Let’s face it — no one likes feeling dirty, and that includes your dog. While regular baths might not be every dog’s favourite activity, they’re an essential part of their hygiene routine. Keeping your dog clean isn’t just about making them smell fresh — there’s a lot more to it than that.
In this post, we’ll dive into why regular dog bathing is so important, how often you should be doing it, and what to consider when creating a bathing routine for your fur baby.
Why Is Regular Dog Bathing Important?
For dog owners in Australia, regular baths are an absolute must. Bathing helps keep your dog’s skin and coat in good condition, avoids matting and helps prevent allergens building up that can cause itchy skin. Bathing your dog regularly helps manage fleas before they can settle in for a longer stay. It also keeps the home clean, along with removing bad odours and dirt.
Dog grooming products help keep their skin free from dirt, debris, and allergens. If your dog’s coat gets too greasy, it can lead to irritated skin, rashes, or even infections.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
The frequency of dog baths really depends on many different factors. Short-haired dogs need baths every 2-3 months, while long-haired dogs or curly/wavy-coated breeds require baths every month and daily brushing. By understanding the best plan for your dog’s breed and lifestyle, you can create the ideal bathing routine for your dog.
Coat Type and Texture
Short-Haired Dogs
Breeds with short coats, like a Staffy or a Frenchie, need weekly bathing, particularly during spring and summer. This helps manage their itchy skin. They will need a bath if they’ve gotten into something particularly messy like mud or a stinky puddle. Short-haired coats don’t trap as much dirt and oil. We recommend regular brushing between baths.
Long-Haired Dogs
Long-haired breeds, like the Yorkshire Terrier, need baths every 4 to 6 weeks. Make sure you brush them daily to prevent their fur from tangling or becoming matted. Their long hair can quickly accumulate dirt, oils, and debris.
Double-Coated Dogs
Double-coated breeds, like Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, have a dense undercoat. The undercoat can trap dirt, oils, and loose fur. If not cleaned properly, it can lead to mats. Our advice would be to bathe them every 3-4 weeks, with daily brushing.
Curly or Wavy-Coated Dogs
Breeds with curly or wavy coats, such as all ’Oodle breeds, require baths every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent their curls from getting tangled or matted. They also need daily brushing to avoid mats.
Expert Tip: Use a dog detangling spray every day when brushing and grooming or when you encounter stubborn knots and mats. Curly coats can become greasy if not cleaned regularly, so it’s important to use a gentle dog shampoo, such as Lenny’s Blend No. 6 Curly Coat Dog Shampoo.
Seasonal and Climate Considerations
Hot summers bring sand and salt build-up for the dogs who love a swim at the beach. Frequent baths during this time — every 2-3 weeks — help wash off these irritants. In winters, reduce this to once every two months to avoid stripping the coat of natural oils. During seasonal changes, dogs with sensitive skin may experience itching, redness, or rashes and need a dog shampoo for irritated skin.
Dr Evan Shaw has some tips about dealing with Australian weather:
“Australia has such a diverse climate, and it’s important to adapt your approach to washing your dog based on where you live. For example, in southern winters, the cold and wet weather means dogs can lose body heat quickly if they’re not dried properly. Using water that’s around their body temperature, about 36°C, minimises stress and keeps them comfortable.
In the north, humidity can be a big issue—if a dog doesn’t dry out fully, it can lead to skin problems like hot spots or yeast infections. That’s why drying is so critical. A proper dryer works much better than towels alone. You can start with a towel, but unless it’s dry and sunny, dogs take a long time to air dry, which can lead to matting and other coat problems.”
Here’s what Dr Leigh Davidson had to say about dealing with Australian allergens and pollens:
“For dogs that suffer from environmental allergies, prevention is better than cure. After walks, wipe your dog’s feet, belly and face with a damp cloth to remove pollens.
Over-bathing can strip the coat of natural oil protection. Instead, spot-bathe any red, itchy problem areas with a medicated antibacterial shampoo. Make sure that you thoroughly dry the coat.
To enhance the integrity of the skin, feed a diet or supplement that contains high levels of Omega 3 Fatty acids. Don’t forget to use flea and tick protection. If you are still struggling to prevent itchy skin or your dog is showing signs of discomfort, seek veterinary advice.”
Puppies don’t need a bath before 8 weeks. For puppies older than 8 weeks, use a puppy shampoo. Unless they get dirty, pups generally only need a bath every 2-3 months. As dogs age, they’ll need more frequent baths than they had at the puppy age.
Special Situations That May Require Frequent Baths
After bushwalks, beach days or outdoor adventures, your dog may come home covered in mud, saltwater, sand, or even ticks. Towel them off and wipe their belly, feet and face with a damp cloth. A bath will remove debris and pests, keeping your dog clean and comfortable. A bath will not be able to remove ticks, but it’s a good opportunity to check your dog for ticks. Make sure your dog is up to date with their flea and tick treatment (as recommended by your vet).
Can You Wash Your Dog Too Often?
Yes, over-bathing can strip your dog’s natural oils, leading to dry, irritated skin. It can cause issues like flakiness, redness, or excessive scratching. When thinking about how often to wash dogs, try for a balanced bathing schedule with a low-irritant shampoo.
Common Questions About Dog Bathing Routines
How long after flea treatment can I bathe my dog?
Wait at least 48 hours to bathe your dog after applying flea treatment to ensure it is fully absorbed. If you use a dog shampoo immediately after flea treatment, you can dilute or wash away the medicine.
Do Australian dogs need sunscreen after a bath?
Yes, dogs can get sunburned. Dogs with short coats, white coats, pink skin, or exposed skin, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Dalmatians, need sunscreen. Make sure you apply a doggy safe sunscreen before heading out to the beach or on a hike on sunny days.
Is it okay to use human shampoo on my dog?
No, human shampoos can be too harsh for dogs and can disrupt their skin’s natural pH balance. Always use dog-specific shampoos.
By understanding the factors that affect your dog’s grooming needs — such as their coat type, age, activity level, and the Australian climate — you can establish a bathing routine that keeps them comfortable, clean, and pest-free.
Browse Houndztooth’s dog grooming products to find premium shampoos and dog coat sprays to help make bathtime better for you and your pup. If you’d like more tips and advice about pet care, check out our blog.
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