Sure, it might be convention for us humans to shower daily (and for that we are grateful). But how often should you wash your dog? Do they need regular bathing? Or can we delay the guilt that comes with lathering up a trembling pup?
To find out, Mamamia spoke to Dr Robert Hilton, a Melbourne-based veterinarian who practices in the field of veterinary dermatology.
“People tend to wash their dogs far too frequently,” he said. “They are often washing their dogs trying to treat allergies or they’re just washing their dog quite unnecessarily thinking it’s a benefit to them.”
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So, how often should you wash your dog?
According to Dr Hilton, only if it needs it.
“You should wash your dog if it smells or it’s dirty, or if it has specific skin disease,” he said. “Some dogs need never be washed.”
Dr Beth McDonald, a specialist vet dermatologist from University of Sydney Veterinary School, noted that a number of factors will determine how often a dog ought to be bathed.
“There is no hard and fast rule about how often you should wash your dogs,” she said via email. “There are so many variables: length and type of coat; where the dog lives (inside or outside); does it swim; is it clipped; how big is the dog; does the dog like being bathed?”
What happens if you wash your dog too often?
Dr Hilton explained that washing strips away a protective barrier known as hydro-lipid film.