How often do Maltese need to be bathed

Do you have to bathe Havanese? (when and how often?)

If you are concerned with the care of a Havanese and are interested in whether he needs to be bathed, then you are exactly right here. In this article, I will explain how often or if you have to clean your Havanese and what else you should pay attention to when it comes to hygiene.

Havanese only need to be bathed when they are so dirty that brushing them is not enough. Dogs should generally be bathed as seldom as possible to avoid attacking the natural skin protection layer. However, if Havanese rolled in carrion or feces, then he should be bathed in any case. This is because rolling in feces and carrion can spread parasites and bacteria on the skin and attack it. Since Havanese is a longhaired breed, you should be prepared that he will probably see the bathtub more often than shorthaired dogs.

Is it allowed to bathe Havanese?

Yes, you can bathe your Havanese. However, it is essential to know that he should be bathed as seldom as possible but as often as necessary.

The coat has a natural grease layer that repels dirt and water. However, this layer disappears if the dog is bathed too often.

Once this is damaged or even destroyed, it takes a long time to regenerate. Your Havanese will be susceptible to skin diseases, rashes, and allergies because the skin can no longer be protected.

So before bathing your Havanese, see if you can get the dirt brushed out. If you brush your Havanese regularly, preferably daily but at least every 2-3 days, there will be hardly any tangles in which the dirt can get stuck unnecessarily. This way, you can usually save unnecessary bathing.

How often should I bathe my Havanese?

You should bathe your Havanese as often as necessary but rarely as possible. There is no fixed rule for this. The less often, the better! Maximum every 6-8 weeks.

Important tip: You should clean the genital area and the anus regularly with a washcloth. In the long coat it is not uncommon that feces gets stuck or that there is an unpleasant smell from the urine in the genital area. With a pair of scissors you can also shorten the coat of your Havanese in these areas to prevent this.

When Havanese must be bathed!

If stubborn dirt is stuck in the coat that can not be brushed out, try a bath without shampoo. Often, this is enough if it is just dirt. You should use shampoo if your Havanese has rolled in carrion or feces.

You mustnt use human shampoo for your Havanese. Our skin has a different PH-value, so that it would harm the sensitive skin of the Havanese and all other dogs.

Please make sure that you buy a special dog shampoo*. It should be odorless because Havanese have a fine sense of smell. It should also be a mild shampoo for sensitive dog skin.

Since the Havanese will probably enjoy a full bath more often due to his long coat, normal shampoos could promote skin drying. In addition, the risk for skin reactions is lower.

The same goes for a conditioner if you want to use one. Some Havanese owners use it to brush the coat better afterward.

Read next: Are Havanese one-person dogs?

However, the conditioner should be used sparingly and applied only to the lengths. Its best to rinse it thoroughly after applying it without a long soak time. Even better, you leave it out.

This is how you bathe your Havanese!

Before bathing your Havanese, it is helpful to brush his coat so that it is easier to comb after bathing. Prepare everything necessary in the bathroom. Ensure the atmosphere is calm, so your Havanese does not get scared.

What you need:

• Put a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower tray. It provides a firm footing and safety.
• Water should already be a little soaked at a comfortable temperature.
• Washcloth
• Shampoo
• if the necessary conditioner
• Two towels
• cup or jug, if the direct water jet is too uncomfortable
• Hair dryer

The water temperature should be lukewarm to lukewarm. In no case cold or warm. The coat should be well-soaked before you start shampooing. Take your time, and do not get hectic. This will be transferred to your dog. Do not drag it out unnecessarily. If the shampoo has been massaged in well, you must rinse it out completely.

Read next: Why does my Havanese follow me everywhere?

Ensure you do not let the water jet run into the face or over the head. The eyes and ears of the Havanese are very sensitive, and shampoo residues could run into the eyes or ears, leading to inflammations. Once everything is rinsed off, place your Havanese on one of the towels and cover it with the other.

It is better to use the washcloth in the head area. Dont forget the paws, as dirt and small stones tend to get stuck in the fur between the toes.

Now you must press the water out of the coat with the towel. This will form nodules in the coat, making combing through later more difficult. Under no circumstances should you rub it dry.

Your Havanese may romp dry outside on hot and windless summer days. But on cooler days or even in winter, he must be completely dry before he is allowed outside again.

Havanese are very sensitive to drafts and would also catch a cold quicklymost Havanese love to be blow-dried, which shortens the drying time.

When should you bathe a Havanese?

Of course, there are certain situations when a Havanese also needs to be bathed.

Havanese jumps into a mud puddle.

If your Havanese has jumped into a mud puddle, you can first try to clean him up.

You can squeeze the wet and muddy out of his fur with an absorbent towel at home, dont rub him, as this will lead to unnecessary matting. Wait until he is completely dry, then you can brush the dirt out.

Of course, if that doesnt help, he will need to be bathed.

Havanese rolls in feces or carrion

Maybe you are out in the fields, and your Havanese finds, e.g., fox droppings. It could be that he rolls in them. Excrement, in general, can transmit parasites. That is why your Havanese should bathe in any case.

Dont worry. You wont miss it because your Havanese will stink unbearably.

Of course, the same is true for rolling in the carrion! Bacteria could make your Havanese sick, but it could also be passed on to the family.

After a bath in a stinky pond

If your Havanese has chosen a stinky pond on a walk, this would also be an occasion for a bath.

Especially stagnant waters can contain bacteria that attack your Havanese skin.

Contact with toxic substances

If your Havanese has had contact with cleaning products, rolled in them, or run through them, you should also bathe him.

Conclusion: Bathe your Havanese? Yes or No?

Unnecessary bathing should be avoided. Havanese may be bathed if it is necessary. The coat has natural protection against dirt and wetness. However, if Havanese are extremely dirty or have rolled in carrion, it makes sense to bathe them to protect the skin from parasites.

@ mdorottya-depositphotos.com (Contributed image)

Marco

Author

This is me, Marco, with my Cane Corso Malou. I live with my family and my 3 dogs in Germany.Due to my years of experience with dogs and additional extensive research, I would like to share my knowledge and experience on this blog, especially about the Bichon breeds like Havanese, Maltese etc..

How Often Should You Bathe a Maltese Without Ruining Its Coat?

i Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images

The Maltese's luxurious, long locks are beautiful when they're clean and brushed, but keeping them looking nice can be challenging. Regular grooming sessions keep a Maltese's hair white, but you must bathe her the right way to prevent damaging her coat.

Gentle But Thorough

Vetstreet.com explains that how often you bathe your Maltese shouldn't affect her coat condition, but how you wash her very well could. Every bath and shampoo strips your pooch of her natural oils, which help protect her skin and hair. Gentle, high-quality dog shampoos remove dirt from her coat but won't dry her skin and hair in the process. Wet her completely to the skin and massage the shampoo into her coat. Pay special attention to the privates and the bottoms of her feet. Work up a good lather, getting every part of her coat all the way down to the skin. Rinse thoroughly, and don't skimp on the water. If any shampoo is left, it will dry and irritate her skin. Shampoo again if she's particularly dirty, or use a white brightening shampoo to brighten her coat.

How Often to Bathe a Maltese? Vet-Approved Tips & Advice

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

The perky and adorable Maltese has a signature long coat of fine, white hair. Although this breed is low shedding, they require regular brushing to keep their hair free of tangles and mats. If youre curious about how often to bathe a Maltese, the answer is when they need one, usually about every 12 months, but some may need fewer baths.

In this article, well cover why your Malteses bathing frequency might vary and why you dont want to wash them too often. Well also discuss ways to keep your Maltese clean between baths and what the rest of their grooming routine should look like.

Factors That Impact How Often to Bathe a Maltese

As we mentioned, Maltese typically need a bath once every 1 or 2 months. However, some factors could change this frequency. Some Maltese owners choose to keep their dogs coat trimmed short. Generally, short-haired dogs need less frequent baths than those with long coats.

If your Maltese gets dirty or smelly playing outside or rolling in something stinky, they may need a bath, no matter how long its been since the last one. Finally, if your dog suffers from allergies or a skin condition, your vet may prescribe regular baths with a medicated shampoo.

Why You Shouldnt Bathe a Maltese Too Often

Bathing any dog too frequently, especially using harsh shampoos, can interfere with the balance of natural oils in the skin and coat. This could lead to skin problems and an unhealthy coat. If you need to bathe your Maltese more often, ask your vet to recommend a shampoo and conditioner that suits their skin and moisturizes and nourishes the skin and coat.

There are a lot of pet shampoos on the market, but not all of them will keep your pet's skin and coat happy and healthy. The Hepper Pet Shampoo products are pH balanced and made with natural, safe ingredients like soothing oatmeal and aloe vera. Our shampoos will keep your pet clean, smelling fresh, and fully moisturized! The hardest part is deciding whether to get to traditional shampoo or the rinse-free version! Heres a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pets next bath!

Keeping Your Maltese Clean Between Baths

White dogs like the Maltese are often prone to tear staining on the face. To keep their face clean between baths, consider using dog-safe eye wipes. Also, check with your vet to ensure that there isnt a medical reason for your Malteses tear staining.

As mentioned, the Maltese need daily brushing to keep their coats tangle-free. Brushing also helps keep the coat clean between baths. Short-haired Maltese may not need to be brushed as frequently, but it is still helpful for cleanliness.

Wipes can spot-clean your Maltese if they get dirty paws or a smelly rear end. You might also consider using a dry or waterless shampoo to help your Maltese smell fresher without a full bath.

The Rest of the Maltese Grooming Routine

Weve discussed bathing and brushing, so what else should be a part of your dogs regular grooming routine? Like many small breeds, the Maltese are prone to dental disease. Daily oral care is a requirement for these dogs. Brush your dogs teeth daily if possible. You can also ask your vet for other dental care measures, such as chews or water additives.

Check your Malteses ears daily and clean them if needed. If your dogs ears are red, swollen, or painful, smell bad, or have discharge, they could be infected, and your pet should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Trim your Malteses nails as needed to keep them short. Monthly nail trimmings are usually enough for most dogs, but growth and wear rates vary.

As you brush or bathe your Maltese, examine their skin and coat for any signs of parasites, flakes, wounds, lumps, or hair loss. If you notice anything concerning or if your dog seems itchy and uncomfortable, have them checked by your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Maltese requires a moderate amount of grooming, especially if you keep their hair long. Bathing is probably the least frequent grooming task youll undertake, as it should occur only when needed unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian. When deciding which breed is best for you, their grooming needs should be one consideration because they do require time and money.

Featured Image Credit: Oxana Kireeva, Shutterstock