5 Common Pet Grooming Myths Busted (For Happier, Healthier Paws)

It's 2 a.m. and the dog park group chat is arguing about whether you're bathing your Golden too much.

Your neighbor swears baby shampoo is "totally fine."

Someone just posted that shaving their Husky will help them "stay cool" this summer.

Cue chaos.

You see, grooming isn't just about cute photos after a spa day. It's skin health, coat function, parasite checks, ear care, stress reduction: the whole shebang. But advice online can be… well, a lot. Let's cut through the noise and talk about what veterinarians and research actually say about common dog grooming myths.

Myth 1: Frequent Baths Are Bad for Dogs

Bathing frequency actually depends on coat type and activity level. Done properly, baths are part of good skin care, not the enemy.

For many dogs, "occasional" means roughly every 4–6 weeks; non-shedding coats often fall around 6–8 weeks.

Dogs with allergic or itchy skin often benefit from more frequent, vet-directed bathing (think medicated shampoos as therapy) rather than less frequent bathing.

The American Animal Hospital Association confirms that therapeutic bathing can actually reduce inflammation and allergen load for dogs with dermatitis.

What does cause problems is leaving coats damp. Trapped moisture is a known risk for hot spots, so dry thoroughly after swims and baths, especially in those sneaky spots like armpits and between toes.

Pro Tip: Set the frequency based on your dog's coat and skincare needs; dry completely; follow your vet's plan if there's dermatitis.

Myth 2: Short-Haired Dogs Don't Need Grooming

Every dog benefits from regular grooming, regardless of coat length.

Short-haired breeds may not need haircuts, but they absolutely benefit from brushing to remove loose fur, dirt, and debris. Regular grooming lets you check for skin problems, parasites, lumps, and other health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Plus, grooming sessions help distribute natural oils through the coat, keeping skin balanced and healthy.

Even hairless breeds require skin care to prevent dryness and irritation. Grooming means maintaining overall health and catching problems early.

Pro Tip: Brush routinely (even short coats!) and use grooming time as a mini health check.

Myth 3: Human (or Baby) Shampoo Is Fine for Dogs

Please, please don't.

Dog skin is thinner, and canine skin pH is closer to neutral (around 7.0–7.5) than human skin, which is more acidic (around 5.5). Human shampoos can disrupt the skin barrier and strip protective oils, leaving your dog vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and infections.

Research recommends pet-specific shampoos (like the one we offer!) formulated for canine pH; "in-a-pinch baby shampoo" is mentioned only as a rare exception, never for regular use. Even "gentle" human products lack the pH balance and ingredients dogs need for healthy skin and coat maintenance.

Pro Tip: Use pH-balanced, dog-formulated products, especially for sensitive skin. Your dog's skin will thank you, promise.

Myth 4: Shaving Double-Coated Dogs Keeps Them Cool in Summer

A double coat is a temperature-regulating system, not a winter-only outfit. Shaving often damages the coat, can impair cooling, and increases the risk of sunburn.

The American Kennel Club notes that shaving doesn't reduce shedding, can change coat texture and color permanently, and may lead to sunburn and skin issues. The undercoat traps cool air close to the skin in summer and warm air in winter; shaving disrupts this natural insulation.

Regular brushing and undercoat management (de-shedding tools are your friends here) are safer and more effective.

Pro Tip: Skip the all-over shave on Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and other double-coated breeds. Focus on de-shedding, undercoat care, shade, hydration, and smart exercise timing instead.

Myth 5: Brushing Makes Shedding Worse

Brushing reduces shed hair in your home by removing loose undercoat before it falls out, and it supports skin and coat health.

Veterinary guidance suggests regular brushing—often several times a week, daily during peak shedding seasons—to manage coat and distribute oils. You can't stop seasonal shedding (it's basic biology), but routine baths plus appropriate brushes help a ton and flag skin issues early.

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine confirms that consistent brushing, combined with proper nutrition and occasional bathing, significantly reduces the amount of fur tumbleweeds rolling through your living room.

Pro Tip: The right brush + a consistent routine = a cleaner home and a healthier coat. Win-win, honestly.

So, What's the Verdict?

Grooming myths persist because they're simple and often sound logical at first glance. But your dog's skin and coat deserve better than internet folklore. The science is clear on such things: regular grooming (bathing, brushing, nail care) done properly supports health, not just aesthetics.

So the next time someone tells you short-haired dogs don't need grooming or that shaving keeps dogs cool, you'll know the real story.

And your pup's happier, healthier paws will thank you for it.

From us at The Good Paws to you, from muddy pawprints to perfectly-trimmed nails, it's all good.

Got grooming questions or a "my neighbor said what?!" story? Drop it in the comments or DM us @thegoodpawsclub. We're here for the chaos and the science, one myth-busting session at a time!

About the author: Amritesh Mukherjee is a writer, journalist, editor and companion to the handsomest doggo of the universe, Dusky.