How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? A 2026 Guide by Coat Type

How often you should wash your dog depends on their coat type: Wool/Oodle coats (Poodles, Cavoodles) need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, double-coated breeds (Labradors, Huskies) every 8 weeks, and short-haired breeds (Beagles, Boxers) every 12 weeks. Over-washing (more than once a week) can strip natural oils, cause dry skin, and lead to irritation. Most dogs only need a bath when they’re visibly dirty or smelly.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re washing your dog too often—or not often enough—you’re not alone. The answer isn’t the same for every dog. A Poodle’s grooming needs are vastly different from a Labrador’s, and washing frequency can impact your dog’s skin health, coat condition, and overall comfort.

In this guide, we break down the ideal washing frequency by coat type, explain why over-washing is harmful, and help you create a grooming schedule that keeps your dog healthy and comfortable.

Washing Frequency by Coat Type

The RSPCA Australia recommends tailoring your dog’s grooming schedule to their specific coat type and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Why Wool/Oodle Coats Need More Frequent Grooming

Wool and Oodle coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Spoodles) are non-shedding but require the most maintenance. Here’s why:

• Hair Grows Continuously: Like human hair, it doesn’t fall out naturally and must be clipped regularly
• Prone to Matting: Without regular brushing and clipping, the coat becomes matted within 6-8 weeks
• Skin Health: Matted hair traps moisture and bacteria, leading to skin infections
• Professional Clipping: These breeds need a full body clip every 4-6 weeks to maintain a healthy length

Between professional grooms, you should brush your Oodle every 2-3 days to prevent matting. A quick home bath is only needed if they roll in something smelly or get muddy.

Double-Coated Breeds: Less Is More

Double-coated breeds (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Huskies) have a dense undercoat that protects them from heat and cold. Over-washing can damage this natural protection.

Why less frequent washing is better:

• Natural Oils: The undercoat produces oils that repel water and dirt
• Self-Cleaning: These breeds are naturally “self-cleaning” and rarely need baths unless visibly dirty
• Seasonal Shedding: They “blow” their undercoat twice a year—professional de-shedding treatments are more valuable than frequent baths
• Skin Sensitivity: Over-washing strips oils and can cause dry, flaky skin

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, double-coated breeds typically only need professional grooming every 8-12 weeks, with home baths only when necessary (e.g., after swimming in saltwater or rolling in mud).

The Dangers of Over-Washing

Washing your dog too frequently (more than once a week for most breeds) can cause:

• Dry, Flaky Skin: Shampoo strips natural oils that keep the skin moisturised
• Itching and Irritation: Without protective oils, the skin becomes sensitive and prone to rashes
• Increased Shedding: Paradoxically, over-washing can trigger excessive shedding in double-coated breeds
• Skin Infections: Dry, cracked skin is more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections
• Cost: Unnecessary professional grooms waste money and time

Signs you’re over-washing:

• Your dog’s skin looks dry or flaky
• They’re scratching more than usual
• The coat looks dull or brittle
• You’re washing more than once every 2 weeks (for most breeds)

When to Wash More Frequently

Some situations require more frequent washing:

• Skin Conditions: If your vet prescribes medicated shampoo (e.g., for allergies or infections), follow their schedule
• Swimming: Dogs who swim in chlorinated pools or saltwater should be rinsed after each swim
• Rolling in Something: If your dog rolls in faeces, dead animals, or toxic substances, wash immediately
• Flea Treatment: Some flea shampoos require weekly application (follow product instructions)
• Allergies: Dogs with environmental allergies may benefit from weekly baths with hypoallergenic shampoo (consult your vet)

Creating Your Dog’s Grooming Schedule

Step 1: Identify your dog’s coat type (refer to the table above)

Step 2: Book your first professional groom based on the recommended frequency

Step 3: Mark your calendar for the next appointment (most groomers will remind you)

Step 4: Brush regularly between grooms (daily for long coats, 2-3 times per week for medium coats, weekly for short coats)

Step 5: Only give home baths when your dog is visibly dirty or smelly

To find a dog groomer near you who can help you establish a healthy grooming schedule for your dog’s specific coat type, browse our verified directory.