Sometimes your animal companion just needs a good bath!

Dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals don’t need to be bathed as often as we think. Most animals have natural oils and glands that help condition their skin, fur and protect them from the elements. Over bathing your animal can get rid of these natural oils and leave their skin irritated, itchy and uncomfortable.

However, there are times that your animal just needs a bit of a hand in the grooming department. Sometimes it’s a flea problem, sometimes it’s a mud problem, and sometimes it’s a skunk problem. Whatever the problem- sometimes a good bath is the only solution!

All animals are different- some cats love water, where others follow the more stereotypical route and hate it. The best way to get your animal used to baths is to start them off young and start them off right. Gradually introducing them to a safe and fun bath (just like with baby humans) is the best way to get your animal to, if not like baths- tolerate them. Showers can be scary- think about how your dog or cat feels when you turn on your loud fan, shut the door and crank the shower tap! Be patient and your animal will eventually get clean.

Here are some simple steps to get you and your animal comfortable with bathing.

1. Decide. Do they really need a bath? Is your dog really THAT dirty or do they just not smell pine fresh anymore? Remember to assess your animal properly. When was the last time they had a bath? What’s the weather outside like? How long will it take for them to warm up?

If your cat is really against the idea of assisted bathing you can try cornstarch. Gently rub it in to your greasy cat’s fur. She will clean it off herself when she is grooming later.

2. Location, location, location! Bathing your animal outside MAY seem like a great idea but you want to make sure the water gets filtered before it goes down the storm drain. Most municipalities don’t filter storm water before it goes in to the water system. All the soaps and conditioners will go straight into the ecosystem if you aren’t careful. What can you do? Bathe your animal on the grass! The grass roots and dirt will filter out the soaps before they make it into the water table. Also, remember to always use phosphate free soaps!

3. Grooming time. Check your animals’ nails! Your cat may want to cling on to you, your dog may try to get away- both of these responses can end in shredded arms and legs. Clip and file down the nails before you start!

4. Ouch, my hair! Remember that you are bathing hair, if it’s knotty, filled with debris or mud it will be more delicate and less easy to work with. Just as you would get ready for a bath, get your animal ready! Comb out their fur; take out any sticks, bugs, twigs, dreads or anything else you can find.

5. What about me? Think about your clothing. Is it appropriate? High heels and a cocktail dress may be the wrong choice.

6. The best offense is a good defence. Set everything up first. Make sure you are as efficient as possible and your animal spends the least amount of time miserable and wet. Get your soaps, shampoos, collars, leashes, combs, towels, extra towels, cloths, cotton for ear plugging/ cleaning, toys and treats ready BEFORE hand!

7. Get your playing field ready! Non slip mats on the bottom of your tub, correct water temperature (not too hot or too cold- the temperature of a warm bath that you would enjoy) and towels covering everything you don’t want to be covered in water.

8. Get a helper! Sometimes that means a holder, sometimes that’s a latherer, sometimes it’s just a distraction for the animal. Get one and treat them nicely!

9. Start your washing! Skin can become very irritated if soap isn’t completely rinsed away so make sure you completely soak your animal- all the way to his skin. Soap is much easier to rinse when it’s on wet skin. Most dogs don’t mind the massage treatment but cats generally aren’t in to anything that involves them getting wetter- use a wet flannel to lather their cat. 

10. Be Gentle! Take extra precautions around their eyes, nose, mouth and any cuts, scrapes, bruises or sore spots they may have.

11. Rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse and rinse some more. Make sure you get all the soap off your animal’s fur and skin. Some animals like the shower head treatment, some like a plastic cup. Choose calmness over efficiency.

12. Dry cycle. Rub your dog all over with a big fluffy towel. If it’s warm out you can let your dog dry off naturally outside in the sun, alternatively they may choose to dry off in the mud. Cats need to be dried off as much as possible. Use many towels and wrap your cat up so you can get the most amount of water off her fur. Cats should not go outside for at least 12 hours after bathing in cold weather- they can develop pneumonia.

13. Grooming 2.0. Your animal’s fur is clean; it doesn’t mean you’re finished. Comb and brush their fur. If they are shedding you will get a lot of extra fur this way and save your couch from a fur attack.

Remember to use phosphate free soap that is FOR animals. Keep the soap away from their eyes and keep your vet’s number and a phone close- Just in case. Be confident, gentle and ensuring and you will do just fine. 

Happy Bathing!

Pura Vida.