HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY FRENCHIE
“Frenchie bath time!” you say, just as your pup darts away at full-speed. Not all Frenchies enjoy bath time, and not all humans enjoy giving their Frenchie a bath. After all, the process can get rather wet and messy. As fellow French Bulldog owners, we get it… but as tedious as this chore may be, it’s still necessary. So, just how often is often enough for a Frenchie bath? And, is there such thing as giving too many Frenchie baths?
WASH YOUR FRENCHIE ENOUGH, BUT NOT TOO MUCH
Frenchie’s groom themselves with their tongue on a regular basis, a process that helps facilitate the growth of hair follicles while supporting skin health. Still, that doesn’t mean your Frenchie is in the clear when it comes to bath time. Bathing can help supplement the self-grooming process when done right. Bathing your Frenchie with the wrong shampoo, or even too frequently, can have negative drawbacks.
Indoor French Bulldog’s with healthy skin typically require as little as a few baths per year. On the other hand, Frenchie’s with skin allergies or other medical conditions may require more frequent baths. A Frenchie who spends a lot of time outdoors getting down and dirty is going to need more time in the tub than a Frenchie who spends most of his days sleeping on a clean couch.
Other factors that indicate how often your Frenchie needs a bath include:
- Their breed
- Coat and skin condition
- Activity level
- Natural environment where they spend most of their time
SIGNS YOUR FRENCHIE NEEDS A BATH
- He or She smells
- Your Frenchie is covered in mud or dirt after rolling around outside (brush first before bathing)
- French Bulldog skin is dry or irritated, baths help remove allergens that promote irritation
- He or she comes into contact with a known allergen or irritant
CAN YOU BATHE YOUR FRENCHIE TOO MUCH?
Yes, it is possible (and rather common) to give too many French Bulldog baths. For the most part, Frenchie’s don’t need more than one bath a month. Too many baths can cause your Frenchie’s natural coat oils to strip away, leaving their skin irritated and their coat lackluster.
USING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO FOR A FRENCHIE BATH
The soap or shampoo you use to bathe your Frenchie can make all the difference. Human shampoos should not be used on Frenchie because humans and Frenchie’s have unique pH levels. As a result, using human shampoo on Frenchie’s can leave pH levels out of whack, leading to issues.
Even if a shampoo is made for Frenchie’s, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a good option for your Frenchie. Always read the ingredients and search for Frenchie shampoos made from all natural ingredients. Avoid shampoos with artificial colors or scents, as these can irritate your little Frenchie.
5 TIPS FOR FRENCHIE BATH SUCCESS
- Use lukewarm water to bathe your Frenchie.
- Instead of filling up the bathtub, use a detachable shower head to make things easier, and a little less messy.
- Never use human shampoo on your Frenchie—even if it’s all natural.
- Massage shampoo into your Frenchie’s fur for a couple minutes before rinsing. This is more effective than simply leaving shampoo to sit.
- Brush your Frenchie before and after a bath
