How to wash your dog

Just like humans, dogs require topical therapies to keep their skin healthy. The frequency of washes will depend on the condition of your dog's skin, their level of activity and their environment.

How often to wash your dog?

Dogs that live inside and close to their owners (or even share the bed or couch) may need more regular washes. Dogs with skin disease might need very regular (even daily) skin therapy, which can be reduced as their skin heals.

Consult your veterinarian for advice on how often to wash your dog, especially if they have a skin condition that needs treating.

Tips on how to wash your dog

For the best results, there are several hints and tips when you shampoo your dog.

Before shampooing:

• Examine your dog’s skin and coat for any signs of dry skin, hair loss, redness or itchiness (if evidence of this is found it may mean you need to change the shampoo you are using).
• Check the areas around the top of the tail and the back of the neck for signs of fleas.
• Pay special attention to your dog’s feet checking between the pads and the toes for matted hair, sore skin or objects such as stones or splinters.
• Gently comb hair, removing matts. Carefully clip the matts if necessary.
• Handy Hint: Bath time is a good time for doing a pedicure

A guide to easier shampooing:

Optional: Restrain the dog with a lead or collar. It is important to note that not all dogs will need restraining, however it may make the job a lot easier for you if your dog does not move around during bath time.

1. It is recommended that you shampoo your dog in a warm comfortable and quiet environment.
2. Use a quality shampoo, preferably the same pH as your dog’s skin such as EPISOOTHE^® SIS SHAMPOO.
3. Use lukewarm water to thoroughly wet the skin surface. Make sure you do not forget under the neck, stomach and the legs.
4. You can use a sponge to wet the skin around the face and difficult to reach areas.
5. Apply shampoo to several points over the body.
6. Gently massage the shampoo into the coat and skin, all over the dog until sufficient shampoo is used to produce a good lather (ensure to read the shampoo label for instructions). Take care around the face area to avoid eyes, nose, mouth and ears.
7. Leave shampoo on the dog for 5 to 10 minutes (depending on label instructions), this gives the active ingredients in the shampoo time to start working on the skin. During this waiting period you can occupy your dog by doing some basic training, playing or feeding.
8. Thoroughly rinse all shampoo from the skin using lukewarm water
9. After shampooing it is a good idea to use a conditioner such as EPISOOTHE^® RINSE & CONDITIONER, especially if your dog has a long coat or itchy skin.
10. Massage these into skin as per label instructions and rinse lightly.
11. Thoroughly dry your dog with a hand towel.
12. After drying gently comb the hair.