How to bathe pet properly: Save your time and nerves

Why you should bathe a pet and how often?

Fur collects dirt, dust, and can become a hotspot for parasites. This is especially relevant for animals that go outside or have long hair. Outdoor pets should be bathed once every 4–6 weeks, and indoor pets roughly every three months.

Dogs generally need fewer baths, especially long-haired ones, 2–3 times a year, to avoid washing away natural oils. Short-haired dogs can be bathed once a month if they are not heavily soiled. If the animal has skin issues or an odor, consult a veterinarian about the appropriate bathing frequency.

How to prepare pets for bathing?

Prepare everything you’ll need in advance: towels, shampoo, a comb, a water container or shower. The bathroom should be warm, ideally 22–24 degrees Celsius, so the animal doesn’t get cold after bathing. If your pet is afraid of water, avoid making noise, don’t scare them, and try to keep them calm.

Enter the bathroom with your pet ahead of time, pet them, and let them get used to the environment. Turn on a gentle stream of water or pre-fill a basin – this reduces the chance of frightening them. After bathing, move the pet to a warm and quiet place to dry off.

What should the water temperature be?

For both cats and dogs, a comfortable water temperature is between 32 and 39 degrees Celsius. Water that’s too cold can cause hypothermia, and hot water can cause burns and pain. Important: even if the fur is thick, animals are sensitive to temperature changes.

Before bathing, always check the water with your hand. If using a shower, it’s better to set it to a gentle spray mode. A strong stream can scare or even injure the animal.

Bathing animals is a delicate but necessary task (photo: Freepik.com)

What kind of shampoo should you choose?

Pets should only be washed with special pet shampoo – human products are harmful to their skin. Stores offer liquid, dry, or spray shampoos for various coat types and issues.

• Liquid shampoos are the most popular; they lather well and rinse off easily.
• Dry shampoos in powder form are convenient for nervous cats and small dogs who fear water.
• Spray shampoos work similarly – they are not rinsed off, but must be brushed out after drying.

In extreme cases, baby soap can be used, but not regularly.

Drying after bathing

Immediately after bathing, wrap the animal in a towel to remove excess moisture. If needed, use several towels in a row. Then dry the fur with a hair dryer on the lowest setting, avoiding hot air.

Long-haired pets should be brushed before completely dry to prevent tangles. The pet should be kept in a warm room without drafts to avoid catching a cold. After drying, give your pet some time to rest – they might be tired or slightly frightened.

When is it better not to bathe pets?

There are situations when bathing can do more harm than good:

• Do not bathe your pet after surgery – only with a veterinarian’s permission and not earlier than a few months later.
• During pregnancy, bathing can cause stress or injuries if the animal struggles.
• If your pet is ill or has wounds on the skin, it’s better to postpone bathing.

Remember that a negative experience with water can remain in the animal’s memory for life. So it’s better to avoid bathing if it’s not critically necessary. In any case, don’t force them – it’s better to choose other hygiene methods.

Sources: Purina.ua, Lifehacker, Southern Living.