Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Pug? Vet-Approved Grooming Tips & Care Advice

Pug Bath

If you have a Pug for a pet, you know that baths are a huge part of keeping your pup clean, healthy, and happy. Bathtime is when you can remove any loose fur, debris, and dirt from their body, including the wrinkles, where all the stuff seems to collect.

That said, there is no right answer when it comes to how often to bathe your Pug. If they have skin issues, it may need to be more frequent, even on a weekly basis, depending on your vet’s advice. Pugs with healthy skin should be bathed every few months unless they get dirty or roll in something stinky. Use safe and vet-approved products that promote healthy skin and fur, since chemical and fragrance-heavy shampoos can dry out and irritate your dog’s skin and cause health issues.

Here, we discuss how often you should bathe your Pug in comparison to other breeds and the supplies that you will need to keep them healthy and clean.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

How Often Do Pugs Need a Bath?

It’s recommended that you give your little Pug a bath every few months if their skin is otherwise healthy. The Pug’s skin constantly produces oil that helps keep the dog’s skin moisturized and protects against the elements. If your Pug is very inquisitive and loves rolling in unpleasant smells, they may need bathing more frequently.

If your Pug suffers from chronic skin issues, speak to your vet about the most appropriate frequency of bathing and which medicated dog shampoo to use. Too much bathing is not good either, as it may disrupt the balance of the skin oils and lead to dry and irritated skin.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


Like Bulldogs, Shar Pei, and Bloodhounds, Pugs have wrinkly faces that need to be frequently cleaned, even when not bathing them. Vet-approved doggy wipes are excellent products for wiping your Pug’s wrinkles. Their tail base is also wrinkled and needs daily inspection and cleaning. Your dog should be groomed on a weekly basis to reduce shedding and remove loose hairs and dander, and their ears and nails should be checked.

cute pug take a bath
Image By: 220 Selfmade studio, Shutterstock

Supplies Needed for Bathing Your Pug

You’ll want to gather a few supplies ahead of time when you’re going to bathe your Pug. The last thing you want is to have your dog settled and ready, then realize you forgot something and have to start all over again. You can find the supplies you need to gather here:

  • Brush or mitt for pre-bath grooming
  • Shampoo (possibly a medicated one)
  • Wash-out conditioner
  • Scrub brush
  • Cotton balls
  • Two thin washcloths
  • Fluffy towel
  • Non-slip mat

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to tackle bathing your Pug!

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

Image Product Details
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe for Dogs & Cats
  • Lightly Scented
  • Soothing Oatmeal
  • Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Conditioner
  • Detangles and reduces friction
  • Nourishing, coconut-based formula
  • pH balanced
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

     

    Where’s the Best Place to Bathe a Pug?

    If you have a Pug puppy, the best place to bathe them might be in the sink. This is a good option because at their young age, many puppies are afraid of the water. Make sure you clean the sink of food or any soap that may have collected there before you put your puppy in to give them a bath.

    If you have an adult Pug, they can also be bathed in the kitchen sink if it’s big enough for them to fit comfortably. You can also use the bathtub. If it’s warm enough outside, you can give the Pug a bath in a tub outside or in a big container.

    Bathing your Pug shouldn’t be hard to do if you start getting them accustomed to it when they’re a puppy. You want to get your pet used to being given a bath so it’s a stress-free experience for them, just as it is with you.

    wiping pug with towel after shower
    Image By: Natali Kuzina, Shutterstock

    Bathing Tips

    Whether you bathe the whole dog or just a certain area of their body, ensure the water is only lukewarm, since dogs’ bodies temperatures run higher than ours. The ideal bath temperature is from around 78°F to 100°F. After lathering your Pug with shampoo and leaving it for 10 to 15 minutes (in the case of a medicated shampoo), rinse them thoroughly, and avoid getting the shampoo in their eyes or ears. Also, either avoid washing their face altogether, or just give them a gentle wipe while protecting the eyes and ears, as water that goes in the ears may lead to inflammation and ear infections.

    Bath time may be a good time for regular ear hygiene with a vet-approved ear cleaner. Pugs are also sensitive to low temperatures and may catch a chill if they’re not dried thoroughly. It’s best to towel-dry your pup, but if you use a blow dryer, ensure that it’s on the lowest heat setting and far away from the dog’s skin, as it may cause burns.

    divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

    Final Thoughts

    Pugs are brachycephalic dogs that need a lot of special care and dedication from their owners due to the breed’s characteristics and susceptibility to various health issues. On top of that, a Pug that isn’t bathed enough or doesn’t have their wrinkles regularly cleaned and checked, especially after rolling in something smelly, can develop additional skin problems due to the accumulation of bacteria and yeast in their wrinkles.

    If you feel that you can’t handle grooming your Pug or bathing them, professional groomers will do the job for you and can teach you how to do it safely, gently, and efficiently. Although grooming costs can add up, the expense is worth it to keep your Pug healthy. Regular cleaning of the facial and tail folds and wrinkles is crucial in preventing skin infections in your dog.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: KDdesignphoto, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    How Do I Know if My Dog Is Dying or Just Sick? Our Vet Explains the 9 Signs to Look For

    Our dogs are cherished members of our families, and it can be distressing when they end their time with us. You may need...

    How Aggressive Are Pomeranians? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    Pomeranians are tiny, lively dogs full of energy and pizazz. They are among the smallest breeds and are often compared to teddy bears....

    Apricot Labradoodle: Info, Pictures, Origin & More

    Labradoodles have gained popularity over the years, and it’s no wonder why! According to the AKC, their Labrador Retriever is one of the...

    11 Best Dog Foods for Huskies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    If you own a Siberian Husky, then you’re well aware of their high energy levels. But did you know that Huskies also have...

    More related

    Is a Dachshund a Good Apartment Dog? Doxie Characteristics & Facts

    Dachshunds are an adorably small breed of dog that has been popular for centuries. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, they are...

    150+ German Shorthaired Pointer Names: Best Ideas for Your Pup

    If you are adopting a German Shorthaired Pointer this year, you’ll need to find the perfect name for them. They were developed in...

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Kids & Families: With Info & Pictures

    What’s the best family dog breed? There are a lot of breeds that come to mind when you consider what makes a good...

    How Much Does a Samoyed Shed? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

    The adorable Samoyeds are among the most popular breeds. Few puppies are cuter and more adorable. These dogs always seem like they’re smiling....

    Keep reading

    How Much Food Should My Havanese Eat Per Day? Vet Reviewed Guidance

    A lot goes into feeding a dog, so if you’re stumped on how much to feed your Havanese, you’re not alone. The truth is, there is no set answer on how much to feed your Havanese. Each dog requires a...

    Havanese dog eating

    How to Switch Your Dog’s Food: 6 Vet-Approved Steps

    When we choose a dog food, we might not consider that our dog won’t be a match for one reason or another. Or perhaps you haven’t had the results with the dog food that you are currently on and want...

    fluffy dog eating dry kibble from elevated bowl

    Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary Introduction When you’re searching for high-quality, protein-filled dog food for your canine pal, you want only the very best. However, you also want a company that delivers on its promise to provide your pet with the most nutritional...

    Dogster_Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review

    How to Use Dog Food Toppers: Vet-Verified Facts & Types Explained

    Dog food toppers can be an excellent way to spruce up your canine’s everyday meal. They can enhance the appetite of the pickiest pooches and add some calories if they’re needed. They can also soften dishes, making it easier for...

    Dog waiting for the food

    My Dog Eats Too Fast: 6 Vet-Reviewed Tips on How to Slow Them Down

    Some dogs eat their food very quickly. But how fast is too fast? It might just seem like your dog is hungry or enjoys their food, but eating too fast can be harmful for your dog. Fast eating is a...

    labrador retriever dog eating dry kibble

    Can Dogs Eat Meatballs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Info & Tips

    Is your dog staring at you, waiting for a delicious meatball to fall onto the floor just for them? Most canines are interested in their owner’s dinner preparations whenever meat is involved. Luckily, you can offer your dog meatballs as...

    Can Dogs Eat_meatballs

    Can You Freeze Fresh Pet Dog Food? Facts & Storage Tips

    Fresh Pet is a popular dog food brand with a variety of different flavors and recipes, but can you freeze Fresh Pet dog food? Fresh Pet recommends storing their food in the fridge and feeding it directly from the refrigerator...

    fresh Pet Dog Food Chicken Recipe

    11 Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Many people are implementing more eco-friendly lifestyles to help take care of our environment and those around us. There is no doubt supporting sustainable practices in the pet food industry has some all-encompassing benefits. For eco-friendly pet parents, finding food...

    pouring dog food