As a responsible dog owner, you know how vital proper grooming is to your pet’s health and wellbeing. Part of practicing adequate hygiene includes washing your furry friend regularly. Doing so can help you avoid frequent visits to the veterinarian related to skin issues. However, it can be challenging to determine how often you should be bathing your pet? Before you schedule a trip to the dog wash, here’s what you should know.

Coat Health

The condition of your dog’s coat plays a significant role in determining whether they need frequent baths. Some dogs have very thick fur that sheds frequently. In that case, veterinarians suggest bathing them for a while so that the fur is thoroughly soaked, then brushing, conditioning, and drying it properly. Others have very oily coats, so it’s important to bathe them more often to eliminate harmful oils so that their skin can produce cleaner oil. Your dog’s skin health matters, too. If it’s routinely itchy, bathing and conditioning can help reduce discomfort.  

Dog Breed

What type of dog do you have? Breed will also determine how often they need a bath. Hairless dogs, for example, require more frequent baths because their skin isn’t protected by fur from issues like sunburn and infection. Larger breeds get hot faster, so you need to provide shorter, cooler baths for them. Those with long coats, like collies, require more frequent bathing to prevent matted hair.  

Pet Lifestyle

One of the most obvious signs that your dog needs a bath is the presence of an unpleasant odor. If they spend a lot of time playing outside and rolling around in the grass, mud, and dirt, then their lifestyle naturally dictates that you should bathe them at least two times a month. Be sure to clean their coat with a damp cloth whenever you see dirt or if they haven’t bathed in a while. If your dog spends more time indoors, then bathing them once a month is sufficient to keep them fresh and clean. Frequent baths can be harmful because they can be irritating to your dog’s skin and cause irritation that can lead to stunted growth in the hair follicles, which would otherwise grow normally.

Are you seeking a reliable veterinarian in Houston, MO? If so, turn to Texas County Veterinary Clinic. At this animal hospital, your pet’s health and wellbeing come first. That’s why they offer a wide range of services designed to treat your pets from top to bottom, including pet health exams, vaccines, and dental care. You can also trust them to provide flea medicine and emergency vet services. Visit their website for more information, or call (417) 967-3857 today to speak with a caring and experienced representative.