Dog grooming advice: how often should I bath my dog?

It’s one of the questions we get asked all the time at Brentwood Bubbles ’n’ Barks…

“How often should I actually bath my dog?”

The short answer? It depends entirely on your dog. Some pups stay fresh for weeks, while others somehow manage to smell suspicious just hours after a walk.

A Good Rule of Thumb:

• Short-haired breeds – every 1–3 months

• Long-haired or curly-coated breeds – every 4–6 weeks

• Very active dogs – whenever they’ve had a particularly muddy adventure

• Dogs with skin conditions – follow your vet’s advice

Of course, if your dog has rolled in fox poo, found a swamp, or decided the garden was a mud spa… all schedules go out the window.

Can You Bath a Dog Too Much?

Absolutely. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from your dog’s coat, leaving their skin dry, itchy, and irritated. So while it’s tempting to hose them down after every messy walk, less is often more.

Signs Your Dog Might Need a Bath:

🐾 Their coat feels greasy

🐾 They’re a bit pongy

🐾 They’ve started leaving a “dog smell” on the sofa

🐾 People can smell them before they see them

Don’t Use Human Shampoo!

Human shampoo can be far too harsh for dogs and may upset their skin. Always use dog-friendly products designed for their coat and skin type.

The Secret to a Fresh-Smelling Dog

Regular grooming actually helps keep your dog cleaner for longer. Brushing removes dirt, loose hair, and prevents matting — especially important for fluffy and curly-coated breeds.

At Brentwood Bubbles ’n’ Barks, we’re here to keep tails wagging and coats looking their best. Whether your dog needs a quick freshen-up or the full spa treatment, we’ll have them looking fluffy, smelling amazing, and feeling fabulous.

Even if they do go straight back into a muddy puddle afterwards.