More or Less: The Guide to Bathing Your Pet In Summer
Do you have a dirty dog or a dusty cat? We feel your pain. Summer is prime time for animals to experience the great outdoors, and for some, that simply means rolling around in it. Dirt or dust baths, river time, and frolicking through the grass all make pets happy campers, but can contribute to a mighty seasonal stench. Wondering how often you can or should be bathing your pet in summer? We’ve got you covered.
Summer “Do”
Many dogs get haircuts in the summer to keep them cooler and cleaner. This makes sense, but it’s not the right move for every dog breed out there. Talk with your pet’s regular groomer to learn what summer “do” works best for your individual dog’s breed and lifestyle. For example, a shave may not be the best option for pups with thick double coats.
Dogs do shed abundantly when it starts to heat up. Keep their bodies cool and their coats free by deshedding them to remove the dead undercoat that traps heat.
Bathing Your Pet In Summer
Most dog owners will bathe their dog when they are noticeably smelly, especially if they share the couch or bed. However, bathing your pet in summer too much can result in dry, itchy, flaky skin. Shoot for 1-2 times a month to get the coat glistening, but any more than that and your pet could be suffering.
External Parasites
Fleas and ticks are nothing to mess with. Certainly, fleas are a headache when they infiltrate your house and pet, but they can also cause serious problems for your animal’s health. Similarly, ticks spread harmful diseases. Protect your pet with a year-round parasite prevention. These can be given orally or topically, and serve to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Other Tricks
When bathing your pet in summer, try to schedule it at least 48 hours after you’ve applied a topical parasite preventative. For maximum protection, your pet’s skin has to fully absorb the product, and bathing them afterwards rinses it right off.
If your pet gets into something shortly after you’ve administered their dose, simply wipe a damp rag over their paws or coat, taking care to avoid the back of the neck/shoulder blades.
Safety First
Bathing your pet in summer can be done either inside the home or out in the yard. To keep your pet safe and sound, we offer the following ideas:
- Take extra care to keep water and soap from getting in your pet’s eyes and ears.
- Reduce the chance of your pet slipping when all wet and soapy. This can be as simple as a towel on the bottom of the tub.
- Work as quickly as possible.
- Rinse all shampoo thoroughly.
- Allow your pet to shake off excess water, but be sure to dry their coat completely.
Call for Help
If the veterinarians and staff at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates can help you with any questions or concerns, please let us know. Good luck!