Typically, a dog only needs a bath when its coat gets soiled and dirty, however it also depends on the breed of dog and its where it is kept. If your dog sleeps on your bed, or is often inside your home, you will probably want to bath him more often (e.g. twice a month or even once a week) to keep your house and furniture clean. Nobody enjoys a house that smells like a dirty dog, and it can be very difficult to get rid of. A dog that lives outside will only require an occasional bath.

A bath that doesn’t actually clean your dog is a waste of time

It is best to use a pet shampoo to bath your dog. These are designed specifically for dogs and are the least likely to give you any problems. The thing to remember is that a dog’s skin is more delicate than a human’s. It is much more prone to drying out when you wash it. Human based shampoos are formulated to remove all the oils. You need to get one formulated for dogs that will remove dirt but not the essential oils for the coat. Dogs that are bathed often may require some supplements (such as Linatone or vegetable oil) to keep their skin and coat healthy.

Baby shampoo may be used too because it will not irritate your dog’s eyes – however, its mildness may not remove heavy dirt, grease and grime.