check out his website at www.petcarenaturally.com, and catch Dr. Shawn's weekly radio show on Sirius Radio (the Martha Stewart channel). -- JM

Pet owners often ask how often they should bathe their pets. Unfortunately, many people still believe the old wives tale that says you shouldn't bathe your pet more than once or twice a month. According to some, more frequent bathing might harm your pet's skin or coat.

However, this old wives tale is nothing more than an urban legend, and is not based upon any medical fact. While some shampoos, typically those made of harsh chemicals, can dry out your pet’s skin or coat if used too frequently, organic shampoos containing natural oils are safe to use whenever needed.

I recommend bathing your pet at least whenever the pet gets dirty or smelly, on average at least weekly.
Some pets should be bathed more frequently. For example, those pets with skin diseases (allergies, infections, ringworm, mange, etc.) should be bathed more often, even daily if necessary. I have discovered that when my patients with skin diseases are bathed frequently, they usually do not require conventional medications in the treatment of their skin diseases. When they do require conventional medications, they usually require much less medication due to their frequent bathing schedule using an organic herbal shampoo with natural oils.

And don't forget about the important health benefits to you and your family members when you bathe your pets frequently….Pets that are bathed frequently are cleaner and less likely to cause you and other members of your family to suffer unnecessarily from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. 

Think of it this way. Your pet’s hair acts like a rug, trapping dirt, bacteria, fungi, and allergens. Allergens are foreign proteins such as dander, house dust mites, saliva, bug droppings, molds, and tree and grass pollens. These allergens stay on your pet's skin and hair until they are washed away. The longer they stay on your pet’s skin and hair, the more likely they are to cause your pet to itch. And if you or any family members suffer from allergies or chronic respiratory problems, your pet’s skin and hair serve as an important source of your discomfort until these allergens are washed away. Therefore, I recommend bathing your pet frequently if your pet or any of your family members suffers from allergies or respiratory problems.


If you're still bathing your pet with harsh chemical shampoos, it's time to make the switch.