Some owners will do dog baths too often and others too little. Common sense prevails here; dog bathing should be done when needed. Your dog does not have to smell like he just walked out of a salon but smelling as though he just got out of a dumpster is not good either.

If you keep your pet well groomed, which means frequent brushing and keeping his sleeping area clean, you will not have to be bathing a dog more than every month at most (see guidelines below). The reason you do not want to be constantly bathing your dog is because dogs do not have pores to product oil; therefore, it may dry the skin and coat and make the fur dull and cause dandruff. If your dog is being groomed on a regular basis and you notice a strong doggy odor, it is time for a bath.Here are some tips as to bath time frequency…1. If your best buddy has gotten into something smelly, it is time for a bath. You can use a deodorizing or antibacterial shampoo for this job. 2. He has simple doggy odor – use one of the many tearless dog shampoos on the market. **Note**If the odor from your dog is more that just ordinary dog smell, check with your veterinarian. It could be caused from infection of the ear, mouth or anal glands. Skin disease can also cause odor.3. Dandruff – use a dandruff shampoo, there are many on the market but check with your groomer or vet as to the cause.4. Allergies – a dog with itchy skin from allergies may find a bath soothing and help reduce itching. The use of a soothing oatmeal shampoo, a gentle hypo-allergenic or hydrocortisone-based shampoo in most cases should be helpful.5. External Parasites – if your dog has fleas, tics, mites or lice use a shampoo specific for this problem. Bathing is one of the best methods of ridding your pet of these parasites while cleaning and conditioning his coat.6. If your best buddy has had a confrontation with a skunk, there are special shampoos for this type of odor.7. If your dog has been in salt water give him a bath, salt may irritate the skin.Dog Bathing Tips1. Puppy Bathing – if you have a puppy use one specially made for him.2. Start at an early age to get your dog used to being brushed and bathed. 3. Shampoo can leave a residue which may irritate your best friend so rinse well after shampooing.4. Do not use human shampoos on your pet, they are too harsh and have a different PH level. 5. You may want to add a fatty acid supplement to your dog’s diet for a healthy shine on his coat.6. Dry shampoos are available if you have a doggy that does not like the water and does not find bath time fun. Keep in mind though, it does not really take the place of a bath because it does not reach the skin. You are going to have to shampoo your doggie at some point.7. Select the right shampoo for your dog. There are many to choose from.8. Wear old clothes, you will get wet!9. Be careful not to let fur go down your drain use a simple drain screen to protect your plumbing from hair clogs.One final word on dog baths and grooming in general; your dog’s appearance says a lot about you and how you feel about your best friend. There is no such thing as a breed that requires no grooming.