TIME FOR A BATH

There are times when a dog just needs a bath - no question about it. Then there are other times when you may not be sure if you should bathe your dog or not.

How will you know when it's time to give your dog a bath? That's a question I get all the time. Many dog owners don't know how often their dog really needs a bath, and there's a good reason for that ... it all depends on the dog.

There is no easy answer here. Different breeds have different needs. And lifestyle plays a big role, too. Some dogs love to spend their time outdoors, often rolling in "stuff and getting very dirty. Other dogs have skin problems that may require more frequent bathing. It all depends on the dog.

Most normal healthy dogs can benefit from monthly baths. And, bottom line, a dog can never be "too clean".

Here are some general rules of thumb to help recognize when it's time to give your dog a bath:

1. Smelly dogs - A smelly dog is the #1 reason that most dogs are bathed.

2. Dirty dogs - They often stink from rolling in something smelly, or just from plain old "doggy odor".

3. Dandruff - Dogs can get "seborrhea" (dry skin) just like people, but regular bathing can help keep it under control. A bath is a great way to help eliminate the dead skin.

4. Allergies and itchy skin - Many dogs have allergies or itchy skin that can benefit from regular bathing. Certain shampoos can also help to soothe the skin and reduce itching.

5. Parasites - Dogs with fleas, ticks or mites can really benefit from bathing. A bath will help remove the parasites. It should be followed up by a good quality flea or tick medication, which you can get from your veterinarian.

These are all great reasons to bathe a dog. Some dogs need it weekly and some need it monthly, depending on the dog, his lifestyle and his genetic make-up.

Some dogs almost never smell while other dogs almost always seem to have that awful doggie smell.