How often to bathe a dog ? – For many dog breeds, the coat is a real ornament. However, in order for this to be the case, its regular grooming is essential – especially bathing. If we take the time to groom our pet, we will never have problems with felted hair, and he will look healthy and beautiful. What should a dog’s bathing look like and how often should it be done?

What do you find in the article?
Preparation for bathing
For many people, bathing a four-legged dog is a big challenge. However, if we prepare for it properly and follow a few rules, every dog wash will become a real pleasure for our pet and also for us. Before we start bathing, we should prepare all the dog bathing accessories we will need, for example: towels, hair dryer, dog shampoo, conditioner, ear tampons. Before the bath, we can take some time to groom our pet and clean his ears or trim his claws. Then we will need a dog brush, with which we carefully brush the coat, removing various dirt or dead hair. Particular attention should be paid to removing old hair and untangling any knots, as they can tighten during bathing, making them impossible to remove without scissors. The last step is to protect the ears from getting water – this can be done with cotton wool.
Shampoo for your dog – which one to choose?
Our pet’s coat will be healthy, shiny and well-groomed, only if we use properly adapted cosmetics. The dog’s skin is more sensitive than ours and has a different PH reaction, so we should never use shampoos designed for humans. They can cause irritation, dandruff, dry out the coat and contribute to unnecessary stress for the pet. So it’s worth choosing a professional dog shampoo, tailored to the needs of their coat. In addition to removing dirt and grime, it should nourish and make the coat supple. A special shampoo for long-haired dogs additionally reduces hair loss and regenerates the lipoprotein sheath. Bathing dogs with longer hair, such as the Bolognese, is not without the use of a lotion, which will make the wet and gnarled coat easy to comb out. In addition, it will also make sure that when drying, the hair will not become electrified or felted and will stay neat and clean longer.

How to bathe a dog stress-free?
What should the bathing of our pet itself look like? First, we need to make sure that the temperature in the bathroom is optimal, and the water is pleasantly warm – within 35 degrees. A large role for the comfort of the four-legged dog is played by a non-slip dog mat, which we will place in the bathtub or shower stall. When proceeding to the bath, we must first thoroughly soak the pet’s coat, gently kneading it with your hand. This will make the water reach, down to the deep layers of the coat and skin. Apply diluted shampoo to the well-soaked coat and spread it evenly. We always wash the dog twice, often using two types of shampoo. The first wash is to remove dirt, and the next wash gives shine and volume to the coat. While rinsing, you can gently knead the coat to get rid of the shampoo more efficiently. We must pay special attention to the head wash, which should always be done at the end. Be careful not to let the water get into the ears. When washing the muzzle, we can squeeze it with our hand so that the water does not pour into the nose. It is also worth remembering to carefully rinse the coat under the belly, where dirty foam accumulates.
Bathing a puppy – what is worth remembering?
It is not uncommon to hear opinions that a puppy should not be dripped. However, just as children need regular grooming, so is the situation with puppies. When should the first bathing of the puppy take place? It should not be rushed, because in the first weeks of his life it is the mother who is responsible for his hygiene. Once our little friend is weaned from mom, he can first be cleaned with a slightly dampened terry cloth. It is also a good idea to use a special cleaning lotion for this purpose, which will restore the fresh smell and cleanliness of his coat. During the bath itself, usually after 3-4 months of age, use a special shampoo for the puppy that will be gentle on his sensitive skin. We must also remember to bathe the toddler in a warm room and dry him very thoroughly first with a towel and then with a hair dryer. After bathing, the puppy should be wrapped in a blanket and not let outside.

Bathing a dog – how often should it be done?
Bathing a dog depends on its lifestyle and hairiness. Small dogs with long hair, should be bathed 1-2 times a month. Some people bathe breeds such as, York, Shih Tzu or Bolognese even once a week. Much depends on whether the dog goes outside and whether he sleeps in our bed. Of course, we can always bathe our pet as the need arises. The coat of white dogs such as the Bolognese requires frequent care and products that are designed for white hair. Ordinary all-purpose shampoos, can cause it to turn gray or yellow. So the dog should be bathed regularly, but keeping in mind the right cosmetics and basic safety precautions. What can be done to make frequent baths enjoyable for our pet? We can prepare our dog’s favorite toys to distract him during washing. It’s also worth carrying dog treats with which to reward your pet after the whole grooming process.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.