General information only — not veterinary advice.

How Often Should You Bathe a Dog?

There is no one number that fits every dog. The sources below give different ranges. Each range is shown with the name of the source that gave it. The facts on this page come only from the sources named in the Sources section.

1. The short answer, by source

SourceWhat it says
ASPCA The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog at least once every three months. It says some dogs may need more frequent baths if they spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems.
PetMD — “How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?” PetMD says there are no hard and fast rules for bathing. It says the happy medium may range from bathing your dog once a week to only a few times a year.
PetMD — “How To Bathe a Dog” PetMD says about once a month is ideal for most dogs. It also says the ideal frequency depends on your dog.
AKC — “How to Bathe Your Dog” The AKC says most experts recommend bathing as infrequently as possible. The reason it gives is to preserve natural oils and avoid drying out your dog’s skin.

These ranges are not the same. That is normal. How often a dog needs a bath depends on the dog.

2. What changes how often a bath is needed

ThingWhat the sources say
Breed and coat type PetMD says how often will depend on many things, including the breed of dog, their coat type, lifestyles, and the time of year. PetMD also says your dog’s breed will be a huge determining factor for how often to bathe them. The AKC says how frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, and length of coat.
Time outdoors and lifestyle The AKC says bath frequency depends on how much time your dog spends outdoors and what they do once they are out there. The AKC also says dogs that are playing in oceans, hunting in muddy waters, or herding sheep all day may end up needing more baths than pups that spend most of their time indoors, regardless of the breed. PetMD says active dogs that hike, swim, or get dirty frequently should be bathed after these activities to remove dirt, debris, or saltwater.
Time of year PetMD lists the time of year as one of the things bathing frequency depends on. PetMD says dog odor tends to be more obvious in the summer versus the winter months. PetMD also says that during the winter, dogs typically are not as dirty, but are more prone to dry skin.
Skin and health PetMD says that if your dog has any health conditions, particularly those that affect the skin, your veterinarian will likely have additional guidelines to consider when developing a bathing schedule. The ASPCA says some dogs may require more frequent baths if they have skin problems.

3. Coat examples the sources give

Coat or breed typeWhat the sources say
Short-haired breeds The AKC lists short-haired breeds, like Weimaraners or Beagles, as needing to be bathed less frequently.
Oily-coated breeds The AKC says oily-coated breeds, like Basset Hounds, may need a bath as often as once a week.
Water-repellent coats with a lot of natural oils The AKC says breeds like Golden Retrievers, with water-repellent coats with a lot of natural oils, should be bathed less often.
Thick double coats The AKC says dogs with thick double coats, like the Alaskan Malamute, need fewer baths but a great deal of brushing. In its other bathing article, the AKC says thick or double coats on breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies naturally insulate the dogs seasonally, and that overbathing could strip too much oil from the skin and disrupt this process. PetMD says double-coated dogs like Labradors often need more de-shedding work than they do bathing.
Hairless breeds The AKC says hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli, require weekly baths. PetMD also names the Xoloitzcuintli as a hairless dog that needs quite a bit of coat care even though it does not have much fur.
Medium to long coats The AKC says that for dogs with medium-to-large coats, a bath could be needed from weekly to every four to six weeks, as long as the coat is properly maintained in-between baths. PetMD says long-haired dogs like Collies tend to get more tangles and mats which require regular care.
Loose facial skin or wrinkles The ASPCA says pups with loose facial skin or wrinkles, such as Shar Peis and Pugs, will need special attention. It says to clean the folds with damp cotton, and to always thoroughly dry the areas between the folds.

In the AKC article, dog groomer Jorge Bendersky offers this advice: “We should wash our dogs when they are no longer huggable.”

4. Why bathing too often can be a problem

The AKC says most experts recommend bathing as infrequently as possible to preserve natural oils and avoid drying out your dog’s skin.

The AKC also says overbathing could strip too much oil from the skin of thick or double-coated dogs, and disrupt the way their coats insulate them seasonally.

PetMD says bathing too frequently can lead to dry coats and skin problems. PetMD also says not enough bathing can lead to health problems and a stinky pup.

Brushing helps between baths. The ASPCA says regular grooming with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free.

5. Bath basics the sources state

StepWhat the sources say
Brush first The ASPCA says: first, give your pet a good brushing to remove all dead hair and mats. The AKC says to brush your dog thoroughly before washing to remove loose hair, dirt, and other debris. PetMD says to brush your dog before turning the water on, and that this helps get rid of excess hair.
Water The ASPCA says to put your pet in a tub or sink that has been filled with about three to four inches of lukewarm water. The AKC says to make sure the water is warm, but not hot. PetMD quotes a veterinarian saying to ensure the water temperature is warm but not too hot or cold, as pets can be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Wet the dog, and keep water out of ears, eyes, and nose The ASPCA says to use a spray hose, large plastic pitcher or an unbreakable cup to completely wet your pet. It says to take care to not spray or pour water directly in his ears, eyes or nose.
Shampoo made for dogs The ASPCA says using a shampoo formulated for pets is best. It says human shampoos are not toxic to pets, but some may contain fragrances or other substances that can irritate your pet’s skin. The AKC says: do not use a shampoo meant for people, which does not have the right pH level for dogs’ skin. PetMD says you should only use dog-safe shampoos when bathing your dog, and that these products are formulated for your dog’s pH and health.
Wash and rinse The ASPCA says to gently massage in shampoo, working from head to tail, and rinse and repeat as needed. The AKC says to rinse your dog gently with warm water, and that you want to remove all traces of the shampoo. PetMD says to rinse until the water runs clean, and to double check areas like armpits and under the chest to ensure all soap is removed.
Dry The ASPCA says to dry your pet thoroughly by giving your pet a good rub with a large towel. PetMD says to wrap your dog in a towel, gently patting them dry to remove excess water, and to avoid rubbing too much because that can tangle their fur or potentially irritate their skin.
Brushing between baths PetMD says brushing should be done daily for long-coated breeds and at least weekly for dogs with a short coat. The ASPCA says that if your dog has a smooth, short coat, you only need to brush once a week, and that if your dog has a long, luxurious coat, daily attention is necessary.

6. When to see a veterinarian

If you notice a skin problem, see a veterinarian. This page does not diagnose any dog.

The ASPCA says you should schedule an exam with your vet as soon as you notice any abnormality in your pet’s skin or hair, or if your pet begins to excessively scratch, lick and/or bite areas on his fur.

PetMD says to ask your vet how often to bathe your dog. PetMD also says products matter, especially if your dog is managing a health or skin condition, and to always work with your veterinarian.

The ASPCA says it is always smart to talk with your pet’s veterinarian to make sure you are selecting a shampoo that will meet your pet’s needs.

Sources

Sources are named here by organization and page title. Only facts read on these pages are used above.

Checked November 2026

General information only — not veterinary advice.