Bath time can be a painful experience for pets with sensitive skin. Hot water, excessive scrubbing, and the wrong shampoo can aggravate and itch sensitive skin. So, how can you make your animal companion feel more at ease in their sensitive skin?

Bathing Guidelines for Pets with Allergic Skin Disease

Allergic skin disease is one of the most common skin problems in pets, and bathing is one of the most important treatments. That’s why it is critical to understand the bathing steps to perform them correctly for your pet. You can speak with a professional vet dermatologist to learn more.

The following are six steps for bathing your pet to help control the symptoms of skin allergies, such as itching, redness, and infections:

Immersion

Before applying shampoo, thoroughly wet the hair coat with cool to tepid water. When bathing, water temperature is critical because warm/hot water can irritate infected/inflamed skin, whereas cool water is much more soothing. Allow this to sit for at least 5 minutes. This also helps to rehydrate the skin’s top layer and loosen any crusts or scales.

Taking a Bath

If your pet is dirty, use a maintenance shampoo to remove the dirt first. Then, unless otherwise directed, use a medicated shampoo to lather lesional areas before bathing your entire pet. The shampoo must contact the skin/lesions for at least 10 minutes to achieve the full therapeutic effect.

Rinsing

It is critical to thoroughly rinse your pet’s coat because any residual medicated shampoo that remains in contact with their skin may be irritating. Rinse for at least 10 minutes, paying particular attention to skin fold areas where shampoo may become trapped (armpits, groin, under the tail, or between toes).

Conditioners

A vet dermatologist may recommend a conditioner designed specifically for animals because medicated shampoos and frequent bathing can dry the skin. These are typically used after rinsing out the shampoo. If your pet develops secondary bacterial or yeast infections, they may require a prescription anti-bacterial and yeast leave-on conditioner.

Drying

Towel drying is advised. The warm air from a blow dryer may irritate infected/inflamed skin by raising the skin temperature.

Clipping

On medium to long-haired pets, clipping the hair coat improves the effectiveness of topical medications and shampoos. This allows the drug to penetrate the skin rather than becoming entangled in the hair.

Furthermore, your primary care physician is the first person you contact if you are unwell. If your situation is particularly complicated or requires a second opinion, your doctor may recommend that you see a specialist.

Animals should be treated similarly. Your first port of call should be a primary care veterinarian. Veterinarians from Legacy Animal Medical Center now have access to a wide range of veterinary specialists, just as they do in human medicine. One type of specialist your pet may require is a cardiologist, a veterinarian with extensive training in conditions affecting your pet’s heart and circulatory system. Your pet’s health and well-being depend on clear communication between you and your primary veterinarian.

Pet’s Perspective

If your pet’s skin is tender, sore, or sensitive, it may be reluctant to bathe. Your pet may associate bathing with pain and discomfort if their skin allergies are severe. Use natural products and products designed to soothe allergy-irritated skin to alleviate discomfort. Also, give them lots of love, understanding, and treats while bathing.

Suppose your pet needs help from a pet cardiologist in Liberty Lake. In that case, you can search for a reputable pet cardiologist in the area through online directories or by asking for recommendations from your veterinarian. Choosing a qualified and experienced pet cardiologist is important to ensure the best possible care for your furry friend. 

Conclusion

Bathing a pet with skin allergies requires careful consideration to prevent aggravating symptoms. It is crucial to use natural products, especially those created to calm skin irritated by allergies. Speaking with a veterinarian is advised to ensure that pets with skin allergies receive the right care and treatment.