Bathing is a necessary part of your pet’s health. Regular bathing with a high quality shampoo is also an important part of keeping your pet’s skin healthy. Medicated shampoos are available to aid in the management of a variety of skin and hair coat issues. In addition, products that contain ingredients such as ceramides help introduce more lipids into the skin, helping it do its job as a barrier: keeping good things out, like allergens and other pathogens. Your veterinarian can advise you on how frequently your pet should be bathed and which types of shampoos, cream rinses, sprays, mousses, ear cleansers and/or wipes are best for your pet. Because there are many differences between human and animal skin, products that are good for your hair and skin may not be good for your pet.
Top tips when shampooing your pet:
Prepare
- Wear clothes you don’t mind becoming wet or perhaps bleached or stained.
- To help your pet feel comfortable, ensure the bathing area has a non-slip surface (a towel or mat may be used). If using a bathtub, leave the drain plug open.
- Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and read the product label before use. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t use a human shampoo or dish soap on your pet as your pet’s skin is very different from human’s skin.
Wet & Shampoo
- Ensure that the water is a mild temperature. If the water is too hot, it can make the pet uncomfortable as well as strip essential oils from the skin and may result in dry, uncomfortable, and/or itchy skin.
- Using a hand held shower will help remove the surface debris and dirt as well as thoroughly wet the hair coat and skin. Using cotton gloves or a wash cloth will be useful for the hard-to-reach areas (such as between the toes)
- If using a medicated shampoo that requires prolonged contact time, begin timing as soon as the pet has been lathered. Apply and lather the shampoo at the most affected areas first, to allow those areas the longest contact time with the medication. If your veterinarian has advised, you can wash the face, but keep your pet from getting the product into their nose, mouth or eyes during shampooing. Use of a timer or listening to about three songs on your radio may help you keep time. If your veterinarian has prescribed an ear cleanser, use this time to clean the ears.
Dry
- After rinsing, hand dry with a towel. Use caution with a hair dryer, as too much heat over-dries the skin and may lead to increased itching.
- Added benefits to bathing your pet: Hands on to feel for any lumps or bumps or physical changes. It is also a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet.
Or, Let a Professional Do It!
From a standard bath to a full-service groom, we offer a variety of dog grooming services that are just right for your puppy or dog. We also offer clean clips, where the entire coat is cut short, or limited coat trimming around the face and feet. All bathing services include a nail trim, ear cleaning and anal-glad expression if necessary.