If you’ve ever wondered how often you really need to bathe your dog, you’re not alone. The answer? It depends on coat type, lifestyle, skin health… and, in my case, whether or not you count standing in the rain as a “bath.”
My not-so-secret routine
I’ll confess: I’ve never given Ralph (my adventurous, mud-loving swamp explorer) a traditional bath. His breeder swore his coat was self-cleaning and told me to just let him stand in rainwater whenever it poured, which in Sydney recently has been ALL THE TIME. These days, thanks to his active lifestyle, I have my own system:
Step 1: Hose him down with tap water after a muddy adventure.
Step 2: Towel dry to avoid the “wet dog” aroma settling in.
Step 3: Generous spritz of House of Dog Pawfume - my version of a bath in a bottle.
It’s quick, fuss-free, and leaves him smelling like he’s been to a luxury spa rather than a swamp.
So… how often should you bathe a dog?
According to veterinary guidance, there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule:
Low-maintenance coats (Beagles, Boxers, Vizslas): Every 2–3 months unless muddy or smelly.
Double coats (Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Huskies): Every 1–3 months, but brush regularly to keep the coat healthy.
Allergy-prone breeds (West Highland White Terriers, Bulldogs, Shar-Peis): Often need more frequent baths with gentle, vet-recommended shampoo to manage skin irritation.
Hair breeds (Poodles, Bichon Frises): Regular grooming and more frequent bathing to prevent matting.
The key is balance - too little can mean lingering odours and build of dirt and debirs, too much can strip natural oils and disrupt the skin microbiome.
Why I love a “Bath in a Bottle”
Let’s be honest, bathing a dog is a workout:
- Wrestling them into the tub (bonus points if they weigh more than you).
- Ending up wetter than they are.
- Spending half the day drying them out.
That’s why our House of Dog Pawfume range is a lifesaver. It’s luxe, vegan, alcohol-free, and safe for both dogs and humans. One quick spritz between grooms:
- Freshens instantly - no lingering “dog smell” on your sofa or in your car.
- Saves time - skip the arduous bath setup.
- Feels indulgent - because both you and your dog deserve to smell amazing.
It’s not just a fragrance; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Final word: science + style + sanity
Bathing is important, but overdoing it can be counterproductive. For most dogs, a combination of occasional baths, regular brushing, and a daily spritz of House of Dog Pawfume keeps coats fresh, skin healthy, and owners blissfully dry.
So next time your dog rolls in something questionable, skip the drama - reach for the Pawfume and keep living your best scent-sational life together.