Do Dogs Feel Better After A Bath?

For dog owners, giving Fido a bath can sometimes feel like a chore. Your furry friend may put up a fuss when it’s time to get wet and soapy. But even though bath time isn’t always fun for you or your pooch, there are good reasons to make sure bathing is part of your dog’s regular grooming routine.

If you’re wondering whether dogs actually feel better after a bath, the answer is yes—but there are some caveats.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Dogs typically do feel better after a bath because it helps remove dirt, allergens, and pests from their coat and skin. However, the bathing experience and aftermath will be more positive for your dog if you use gentle products, rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and brush regularly.

Bathing Helps Remove Irritants from a Dog’s Coat

Dirt and debris

As dogs play outside and explore their surroundings, their fur easily picks up dirt, debris, pollen, and other environmental irritants. These can become trapped in the coat, leading to skin irritation, inflammation, infection and more.

A good bath helps wash away all that unwanted “stuff” and leave their coat fresh and clean.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), regular bathing every 3-4 months removes irritants like dust, dirt and pollen that can build up in the fur and lead to skin issues like hot spots. The warm water also loosens the undercoat so dead hair and debris comes off more easily with brushing.

Veterinarians say signs your dog needs a bath include strong “doggy odor”, greasy coat, lots of visible dirt/debris in fur, and excessive itching or scratching. If you notice those, it’s time to lather up!

Allergens

Dogs can have allergic reactions to things they come in contact with regularly. This includes not only airborne allergens like pollen, but also grooming products, flea treatments, food ingredients and more.

An allergy-triggering substance clinging to the fur puts your dog at constant risk of reaction.

Bathing washes away residue from previous flea/tick applications, shampoos or sprays that may be causing skin irritation. The AKC advises waiting 2 weeks after using a new product before bathing, so you can determine if allergies develop.

If so, bathing removes all traces so you can try a gentler alternative next.

Studies show bathing at least once a month reduces airborne allergens on dogs by almost 50%. So for allergy-prone pups, regular baths to remove pollen and other irritants brings big relief.

Pests like fleas and ticks

External parasites are a major nuisance for dogs and humans alike. Not only do fleas and ticks cause skin irritation from bites and sting sites, but they also transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The 2021 flea and tick survey from Capstar Flea found 58% of dogs faced an infestation last year. Since these pests live in grass, brush and wooded areas outside, they easily hitch a ride on passing pets. Once indoors they rapidly lay eggs leading to household infestations.

Bathing with a flea & tick shampoo kills adults and larvae on contact, stopping the breeding cycle. Veterinary sites advise bathing right after outdoor play to prevent bringing eggs and ticks indoors. For dogs with heavy infestations, repeat bathing is needed along with home and yard treatment to fully eradicate these stubborn pests.

Bathing Keeps a Dog’s Skin and Coat Healthy

Moisturizes skin

When we bathe our dogs, the shampoo and warm water help moisturize their skin. The suds and friction from rubbing clean the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from their coat and epidermis. This removes any dry, itchy spots and allows their skin to retain more moisture.

A clean dog with moisturized skin is less likely to develop skin issues like hot spots, rashes, dandruff, and eczema. The hydrated skin and coat keep your pup feeling fresh and looking healthy.

Distributes natural oils

As we lather and rinse our dog’s coat, the motion helps distribute their natural oils across their skin. Dogs have oil glands throughout their skin that secrete fatty acids and lipids. These oils help moisturize their coat and skin when spread evenly during a bath.

Distributing these oils helps prevent dry, flaky patches and itchy spots. It also gives their coat a natural shine and soft texture from proper oil dispersal. This makes their fur look vibrant and touchably soft after a thorough shampoo session.

Proper oil distribution keeps their skin supple and their coat looking great.

Removes dead hair

When we bathe our dogs, the warm water and scrubbing motion help loosen up dead hairs ready to shed from their coat. As we massage the shampoo deep into their fur, those dead hairs come free and can be rinsed away.

Removing this excess hair helps thin their coat for warmer weather and makes room for healthy new fur growth. Eliminating the dead hairs also prevents matting and tangles which can be painful and trap dirt against their skin. A bath can help remove undercoat shedding so your home stays cleaner too.

Keeping up with regular baths ensures your dog’s coat sheds properly and remains healthy from root to tip.

Proper Bathing Technique Maximizes Comfort

Use gentle, soap-free cleanser

When bathing your dog, it’s important to use a gentle, soap-free cleanser formulated specifically for dogs. Human shampoos can dry out a dog’s sensitive skin and cause irritation. A soap-free cleanser containing natural ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or shea butter is ideal.

These ingredients soothe, moisturize, and clean dirty coats while preserving your dog’s natural skin oils.

Rinse thoroughly

Be sure to thoroughly rinse all shampoo residue out of your dog’s coat during and after bathing. Leftover cleanser can lead to skin irritation, itchiness, and discomfort. Rinsing well prevents residue buildup.

Use a detachable showerhead if possible to help direct water flow and lift the hair to reach the skin. You may need to rinse longer-haired dogs multiple times to remove all traces of shampoo. Vets recommend rinsing until the water runs clear.

Dry completely

Allow your dog to shake the excess water out of their coat, then thoroughly pat dry them with towels. Be gentle, especially around sensitive areas like the ears. It’s crucial not to leave a damp dog to air dry, as wet fur takes much longer to dry and can make them cold.

The evaporating moisture can even cause skin irritation. Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to aid drying long or thick coats. Check for any remaining damp spots and continue drying until completely dry.

Brush regularly

Regular brushing keeps your dog’s coat clean, evenly distributes skin oils, and removes dead hair. Experts recommend brushing before and after baths. Brushing before helps loosen dirt so it rinses out easier. Brushing after helps separate and untangle fur and removes excess loose hair.

Using a slicker brush and combo brush is ideal for most coat types. Regular brushing year-round is beneficial, but especially important during seasonal shedding periods.

Signs Your Dog Feels Better After a Bath

Relaxed Body Language

After a thorough cleaning, most dogs will demonstrate more relaxed body language. Their ears may droop downwards and their mouth will likely be open with their tongue hanging out. These are signs that the dog feels calm and content after the stress of bath time is over.

Their tail may also wag gently rather than being tucked between their legs. A dog that is rolling over on their back or stretching out comfortably clearly feels relief at being clean once more.

Less Scratching/Biting

Dogs scratch and bite themselves for multiple reasons, but dirty and oily fur can definitely cause skin irritation. If your dog was scratching or biting themselves frequently before the bath, you will likely notice a decrease in this behavior once they are clean.

With their coat refreshed and minor skin irritations soothed away, your dog will feel less urge to scratch or gnaw at themselves. This is a sure sign they are more comfortable in their clean fur.

Clean Smell

A wet dog smell can be overpowering, but once your pup is completely dry, their clean scent will return. Most healthy dogs do not have a very strong odor thanks to regular gland expressions and baths. If you notice a pleasant, neutral smell where before bathing there was a much stronger or unpleasant scent, this indicates your dog’s skin and coat health has improved.

The neutral scent means their skin and fur condition is balanced. Be sure to use a mild, pet-safe shampoo to avoid covering up underlying health issues with heavy perfumes.

Shinier Coat

As dirt, debris, and oils are washed away, your dog’s hair shafts will emerge cleaner. This allows their natural oils to spread evenly across each hair, creating a glossy coat. Structurally sound fur will also appear fuller after bathing, increasing the healthy sheen.

Additionally, bathing lifts hair follicles for a fluffier look. So if Fido looks fluffier and glossier after his rinse, he is likely feeling refreshed and comfortable thanks to his boosted coat health.

To learn more on safely bathing your dog, check out tips from the American Kennel Club.

Conclusion

While your dog may not enjoy the process of bath time, a good scrubbing, rinsing, and drying can leave your pup feeling clean and refreshed. By using the right products and technique and bathing at appropriate intervals, you can help maximize the benefits for your dog’s skin, coat, and overall comfort level.

Pay attention to how your dog behaves before and after a bath—if you notice signs of relief or relaxation, it’s a good indication that bath time is doing its job and helping your furry friend feel better.