Just like humans, dogs need regular pet grooming to maintain their health and overall well-being. But just how often should you wash your dog? The pet care professionals at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital, in Columbia, MO, say the answer depends on a variety of factors. To keep your dog healthy and well-kept, understand how often you need to rinse and shampoo your furry friend.

How Often Should You Should Wash Your Dog?

1. Breed

Different breeds of dogs have their own recommended schedules for pet grooming based on their fur type. Shorter-haired dogs, such as bulldogs and great danes, may only require baths once a month, while dogs with oily coats, such as basset hounds, may need a bath as often as once a week.

2. Household Allergies

If you have a person in your household who is slightly allergic to dogs, you can help to relieve some of their discomfort by bathing your pet more often. Regular pet grooming helps to remove the dander that accumulates on their coat and exacerbates allergy symptoms.  

3. Outdoor Activities

How much time does your dog spend outdoors, and what type of activities do they do? If your furry friend is constantly rolling around in the mud or jumping in the local river, more frequent baths are required to remove the odors and dirt from their coats. In turn, this will also help to protect their skin from irritation due to outdoor allergens in the grass.

Bathing your dog can be a challenging and time-consuming process, which is why you should opt for professional pet grooming. Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive pet services to ensure your furry friend looks and feels their very best. They also offer routine medical exams, emergency care, and pet boarding. To schedule an appointment, call (573) 449-3791 for the Keene Street location, or (573) 449-7387 for the Buttonwood Drive office. You can also visit the website for more information.