The answer everyone gives is wrong
Once a month is the standard advice. It was developed for temperate climates where dogs do not sweat much and humidity stays low. In India, this advice does not hold.
The 4 factors that determine your dog bath schedule
1. Coat type: Short-coated breeds (Labrador, Beagle, INDog) every 3-4 weeks. Long-coated breeds every 2-3 weeks. Double-coated breeds every 4-6 weeks but always with a deep rinse.
2. Your city climate: A dog in Bengaluru can go 4 weeks between baths. The same dog in Chennai or Mumbai during monsoon might need a bath every 2 weeks.
3. Activity level: Dogs that go to dog parks or swim can be bathed more frequently without issue - provided you use a pH-balanced, sulphate-free shampoo.
4. Skin conditions: Dogs with sensitive or allergic skin often benefit from more frequent bathing with a soothing shampoo - not less.
Between baths: the dry foam solution
If your dog smells between baths but a full wash is not practical, a pH-balanced dry foaming shampoo like BSCLY Bscfume refreshes the coat in 30 seconds without water.