How to Clean Your Dog's Skin and Coat: Wipes vs. Washing

That classic dog smell. We all know it. Instinct says: bath time. But before you reach for the shampoo, this dog wash guide is here to make the case for slowing down – because washing your dog less (and doing it smarter) is usually the better call.

Quick Tips

• Dog skin pH sits between 6.2–7.4, which is more alkaline than human skin. And because it’s also significantly thinner, it needs a gentler approach. Most people don’t realise that over-washing with harsh shampoos can result in a dull, dry, stinky coat and poor skin health - a wash every 6-8 weeks is usually enough for most dogs.
• Wipes are helpful for spot cleaning and freshening up. They help stretch out the time between baths. If a wipe isn’t working, you can try a warm water rinse and conditioner.
• When your dog has rolled in something pungent or they are too dirty for a wipe or rinse, then it’s time to use a gentle wash for dogs.
• Avoid human shampoo as this is not balanced for your dog’s skin and can result in dryness, itching and contact allergies.

Why Your Dog's Skin is More Delicate Than it Looks

Here's something that surprises a lot of dog parents: your dog's skin operates on a different chemistry profile compared to yours. Human skin is mildly acidic, with a pH around 5.5. Dog skin ranges from 6.2 to 7.4, which is more neutral to slightly alkaline. 

That gap means human grooming products (even gentle, fragrance-free ones) can disrupt your dog's protective skin barrier. Their outer skin layer is also much thinner than ours, making it more susceptible to allergens, irritants and infections. So how you clean your dog, what you use, and how often you do it all matters.

When Dog Wipes are the Right Choice

Wipes are made for in-between maintenance, not deep cleaning. They're a smart, skin-friendly option for:

• Muddy paws after a walk
• Freshening the face, underbelly, rear end, skin folds and all over the body
• Removing allergens from the skin and coat after outdoor time (eg grass and pollen residue)
• Quick clean-ups while travelling or out and about

Make sure you’re using the right wipes, though! Baby wipes are formulated for human skin pH, while household cleaning wipes do not contain skin-safe ingredients - using them on your dog can cause dryness and irritation. Always use dog-specific wipes with a gentle formulation that is pH-balanced.

Your Dog Wash Guide: When a Full Bath is Needed

Wipes handle surface freshening. A proper bath goes deeper to remove accumulated oils and debris.

Veterinarian, Dr Lisa Chimes’ dog shampoo guide advises that most healthy dogs only need a bath no more than every 6-8 weeks, unless they have been prescribed a specific skin care routine by your vet. In puppies, washing should be delayed until as close as possible to one year of age. Use wipes and rinsing instead. This helps the immune system of your puppy’s skin mature properly, which can result in less skin allergies and infections later in life.

When you do wash, product choice is non-negotiable. A pH-balanced gentle dog shampoo formulated specifically for them preserves the skin barrier rather than stripping it. Following up with a dog conditioner helps to moisturise the skin and coat, which is an essential part of protecting the skin.

One dog shampoo guide rule that applies to every coat type: rinse thoroughly. Residue left in the coat is one of the most common causes of post-bath itching, and it's easily avoided.

Wash Less, Wash Right

Your dog wash guide should be simple: less is more. Frequent washing with harsh shampoo strips the natural oils that keep your dog's skin healthy and their coat shiny. It weakens the skin barrier. 

A routine that works for most dogs is using wipes for day-to-day maintenance, a rinse with conditioner when a wipe isn’t enough, and a gentle wash only when they really need it. That's it.

Looking for dog wash products that work with your dog's skin, not against it? DOG by Dr Lisa's vet-developed skin and coat care range (including wipes, washes, and conditioners) is formulated with your dog's skin health as the starting point. Browse the full range of dog care products and find the right routine for your dog.