Buying task · Bathing, ears and teeth
Bathing, ears and teeth
How often to bathe a dog, a safe tub and water setup, gentle ear cleaning without swabs, and home dental care that helps, with the signs that need a vet.
Short answer
Most dogs need only occasional baths: bathing too often can strip the skin's natural oils, and regular brushing does more for shedding. Clean ears only when you can see dirt, and never with cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. For teeth, daily brushing with a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste is the main home tool; scaling belongs with a veterinarian.
Bathing: how often and how
AKC says to bathe regularly but not too often, because frequent bathing can strip natural oils from the skin and coat. AAHA says to bathe as needed and notes that regular brushing is more effective than bathing for long-term shedding control. VCA says most dogs need only occasional baths, and non-shedding breeds without health issues typically need one about every six to eight weeks.[1][2][3]
Some coats need more. AKC suggests bathing a Yorkshire Terrier every week or so and a Shih Tzu about every three or four weeks.[4][5] Most healthy adult cats rarely need a bath at all, VCA says.[6] The how often to bathe a dog guide goes coat by coat.
Set up the tub before you fetch the dog. Professional standards call for a non-slip tub bottom and water at a temperature that cannot cause discomfort or injury, and say no pet should be left unsupervised in the tub.[7] Dry thoroughly afterward: AKC says drying helps prevent mats, tangles and bacterial growth, and that a Golden Retriever must be completely dry before brushing.[8][9]
Ears: clean only when needed
Cornell advises cleaning healthy ears only when you can see dirt or debris, because overcleaning can irritate them. Avoid cotton swabs, which push debris deeper, and cleaning solutions with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.[10] AKC's grooming standard tells groomers to avoid plucking hair inside the ear, while gentle external cleaning is fine.[11] Technique: how to clean dog ears safely.
Teeth: brushing yes, scaling no
AAHA says brushing your pet's teeth daily is the best way to help reduce plaque. Use a soft, pet-specific toothbrush and never human toothpaste, which is often toxic to pets. For chews, AAHA suggests products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal.[12] VOHC keeps separate accepted-product lists for dogs and cats.[13]
Do not scrape tartar at home or pay a groomer to do it. AAHA's dental guidelines say groomers should never scale a pet's teeth, that scaling must be done by trained veterinary staff on an anesthetized animal, and that scaling without anesthesia is cosmetic and can cause pain, fear, bleeding and infection.[14] See dog dental tools: what helps.
Water and electricity
The bathroom is where water meets dryers and clippers. CPSC recommends GFCI protection in bathrooms and other damp areas, advises testing it monthly, and warns that a plugged-in appliance can be a shock hazard if it falls into water, even when switched off.[15]
When to stop and see a vet
- Ears: redness, itching, head shaking, discharge, more wax than usual, odor, or discomfort when the ear is touched. Cornell says to stop and consult a veterinarian if your dog seems to be in pain.[10]
- Skin and coat: bald spots, thinning fur, red, irritated or crusted skin, or a sudden dramatic increase in shedding, per AAHA.[2]
- Teeth: anything beyond brushing, including visible tartar, is a job for your veterinarian.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- How often should you bathe a dog?Gives you a sensible bath interval for your dog's coat, with the breed-club figures where they exist, so you neither overbathe nor neglect it.
- How to clean dog ears safelyShows you when ear cleaning is needed, what never to put in an ear, and when to leave it to your veterinarian.
Common questions
Can I bathe my dog every week?
For most dogs it isn't needed. AKC says frequent bathing can strip natural oils, and AAHA says overbathing can dry or irritate skin. Some long-coated breeds are the exception: AKC suggests a bath every week or so for a Yorkshire Terrier. More in How often should you bathe a dog?
Will bathing my dog reduce shedding?
Not much on its own. AAHA says regular brushing is more effective than bathing for long-term shedding control, and that 5-10 minutes two or three times a week can significantly minimize loose hair. More in How often should you bathe a dog?
How often should a Shih Tzu be bathed?
AKC suggests about every three or four weeks for a Shih Tzu, with daily brushing for a long coat. More in How often should you bathe a dog?
Do I need to dry my dog after a bath?
Yes. AKC says drying helps prevent mats, tangles and bacterial growth. Use a dryer made for dogs and avoid heat, or towel-dry thoroughly. More in How often should you bathe a dog?
How often do cats need a bath?
Rarely. VCA says most healthy adult cats are fastidious groomers and rarely require a bath. More in How often should you bathe a dog?
How often should I clean my dog's ears?
Only when you see dirt or debris. Cornell says to clean healthy ears only when it is needed, because overcleaning can irritate them. More in How to clean dog ears safely
Can I use cotton swabs on my dog's ears?
No. Cornell advises against cotton swabs because they push debris deeper into the ear. More in How to clean dog ears safely
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for cleaning dog ears?
Cornell advises avoiding cleaning solutions that contain hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Ask your vet which ear cleaner suits your dog. More in How to clean dog ears safely
Questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
Only as needed, for most dogs. AKC warns that frequent bathing can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, and VCA says non-shedding breeds without health issues typically need a bath about every six to eight weeks.[1][3]
Can I use cotton swabs to clean my dog's ears?
No. Cornell says cotton swabs push debris deeper and advises avoiding them, along with cleaners that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Clean only when you can see dirt, and stop if your dog seems to be in pain.[10]
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
No. AAHA says never to use human toothpaste, which is often toxic to pets. Use a pet toothpaste and a soft, pet-specific toothbrush, ideally every day.[12]
Is anesthesia-free tooth scaling a good idea?
AAHA says no. Its dental guidelines call scaling without anesthesia cosmetic, say it can cause pain, fear, bleeding and infection, and say groomers should never scale a pet's teeth. AVDC adds that cleaning below the gumline is impossible in an awake patient.[14][16]
Does my cat need baths?
Usually not. VCA says most healthy adult cats are fastidious groomers and rarely need a bath. If one is unavoidable, ASPCA suggests towel drying in a warm place and a blow dryer on its lowest heat only if the cat doesn't mind the noise.[6][17]
Is it safe to use a dog dryer in the bathroom?
Only with care. CPSC recommends GFCI protection in bathrooms and warns that a plugged-in appliance can be a shock hazard if it falls into water, even when switched off. Keep cords and dryers well away from the tub.[15]