Bathing your Dog

The first important step is choosing the right shampoo.  Animals skin is less acidic than human skin and hair growth is quite different.  Therefore human shampoos and detergents are not appropriate to use.  It is best to choose an animal specific, soap free and pH balanced shampoo such as Virbac allergroom or Dermcare Natural Shampoo.  For pets with itchy skin choosing Allergroom Oatmeal or Virbac Episooth range will settle the skin with the oatmeal incorporated in it to sooth the skin.  If your pet suffers from a skin condition it is best to get your vet to prescribe a specific medicated shampoo.

The next question is how often to bath your pet.  If there is no specific problem with your dogs skin and the coat is not particularly dirty or smelly it is best to bath no more than once a fortnight.  Dogs with skin conditions may need more frequent bathing.  If your pet has a particularly strong odour it may be that there is an underlying skin condition.  If the smell is mostly around the head then it could be that your dog has dental or ear problems.  If the odour is strongest near the back, then there may be a problem with the anal glands.  In any case if you suspect your pet is suffering from an underlying problem it may be best to consult your vet.

Before you start to wash your dog examine the skin and coat for any signs of dry skin, hair loss, redness or itchiness.  Also check the area near the top of the tail and back of the neck for signs of fleas.  Also check your pet’s feet especially between the toes and the pads for matted hair or sore skin.  Now gently comb or brush your pet’s coat to remove mats and loose hair.  Carefully clip any mats that can not be brushed out.

Shampooing your dog:

1.      Choose a warm comfortable environment and restrain your pet by the collar.

2.      Use lukewarm water to thoroughly wet the skin surface.  Make sure not to forget areas under the neck, the stomach, the legs and feet.  To achieve thorough wetting it may be best to use a shower attachment to your tap or hose.

     Thank you to Buddy's family for the use of this photo

1.      Now apply shampoo to several points over the body.

2.      Gently massage the shampoo into the coat and skin, all over the dog, until sufficient shampoo is used to produce a good lather (be sure to read shampoo label instructions).  Take care around the face area to avoid the eyes, nose, mouth and ears.

3.      Leave the shampoo on the dog for 5-10 minutes (depending on label instructions), this gives the active ingredients in the shampoo time to start working on the skin.  The longer you allow the shampoo to remain on the skin the better the results you will see.  During the waiting time you can occupy your dog by doing some basic training, playing or feeding.

1.      Thoroughly rinse all shampoo from the skin using lukewarm water.  Again a shower hose with strong jets make this job much easier.

2.      Repeat shampooing as directed by instructions or vet advice.

3.      If your dog has dry skin or coat or a long coat use a conditioner such as Aloveen Oatmeal Conditioner or Virbac Episooth Rinse and Conditioner.  Massage the conditioner into the skin and coat all over the dog as per instructions and the rinse lightly.

1.      Thoroughly dry your dog with a hand towel.  If your dog has a long or thick coat sometimes it is best to use a hair dryer on a cool and low setting.

2.      After drying gently brush your dogs coat.

 We would like to thank Virbac for the use of their illustrations and information