Maltese dogs are known for their long, silky white coats—but with beauty comes responsibility. One of the most frequent questions owners ask is how often they should bathe their Maltese to keep them clean, healthy, and looking their best.

Bathing your Maltese too frequently can lead to dry skin and irritation, while bathing too infrequently can cause matting and odor. Striking the right balance is key.

Let’s talk about:

🐶 how often to bathe your maltese🐶 signs your dog needs a bath🐶 best products and practices for bathing🐶 readers personal story🐶 Brain Training for Dogs🐶 final thoughts

How Often to Bathe Your Maltese

The ideal bathing frequency for most Maltese is once every 2 to 3 weeks. This schedule helps maintain a clean coat without over-stripping the natural oils that keep the skin healthy. Maintaining this balance ensures your dog stays fresh without drying out their sensitive skin.

However, several factors can influence how often you should bathe your dog. If your Maltese is very active outdoors, they may pick up more dirt and debris, requiring more frequent bathing. On the other hand, dogs with skin sensitivities or who spend most of their time indoors may only need a bath once every three weeks.

Lifestyle: If your Maltese plays outdoors a lot or tends to get into messes, more frequent baths may be necessary.

Skin conditions: Dogs with sensitive or dry skin may benefit from longer gaps between baths.

Length of coat: Longer coats can tangle and trap dirt more easily, needing more regular washing.

Paying attention to your dog’s individual needs is the best guide. Don’t rely on a rigid schedule—observe their coat condition, smell, and comfort level.

Signs Your Dog Needs a Bath

Understanding when your Maltese actually needs a bath can help you avoid overdoing it. Keeping an eye on physical and behavioral cues will help you time baths appropriately.

While regular grooming (like brushing and eye cleaning) should be done multiple times a week, a full bath should only happen when necessary. If your dog’s coat looks dull, feels oily, or smells off, it’s probably time for a wash. Additionally, increased scratching could indicate buildup of dirt or allergens on the skin.

Noticeable odor, even after brushing

Greasy or sticky fur

Visible dirt or discoloration, especially on the legs and belly

Itching or scratching more than usual

Loss of shine or fluff in the coat

If you see one or more of these signs, it’s time to schedule bath day. Being proactive helps prevent skin issues and keeps your dog more comfortable.

Best Products and Practices for Bathing

Maltese have delicate skin and hair, so the right products and gentle techniques matter. Proper preparation and execution make a huge difference in the quality and safety of the bath.

Choosing a shampoo formulated for dogs—especially one for sensitive skin or white coats—will help preserve their coat’s natural brightness without irritation. Always brush your Maltese before getting them wet to avoid worsening tangles. After washing, ensure you rinse thoroughly, as leftover shampoo residue is a common cause of itchiness and flaking.

Use a high-quality dog shampoo: Look for one designed for sensitive skin or formulated specifically for white coats.

Always brush before bathing: This removes tangles that can worsen with water.

Rinse thoroughly: Leftover shampoo can cause itching or dryness.

Dry gently but thoroughly: Use a towel followed by a low-heat dryer or air drying in a warm space.

Follow up with a light conditioner: Helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat silky.

A positive bathing experience, paired with the right techniques and tools, will make grooming something both you and your Maltese can look forward to.

A Reader’s Story: Finding the Perfect Bath Routine

Kevin from Arizona wrote in about his first few months with his Maltese, Bella. “I thought I had to bathe her every week, and her skin got dry and flaky. She started scratching nonstop.”

After talking with his vet, he switched to bathing every 3 weeks, using an oatmeal-based sensitive-skin shampoo. “Not only did the scratching stop, but her coat got softer. Now she actually enjoys bath time. It’s our little spa day.”

🧠 Training Calm Bath Behavior with Brain Games

Bathing can be stressful for some dogs—but calm, confident behavior can be trained. Brain Training for Dogs includes games that teach focus, impulse control, and comfort with touch—perfect for grooming routines.

👉 Click here to explore Brain Training for Dogs

A mentally engaged Maltese is easier to handle and more relaxed when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

Bathing your Maltese is an important part of their grooming schedule—but it’s all about balance. Too much bathing can dry out their skin, while not enough can leave their beautiful coat looking dull and dirty.

With the right timing, gentle products, and a calm approach, bath time can be an enjoyable and healthy ritual for both of you. Stick to a consistent routine that works for your dog’s unique needs and you’ll k