Not all dogs need baths and there aren't any strict guidelines as to how often a dog should be bathed. Whether or not you give your dog a bath and how often will depend on many factors. The first and most obvious factor is whether or not he actually needs a bath. Other factors include the type of breed your dog is, the shampoo you use, and your tolerance for doggy smells.

Regular grooming using a comb and brush can suffice for many types of dogs, in which case baths will rarely be required. Sometimes, however, there may be times when only a bath will do, if your dog gets particularly dirty for instance or finds his was into something particularly stinky. Make sure that you use a shampoo especially made for dogs and not humans. Your veterinarian can recommend a good shampoo for your dog. Also make sure that you thoroughly rinse and rinse again as soap residue can cause skin irritation.

eep in mind, too, that excessive bathing can actually be bad for your dog by drying out his coat and skin. Up to three baths per month isn't considered excessive, but anymore than that may require a special medicated shampoo that you can get from your vet.