How often should you bathe a dog at home?

Ideally once a month to six weeks, if the dog doesn't get too dirty and has no skin issues. If your pet is active or likes rolling around in mud a lot, you can wash more often - every two to three weeks. The main thing is not to overdo it, because frequent shampooing dries out the skin and coat, especially if it's a long-haired breed. And really, a lot depends on the coat type and the individual characteristics of each dog - some breeds don't really need frequent baths at all.

The main thing is don't wash your dog every week - that's definitely overkill! Frequent baths wash away the protective layer from the skin, and the coat becomes brittle and dull. I work with kids, of course, but the principle is similar - the less aggressive intervention, the better for the body!

It's optimal to bathe a dog once every 6-8 weeks if she's healthy, has no skin issues, and isn't constantly rolling in mud. That's roughly once every one and a half to two months. But it really depends on the breed, coat type, and lifestyle! If you have a shepherd who loves forest walks and comes home in "I took a bath in a puddle" condition - well yeah, wash her once a month, what else can you do. But if your dog is a toy breed and basically just lies on the couch, then once every two months is plenty.

Between full baths, dry shampoos and wet wipes for paws after walks save the day! In summer, when there's more dirt and she's more active, you can increase the frequency, but don't overdo it. And definitely use a gentle dog shampoo, not human shampoo - dogs have completely different skin pH! If you notice the coat getting dull, the skin itching, or problems appearing - go straight to the vet, you might need a medicated shampoo.