How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Most dogs need a bath every 4–8 weeks, or whenever they’re dirty or smelly. Coat type changes the number: long, silky and curly coats usually need baths more often, while short, smooth coats can go longer. Brushing in between matters more than extra baths.

Bath frequency by coat type

Coat type	Example breeds	How often to bathe	Brushing
Short & smooth	Beagle, Boxer, Labrador	Every 6–12 weeks	Weekly
Double coat	Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd	Every 4–8 weeks	2–4× a week; daily when shedding
Long & silky	Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese	Every 3–6 weeks	Daily or every other day
Curly / “hair” coat	Poodle, Doodles, Bichon	Every 3–6 weeks	Several times a week
Wire coat	Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier	Every 6–12 weeks	Weekly
Wrinkly breeds	French Bulldog, Pug, Shar-Pei	Every 4–8 weeks	Clean folds 2–3× a week
Hairless	Chinese Crested, Xolo	Every 1–2 weeks	Sun protection instead

Always bathe sooner if your dog rolls in something, gets into mud or sea water, or smells.

Signs it’s time for a bath

• A “doggy” smell when you pet them
• Greasy or dull coat
• Visible dirt, sand or burrs
• After swimming in a lake, the ocean or a chlorinated pool

If your dog smells bad again within a few days, look for a cause: ears, teeth, skin folds or anal glands. See your vet if you notice itching, redness, flakes or hair loss.

How to bathe your dog (step by step)

1. Brush first to remove loose hair and tangles. Water makes mats tighter.
2. Use lukewarm water — test it on your wrist.
3. Wet the coat to the skin, starting at the neck and working back. Keep water out of ears and eyes.
4. Use a dog shampoo, lather, and massage in for a couple of minutes.
5. Rinse, then rinse again. Leftover shampoo is a top cause of itchy skin.
6. Wash the face with a damp cloth.
7. Towel-dry thoroughly, especially ears, skin folds and between the toes. Use a hairdryer on cool or low only if your dog is comfortable with it.
8. Reward. Treats during and after make the next bath easier.

Mistakes to avoid

• Human shampoo or dish soap — too harsh for dog skin.
• Not drying ears — damp ears can lead to infections (see why dogs tilt their heads).
• Shaving double coats for summer — the coat helps protect from heat and sun. Brush out the undercoat instead.
• Bathing too often with regular shampoo — it can strip natural oils.

Breed-specific tips: Golden Retriever, French Bulldog and Labrador care guides. While your dog is relaxed after the bath, it’s a great time to check their nails.