Ask Harvey

Dear Harvey,
I have been told it is not good to bathe a dog frequently.  Is this true?

From,
Debra, Kitchener

Hi Debra,

Bow wow! What a great question and funny that you ask me.  I hate a bath, but my owner still gives them to me.  Even though I don’t enjoy them, I still know a lot about them, so I am happy to help!

It can be a little confusing; the problem with bathing a dog comes from using soaps and shampoos.  Using certain soaps and shampoos can lead to an imbalance of natural oils, and can lead to dry, itchy skin.  As a dog myself, I would recommend a dog-specific shampoo and the usage and frequency will be written on the bottle, but definitely don’t bathe your dog more than every couple months!  If the shampoo or soap is medicated and recommended by your veterinarian, always follow the vet’s orders.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t let your dog play in water though! Swimming in natural water isn’t harmful at all and it is great exercise!  I personally love it! Especially the KWHS event “Surf Dogs”!

Surfs Up Dude!
 

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