For most human beings, taking a shower or bath is a relaxing experience. But for our pets it can be anything but relaxing. They always run in the other direction of the bathtub when they hear the noise, the cleaning and the foam. Grooming your pet is a necessity that not only keeps their coat healthy, but also reduces allergies and the chance of infection and decreases the spread of dirt and germs throughout the home. While your furry friend may balk at the thought of bathing, as a pet owner, it’s your job to make it as positive and easy as possible for your pet.
But never make these bath time mistakes while bathing your pet:
wrong water temperature
Pet owners make the mistake of bathing their pet in water that is too hot or too cold. Instead, you should bathe your pet in lukewarm water. As water that is too hot or too cold can create a negative stimulus that can make them resist taking a bath. So how would you know it’s the right temperature? Simply spray the nozzle onto your forearm and if you’re okay with the water temperature, bathe your fur baby. Remember, your pet’s skin is more sensitive to temperature than your hand.
rough spray
Use a handheld sprayer or nozzle in a tub or sink to bathe your furry friend. If you don’t have one, spray the stream of water directly on their fur as the loud noise of running water plus the pressure of the water can startle and annoy your pet. Let the water hit the back of your hand first, then move the nozzle across the pet’s body. Once the pet is comfortable, moisten all the fur of the furry companion.
Selecting the wrong shampoo
Never use human shampoo on your pet, even if it is a natural solution or mild baby shampoo. Remember, a pet’s skin has a different pH balance than a human’s, which would dry out their skin. So ask your vet for a recommendation and select brands that are specifically formulated for dogs or cats. Oatmeal-based shampoo has been noted to be one of the milder options. If your pet has any skin conditions, medicated shampoo is best. Ask your vet to help you choose the best option for your pet based on his needs. If your pet has sensitive skin, test the shampoo on a spot on the back of the leg first, and then see if the pet feels irritated after a couple of days before bathing.
Poor soap application
Apply soap to the pet’s fur, and then let it soak in for a couple of minutes. But this will not remove all the dirt and oil. You need to actively knead the soap into the pet’s fur with your hands and fingers for four minutes. Start from the pet’s legs and then move to its face. Clean her face with a cotton ball or washcloth, but be careful not to poke her eyes.
Clean the outside of the ear with a dab of shampoo on your fingers, a bath towel, or a cotton ball. Tilt the pet’s head down before rinsing so that water does not enter the ear canal. It will also help in preventing ear infections. Rinse out the shampoo with the shower nozzle reversing the order in which it was washed. Start from the pet’s head this time and then move on to its paws. This way, even if the soap gets into the pet’s eyes, it will rinse out first. Make sure the water drains out of the studs before you finish.
bathing too often
Dogs and cats groom themselves naturally. Therefore, there is no need to bathe your furry friend more than once a month. In fact, too many baths can strip the natural oils from your pet’s coat, which can lead to skin irritation. Consult with your vet about the best grooming schedule for your pet. Also ask them which shampoo is best for your pet’s breed and activity level.
