Pets

Are you making any of these bath time mistakes as a pet owner?

For most humans, taking a shower or bath is a relaxing experience. But for our pets it can be anything but relaxing. They always run in the other direction from the bathtub when they hear the noise, cleaning, and sudsing. Grooming your pet is a necessity that not only keeps his coat healthy, but also reduces allergies and the possibility of infection and reduces the spread of dirt and germs throughout the house. While your furry friend may resist the idea of ​​bathing, as a pet owner it is your job to make it as positive and easy as possible for your pet.

But never make these bath time mistakes while bathing your pet:

Incorrect water temperature

Pet owners make the mistake of bathing their pet in water that is too hot or too cold. Instead, you should bathe your pet with lukewarm water. As water that is too hot or too cold can create a negative stimulus that can make them reluctant to take a bath. So how would you know that it is the right temperature? Just spray the nozzle on your forearm and if it’s okay with the water temperature, bathe your furry baby. Remember, your pet’s skin is more sensitive to temperature than your hand.

Rough spray

Use a hand spray or nozzle in a tub or sink to bathe your furry friend. If you don’t have one, spray the water stream directly onto their fur, as the loud noise of running water coupled with the water pressure can scare and annoy your pet. First, let the water hit the back of your hand, and then move the nozzle across the pet’s body. Once the pet is comfortable, wet the entire fur of the furry companion.

Selecting the wrong shampoo

Never use human shampoo on your pet, even if it is an all-natural solution or a mild baby shampoo. Remember, a pet’s skin has a different pH balance than humans, which would dry out their skin. So, ask for a recommendation from your vet and select brands that are specifically formulated for dogs or cats. Oatmeal-based shampoo has been found to be one of the gentler options. If your pet suffers from a skin condition, medicated shampoo is best. Ask your vet to help you choose the one that best suits your pet based on his needs. If your pet has sensitive skin, first run the shampoo test on a spot on the back of the leg and then see if the pet feels irritated after a couple of days before bathing.

Bad soap application

Apply soap to the pet’s fur and then let it soak in for a couple of minutes. But this will not remove all the dirt and oil. You must actively knead the soap into the pet’s fur with your hands and fingers for four minutes. It starts with the pet’s paws and then moves to its face. Clean your face with a cotton ball or cloth, but be careful not to disturb your eyes.

Clean the outside of the ear with a little shampoo on your fingers, a bath towel, or a cotton ball. Tilt your pet’s head down before rinsing so water doesn’t get into his ear canal. It will also help prevent ear infections. Rinse the shampoo out with the shower nozzle reversing the order in which you washed it. It starts from the pet’s head this time and then moves to its paws. This way, even if the soap gets into the pet’s eyes, it will rinse off first. Make sure the water runs clean from the posts before finishing.

Bathing too often

Cats and dogs naturally groom themselves. Therefore, it is not necessary to bathe your furry friend more than once a month. In fact, too many baths can remove the natural oils from your pet’s coat, which can lead to skin irritation. Consult with your veterinarian about the best grooming schedule for your pet. Also ask them about the best shampoo based on your pet’s breed and activity level.

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