Can I bathe my Labrador everyday

How Often Should You Bathe Your Labrador? Bathing Tips For Owners

Things to do before bathing

You won't need to bathe your Lab very often soit is important that you make the most of each bath time by thinking about whatto do before you bathe.

Brushing

The Labrador's coarse coat is not prone to matting, but it is still important to brush your Labrador's coat in order to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris prior to bathing. Wouldn't you rather your dog's fur end up neatly collected in the garbage bin, rather than clogging up the hair trap in your shower?

A self-cleaning slicker brush is a great option for safely removing all of your Labrador's loose hair as well as for distributing the oil throughout your dog's coat. The self-cleaning feature is especially nice for the Labrador's short rough fur, which can be difficult to remove from traditional slicker brushes.

Get your dog tired

Most Labradors love the water. After all, swimming is what this breed is made for. While it may not be challenging to get your dog into the bath, you may have a hard time getting them to stand still instead of having a blast playing in the water. If you want a more relaxing bathing experience, it's a great idea to thoroughly wear your dog out by taking them for a long run or playing an extended game of fetch before you give them a bath.

Clean your Labradors ears

Labradors can be prone to dirty ears and ear infections, thanks to their oily skin and the flopped nature of the ears. It is very important to regularly clean your Labrador's ears. This can often be a messy process, as your dog may have a tendency of shaking their head and sending ear cleaner and gunk all over. It's a good idea to take care of ear cleaning before you give your dog a bath so that you can clean off the debris from the ear cleaning as well.

Things to avoid before giving your dog a bath

It's important to plan out your dog's bathing routine so that you can avoid bathing them at inopportune times. Here are a couple things you want to avoid doing in the days leading up to giving them a bath:

Topical flea treatments

If you give your dog topical flea treatment, usually by rubbing the medication between the shoulder blades, you should wait at least 24 hours before bathing. Since Labs are large dogs with thick coats, it is advisable to wait at least 48 hours after applying a topical flea treatment before you bathe your dog.

Topical anti-itch treatments

Unfortunately, many Labradors are prone to itchy skin. If you use a topical anti-itch cream for your dog, it is best to wait until it is nearly time to reapply before bathing so that you don't waste the topical treatment or cause an interaction between the treatment and the shampoo that you are using

When should you give a Labrador puppy their first bath?

As cuddly and cute as they are, Labrador puppies often find themselves getting in sticky situations. That's right. Sticky, stinky, dirty, wet - you name it. So, naturally, we will want to freshen them up and keep them as cute as possible!

But when is it too early to bathe a Lab puppy?

Labrador puppies should not be bathed with soap until they are at least 3 months old. Until then, warm water and a rag should be used exclusively. At 3 months, you should use sensitive soap that has been diluted during the first couple of baths to avoid skin irritation.

This isn't unique to Labradors, either. The AKC recommends that all puppies follow this gradual approach. Additional guidance is that you should consult your vet to determine if any special soaps should be used.

Shampoos for puppies and older Labs

For most of their lives, your Labrador will do well with any high-quality shampoo. Since you don't want to strip the oils from their skin any more than necessary, it is best to choose a shampoo designed for sensitive skin.

Gentle shampoo is even more important for puppies and older Labs. For your puppy, choose a shampoo made especially for puppies, ideally a shampoo that is formulated with oatmeal. Look for a shampoo that advertises being hypoallergenic and soothing for your dog's skin. It's a good idea to choose a puppy shampoo that has calming herbs such as lavender since it can be stressful as your puppy becomes accustomed to bathing. This shampoo formulated with colloidal oatmeal and lavender is a good choice for tear-free puppy baths.

Older dogs

Your older Labrador will benefit from an especially sensitive shampoo that moisturizes the skin. Look for a shampoo that is pH balanced so that it doesn't bother sensitive skin. Ingredients like aloe vera help to balance the levels of oil in the skin while cleaning. Avoid anything that contains alcohol or harsh chemicals. This shampoo formulated for sensitive skin which is free of soap and contains ingredients like aloe vera and almond oil to condition your older dog's coat is an excellent choice for the aging Lab.

What to use if you don't have shampoo

If you find yourself without shampoo when your dog has gotten into something particularly filthy don't panic. Blue Dawn dish soap is a safe and effective way to clean your dog and kill adult fleas. Blue Dawn is quite gentle, but it does contain strong cleansers and should never be used regularly. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, this is a great option. For those who go on camping trips with their Labs, you'll appreciate the ability to clean your camping dishes and your dog with the same soap.

Cleaning a Lab's ears

It is important for most breeds to maintain clean ears, but for the Labrador, ear cleaning is especially essential. Dogs with floppy ears, such as the Labrador, are more prone to ear infections and other ear diseases than breeds with upright ears or ears that fold over at the tip. The floppy ears paired with a Lab's oily skin means that Labradors are especially prone to ear infections.

Ever wonder why Labrador ears are floppy? Check out this article: Why Do Labradors Have Floppy Ears?

Don't over clean!

It is important to regularly clean your dog's ears to prevent ear infections, but it is also important not to over clean, as this can lead to irritation and infections as well. Therefore, you should only clean your Labrador's ears when they need it.

A healthy, clean ear is pink and has no odor. When you notice black or brown dirt or debris building up around the ear or if the ear has a stinky or yeasty smell to it, it is time to clean.

Ear cleaners

Choose an ear cleaner that is approved by veterinarians, is gentle, and cleans with minimum scrubbing and trauma to your dog's ears. If your dog is very prone to ear infections as many Labradors are, an ear cleaner containing hydrocortisone that is designed to combat bacterial, yeast, and viral infections may be a good option.

Fill your dog's ear canal with the cleaner by holding your dog's ear canal open. Spread the cleaner around the ear canal, using your fingers to massage the base of the ear. You should be able to hear the cleaner squishing around the ear. Most dogs have an impulse to shake their heads during this process, so it is a good idea to hold your dog's head firmly while you massage the ear.

Next, pour the cleaner out of your dog's ear canal or allow them to shake their head to get it out. Use cotton balls or gauze to firmly wipe the interior of your dog's ear, taking care to get into any crevices. You may need to soak a cotton ball in some more ear cleaner in order to remove any stuck-on debris.

How to wash a dog's face

Labradors have shorter, softer hair on their face, which means that their faces often seem more oily than the rest of their coat. If you find that your Labrador has an oily face before you're ready to give them a bath, you can use gentle wet wipes made especially for dogs to remove the excess oil and get your Lab's face smelling nice again.

When bathing your Lab, take special care when washing the face to make sure that water doesn't get into the ear canals, which can make ear infections more likely. In order to avoid this, pinch the ear canal closed while wetting the face.

The best way to dry off your Lab

You can dry off your Labrador by rubbing them down with a towel. It's wise to use one towel to soak up most of the moisture and another to vigorously rub the coat and remove the rest of the water. Because Labradors have a water-resistant coat, they tend to shed water after a bath quite easily.

Minimizing the wet dog smell

Have you noticed that after giving your Labrador a bath they actually smell worse with a strong wet dog smell? The smell will go away as your dog dries, but it may take a couple of hours and leave your house smelling like dog for some time. If you really want to avoid the wet dog smell, try blow-drying your dog after a bath in order to eliminate the last bit of moisture in their coat.

Things to watch out for in the days after

If this is the first time that you have bathed your dog or if you are switching to a different shampoo, it is especially important to monitor them closely after their bath to make sure they don't have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the shampoo that you used.

Look for dry, itchy skin, redness, or signs of lethargy or refusal to eat. Dogs often shed more right after a bath, so it's a good idea to brush your dog again after bathing and continue to brush more frequently for the next day or two until all of the shed hair has gone.

Lastly, monitor their ears. Their floppy ears make them more prone to ear infections, so catching any signs of irritation at the onset may save a trip to the vet if you can clean out the ears and keep them dry!

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? (Plus 8 Bathing Tips)

Splish splash, does your dog need a bath? Most humans shower once daily, but how often should you wash your dog? Well get down and dirty with the facts on how to keep your furry friend looking fresh and clean to ensure a happy, healthy pup.

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

According to an Honest Paws study, 56% of pet parents dont bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when its bath time.

Bathing your dog isnt just good for their hygiene. Its also an excellent chance to check for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other abnormalities. These things are easier to see when their hair is wet and flat against their body.

But how often should you wash your puppy? There are a few factors that determine your pups bath routine:

• Hair Length: Does your dog have long hair that can trap dirt and debris? Or are they short-haired and less susceptible to getting grimy?
• Activity Level: A dog who is mostly indoors and stays out of trouble when theyre outside is probably cleaner than a dog who likes to dig holes, play in the park, roll in waste, or go swimming.
• Allergies and Skin Conditions: Some dogs have skin allergies or other health conditions that make them prone to needing a bath more or less frequently. Learn more about dog skin allergies.

At a minimum, bathe your dog at least once every three months.You can wash your dog as frequently as every other week (with a gentle shampoo, it could be even more frequent). When in doubt, use your judgment if your dog starts to smell, its probably time for a bath. Its also a good idea to check with your veterinarian about how often to bathe your dog.

Can I Bathe My Dog Once A Week

Is it bad to bathe your dog every week? Or wondering can I bathe my dog twice a week? Its not recommended. Your dog needs natural oils produced by the skin to promote hair growth and good overall skin and coat health. Overbathing your dog could strip the skin of these natural oils, leading to irritation and dryness. So dont overdo it!

9 Benefits Of Bathing Your Dog

Bathing your dog is an essential aspect of their overall health and well-being. While dogs are generally good at grooming themselves, regular baths provide several benefits:

1. Removal of Dirt and Debris: Bathing helps remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from your dogs coat. This is particularly important for dogs that spend time outdoors and may come into contact with allergens, parasites, or pollutants.
2. Prevention of Matting: Regular baths help prevent the matting of your dogs fur, especially in breeds with long or dense coats. Matting can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.
3. Reduction of Odors: Dogs can develop odors over time due to natural oils, outdoor activities, or skin conditions. Bathing helps control and reduce these odors, keeping your dog smelling fresh.
4. Flea and Tick Prevention: Regular bathing, especially with flea and tick shampoos, can help prevent infestations. Its essential to use dog-safe products to avoid skin irritation and adverse reactions.
5. Removal of Allergens: Dogs can be allergic to certain substances, and their skin may react to allergens present in the environment. Bathing helps remove potential allergens and provides relief for dogs with sensitive skin.
6. Early Detection of Issues: Bathing allows you to closely examine your dogs skin, coat, ears, eyes, and other body parts. This regular inspection helps you detect any abnormalities, lumps, bumps, or signs of infection early on.
7. Positive Interaction: Bathing provides an opportunity for positive interaction and bonding between you and your dog. It helps build trust and reinforces the relationship between pet and owner.
8. Positive Exposure to Grooming: Regular bathing and grooming from an early age help your dog become more accustomed to the grooming process. This can be particularly beneficial for grooming procedures that may be necessary for their health, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning.
9. Cooling Effect: In hot weather, a cool bath can help regulate your dogs body temperature. However, its important not to bathe your dog too frequently, as excessive bathing can strip away natural oils and lead to dry skin.

While bathing is important, its crucial to strike a balance and not overdo it. The frequency of baths depends on your dogs breed, activity level, and overall health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate bathing schedule and to choose the right products for your dogs specific needs. Additionally, always use dog-safe shampoos and conditioners to avoid skin irritation.

CBD Oil Can Help Calm A Dog Before Bath Time

Many dogs become anxious when its time to hop in the tub. To help ease your dogs anxiety, you could give your dog a little CBD oil or a CBD-infused treat. Give your vet a call before administering any CBD products, and talk to them about if your dog is a good candidate for CBD. We also recommend contacting the products manufacturer to check with them first.

How To Bathe A Dog: 8 Bathing Tips

How do you bathe a dog correctly? It can be tricky trying to tame your pup in the tub while also washing them. Thanks to these tips, giving a dog a bath is easier than you think. Try these simple steps to ensure you have a successful bath time with your furry friend.

1. Buy Shampoo & Other Supplies

Use a dog-specific shampooto prevent suds from stinging your dogs eyes. We recommend you use a hypo-allergenic and all-natural shampoo to reduce potential skin irritations and dryness. Have a rubber or non-stick bathmat handy for the tub to keep them from slipping and sliding too much (both inside and outside the tub). Also, have cotton balls ready to place in their ears to block water out gently.

Personal Experience With Dog Soap

WashBar sent a sample of their Natural Dog Soap Bar in exchange for an unbiased review.

Before using this soap bar, I used liquid dog shampoo that came in a plastic bottle. Now that Ive used this bar of soap, Ill never go back. Using a bar of soap is so much easier than using a bottle of liquid soap because it frees up one hand to hold my dog while I use the other hand to scrub and lather my dogs skin and fur. This especially helps with getting my dogs belly and underside. I also like that this WashBar soap has zero waste. It comes in a cardboard box, so theres no plastic used. One bar of soap is equivalent to over 20 oz of liquid shampoo. This is important to me because I try to limit my plastic use in other items I purchase, so why wouldnt I do the same for my dogs shampoo.

Kimberly A., Canine Journal

2. Dont Forget To Brush

This step can easily get overlooked. Before bath time, prep your pup by giving them a thorough brushing to get rid of tangles and excess hair. Need a brush? Youre in luck. Weve recommended the best dog brushes for you.

3. Pick A Spot (& Stick To It)

Wondering how to bathe a scared dog? Consistency is critical when it comes to keeping your pet clean and calm. Bathing can be uncomfortable, so having a place they are familiar with will ease their fears or at least let them know what to expect.

A lick pad is a great wayto get your pup to sit still during a bath. Just stick the pad to the side of the tub or countertop (if your dog bathes in the sink) and add peanut butter. This combo will keep your pup distracted and entertained so you can focus on cleaning.

If you live in a smaller apartment, a bathtub with a handheld shower sprayer is sufficient. If they are smaller or a puppy, you could also use the sink. There are special tubs just for bathing dogs, but if you are already tight on space, the sink or tub might not be a good option.

Have an outdoor area and live where the temperature to bathe dogs outside is warm year-round? Then outside might be a better option, but make sure its on a flat, sturdy surface like concrete or a deck, so youre not counterproductively washing them in the muddy grass or yard. A kiddie pool can double as an outdoor doggy spa too.

You might also consider trying a hose attachment like the Aquapaw. As seen on Shark Tank, the Aquapaw has a soft, silicone brush with a handle on the end of the hose that allows you to control the water flow with a button on top. Its easy to grip and gently massages your pup while you wash them no need for a bucket of water or tub. Canine Journals founder had the opportunity to experience the Aquapaw in exchange for an honest review.

Our Personal Experience With Aquapaw

We attached this grooming brush to the hose outside, and it was so much better than anything I have ever tried for bath time. Our dogs preferred the gentle rub and brush to the typical cold spray of water from our shower wand. It was also fast and relatively painless for all. I will definitely use it again and recommend it to anyone seeking a less stressful dog bath experience.

Michelle S., Canine Journal

4. Gather Before You Lather

Once your pup is wet, youll have your hands full, so having everything you need nearby is necessary. Set aside a clean towel, a cup for rinsing (if need be), and treats for afterward (or during for good behavior). Never leave a dog unattended in the tub, and if youre outside, make sure your dog is contained or on a leash.

5. Some Like It Hot: Water Temp Matters

Can I bathe my dog in cold water? is a common question we hear.

Lukewarm-to-slightly warm water is ideal. Never use scaldinghot water, as it canburn your dogs skin. Think of what would be good for a newborn baby or a small child. Not too hot, not too cold.

6. Clean From Bottom To Top, Rinse From Head to Tail

Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle, then lightly lather the soap in a circular motion paying particular attention to their paws and other places prone to dirt. Start with their feet and work your way up to their face last.

This will stop the soap from dripping into their eyes and ears and cut down on shaking. Rinse starting from the head and work your way down until the stream is clear. This helps the shampoo wash down and away from their sensitive spots.

7. Towel (Or Blow) Dry

Covering your pup in a towel retains heat and lessens the chances of them shaking water all over you (and your house). If its cold or your dog has long hair that takes longer to dry, you might consider using a dog blow dryer to speed up the process.

8. Make It Fun!

Are you trying to figure out how to give a dog a bath that hates baths? Make it enjoyable! Bathing can be a bonding experience for both you and your dog. Take baby (or puppy) steps, introducing them to water and working up to a full bath. Dont take the plunge right away. Be patient and gentle. If your dog senses you are stressed out, they will be too. Make sure you reward with treats and show lots of love and affection.

8 Steps To Bathing Your Dog (Infographic)

To summarize, here are the eight steps for bathing a dog in a visual format to reference easily.

Watch A Dog Get A Bath (Video)

Check out this 90-second video to see an expert from PetCo bathe a Lab using some of the tricks and techniques we shared above.

Can I Give A Dog A Bath Without Water?

Looking for how to give a dog a bath at home without water? Its possible to use quick bath dog wipes to calm down the stink. They reduce bacteria and odors. Wipes are always good to have on hand, especially in the car for those dirtier post-dog park moments. Check out our reviews of the best dog wipes. You can also use a dog brush to get the grime out.

If your dog is dirty and you are thinking, can I bathe my dog everyday? No. But another option is waterless or dry dog shampoo. It can come in various forms, including spray, powder, or mousse, and is designed to leave your dog looking and smelling fresher without adding water. This can be helpful between baths or if your dog is scared of water.

Lastly, if your dog starts to stink up the house, you might want to try a pet odor-neutralizer.

How Often To Bathe Puppy Dogs

Puppies generally do not need to be bathed as often as adult dogs. Their coats are not fully grown yet, and they typically are not going outside as much (or around other dogs until they get their vaccination shots). You can bathe a puppy as needed if they get particularly dirty or smelly. As with any dog, if your puppy has any skin issues or allergies, you should consult with your veterinarian on how often to bathe them.

Other Ways To Improve Your Pups Quality Of Life

Just like humans like to be clean, dogs enjoy being clean too. The only difference is that dogs can lick themselves every so often they mostly rely on their pet parents to help with hygiene. In addition to bathing, you can improve their quality of life by brushing their teethand giving them a full groom regularly.