After a long day at work, all you want to do is cuddle up with your furry friend on the couch! Nothing can ruin that experience quicker than a smelly dog! Good hygiene is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. But how often should you bathe your dog? Well, there’s no standard answer, rather it’s determined by a number of different things. It’s recommended to bathe your dog at a minimum of every 3 months but not more than weekly, other than in rare instances. How often you should bathe your dog depends on these 4 factors:

1. Breed

Dogs that have oily coats, like golden retrievers, may need a bath every few weeks to cut down on odor. In between baths you can help keep your dog clean by regular brushing to remove hair and distribute oils. Some hound breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs tend to develop odor quickly so they can benefit from regular cleaning. Hairless dog breeds like the Chinese Crested require regular washing to prevent oil build up.

2. Coat Type

Dogs with thick, double coats like Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows shed constantly, so while they require regular brushing, they don’t need to be bathed as often as others. Dogs with short, wiry or single coats like Pitbulls and terriers tend to require less maintenance, requiring just a handful of baths a year. Dogs with soft, curly and non-shedding coats like Poodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers tend to collect dirt faster than others, so monthly washing is recommended.

3. Skin Conditions

How often you bathe your dog depends on any skin conditions man’s best friend may have. Dogs that suffer from allergies, skin infections or excessively oily or dry skin should be bathed more frequently than those who don’t. Dogs suffering from skin infections could require baths up to multiple times a week. Dogs with skin conditions generally require special or medicated shampoos.

4. Activity Level

If your dog is big into adventures, chances are they’ll require more regular baths than more sedentary dogs! Dogs who spend much of their time outdoors and become visibly dirty could require washes multiple times a week. It’s a good habit to bathe your dog each time he or she has clearly become dirty. Older dogs or dogs who aren’t very active generally require less frequent baths.

Compounded Shampoos For Pets

Many dog owners find that some popular dog shampoo brands are too harsh on the skin and coat. That’s where compounded shampoos for pets come into the picture!

Compounded shampoos are shampoos that are created by veterinarians to include multiple different types of medications and ingredients. By putting multiple different medications into one shampoo, your dog can get the exact targeted relief it needs for its particular condition.

These compounded shampoos from Specialty Care Pharmacy are the perfect solution for dogs who suffer from skin conditions or infections and require a gentler compound for cleaning.

You’re all caught up on the factors that determine how often you should bathe your dog! Schedule a consultation with Specialty Care Pharmacy today to learn more about compounded shampoos that could be right for your furry friend!