Quick answer: Most Australian dogs only need a bath every four to eight weeks, although muddy, beach loving or long coated dogs may need a little more. Bathe when your dog is dirty or smelly rather than on a fixed schedule, and choose a gentle dog shampoo so the coat is not stripped of its natural oils.
Why bathing too often can backfire
Dogs have natural oils in their coat and skin, and washing too often can leave skin feeling dry and tight. Shampoo made for people is not designed for dog skin, so it is best to stick with products made for dogs.
On the other hand, leaving a dirty coat for months lets dirt and odour sit against the skin. The goal is a sensible middle ground that suits your dog's coat and lifestyle.
How often to bathe by coat type
These are general starting points. Your groomer or vet can help you fine tune them for your own dog.
- Short, smooth coats (Staffies, Greyhounds, Kelpies): roughly every six to eight weeks, with a quick wipe down in between.
- Double coats (Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies): every six to ten weeks, with regular brushing to remove loose undercoat.
- Long or curly coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Maltese): every three to six weeks, because these coats hold dirt and tangle easily.
- Wrinkly faced breeds (Frenchies, Pugs): wipe the folds gently and often, and give a full bath when needed.
Lifestyle changes the answer
An indoor lap dog and a creek loving bush walker will never share a bath schedule. Think about where your dog spends the day.
- Beach and swimming dogs: rinse with fresh water after every trip, and give a full bath when sand and salt build up. Our dog beach day checklist covers the rest.
- Muddy walkers: hose or rinse legs and bellies after the walk, and save the full bath for when the coat needs it.
- Hot weather: a cool rinse feels great, but keep an eye on paws too. See our guide to dog paw care in summer.
A bath step by step
- Brush first. Remove tangles and loose hair before the coat gets wet, because water tightens mats.
- Use lukewarm water. Wet the coat from the neck down and keep water out of the ears and eyes. Our guide on how to clean dog ears safely is a handy companion.
- Lather gently. Work the shampoo through the coat right down to the skin, avoiding the face.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo can leave skin feeling irritated, so rinse for longer than you think you need to.
- Add conditioner if needed. It suits coats that tangle or feel dry. Leave it on for a minute, then rinse well.
- Dry properly. Towel dry, then let your dog air dry somewhere warm and sheltered, or use a cool setting on a dryer if your dog is comfortable with it.
Choosing a shampoo and conditioner
Look for a gentle formula made specifically for dogs. Barke. Collection is an official Australian stockist of Essential Dog, and the Sensitive Dog Shampoo (chamomile, sweet orange and rosewood) is $18.95 for 250ml or $31.95 for 500ml. The matching Sensitive Dog Conditioner is $18.95 for 250ml.
Whatever you choose, do a small patch test first and watch for redness or scratching before you wash the whole dog. You can browse the full Essential Dog range if you want to see more.
Keeping fresh between baths
- Brush a few times a week to lift dirt and spread natural oils.
- Wipe paws and bellies after wet or muddy walks.
- Wash bedding regularly, since a clean dog on dirty bedding smells less fresh very quickly.
- Check out our 5 essential pet grooming tips for a simple home routine.
If your dog is scratching constantly, has red or flaky skin, or has a strong smell that returns soon after a bath, talk to your vet. Our guide to dog breeds prone to skin problems in Australia has more background.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bathe my dog every week?
Most dogs do not need it, and frequent washing can dry out the skin. If your dog gets very dirty, a fresh water rinse or a damp cloth wipe is often enough. Ask your vet before weekly baths.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
It is best not to. Shampoo made for people is not designed for dog skin, so choose a gentle shampoo made for dogs instead.
When can I first bathe a puppy?
Check with your vet about timing, especially around vaccinations. Until then, a warm damp cloth is usually enough for small messes.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
