Why do I need to bathe my dog with a medicated shampoo?
There are several reasons why your veterinarian might prescribe a medicated shampoo for your dog:
- Bacterial skin infection. Mild skin infections may be treated solely with an antibacterial shampoo, while more severe infections often require a combination of antibacterial shampoo and oral antibiotics.
- Yeast infection of the skin. These infections are often treated with an antifungal shampoo.
- Skin allergies. Certain medicated shampoos have ingredients that alleviate skin inflammation and itching while helping to reduce potential allergens on the skin and coat.
While over-the-counter shampoos are sometimes advertised as general-purpose, medicated shampoos are prescribed to treat a specific skin condition. A wide variety of medicated shampoos are available to veterinarians; your veterinarian will select the most appropriate one for your dog’s skin condition.
Where should I bathe my dog?
Many dog owners bathe their dog in a bathtub, but it is not the only option. Small dogs can be bathed in a sink in the bathroom, the kitchen, or a utility room. Large dogs can be bathed outdoors during the warm weather if you have an area that will drain well.
- Select an area that is comfortably warm, with access to warm water.
- Make sure there is a place where you can set clean, dry towels within arm’s reach to make your job easier when removing your dog from the bath.
- If possible, bathe your dog using a spray nozzle or hose attachment to make rinsing easier and less stressful. If you do not have a hose attachment, use a large cup or bowl to collect water from the faucet and pour over your dog.
- Some communities have commercial “pet wash” facilities with bathing stations and tubs designed for bathing pets comfortably and conveniently. This may be a good option for you and your dog.
How do I bathe my dog?
Medicated shampoo should be applied to a clean, wet coat, so start by thoroughly rinsing your dog with lukewarm water.
- If your dog is visibly dirty, bathe them with an over-the-counter shampoo to remove dirt and debris. Medicated shampoos do not typically contain soaps or detergents and may not thoroughly clean dirty dogs. Ask your veterinarian if you have concerns about using an over-the-counter shampoo with your dog’s skin condition.
- Once your dog is clean and wet, work the medicated shampoo into the coat. Start with areas that are most severely affected, often the paws, armpits, groin, and around the rectum.
- After thoroughly rubbing the shampoo into these areas, you can begin massaging the shampoo into the coat across the rest of the body.
- Once the shampoo is thoroughly worked into your dog’s coat, set a timer for 10 minutes (or the contact time your veterinarian prescribed).
- When the timer goes off, it is time to rinse. Ensure you rinse all shampoo from all areas of your dog’s body. This process will take several minutes. It is important not to leave residual shampoo on the skin.
- If your veterinarian prescribed a leave-in conditioner, apply it now.
- After bathing, dry your dog with a towel and keep them in a warm area until they are completely dry.
How often should I bathe my dog?
The frequency of medicated baths depends on the specific skin condition. In many cases, medicated baths are recommended on a weekly basis. Your veterinarian may recommend bathing more or less frequently, depending on the details of your dog’s particular skin condition.
What should I expect after a medicated bath?
Typically, skin conditions should improve within the first few weeks of using a medicated shampoo. Your veterinarian can give you a better idea of what to expect with your dog’s particular skin condition.
You may notice that your dog’s skin is a bit red immediately after a bath. This redness typically does not indicate a reaction to the shampoo, but reflects an increase in skin circulation that often occurs after bathing. However, if your dog’s skin appears to be consistently worsening with bathing, contact your veterinarian. While uncommon, allergic reactions to medicated shampoo can occur.
