How Often Should You Bathe a Dog?
There's no single schedule, and the major sources give different numbers. What they agree on: bathe for the coat and the lifestyle, not the calendar, and always with dog shampoo.
On this page
Most healthy dogs need a bath somewhere between every few weeks and every three months, depending on the source: the ASPCA says at least once every three months, VCA suggests about every 6 to 8 weeks for non-shedding breeds and no more than once a month for healthy dogs, and the AKC ranges from weekly to every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the coat. Coat type and lifestyle decide where your dog falls in that range.
What the sources say
The numbers vary, sometimes even within the same organization:
- ASPCA: at least once every three months, more often for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or have skin problems (grooming tips). Its general dog care page adds that most dogs don’t need a bath more than a few times a year.
- VCA Animal Hospitals: about every 6 to 8 weeks for non-shedding breeds with no health issues; no more than once a month for healthy dogs, to keep their natural oils (puppy page); and only occasionally, typically not more than once every few weeks (summer grooming page).
- AKC: no single schedule, because it depends on breed, lifestyle and coat.
What they share: a healthy dog doesn’t need frequent baths.
By coat type
- Short coats: a damp-cloth rubdown between baths (AKC), and brushing weekly (ASPCA).
- Medium to large coats: weekly to every 4 to 6 weeks, if the coat is maintained between baths (AKC).
- Long, silky coats: daily brushing, and a daily routine for long hair that mats often (ASPCA).
- Heavy undercoats: baths in the spring and fall shedding seasons (VCA). The AKC notes that double coats insulate, and that overbathing can strip the skin’s oil.
- Non-shedding breeds: about every 6 to 8 weeks (VCA).
- Hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli: weekly (AKC).
The free grooming by coat type chart and this home grooming guide cover brushing and the rest of the routine.
Why more isn’t better, and the exceptions
Bathing too often washes away the natural oils that protect the skin and coat, VCA explains, and the AKC warns that overbathing can strip skin oil. There are exceptions:
- Skin disease or allergies. VCA notes that these dogs may be prescribed frequent baths; follow your vet’s schedule. If your dog has itchy or problem skin, ask your vet before you change the routine (food or environmental allergy?).
- Outdoor dogs may need baths more often (ASPCA).
- Swimmers. VCA advises a rinse after swimming in chlorine or salt water.
A grooming schedule and log helps you keep track of what works for your dog.
Use dog shampoo, never human shampoo
VCA says to use dog shampoo only: human shampoo, including baby shampoo, is too harsh for dogs. Nails are the other regular job at home: see how to trim a dog’s nails without a fight.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I bathe my dog once a week?
- For some dogs, yes: the AKC suggests weekly baths for hairless breeds, and anywhere from weekly to every 4 to 6 weeks for medium-to-large coats that are maintained between baths. For most healthy dogs, though, VCA advises no more than once a month to protect the natural oils, and the AKC warns that overbathing can strip the skin's oil. Dogs with skin disease or allergies may be prescribed frequent baths by their vet.
- Can I use human or baby shampoo on my dog?
- No. VCA says to use dog shampoo only, because human shampoo, including baby shampoo, is too harsh for dogs.
- How often should I bathe a puppy?
- VCA's puppy-care page says healthy dogs shouldn't be bathed more than once a month, to keep their natural oils. Between baths, brush to match the coat: weekly for short coats and daily for long, silky ones, according to the ASPCA.
- Should I bathe my dog after swimming?
- VCA advises rinsing your dog after swimming in chlorine or salt water. A rinse with clean water isn't the same as a full shampoo bath, which most healthy dogs need far less often.
Educational content only — not veterinary or professional behavior advice. Consult your vet, or a certified trainer or behaviorist, for your pet. Read the full disclaimer →