One of the most common questions new dog owners have is, "How often should I bathe my dog?"

Truthfully, unless your dog has an underlying skin condition, they don't actually need a bath unless they are smelly or especially dirty. On average, most dogs only need to be bathed on a monthly basis.

You want to be careful not to bathe your dog too often, because over-washing your dog’s skin can cause irritation.

SIGNS YOUR DOG NEEDS A BATH

• They are stinky

• They’ve gotten muddy or otherwise dirty while playing outside

• Their coat is obviously tangled and matted

• Their skin is noticeably dry or irritated

• They have come into contact with a known allergen or irritant

MAKE SURE YOU'RE USING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO

The soap or shampoo you use to bathe your dog can make all the difference.

You should never use human shampoo on dogs because humans and dogs have unique pH levels. And using human shampoo on dogs disrupt their pH levels and potential cause issues like irritation and even skin infections.

Even if a shampoo is made for dogs, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a good option for your dog. Always read the ingredients and search for dog shampoos made from natural ingredients.

Happy bathing!