How often can you bath your doodle...

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

My 23 week old doodle gets so dirty that we are having to bath her every week. Of course, she loves it but I am scared that we will dry her skin out. I do use very expensive shampoo, especially for often baths, but does anyone have any other ideas on the subject please.

[Tammy & Gracie]

My Gracie is also ALWAYS the dirtiest dog at the dogpark. If there is 1 tiny puddle or mudhole in a huge field, she will find it and gleefully roll in it! We do baths about once weekly and have since she was a puppy. I've not seen issues with dry skin but I do use a good conditioner after each bath.

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Thank you Tammy. I was so worried that I would be drying out her skin. I am so glad that I am not the only person whose dog just loves to find the dirt :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Why, she is clean a beautiful in your photo! She looks like she NEVER gets dirty! LOL I think Pantene is a good shampoo if you are going to use a human one - dilute it ahead of time. Ned's skin and fur do dry out with bathing and he mats more, so we try to leave it to the groomer about once a month. If you have a groomer for your doodle, ask them what they suggest because they would already know about your doodle's skin and fur.

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Hello Nancy. Thank you for the bathing help. This site is wonderful as I am getting lots of wonderful advice. Frankie has not been to the groomers as of yet, and I may even attempt the task myself as most of the clips I have seen on other doodles were done by their owners. Mind you, I am sure it is going to be trial and error and I hope my girl has the patience with me. Thanks again and happy doodling.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I also bathe Darwin every week. We live in a small apartment, and although we keep his bedding clean, we know having a stinky dog will lead to having an apartment with that "doggy" smell. He gets dirty really quickly too. I wasn't sure if it was too often either (some of the people on here only bathe their dogs every three months - a huge difference from once a week) Anyways, I have worried about it. But I wash him with hypoallergenic oatmeal shampoo, and he doesn't seem to have a problem. I think I will go out and buy a good conditioner to help as well though, it will help keep the moisture in his coat.

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Thank you Camilla. I am glad I am not the only one who is paranoid about having a stingy home because of my girl. I personally just love her stink...I am sure you understand that one, but I know visiting guests might not feel the same way. It is good to know that I wont damage her skin by weekly bathing. I too will go out and get a good conditioner. Thanks for you help.

[Adina P]

When I was doing therapy visits with my youngest dog Rosco he got bathed every 1-2 weeks so he could be clean for his visits (required). However, now that we're not actively doing visits he's joined my other doodle in only monthly or every other month baths. In the meantime I just spot clean his beard or use a spray on, no-rinse shampoo for freshening him up. You can always just rinse off dirty legs/feet without using shampoo. I think if your dog is okay, not more dry, not more itchy you should be fine.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Adina, What no-rinse shampoo do you use? I need to get some for Timbow.

[Claudia]

My vet had suggested omega 3 supplement for my dog when her skin/ hair was dry. Seems to work nicely

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Coming from someone who bathed her puppy from the time he was about 9 weeks old, I can tell you that I use very good shampoo for frequent bathing and a conditioner that goes with it and have had no dryskin or itching or biting of paws or any signs of dryness. There were weeks in the summer when he was rinsed or shampooed as much as 3-4 times a week, depending on what he was swimming in and how much sand or mud he rolled around it when he got out of the water. There's not enough brushing in this world to get all the sand out of coat after it dries.