You don't need a salon to keep your dog fresh, healthy and comfortable. Here's a simple routine, tuned to your dog's coat.
How often should you bathe a dog?
For most dogs, every 4–6 weeks is plenty — over-bathing strips natural oils. Between baths, a waterless foam shampoo handles muddy paws.
A simple weekly routine
Brush 2–3×/week (daily for double coats).
Ears — check weekly; clean with an ear wash if waxy or smelly.
Skin — scan for hot spots; a soothing spray calms irritation early.
Nails — trim every 3–4 weeks; clicking on the floor means too long.
By coat type
Coat
What it needs
Double (Husky, Golden)
Frequent brushing, never shave; deshed in spring/fall.
Curly (Poodle, Doodle)
Brush to the skin to prevent mats; regular trims.
Short (Lab, Beagle)
Weekly brush; easy baths; watch for dry skin.
Wiry (Terriers)
Brushing plus periodic hand-stripping.
Make it a spa day, not a wrestling match
Go slow, reward with a freeze-dried treat after each step, and keep early sessions short.
The honest bottom line: Bathe every 4–6 weeks, brush to the coat type, check ears and skin weekly, keep nails short — and use treats to make it a spa day.
