About washing the dogs...

Mexico
February 12, 2007 5:38pm CST
Greetings, I have 2 small dogs (male and female) and some people told me to DON'T wash them every day, I only must wash them every 2 weeks. But right now, they're just too dirty because they play on the garden... Can I wash them every week? or I must wait for another week... Thanks
2 people like this
5 responses
@quatelmon (955)
• United States
12 Feb 07
It really depends on what type of dogs you have, and how they react to getting baths. If I bathe my pup more than once a month, he gets terribly dry skin. I would say don't wash them more than once a week. If they are dirty, just take a washcloth and wipe them down, or get the wipes they have specifically made for dogs.
• Mexico
13 Feb 07
I don't know how to say it in English, they're like french puddles, but smaller... Thanks for your quick answer!!
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
You really must not wash them any more than twice a month. It strips the vital oils in their fur that they need to regulate heat etc...It dries out the skin and therefore can lead to other problems like dermatitis etc...
• Canada
12 Feb 07
As far as I always knew , you should wash them as little as you can just because frequent washings will dry out their skin and could cause more severe problems also when washing them you should be sure to use the mildest of soap on them but if they are really dirty I can't see that it would hurt them any more then any other of the washings you have given them . There skin may not be as sensitive and it may not affect them as bad . You could call your local vet just to see what they suggest . This shouldn't cost anything as you are just looking for advice .
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Try brushing them daily to help keep them clean. This will get the garden dirt out of their fur and keep them clean. Washing them too frequently depletes natural oils from their skin. These oils protect them from mites and disease, and also keeps their skin from getting dry and itchy, so please don't wash them more often than once every 2 weeks. YOu CAN wash their bedding as frequently as you want!!
@ctinabina (386)
• United States
12 Feb 07
No, do not wash your dog every week. In fact, I wouldn't wash a dog more than 1x per month, maximum. Almost all dogs will develop very dry skin, dandruff, and dull, unhealthy coats. Dogs need oily hair, unlike humans. If your dogs are getting dirty in the yard, just wipe them off with a dry towel and brush them. That should get them plenty clean. I have also seen freshening sprays especially for dogs (do not use anything not for dogs because it could be harmful).