Dog ate chocolate?

 ask a vet

How often to bathe a dog?

Species: Dog
Breed: Black lab
Age: 2-5 years
I have a black lab that just turned 4. She has relatively short hair, how often should I bathe her?




Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

For most dogs I don't recommend much bathing unless they really need it. For a dog like a lab, a bath a couple of times per year could be sufficient. However, if he gets into something and is stinky then you can do it more frequently.

For dogs that need haircuts regularly (i.e. shih tzus, etc) I recommend having the groomer do a bath when they are groomed.



---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

Betadine on spay incision? My dog was spayed 3 days ago and I'm worried about the incision becoming infected.... (10666 views)

Staffordshire terriers and children. I have two female staffies who are extremely close, but who will nip and snarl at... (6992 views)

Cat licking his fur. Good evening, My 4 year old tuxedo cat has always been quite special (he meows... (12137 views)

Reduce allergies to cats. I'm allergic to cats but I would love to have one. I've recently heard that there is... (7660 views)

Advantage Multi Reaction? Cat losing weight after advantage multi treatment, what can I do to make him start... (7381 views)

Missing hamster teeth. My hamster completely lost her bottom teeth and i dont know what to do. i searched... (13505 views)

Dog won't gain weight. Our boy, Zidane, was born May 19, 2009, which makes Zidane almost 18 months old. He... (12645 views)

Cat can't meow. This morning my 9-yr old female indoor cat, Ally, can't meow (she's always very... (125063 views)

Dachshund with seizures. Gina had an episode that looked like a seizure about 1.5 years ago for a first time.... (9291 views)

Brown spot on lip of dog. Greetings, I have noticed that my cat has problem with her mouth. On the lower... (10515 views)

See all questions...

Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.