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Source:
Mary Bagladi-Swanson, 785-532-4159, mswanson@vet.k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Bagladi is bag-LAH-dee
News release prepared by: Chloe Bos, 785-532-6415
Monday,
April 3, 2006
K-STATE
VETERINARIAN OFFERS TIPS ON BATHING DOGS
MANHATTAN
-- How often you need to bathe your dog may depend on whether it
lives inside or outside or if it has a skin condition, according
to an assistant professor at Kansas State University's Veterinary
Medical Teaching Hospital.
If
your outdoor dog gets dirty on a regular basis, K-State's Mary Bagladi-Swanson
suggests bathing it when necessary.
With
certain skin conditions, pet owners might need to bathe their dog
more frequently, as suggested by their veterinarian, Bagladi-Swanson
said.
"Therapeutic
baths may be needed as frequently as two times a week," she
said. "Then you can gradually back off as the skin problem
improves."
Bathing
and the use of shampoos can aid in the management of many dermatologic
conditions, Bagladi-Swanson said. Some shampoos deliver a topical
medication directly onto the skin surface. She said if your dog
develops a dermatologic condition and is prescribed a medicated
shampoo, it is important to follow bathing directions as outlined
by your veterinarian.
Using
a shampoo that's right for your dog is important, Bagladi-Swanson
said.
"Depending
on the dog, you can bathe them weekly if you use the right shampoo
-- or you can bathe them twice a year," she said. "Use
shampoos that are mild and don't dry out the skin. There are a variety
of shampoos. There are moisturizing shampoos, medicated and hypoallergenic
ones. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right one."
Bagladi-Swanson
said some shampoo brands offer compatible conditioners that prolong
shampoo action and add extra moisture.
If
you bathe your dog at home, Bagladi-Swanson has some tips for proper
bathing and a few hints on how to make your pet feel more comfortable:
*
First, make sure to wet their coat thoroughly before applying the
shampoo. "Sometimes it might be helpful to dilute a small amount
of shampoo with water and then apply the diluted shampoo to the
coat. Apply a sufficient amount and rub in well while massaging
the skin," she said. "Some pet shampoos don't produce
a thick, rich lather, so don't over apply it."
*
Use a mobile shower head and lukewarm water on low pressure for
easier washing. Don't let the shampoo lather come into contact with
the eyes or enter the ear canals, but if this happens, rinse well
with water. "Shampoo in the eyes can cause stinging and irritation
and in the ear might lead to infections," Bagladi-Swanson said.
"You might choose to use an eye protective lubricant on your
dog's eyes to prevent this from happening."
*
Rinse your pet carefully because leaving any shampoo residue can
cause irritation.
*
Make sure to thoroughly dry your dog. Towel drying any skin folds
is very important, Bagladi-Swanson said. Make sure to dry areas
such as armpits, groin, underside of the neck and between the toes.
She said thorough drying helps eliminate trapped moisture that could
lead to bacterial or yeast infections. A blow dryer can be used,
but only on a cool or slightly warm setting, she said.
*
Because dogs do not like to feel slipperiness underfoot, use a mat
or something that provides a grip in the bathtub to help them feel
at ease.
*
Bathe your dog outside if warm weather permits -- it will be less
messy, Bagladi-Swanson said.
*
Using two people to bathe a large dog will make the task easier.
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