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How Often Should I Bathe My Pet?

How Often Should I Bathe My Pet?


To bathe or not to bathe, this is the question. While (some) dogs and parrots love water, it’s another story with cats. It’s not a surprise, since they feel threatened by it because they just can’t swim. Because hygiene is important for pets and owners who let them sleep in the same bed with them, they need to be washed just like us humans. But how often is it recommended to bathe a pet?

Bathing dogs

It’s important to bathe a dog because it allows the owner to check the dog’s skin for any parasites or masses. Also, it gets rid of the ‘doggy’ smell, as well as fur and pet dandruff which may cause allergies.

Dogs should be bathed with pet shampoo no more than once a week, if topical flea products are used on their coats. Generally, our furry family members should receive baths more often if they spend more time outdoors.

Depending on the breed and the dog’s particularities, bathing needs of each dog may vary. It is therefore recommended to speak to your veterinarian before giving your most faithful pal a bath.

Bathing cats

Keeping a cat’s fur and skin clean is very important for your purry child’s general well-being. But things can get messy and even aggressive when trying to give them a bath.

When establishing how often you should bathe your cat, think about the pet’s outside activity level, its self-grooming habits and, among others, if there are any health issues such as skin irritations or fleas.

Because they like to wash themselves, cats can even go an entire lifetime without being bathed. If you do want to give it a try, you can, but know that you’re in for a challenge. However, it’s not something that should be done daily.

A cat should be washed once, no more than twice a year. The good news is that there are alternatives to using water. For example, you can use cat bath wipes. They will make the furry friend’s coat smell good and help distribute essential oils.

Bathing parrots

It’s recommended to bathe parrots because it maintains their plumage, it softens the dirt on their feathers, and it moisturizes their skin.

When it comes to the how often issue, parrots may be entirely soaked two times a week during the summer. In cold or cool weather, they should be bathed as seldom as possible, unless they are kept warm after the bath.

Parrots and birds should only be washed during the day. If this is done in the evening, they could catch a cold.

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DIY vs paying someone to do it

Should bathing a pet be a DIY job or should you hire a pro to take care of it? Well, it depends. Cats, for instance, can get frightened and irritated by water. That’s when the pro may be a good idea.

However, since it is not a mandatory task and they will certainly get scared, you could consider alternatives to cleaning a cat other than water. Besides, generally, in the U.S., pet insurance companies don’t cover bathing even in their wellness plans. This means you won’t be reimbursed for the money spent on bathing your pet.

What’s your experience with bathing your pet? Please share it in a comment by using the form below.


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