Ask Farmer Dave - Part 1

🐾 How Often Should I Really Wash My Dog?

Every dog owner has asked it — “How often should I wash my dog?” 

Some say every week, others every few months, and a few reckon “dogs should smell like dogs.”

The truth is somewhere in the middle, and it depends on your dog’s coat, lifestyle, and the products you’re using.

🌳 1. It Depends on Their Lifestyle

If your pup spends their days on the couch, they’ll need fewer baths than one who joins you on bushwalks or around the farm.

• City dogs: every 3–4 weeks to remove urban grime.

• Country dogs: every 2–3 weeks or after muddy adventures.

• Beach dogs: rinse after every swim to remove salt and sand.

🧴 2. It Depends on the Shampoo You Use

Many dog shampoos are made with soap or harsh detergents that strip away natural oils — leaving skin dry and itchy. These are just repackaged human soaps that work well on humans, but not on dogs. Use a soap-free, pH-balanced formula enriched with oils like macadamia, jojoba, and calendula.

👉 You can wash your dog more often without worrying about irritation or dryness.

Pro tip 1: If you use a no soap shampoo, weekly washing is totally safe — it keeps coats shiny and skin hydrated.

Pro tip 2: Stop using so much shampoo! Your dog does not need to foam up as it strips the coat of natural oils. Make a solution by putting a few pumps of soap into a large jug with water. Wet the coat of your dog, then pour the solution over your dog. Massage into the coat, then rinse out. It will cut your cleaning time by half.

🐕 3. It Depends on Their Coat Type

Different coats, different care:

• Short coats (Staffies, Kelpies): every 3–4 weeks.

• Medium coats (Cattle Dogs, Border Collies): every 2–3 weeks.

• Long coats (Oodles, Retrievers): weekly, to prevent matting and odour.

Brush regularly between baths — it helps distribute oils and reduces shedding.

💧 4. The “Nose Test”

If you notice that unmistakable “dog smell,” it’s bath time. But if they smell fresh, feel soft, and aren’t scratching — you’re good to go. Trust your nose and your dog’s comfort.

🌿 Farmer Dave’s Final Word

Think of washing your dog like washing your car — the more adventures they have, the more love they need. To make things even easier - I have the perfect shampoo for you -

a gentle, natural shampoo like Farmer Dave’s Own and adjusting how much soap you use each time, you can make bath time a regular part of your dog’s wellbeing routine — keeping them clean, comfortable, and smelling like the Australian bush.

To see my range I have made for Aussie dogs, just like yours, click HERE.

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