--- title: How Often Should You Bathe a Dog? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - How often should you bathe a dog? # How often should you bathe a dog? There is no single schedule: the AKC notes baths can range from weekly to every four to six weeks for medium and large coats, as long as the coat is maintained in between. Bathe when your dog is dirty or smelly, and brush often. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A dog that swims, rolls in mud or works on a farm will need more baths than a couch dog with a short coat. Skin health matters too. ## What the AKC says The AKC article describes a range rather than a rule. For medium to large coats, a bath might be needed anywhere from weekly to every four to six weeks, provided the coat is kept up between baths. Short-coated dogs can often be cleaned with a damp washcloth between baths. Dogs that swim, hunt in mud or herd livestock may need more baths, and hairless breeds need weekly baths. A simple test is whether the dog is still huggable. ## Too many baths Over-bathing can strip oil from the skin. The ASPCA suggests bathing less often in cold spells because frequent washing dries the skin, and the AKC warns that overbathing a thick coat can disrupt the natural insulation. Dogs with skin problems may need a medicated shampoo from a vet. ## Brushing between baths - Brush weekly for most coats, daily for long or thick coats. - Clean ears and trim nails monthly. - Dry fully, especially in skin folds. - Use shampoo made for dogs. ## After a boarding stay Happy Paws is a country kennel, so dogs run through the field and play in the grass. A bath at the end of a stay is common. Baths are priced by dog size plus coat type and length, so please ask; the [bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) and the [boarder baths page](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) show how it works. If you want a bath done before pick-up, tell staff your best arrival time so washing and drying are finished. ## Fleas and ticks Dogs must arrive flea and tick free. A dog found with fleas or ticks after drop-off is bathed at the owner's cost, so check the coat before you come. ## A simple routine Most healthy dogs do well with a routine like this: brush weekly, wipe paws and belly after muddy walks, bathe when the coat is dirty or smells, and let the coat dry fully. Dogs with itchy skin, hot spots or odor that returns right after a bath should see a vet rather than get more baths. Puppies can start young with short, warm, gentle baths so they learn that water is not scary. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, how often should you wash your dog](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-often-should-you-wash-your-dog/) - [ASPCA, cold weather safety tips](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) - [Bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) - [How much is a bath?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/how-much-is-a-bath/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Why does my dog need a bath after a country stay?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/why-does-my-dog-need-a-bath-after-a-country-stay/) - [Flea & tick prevention before boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/flea-and-tick-prevention/) ## Read next - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [How often should my dog go to day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/) - [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) - [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/) - [Lick mats & frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/) - [Boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Can I bathe my dog every week? For some coats and skin types yes, but the AKC ties frequency to breed, coat and lifestyle. Ask your vet if your dog has skin problems. ### How much is a boarder bath? Please ask. Price depends on size, coat type and length. ### Can I schedule a bath before pick-up? Yes. Tell staff your arrival time so bathing and drying are done.