Anyone who washes their dog more than once a month issued warning by vet (original) (raw)

Vets say many dog owners may be washing their pets too frequently, which can affect their dog's natural skin oils and overall health

Britons are renowned dog enthusiasts with approximately 11.1 million pet dogs residing in households across the nation. However, veterinary professionals suggest numerous dog owners may be bathing their canine companions excessively.

Indeed, vets recommend you shouldn't wash your dog more frequently than once monthly. In a social media message, veterinarian Pablo Antonio Olmedo González clarifies that bathing ought to be maintained "to a minimum".

He explains this is due to your dog's skin possessing a "protective oil layer" that maintains their natural wellbeing. In a clip on his Pablo_Vet TikTok, he stated: "If we bathe them too frequently, the skin produces more oil, and there comes a point when the dog will start to smell more.

"So, the solution is to let that skin have a rest. Therefore, bathe them at most once a month, and if you can stretch it out further, all the better. What I recommend is regular brushing, which will keep your dog's coat clean without any trouble."

Colleague TikTok vet Maria Vetican similarly believes over-washing can prove problematic for dogs. She notes soaps specifically can disturb the natural equilibrium of an animal's skin, reports the Express.

In a clip on the social media site, she continued: "They can dry out their skin and reduce the natural oils that protect them. Washing too frequently can make the skin more susceptible to infections or skin problems."

However, David Aldas, a vet who operates under the handle doctoraldasvet online, suggests people should think about bathing their pets even less often. He recommends dogs should be washed "three to four times a year".

David advises cats should be bathed even more infrequently, perhaps just once annually. According to animal welfare charity the Blue Cross, dogs are "better left without being washed for as long as possible".

It states that unless your dog becomes dirty or "rolls in something a bit gross" it's preferable to allow their natural oils to do "all the hard work". The charity also emphasises that dogs are "pretty great at self-cleaning".

It notes that drop-on flea and worming treatment will also be removed each time you bathe your dog. It did nevertheless mention that some dogs with skin conditions might require more frequent bathing, encouraging people to consult their vet.

When washing your dog, the charity recommends using a specialist dog shampoo as it's gentler on the skin. Though baby shampoo can serve as an alternative.

Dog owners are also encouraged to prepare their dog for bath time, providing plenty of praise and treats if your pet is anxious.

If your dog remains reluctant in the bath, you can spread xylitol-free peanut butter on the tub to distract them while you wash them.