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Your dog stinks, so you bathe them.
But sometimes, it’s not as cut and dry as “smell something, do something.” What’s a dog owner to do?
Here’s the catch: There’s no exact science about how often all dogs should be bathed.
“Bathing frequency for dogs varies with their breed, lifestyle, and skin needs — ranging from weekly to just a few times a year, says Dr.
Michael Thompson, a veterinarian and founder of Pets Food Safety.
To help you figure out how often you should bathe your dog, we spoke with pet experts about the things you should remember when coming up with the right schedule for your animal.
How frequently a dog needs to be bathed varies significantly depending on their breed, skin type and activity level.
For example, if your dog frequently goes to a dog park and rolls around in the dirt, you may need to bathe them once a week.
If your pup is more of a lap dog, they may not need to be shampooed so often.
“As a general guideline, dogs should be bathed every three months or so,” says Dr.
Kathryn Dench, chief veterinary advisor at Paw Origins.
To figure out if your dog needs to be bathed more or less frequently, experts say to keep these factors in mind:
Our experts noted that it is important to use a specially formulated shampoo for dogs — in other words, you should not use your shampoo on them.
From there, look for dog shampoos that have ingredients known for their soothing properties, like aloe vera and oatmeal, says Dench, who adds that eco-friendly and organic shampoos are also good options because they tend to be gentle on your pet’s skin.
You may also want a shampoo with conditioning benefits if your dog has longer hair.
This can help deal with tangles and matting.
When it comes time to actually bathe your dog, the experts we spoke to gave us the pointers below.
Looking for a dog shampoo recommendation? Below, find formulas that we’ve featured before and are favorites of NBC Select staffers.
This dog shampoo and conditioner won an NBC Select Best for Your Pet award.
The formula has aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerin to moisturize the skin, detangle fur and prevent shedding, according to the brand.
NBC Select commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith found that it made bathtime with her 3-year-old rat terrier mix, Mac, easy because she didn’t have to use a lot of product to get a good amount of lather.
This shampoo, featured in our list of best dog shampoos, contains oatmeal, an ingredient that both Dench and Thompson say is soothing on the skin.
NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri uses this shampoo on her Maltipoo, Bandit.
“His fur always feels extra soft after I use it,” she says.
This hypoallergenic dog shampoo is another NBC Select Best for Your Pet award winner.
It has oatmeal and aloe vera, ingredients Dench recommends for their soothing properties.
A little also goes a long way, making it a cost-effective option.
The brand recommends mixing the shampoo with water in a separate container at a 10:1 dilution ratio (water to product) for the 16-ounce option.
“I use this shampoo on my 5-year-old Havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, because it’s gentle on her sensitive skin and has a pleasant vanilla and almond scent that isn’t overpowering,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio.
“Her fur also feels fluffier and softer after using this shampoo compared to others I’ve tried in the past.”
I’ve used this shampoo on Myko, my 4-year-old French Bulldog since she was a puppy.
Frenchies have notoriously sensitive skin and tend to deal with many allergies.
This shampoo contains aloe vera and lemongrass, which are soothing and leave behind a fresh, lemony scent.
It’s also a concentrated formula, so you only need a small amount for each bath.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training or experience.
We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle.
For this story, she interviewed two pet experts.
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