How often you need to bathe your dog may depend on whether it lives inside or outside or if it has a skin condition, according to an assistant professor at Kansas State University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

If your outdoor dog gets dirty on a regular basis, K-State’s Mary Bagladi-Swanson suggests bathing it when necessary.

With certain skin conditions, pet owners might need to bathe their dog more frequently, as suggested by their veterinarian, Bagladi-Swanson said.

“Therapeutic baths may be needed as frequently as two times a week,” she said. “Then you can gradually back off as the skin problem improves.”

Bathing and the use of shampoos can aid in the management of many dermatologic conditions, Bagladi-Swanson said. Some shampoos deliver a topical medication directly onto the skin surface. She said if your dog develops a dermatologic condition and is prescribed a medicated shampoo, it is important to follow bathing directions as outlined by your veterinarian.

Using a shampoo that’s right for your dog is important, Bagladi-Swanson said.

“Depending on the dog, you can bathe them weekly if you use the right shampoo — or you can bathe them twice a year,” she said. “Use shampoos that are mild and don’t dry out the skin. There are a variety of shampoos. There are moisturizing shampoos, medicated and hypoallergenic ones. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right one.”

Bagladi-Swanson said some shampoo brands offer compatible conditioners that prolong shampoo action and add extra moisture.

If you bathe your dog at home, Bagladi-Swanson has some tips for proper bathing and a few hints on how to make your pet feel more comfortable:

* First, make sure to wet their coat thoroughly before applying the shampoo. “Sometimes it might be helpful to dilute a small amount of shampoo with water and then apply the diluted shampoo to the coat. Apply a sufficient amount and rub in well while massaging the skin,” she said. “Some pet shampoos don’t produce a thick, rich lather, so don’t over apply it.”

* Use a mobile shower head and lukewarm water on low pressure for easier washing. Don’t let the shampoo lather come into contact with the eyes or enter the ear canals, but if this happens, rinse well with water. “Shampoo in the eyes can cause stinging and irritation and in the ear might lead to infections,” Bagladi-Swanson said. “You might choose to use an eye protective lubricant on your dog’s eyes to prevent this from happening.”

* Rinse your pet carefully because leaving any shampoo residue can cause irritation.

* Make sure to thoroughly dry your dog. Towel drying any skin folds is very important, Bagladi-Swanson said. Make sure to dry areas such as armpits, groin, underside of the neck and between the toes. She said thorough drying helps eliminate trapped moisture that could lead to bacterial or yeast infections. A blow dryer can be used, but only on a cool or slightly warm setting, she said.

* Because dogs do not like to feel slipperiness underfoot, use a mat or something that provides a grip in the bathtub to help them feel at ease.

* Bathe your dog outside if warm weather permits — it will be less messy, Bagladi-Swanson said.

* Using two people to bathe a large dog will make the task easier.