ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Practical Tips for Shampooing Dogs
Thoroughly wet your dog all over
The more water you get into the coat the easier it is to shampoo. You may find it necessary to add small amounts of shampoo as you go, as this breaks down the surface tension due to grease on the skin and allows the shampoo to penetrate down to the skin where it is needed.
Use a sponge
To apply shampoo particularly around the face. Pouring shampoo down the back of your pet will mean you will use more than you require particularly when using Dermcare products. These products are made concentrated so you only need a small amount of shampoo. Work on a figure of 1-2 teaspoons of shampoo per 5-kg dog. The larger amount is for hairier dogs. Rub the shampoo all over including around the muzzle, lips and under the tail. These are the areas bacteria and fungus spread from, and are common causes of infection. You will find this relatively easy if you are using a sponge.
When lathering up
Always add more water before you add more shampoo. A shampoo won't lather well in absence of water. Dermcare products have minimal water added to them. This results in a more economical product and reduces waste. You can always add water, why pay extra for it?
Allow time for it to work
This is important if using a medicated shampoo. In general, 10 minutes is required. Some other shampoos, which are known to irritate the skin, will specify shorter contact times with increased frequency of use to reduce the irritating effect. All Dermcare shampoos are low irritant. We recommend 10 minutes contact time. Your dog can do what ever it likes while waiting. Play ball or throw a stick to take its mind off being wet. If the dog does go and roll remember there is still shampoo in the coat so adding water at the time of rinsing will reactive the shampoo.
Rinse thoroughly
It takes time to get rid of all the shampoo from the coat, about 5 minutes in longer haired dogs. A shower rose or hydro-bath is excellent. Your pet should be "SQUEAKY" clean. If the hair doesn't squeak, there is still shampoo residue, which needs to be removed.
Dry gently
Using heat or vigorous towel drying will irritate skin that is already itchy. A commercial grooming drier just blows the water out of the coat. It doesn't use heat.
Apply conditioner
Apply a small amount of leave on conditioner to animals coat and rub through evenly. Only a small amount is required as a little goes a long way. This re-hydrates and also adds a protective barrier to the skin and hair.
Dermatological Tip
Hydration of the skin will help to soothe an itchy dog's skin often for up to 24 hours. Use Dermcare Natural shampoo or Aloveen shampoo and conditioner on a regular basis to hydrate and moisturise the skin and remove surface irritants. Aloveen shampoo and conditioner have the added advantage of reducing itch. Proudly Supplied by Dermcare-Vet, The Specialists in Skin Care
Don’t forget that we offer a hydro-bathing service run by our highly trained nursing staff—your dog will also get a skin check at the same time. (by appointment) 4736 2027
FAQ
Q. Which dogs need to be bathed regularly?
A. Any dog who;
- Develops allergies & skin infections
- Gets itchy
- Comes inside regularly
- Rolls is nasty things
- Has a doggy odour
- Likes to kiss and cuddle with owners
- Looses lots of hair
Q. How often should I bath my dog.
A. Some dogs can get by with once a month but they are in the minority, most dogs benefit from a fortnightly wash, often weekly in summer. Many dogs enjoy baths.
Q. Does bathing my dry my dogs coat?
A. Use a good shampoo - preferably a natural, veterinary range (e.g Dermacare) These will not dry your dogs coat as they are specially designed for dogs skin pH levels. Conditioners may also be necessary.
IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO USE HUMAN OR CHEAP SHAMPOO - A dogs skin is much more sensitive than that of a human. Do not use shampoos with tea tree as they are poisonous. Many cheap dog shampoos are actually human shampoo and strip the coat of essential oils.
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