Medical baths – steps to make it easy

Medical bath can be given for many reasons. It is important that when you wash your dog or cat you understand what you do and why you do it. Therefore we have made this blog to help you on your way.

Most medical baths are given for problems to do with skin problems. Skin infections due to dry skin, overreactive skin, infected skin or parasitic, bacterial or fungal infections. Your vet or groomer will advise you a product to use to ensure the problem will be controlled, improve and disappear. Not all skin problems can be treated with a medical bath. Sometimes another treatment is needed as well. In some cases, the medical bath is merely supporting the Pet by reducing the irritation.

Depending on the problem a product will be prescribed to be used. Follow the guidelines on the label given to you by your vet.

Herewith some more general instructions to think of when you wash your pet:

• Start at an early age to introduce your pet to washing (if you have adopted a senior pet read further as we have many tips)
• Stay calm, confident and prior to washing ensure all is in place for both pet and yourself to be safe
• Ensure your cat’s nails are clipped before you start. Create a safe environment (place animal in an easily approachable place, close doors, and windows so your pet cannot escape and runoff, be prepared for all to go wet, so ensure the floor is not slippery, no electrical dangers and the water temperature is controllable) (this is difficult in summer in Dubai)
• Have all products needed to start & finish (towels, shampoo, timer, water access, shower to rinse off, blow dryer)
• Dilute the shampoo 1 in 10 so it is more economical in use whilst still providing a proper action
• Ensure you have a helping hand

1. Approach your pet with confidence and understanding, whilst gently guiding them into the shower/bath/sink
2. Place the pet in the water basin whilst uttering encouraging words
3. Start the water running at a good temperature and let the pet get used to the sound
4. Now introduce the water on the pets back and if accepting all over his/her body
5. Switch off the water and introduce the shampoo
6. Massage the shampoo into a nice lather and keep massaging it till the pet is fully covered
7. Leave the shampoo to work for 10 minutes (4 songs on the radio) which is a long time
8. The pet is allowed to walk around but better not lick off the shampoo
9. During the soaking period, you can slowly massage off crusts and cuts so the shampoo has a good penetration
10. After 10 minutes rinse out the shampoo (not all products need rinsing, so read the leaflet enclosed)
11. Make the pet towel dry
12. Blow-dry the skin of the pet (ensure not to burn the skin by allowing the blowdryer to close)

Blow drying the skin is very important as in the UAE the coat dries quickly on the outside but works as isolation for the skin to stay moist for a long time, allowing yeast a.o. to flourish and keep the infection going. Therefore always feel with your fingers through the coat directly on the skin of your pet to ensure the skin has also properly dried.

Ecto parasite treatments like “spot-on” products cannot be used on the day of washing your pet, so apply those one day after to have a safe product and result.

Protect your dog from direct sunlight if a large part of his skin is exposed to direct sunlight due to loss of hair or heavy infection. A bit of sun is good for the skin to heal, but too much leads to sunburns.

Our nurses, groomers & Animal handlers are at your service should you have any questions or concerns. More severe cases should be seen by our Vets.