Easy Pet Bathing Guide: Step-by-Step at Home
Frequency of Bathing: Adult dogs can be bathed once a week, but during the fall and winter seasons, it's advisable to reduce the frequency. Cats, on the other hand, are not recommended to be bathed frequently; every 2 to 3 months should suffice.
1. Before bathing, always trim your pet's nails to prevent any accidental scratches.
2. Begin by using a brush to detangle and comb through your pet's fur. Start from the feet and comb against the grain, working your way up to ensure all the hair is thoroughly brushed. Pay attention to combing layer by layer to remove any dust and dirt. If you encounter any mats, gently undo them rather than pulling them out. This is especially important for curlycoated cats and dogs.
3. Always plug your pet's ears with cotton balls before bathing to prevent water from entering their ears effectively.
4. For particularly lively pets, consider using a leash. Some pets may not be accustomed to bathing, so a leash can help keep them calm and prevent a mess throughout the house.
5. When rinsing, follow the order of "legs—body—head" and remember to rinse the head last. For thick fur areas, gently cup your hand into an arc shape and pat the hair to allow water to penetrate and moisten it.
6. Apply a diluted pet shampoo evenly across the body, massaging gently in the direction of hair growth. Avoid getting shampoo near the eyes, nose, and mouth, and ensure it's thoroughly rinsed off. Dogs, in particular, require anal gland expression.
7. Use a diluted leavein conditioner to evenly coat the body. Gently massage with your fingertips and then rinse thoroughly.
8. Start by gently squeezing the hair to remove excess water, then cover your pet with a towel and press gently to absorb moisture. Continue pressing to remove as much water as possible.
9. Finishing Touches: After rinsing, drop a few drops of ear cleaner into your pet's ears, shake their head, and use a cotton swab to gently clean out the ear, moving from the inside out. Avoid pushing the cotton swab too deep into the ear canal.