Guide · Bathing, ears and teeth
How often should you bathe a dog?
Most dogs need only occasional baths, and bathing too often can strip natural oils. Breed-club bath intervals, a safe bath routine, and why brushing matters more.
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Short answer
Most dogs need only an occasional bath, given when they need one rather than on a fixed schedule. Bathing too often can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, and overbathing can dry or irritate the skin.[1][2] VCA puts non-shedding breeds without health issues at about every six to eight weeks.[3] A few long-coated breeds need baths more often, and if shedding is the reason you bathe, brush more instead.
What the sources say
| Source | Bathing guidance |
|---|---|
| AKC | Bathe regularly, but not too often: frequent bathing can strip natural oils from the skin and coat[1] |
| AAHA | Bathe as needed, but not too frequently: overbathing can dry or irritate skin. Regular brushing controls shedding better than bathing[2] |
| VCA | Most dogs need only occasional baths; non-shedding breeds without health issues typically about every six to eight weeks[3] |
If your dog has a skin condition, your vet's bathing plan comes first. VCA's figure is specifically for dogs without health issues.
Bath intervals by breed
AKC's breed pages give these bathing notes. Where AKC says only "occasional baths", it gives no number, so neither do we.
| Breed | AKC coat type | AKC bathing note |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terrier | Silky, long | Every week or so[4] |
| Shih Tzu | Double, long | About every three or four weeks[5] |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Double and wiry, medium | About once a month[6] |
| Golden Retriever | Double, medium | Occasional baths; the dog must be completely dry before brushing[7] |
| Labrador Retriever | Double, short | Occasional baths[8] |
| German Shepherd Dog | Double, medium | Occasional baths[9] |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Double, long | Occasional baths[10] |
| Siberian Husky | Double, medium | Often only a few baths a year[11] |
In this table, the long, silky and trimmed coats get the most frequent baths, while the heavy-shedding double coats mostly get occasional ones.
If shedding is the reason, brush instead
AAHA says regular brushing is more effective than bathing for long-term shedding control, and that "just 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week can significantly minimize loose hair."[2] If you find yourself bathing to keep hair off the furniture, a brush will do more.
Both brushes are seller listings. The long-pin brush's coat claims are the seller's, and the standard slicker's listing does not state coat types. AKC describes slicker brushes as tools for removing mats and dead hair and as excellent for double-coated breeds.[1][12] For smooth-coated dogs such as pointers or boxers, VCA suggests flexible grooming gloves or short-bristle brushes instead.[3]
Bath or vet visit?
A bath makes sense when your dog is visibly dirty, has rolled in something, or its coat feels greasy. Some changes are not a bathing problem, though:
- Red, irritated or crusted skin, bald spots or thinning fur. AAHA lists these as reasons to contact a veterinarian.[2]
- An ear that smells, is red or has discharge. Cornell lists these as ear warning signs that need a vet.[13]
Don't respond with more baths; let your vet look first. See grooming red flags for the full list.
A safe bath, step by step
- Brush out tangles first, while the coat is dry.
- Put a non-slip mat in the tub. PPGSA's standards call for a non-slip bottom in dog tubs.[14]
- Check the water temperature with your hand. PPGSA's standards require water that won't cause discomfort or injury from being too hot or too cold.[14]
- Stay with your dog the whole time. No pet should be left unsupervised in the tub.[14]
- Keep plugged-in tools away from the water. CPSC recommends GFCI outlets in bathrooms and warns that a plugged-in appliance can cause a shock if it falls into water, even when switched off.[15]
- Rinse thoroughly, then towel off.
- Keep facial folds clean and dry on breeds that have them. AKC gives this advice for French Bulldogs and Bulldogs.[16][17]
- Dry the coat. AKC says drying helps prevent mats, tangles and bacterial growth; use a dryer made for dogs and avoid heat.[18] See can you use a human hair dryer on a dog?
- Brush once the coat is completely dry. AKC gives this rule for Golden Retrievers.[7]
We don't cover shampoos here: claims about what a shampoo does for skin and coat are outside what we can verify. If your dog has a skin condition, ask your vet what to use.
What about cats?
VCA says most healthy adult cats are fastidious groomers and rarely require a bath.[19] If you do bathe a cat, ASPCA suggests drying it in a towel in a warm place and using a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting only if the cat doesn't mind the noise.[20]
Next
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.[1][2][4]
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.[2]
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.[5]
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.[18]
How often do cats need a bath?
Rarely. VCA says most healthy adult cats are fastidious groomers and rarely require a bath.[19]