Properly wash a dog
How to properly wash your dog?
Keeping your pet clean isn’t just about bathing. In general, healthy dogs only need to be bathed if they smell or are dirty.
How often should I wash my dog?
It is generally advised to wash your dog once every 3 months. It’s not advisable to wash your dog once every week. Overcleaning can be as harmful, dogs need to build up a level of natural oils in their coat and skin to keep them healthy. If in doubt, our vets and nurses are happy to check and explain if your dog is having a skin condition, advising if they need to be washed more or less frequent.
What if I need to bathe my dog?
If your dog has a skin condition requiring to wash your dog, it is important to use all the tips given by our staff in order to get the best possible outcome.
How to bathe a dog?
Not all dogs like bathing. Ensure you are in charge and allow your dog to settle in the situation. If you are uncertain how to wash your dog, ask for help and advise, our staff will happily share their knowledge or show you how to start and what to watch for. Most grooming facilities have special packages for medical wash and also in our Clinic, the team is ready to support you.
First, you need to make sure that you are using the correct shampoo. It is recommended to use a dog shampoo to ensure the shampoo does not trigger a skin problem. If your dog already has a skin problem a medicated shampoo might have been prescribed. Heavily perfumed shampoos irritate dogs causing them to jump in the dirt to get rid of the perfume, or can cause skin irritation in itself.
Make sure that your dog will be able to stand in your bath/shower and using a mat or any non-slip surface to avoid sliding. This will help to ensure your dog feels secure.
Once your dog is soaked with water at a reasonable temperature, apply the shampoo thoroughly and be careful with the ears, eyes, and mouth. Rinse it well and dry thoroughly with a towel afterward. It is recommended to use a hairdryer afterwards as often the skin under the coat stays moist, leading to yeast overgrowth. When using the hairdryer, pay attention to keep a correct distance so as to not burn the dog. Using a brush or comb during or after blow-drying helps the hair becoming easily dry and prevent tangles. Special detangling sprays do help ease the combing process.
Medicated bath to a dog
When using a medicated shampoo, often an expensive product, it is advisable to dilute the product 1:10 as this spreads easier over the already wet dog coat and allows a more economic use whilst doing the same job. Undiluted medicated shampoo can be used in small amounts on more severe leasions.
In order for a medicated shampoo to work, it needs to be allowed time to initiate a healing process. Most shampoos require 10 minutes to soak on the skin. 10 Minutes is a very long time, therefore set an alarm, or listen to 4 songs on the radio to ensure you do not wash out too early.
Whilst the shampoo is soaking into the skin, slowly massage and comb out crusts so the skin can heal to the air when it is dry.
Contact ABVC at info@abvc.ae or call our clinic at 04 340 8601 for your pet’s medical bath.
Created by Rafael Recto, Jico Pangilinan, and Camila Sousa
