Washing Your Dog

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. If you are using a vet supplied shampoo you will find you only need to use a small amount of shampoo as most are concentrated.

When lathering up always add more water before you add more shampoo. A shampoo won't lather well in absence of water.

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 the common causes of infection. You will find this relatively easy if you are using a sponge.

It is important if using a medicated shampoo to allow time for it to work. 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. Your dog can do whatever it likes while waiting, such as playing catch to take their mind off being wet. If your dog does go and roll, remember there is still shampoo in the coat so adding water at the time of rinsing will reactivate 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 hose is excellent.

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.

If you are sensitive to detergents or have hand dermatitis, we suggest you wear gloves when using any shampoo.

Frequency

The frequency of washing depends on whether your dog has a healthy coat and skin, and when they need it. Dogs who spend the most of their time indoors will not need much bathing, while dogs who are outside a lot, will need to be bathed more often. Also, some dogs' coats will accumulate grease and oil more quickly than others. To keep your dog free of irritation, make sure you use a dog specific shampoo.

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