Wash and go? Fabulous on four legs
You wait with anxious anticipation for the green light. Then, there it is, green for go. But you don’t firmly press the accelerator. Instead you creep forwards to the designated stop point and wait for the water jets.
Aren’t car wash machines just that little bit scary and exciting at the same time?
Sort of like a mild amusement ride, especially if you go at night through the brushless ones.
So what has this to do with pets? Well, I got sent a brochure from overseas advertising a pet ‘‘washing machine’’. Stuart Little in the washing machine immediately came to mind.
I am pretty sceptical: they are an enclosed space with an automated washing and drying cycle with a glass front door, which evidently has an emergency stop button. I would hope so, because it sounds like a frightening experience for a dog and most definitely not a good idea for a cat.
So what do you do about bathing your cat or dog? And what should you use, and how often should you do it?
This time of year is often when we start to think about bathing the pooch and if you’re brave, maybe the feline hunter.
There are many shampoos and conditioners available, so where do you start? First decide if you are using it for cleaning or if they have a skin condition such as itchy skin or oily coat, or maybe a flea problem.
If they have a skin condition, it is a good idea to give us a call for advice because there are specific products for different problems and maybe other medications may be required as well. Some shampoos may even make itchy skin worse.
Flea-rinse shampoos have a short duration of effectiveness. Topical (drops on the neck) or the new oral flea and worm treatments achieve a better result and last a month or more.
For cleaning and generally getting them to smell nice, here are some tips:
Use pet-specific shampoo (although some human shampoos are fine – ask us first).
The ph level of some human shampoos, especially the wax removal ones used by teenage boys, are generally different and can strip the oil out of their coat if used often, which will make them itchy.
Rinse well: any shampoo left in the coat will make them itchy. Rinse more than thoroughly.
Dry them to completely dry, especially at this time of year. Seems obvious but any moisture will promote fungal and bacterial growth on the skin and will create an odour much like damp wool. Towel dry then walk them in the sun. If they are long coated they will need blow drying, which is another problem area.
Be very careful with blow dryers. It is very easy to damage their skin with a hot dryer. It is better to use a cooler dryer for longer.
Talcum powder in moderation can help stop knots re-forming, especially in those thick feline coats, and is a great deodoriser. We use it a lot at the hospital.
How often? It obviously varies depending on the purpose. A show dog or a mud-loving dog may need weekly baths. Generally once or twice a month is a good frequency. Brushing and combing between times will remove loose hair and spread the oils throughout their coat.
Remember, those furry canines with itchy skin will often have a very musty smell because of a secondary yeast infection on their skin, which needs specific treatment.
Bathing will tend to make the problem and the smell worse.
All the recommendations apply to fluffy felines as well but they generally look after themselves as far as bathing. Some long-haired cats will require clipping and bathing, especially after the winter, but we can help you there because a sedative and a stay with us for the day is usually required to avoid being shredded when they see the water or the clippers.
PS: Please check your dog after walking in the grass during the summer, to check for grass seeds in their ears or feet.
We have already removed one from deep inside an ear this week.