A Dog Bath Routine for Smell, Without Over-Bathing

A calm dog bath routine can freshen a dog without stripping the coat. Brush first, use dog shampoo and lukewarm water, rinse twice and dry thoroughly. The tricky part is how often, because the experts don’t agree.

How often to follow a dog bath routine? Experts differ

Source	What it says
ASPCA	At least every three months; more often for dogs outdoors a lot or with skin problems
AKC groomer	Only when dirty or smelly, because over-bathing strips natural oils
WSU vet school	Generally safe weekly with a veterinary shampoo; too often can strip protective oils
PDSA	Use a special dog shampoo; check with your vet first if your dog has sensitive skin

Our own starting point, which is not from a source: bathe when your dog is dirty or smelly, and begin by spacing baths at least three to four weeks apart. Want to bathe more often, or does the smell keep coming back? Ask your vet or groomer first. If your dog has a skin condition, follow your vet’s schedule. Your vet’s number beats any chart.

Dog shampoo, not human shampoo

Human shampoo is not typically toxic, but it may contain fragrances or other things that irritate. Dish soap and human shampoo can strip natural oils. Dog and human skin differ, so use a shampoo made for dogs.

Medicated shampoos are for your vet to choose. For seborrhea, the Merck manual says never to use a shampoo made for people without your vet’s consent.

The eight-step maintenance bath

Use this for a healthy coat. For skin conditions, follow your vet’s plan.

1. Brush first. Comb long coats, because wet fur mats more.
2. Set up. Non-slip mat, towels, dog shampoo and treats within reach.
3. Use lukewarm water. It should feel comfortable on the inside of your wrist.
4. Shampoo. Keep it out of the eyes and ears.
5. Rinse, then rinse again. Leftover shampoo can irritate.
6. Towel dry thoroughly. Dry skin folds and between the toes.
7. Keep warm in a draft-free room until fully dry.
8. Treat and calm. End on something your dog enjoys.

The water temperature and set-up details are our advice, not from a cited source. Ask your groomer or vet whether cotton in the ears before a bath suits your dog.

When to skip the bath

A hot spot, an open wound or a smelly ear means no bath. Call your vet instead. If the smell returns within days of a bath, it points to skin, ears or mouth, not to a dirty coat. The dog smell nose check shows where to look first. After muddy walks, a damp cloth on paws and belly and a dry towel often save a full bath, and a dry brush between baths helps too.

What if my dog is scared of the bath?

Use the same small-step approach as for brushing. Each step ends with a treat, and you go back a step if your dog worries. These bath steps are our extension of the Dogs Trust handling method.

1. Sit by the tub. Treats on the floor, no water.
2. Paws on the mat. A treat on the dry tub mat, then step out.
3. A little water. A trickle on the feet, then a treat.
4. More water. Wet the legs, then a treat.
5. Whole body. One quick wet-down, then out.
6. The full bath, with treats throughout.

A lick mat can keep a dog busy, but check the label for xylitol (also called birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs, and never use peanut butter without checking it.