How often to bath/wash a young dog?

[Elibean]

My old boy used to get a bath whenever he rolled in fox-poo or something equally disgusting. So some months not at all, some months twice.

My young boy, OTOH, seems to get pretty dirty and smelly fast without rolling in anything obvious Possibly all the puppy saliva he gets covered in when playing?!? Mud? Kids sticky hands?!?

Whatever it is, he had his first bath 2 weeks ago and I'm having to sit on my hands not to stick him in the tub again...but I'm guessing bathing too often is not good for their skin? Then again, I have no idea - just guessing.

How often is ok, please?

[lisad123]

you need to be careful not to strip the normal oils. I have only bathed my boy 3 times in 20 months!! My doggy doesnt smell though, think if he did I would bath him more often.
Im not sure what the recommended bathtimes are

[Elibean]

Thanks! Yes, I thought as much about stripping oils. Checked with vet nurse today when buying bigger kong, she reckoned once per month roughly ok - not more.

[chickchickchicken]

ive always thought the less often the better because of stripping the natural oils in their coat. mine are only bathed if they are smelly from rolling in fox poo.

i furminate them regularly but they can go months without a bath

[Elibean]

Yes, my old dog went months without a bath (and then would roll in fox poo two walks in a row ). I thought so.

Very low shedding, short haired, so not too bad - just kind of sticky, for want of better descriptiong, and slightly stinky. I'm fussier now I have kids around, probably! But no way I'm harming his skin or fur by over-bathing, so a wipe with a damp cloth (which he loves) will have to do.

[ditavonteesed]

I actually bought some dog deodrant, seems to work, just spray it on and rub in. used it about 2 weeks ago and the doggy smell has not come back yet, otherwise I tend to bath every couple of months although that is probably why my border terrier doesnt have a proper wire coat. only bathed the puppy once so far

[ditavonteesed]

when he had covered himself in his own poo in the crate.

[Elibean]

poo in crate is as respectable a reason for bathing as roll-in-fox-poo, Diva.

I remember the bathwater turning that murky brownish green after a trip to Richmond Park, many years ago. Something to look forward to

[CalatalieSisters]

My motto is: never ever bath a dog until it has rolled in shit or dead things.

Plenty of brushing is much better.