The Art of Bathing

Whether it be for basic cleansing or requires the use of a specially formulated shampoo,
bathing is a necessary part of your pet’s health, but can be complicated at times. A
general cleansing and grooming shampoo can help maintain or restore your pet’s skin
health and coat. Specifically formulated shampoos are also available to help alleviate a
variety of skin and haircoat issues. Because there are many differences between human
and animal skin, products that are good for our hair and skin may not be good for your
pet and should be avoided. If there are any questions or concerns on what products
should be used, your veterinarian can advise you on which types of shampoos, cream
rinses, or ear cleansers would be best to use on your pet and how frequently your pet
should be bathed.

Helpful tips when bathing your pet

Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind becoming wet or perhaps stained. Additionally, donning gloves can be helpful with some shampoos where humans may be more sensitive than our pets.
Bathing can be done in a bathtub, ideally with a spray nozzle, hose attachment or shower head. In warm weather, bathing can also be done outdoors in an area with proper drainage.
Plastic or metal containers can be helpful for collecting and pouring water if a spray nozzle or hose attachment is unavailable.
Use a clock/timer when using a medicated shampoo that requires prolonged contact time. Be sure to begin timing as soon as the product has been fully incorporated into the haircoat. Apply and lather shampoo at the most affected areas first, to allow those areas the longest contact time with the shampoo. Most shampoos require the pet to soak approximately 10 minutes before rinsing. While waiting, this time can be used to comfort and distract your pet from licking the shampoo with treats, massaging or playing a game, if bathing outside.
If your veterinarian has advised, you can wash their face, but keep your pet from getting the product into their nose, mouth or eyes during shampooing.
When drying, use a towel rather than a hair dryer since excess heat can dry out your pet’s skin and cause additional irritation.

Best practices when bathing

Bathing your pet might seem like a simple concept. However there are some simple but
crucial guidelines that will greatly improve the effectiveness and overall outcome when
using the recommended shampoos.

For optimal results, medicated shampoos should be applied to a clean wet coat, so start out by thoroughly rinsing your dog with lukewarm water. If your pet is visibly dirty, bathe them with a cleansing shampoo that has been approved by your veterinarian (like ALLERGROOM^® Shampoo or EPI-SOOTHE^® Shampoo) to remove any dirt and debris.
For general cleansing, apply shampoo at several points starting at the neck and continuing along the back. If using a medicated shampoo, apply shampoo to the most affected areas first to allow maximum contact time. This may include, but is not limited to, the groin, armpit, back and paws/toes (be sure to get between each toe). Gently and progressively massage it into the coat and skin all over the pet, using enough shampoo to thoroughly coat the pet.
After the shampoo has been on the haircoat and skin for the recommended contact time (approximately 10 minutes), thoroughly rinse your pet with clean water. Be sure to use large amounts of clean, lukewarm temperature water when rinsing to avoid any unnecessary irritation.
Some medicated shampoos are recommended to be applied, allowed to sit for approximately 10 minutes, rinsed, and then the process repeated. Your veterinarian can provide specific instructions tailored to your pet.
Allow your pet to shake, and then finish drying with a towel. Again, do not use a hairdryer and avoid leaving your pet in cold temperatures while their skin and haircoat are wet. Comb or brush through long-haired pets, being careful on/around sensitive areas. Do not be alarmed if you notice that your pet’s skin is a bit red immediately after a bath. It typically reflects an increase in skin circulation that often occurs after bathing. If your dog’s skin appears to be consistently worsening with bathing, please contact your veterinarian. While uncommon, allergic reactions to shampoos can occur.