A Pet Owner's Ultimate Guide to Bathing Frequency, Tips, and Best Practices

Bath time can be either a joyful splash party or a full-on drama fest—depending on your pet’s personality. But one question that stumps almost every pet parent at some point is: “How often should I bathe my pet?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your pet’s species, breed, skin type, lifestyle, and even the climate.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you—whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or another furry (or not-so-furry) friend. By the end, you’ll feel confident in creating a bathing schedule that keeps your pet clean, healthy, and happy.

Why Bathing Your Pet Matters

Bathing isn’t just about keeping your pet smelling fresh (although that’s a nice perk). Regular baths help:

Remove dirt, debris, and allergens from the coat and skin
Prevent matting in long-haired breeds
Control odors
Keep skin conditions under control
Spot potential health issues early

But too much bathing can cause more harm than good. Over-washing can strip your pet’s skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even infections. That’s why getting the frequency right is so important.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Dogs are the most commonly bathed pets, but not all dogs have the same grooming needs.

General Rule of Thumb

For most healthy dogs, once every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal.

But you’ll need to adjust depending on several factors.

Coat Type Matters

Short-haired breeds (like Beagles or Boxers): Bath every 6–8 weeks
Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or Golden Retrievers): Every 4–6 weeks, or seasonally with shedding
Curly or wavy coats (like Poodles): Every 3–4 weeks to prevent matting
Hairless breeds (like Xoloitzcuintli): Weekly to avoid oil buildup

Lifestyle and Activity Level

Active dogs that love the outdoors may need more frequent baths
Indoor lap dogs can go longer between washes
Swimmers (especially those who swim in lakes or salt water): Rinse after every swim, full bath monthly