Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How often should a GSD be bathed? Some people are saying once a year, others are saying once a month, or every 6 weeks or so.. I understand that they need to keep some of their natural oils but bathing yearly?

depends on the dog..I bathe mine more in the summer than winter, because it's more convenient for me to do so..As a rule, mine never "smell" or are dirty..They are a pretty clean dog.

I also have a metro air force dryer that I use to blow them off once a week, all year round..This keeps the dirt/dander/dead hair off them.

If I'm showing, or I think they need a bathe, well they get one.

A GSD almost never needs a bath. You might think it does. They are not humans. Unless they roll around in some ungodly filthy things, which they never do, leave them alone. They have a great natural detergant in their saliva, and they need their natural body oils.

Craig

When the dog is dirty. I don't think I've washed my dog in over a year and he doesn't even stink when he gets wet. The closest he's come to a bath is getting hosed off after playing in the mud. He does get brushed almost daily though. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, him or me. I think that is a big part of it.

Scootter

I have 3 dogs of differing breeds. They are groomed (I am unable to do it myself) every 3-4 mos. It works for them as they are not stripped of their natural oils (which are very important) and it works for me. Brushings in between are highly recommended although I am not very good about that cuz none of them enjoy it - but in the summer when I can throw all that extra fur into the yard & garden they suffer through. I also believe that it can depend on the indivdual dog and their needs.
Nancy

Once again, Scooter knows.