Dog Skin and Coat Care: The Weekly Routine

Healthy skin and coat come from a few steady habits: brushing that suits the coat type, baths only when needed with a dog shampoo, thorough drying, a complete diet and parasite prevention from your vet. If your dog keeps scratching, licking or chewing, don't guess at the cause. Book a vet visit, and take a note of when it happens.

A relaxed terrier being brushed on a towel on a garden bench, coat gleaming in the sun

Itching, flea treatments and medicated shampoos: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Itchy skin has many causes, and your vet can find the right one.

Brushing by Coat Type

Short, smooth coats: a rubber mitt or bristle brush once a week.
Double coats: an undercoat rake or slicker brush, more often when the coat sheds. See grooming double-coated dogs.
Long or curly coats: brushing down to the skin several times a week, plus regular professional grooming. See poodle and doodle grooming.

Brushing is also your weekly health check. Run your hands over the whole dog and look for redness, dry patches, lumps, sore spots or fleas.

Bathing and Drying

Most dogs only need a bath when they're dirty or smelly. Use a shampoo made for dogs, rinse until the water runs clear, and dry thoroughly, especially in thick coats and skin folds, where damp can sit. Wash bedding regularly as well; a clean dog on a dirty bed is back where it started.

Diet and Parasite Prevention

A complete, balanced food gives the skin what it needs. Fleas are one of the most common reasons dogs scratch, so keep up with the parasite prevention plan your vet recommends, and treat every pet in the house as your vet advises. See flea and tick prevention.

Gear for the Weekly Routine

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Pick a brush that suits your dog's coat. A gentle everyday shampoo made for dogs is enough for routine baths; anything medicated is for your vet to recommend. An absorbent towel speeds up drying, a flea comb shows you what's in the coat, and a bed cover you can wash hot keeps the sleeping spot clean.

An Itchy Dog: Keep a Diary and See the Vet

Scratching, licking paws, chewing, rubbing the face or shaking the head a lot are reasons to see your vet. There are many possible causes, and working them out is the vet's job. You can help by noting:

when it started, and whether it comes and goes with the seasons;
which parts of the body your dog scratches or licks;
any change in food, treats, shampoo, bedding or cleaning products;
when parasite prevention was last given.

Photos on your phone help too. Please don't change your dog's diet or try out creams and sprays before the visit, as that can make the cause harder to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every dog scratches sometimes. These are the questions about when it's more.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Only when your dog needs it, such as after a muddy walk or a roll in something smelly. Use a dog shampoo and dry thoroughly.

How much scratching is normal?

An occasional scratch is normal. Scratching, licking or chewing that is frequent, keeps your dog awake, or leaves red or bare patches is a reason to see your vet.

Should I switch food if my dog is itchy?

Talk to your vet first. Changing food without a plan can make the cause harder to find.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

It's best not to. Dog skin is different from ours, so use a shampoo made for dogs.