Overwashing Your Dog? 5 Essential Grooming Tips

Probably, according to Dr. Lisa, a celebrity vet who just launched a line of eco-conscious dog grooming products.

by Charles Manning (Adapted and Expanded)

Why Overwashing is Harming Your Dog’s Skin

Emergency veterinarian and Australian TV personality Dr. Lisa Chimes (aka Dr. Lisa) is on a mission to get dog owners to stop washing their pets so frequently. Not to eliminate baths entirely, but to drastically reduce them. The reason? “We see a huge problem here in Australia, and globally, with dogs suffering from itchy, flaky, dry, and sensitive skin,” says Dr. Lisa. “Often as a result of over-washing with products that are not properly formulated for a dog’s skin.”

Dog skin has a natural pH balance around 6.5 to 7.5, which is more neutral than human skin’s acidic pH of about 5.5. Harsh shampoos and frequent bathing strip away natural oils, disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. This leads to dryness, irritation, allergies, and secondary infections. According to veterinary dermatology guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), bathing dogs more than once every four to six weeks can exacerbate these issues unless medically necessary.

Dr. Lisa explains, “A lot of the pet products on the market just aren’t up to scratch, and you can’t just use human products on your dog because human skin is more acidic than dog skin. You need to get the pH right or you’re going to interfere with the dog’s skin barrier.” Without proper formulation, repeated washing weakens the epidermis, making dogs prone to environmental allergens, bacteria, and parasites.

The Launch of DOG by Dr. Lisa

To combat this, Dr. Lisa launched DOG by Dr. Lisa in late 2019—a line of dog wipes and grooming products designed to work with a dog’s natural pH, not against it. Developed in 2018 with a formulation chemist in Australia, the brand emphasizes gentle, effective care that reduces the need for full baths.

“They’re sort of like reformulated baby wipes, but bigger and wetter,” Dr. Lisa describes her flagship wipes. These allow for spot cleaning paws, faces, and soiled areas without disrupting the skin microbiome. Customers report dramatic improvements: “[Doing this] our customers have said they’ve been able to take their dogs off allergy creams and all sorts of things because they’ve improved the dog’s skin barrier, which is huge,” she adds.

The initial soft launch via Facebook sold out within a month, despite timing it sensitively around Australia’s devastating bushfires. The COVID-19 pandemic paused expansion, but Dr. Lisa pivoted to local manufacturing. “We were getting a lot of feedback from our customers that they weren’t happy with products being made in China… so I found a manufacturer here in Australia who has been amazing, and one in New Zealand to make our compostable bags and wipes.” By the end of 2020, all products were Australia- and New Zealand-made.

Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Design

Sustainability is core to DOG by Dr. Lisa. “We are really trying to avoid plastics and harsh chemicals and really trying to manufacture in a way that’s going to minimize our impact on the planet,” says Dr. Lisa. Key features include:

• 100% compostable wipes that break down even in landfills.
• Biodegradable liquids safe for soil and water.
• Aluminum containers with refill bags to reduce waste.
• Bamboo brushes and towels for durability and eco-friendliness.

These choices align with global pet industry trends toward sustainability. A 2023 report from the Pet Sustainability Coalition notes that 78% of pet owners prefer eco-friendly products, driving brands to innovate in biodegradable packaging.[10]

Additionally, DOG by Dr. Lisa donates a portion of proceeds to the RSPCA (Australia’s equivalent of the ASPCA) and local animal welfare charities. “We’re a startup, and we’re still trying to generate profits, so [the amount] is variable… but it is my hope to work up to a fixed percentage that can be a decent amount.”

Product Availability and Expansions

DOG by Dr. Lisa is now available in the US, with new products rolling out. “We’ve just launched a urine cleaner in Australia, which we’re hoping to have in the US and Canada in the next few months,” Dr. Lisa shares. The brand is also expanding into cat products—wipes, brushes, and a bamboo rake—though US availability is forthcoming.

Dr. Lisa Chimes is a practicing veterinarian in the emergency and critical care department at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in Australia. Known from Bondi Vet, she’s also a mum of four, author of books like My First Puppy and My First Kitten, and advocate for balanced pet parenting.

Expert Tips for Proper Dog Grooming

To maintain your dog’s skin and coat health without overwashing:

• Bath Frequency: Wait 4-6 weeks between full baths (longer for low-activity dogs). Use pH-balanced, oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoos.
• Spot Cleaning: Use DOG by Dr. Lisa wipes daily for paws, rear ends, and faces to remove dirt without water.
• Brushing: Brush daily to distribute natural oils, remove dead hair, and stimulate skin. Bamboo brushes are gentle and effective.
• Conditioners: Apply leave-in conditioners post-bath to lock in moisture and protect the barrier.
• Diet and Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support skin health. Consult your vet for allergies.

These practices can prevent 70-80% of common skin issues, per studies from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).[11]

Dr. Lisa’s Background and Philosophy

Dr. Lisa’s expertise stems from years in emergency vet care and TV, where she’s helped countless families choose and care for pets. In one episode, she guided a family seeking a cat-friendly dog, emphasizing socialization, fence security, and temperament testing. She stresses realistic pet ownership: pets teach kids empathy, provide comfort, and fit into busy lives when properly maintained.

As a mum-of-four with four pets, she balances entrepreneurship, veterinary work, and family. “Kids that grow up around pets develop a strong sense of empathy and responsibility,” she says. Her products reflect this holistic approach—practical, kind to animals and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes dry, itchy dog skin?

Overwashing with harsh products disrupts the skin’s pH and oil barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Allergies and poor diet contribute too.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Every 4-6 weeks maximum. Use spot wipes for in-between cleaning to avoid issues.

Are human shampoos safe for dogs?

No. Human skin pH is more acidic; dog products must match canine pH (6.5-7.5).

What makes DOG by Dr. Lisa products special?

pH-balanced, compostable, plastic-free, made in Australia/NZ, with charity donations.

Can these products help allergic dogs?

Yes, many customers reduce meds by improving skin barrier with less washing and proper products.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Dog

Not all dogs are the same—short-haired breeds like Labs may tolerate baths better, while long-haired or allergy-prone pups need gentler care. Always patch-test new products and consult your vet for persistent issues. Dr. Lisa’s line fills a market gap for effective, ethical grooming that prioritizes health over convenience.

In summary, less is more when it comes to dog baths. Embrace spot cleaning, regular brushing, and sustainable products to keep your furry friend thriving. DOG by Dr. Lisa proves you can care for your pet and the planet simultaneously.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to fluffyaffair,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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