Dog Hygiene Explained With Dr. Jeff Werber

Dog hygiene includes everything from bathing to nail trimming to cleaning paws and ears. Dr. Werber, a veterinary medical journalist with over 35 years of experience as a practicing veterinarian, shares his advice on how pet owners can best take care of their dogs.

Bathing Your Dog

Many pet owners wonder how often to bathe their dogs. While humans bathe or shower near-daily, how often to bathe your dog depends on factors like the size of your dog, coat type, hair length and how quickly it mats, your dog's activity level, and any underlying skin conditions, says Dr. Werber. Bathing a dog every day can dry out the skin, so he suggests bathing your dog once a month.

Pet shampoo is your best option, but if you are all out, don't use human shampoo. “Your best bet is a good mild dishwashing soap," he says.

Trimming Your Dog's Nails

Dr. Werber explains how often to trim your dog's nails can depend on several factors: how fast your dog's nails grow, how long they grow, and what your walking routine is. If you walk your dog regularly on concrete, you may not ever need to trim them, but if your dog spends more time inside and/or in the yard, you'll probably have to do more work to maintain their nails.

He suggests cutting off less and trimming your dog's nails more often so that you don't accidentally cut the quick and cause the nail to bleed. After cutting your dog's nails, give them a treat so they associate the activity with good things.

Getting Your Dog Comfortable with Grooming

If you have a puppy, take a few minutes every day to touch their ears and their feet, and lift up their tail. Touch “all the things that you're going to need to do as they get older," says Dr. Werber. Some things, like trimming the fur in between your dog's toes and cleaning their ears, should be left to professional groomers or veterinarians, but anything you can do to make your dog feel more comfortable with dog hygiene practices will be helpful.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace, and more.

Meet the Expert

“Dr. Jeff" has been a practicing veterinarian for over 35 years. He is the founder of the prestigious, AAHA certified, VCA Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, CA; a Veterinary Economics Merit Design Award winning hospital. Werber is a 1976 graduate of U.C. Berkeley, and earned his veterinary degree at the University of California-Davis in 1984. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren, and an ever-growing family of pets (9 at last count). As of 2020, he is a staff veterinarian, and sees patients at Value Vet on Westwood Blvd. in Los Angeles.