Knowing when to bathe your pet can seem like one giant guessing game. Unlike humans, pets do not need to be bathed every day or every other day, and they can't hop into the shower when they feel it's time to freshen up.
There are some standard guidelines you can go by though. Cats actually do not need to be bathed at all, unless they have skin problems (such as fleas, ticks or dermatitis) or have gotten into something very dirty.
Dogs, meanwhile, can be bathed up to once a week, but once a month, or even once every three months, is usually plenty. In fact, the most common reason people decide to give their dogs a bath is because they've rolled in something smelly. The dog's breed, age and length of coat all impact how often they need a bath, but signs it's time include obvious dirt or an offensive smell.
Pet Bathing Essentials
For both dogs and cats, you should choose a very mild shampoo that's made for pets. Human and pet shampoos vary in their "pH" (the measure of acidity or alkalinity). A dog shampoo's pH is two points different from a human shampoo, which makes a major difference. Human shampoos are generally too harsh for pets and can easily dry out their coat and skin. Look for one made from all-natural ingredients.
Next, brush or comb your dog or cat before and after the bath. Brushing beforehand is essential because it will remove mats and make it much easier to comb your pet after the bath.
If you are going to bathe your cat, you may also want to trim their nails beforehand to minimize your chances of getting scratched.
During the bath, be careful to keep the water out of your pet's ears. Water in the ears is actually one of the most common causes of ear infections in dogs, so if possible place a cotton ball or two in their ears before the bath (and remember to remove them afterward).
Also take care to keep shampoo out of their eyes as this can cause irritation.
After you have shampooed and rinsed, a conditioner can be applied to the coat. Then it's time for the final rinse -- one of the most important parts of bath time. It's essential to rinse very well, as soap residues can irritate your pet's skin, making them itchy or causing them to lick frequently. Once you think you've rinsed enough, it's a good idea to use fresh water and rinse your pet again just to be sure. Keep the water warm but not hot.
Finally, towel dry your pet thoroughly, and make sure they are completely dry before you allow them to go outside (particularly during the winter). Dogs have a tendency to roll around on the ground right after a bath, and a wet dog can easily get dirty again if it rolls around outdoors.
You can use a hairdryer to help dry off your pet, but be sure it is on the low/warm/cool setting and don't hold it too close to your pet's skin. Using anything higher could burn your pet or dry out their skin. As an alternative, there are pet hairdryers available that only get as hot as is safe for your pet.
How to Bathe Your Pet Properly -- and What NOT to Do by www.SixWise.com
