Splish-Splash: Giving Your Pet a Bath

Giving your pet a bath may not make the list of great ways to spend a Saturday morning, but bathing is important to skin and coat health (and helps eliminate that doggy smell). For most pets, a biweekly or monthly bath, along with daily brushing, is part of good pet care. Even our feline friends can benefit from the occasional bath!

However, before you panic, Schertz has step-by-step instructions to make giving your pet a bath a positive experience for everyone.

Bow Wows and Bubbles: How to Give Your Dog a Bath

Since it’s likely your dog will need fairly frequent baths, let’s begin with our canine companions:

1. Make sure you have all the tools lined up: a hypoallergenic or oatmeal dog shampoo and conditioner/detangler, several towels, a brush, and some cotton balls for the ears.
2. Take your pet outside and play beforehand, taking time to brush him or her to remove tangles.
3. Place a towel or non slip mat on the bottom of the tub for stability; fill up to your pet’s knees with warm (never hot) water.
4. Wet your dog down completely; work in the shampoo (don’t forget under the tail and other smelly areas).
5. Rinse with clean water (if your dog is very dirty, you may need to refill the tub or basin).
6. Praise your dog throughout the process, and have a few small treats on hand.
7. Repeat with conditioner, making sure all the suds have been rinsed from your pet.
8. Throw a towel over the top of your pet, and help him or her out of the tub (it’s also advised to have some old towels on the floor to sop up excess water).
9. Dry your dog thoroughly (including removing cotton balls and drying the ears).
10. Reward, reward, reward!

Tips for Giving Your Cat a Bath (It’s Possible!)

Thankfully, kitties don’t need to be bathed very often (they’re fastidious self-groomers), but sometimes, this is a necessary chore if your cat becomes dirty. Since cats usually dislike being in water, preparing in advance is crucial to staying scratch-free and decreasing the time required for this activity.

1. Grab everything in advance: large towels, thick rubber gloves, washcloth, kitty shampoo, cotton balls (for ears), and a brush/comb.
2. Fill a large sink or basin with 2-3 inches of warm water before bringing your cat in the room.
3. Give your cat a few treats; then place him or her into the water.
4. Wet down your cat with a pitcher or washcloth, and lather the fur with the shampoo – rinse thoroughly.
5. Take care not to splash your pet in the face or eyes – use a washcloth to remove any dirt or debris.
6. Wrap your kitty in a large towel; absorb as much water as possible.
7. Reward with treats and praise.

Giving Your Pet a Bath…When it’s Just Not Possible

Some pets – no matter what you do – are water averse. Do not risk getting bitten or injured or force your pet through the experience. Instead, call your friends at Schertz for assistance. We can help you solve any bathing problems – and we offer this important service, as well!

Oh, and don’t forget to look for any evidence of parasites, like fleas and ticks, during your pet’s sudsy-splash time.

Please give us a call with any questions or to schedule an appointment.