Pets with delicate skin may experience severe discomfort during the bathing process. Sensitive skin can get irritated and itchy from showering in hot water, scrubbing too hard, or using the wrong shampoo. The question then becomes how to help your furry friend feel more comfortable in their delicate skin.
Pets with Allergic Skin Disease: Bathing Recommendations
One of the most typical skin problems in pets is an allergic skin disease; one of the most important treatments is a bath. That is why reading up on proper pet-washing procedures is so important. But it is always best to go to a reputable Liberty Lake dog grooming service to ensure that your pet is well taken care of and receives the best possible treatment.
Here are six things you can do when bathing your pet to reduce itching, redness, and infections caused by skin allergies:
Immersion
It is recommended using cool to lukewarm water to thoroughly drench the hair coat before shampooing. It is important to use cool water when bathing, as warm or hot water can irritate infected or inflamed skin. Please wait at least 5 minutes before proceeding. The crusts and scales on your skin will loosen, and the top layer of your skin will be rehydrated.
Taking a Bath
You should use a maintenance shampoo to clean your pet if it is dirty. Then, after a full bath, lather the lesional areas with a medicated shampoo unless otherwise instructed. For the shampoo to be therapeutic, it must contact the skin/lesions for at least 10 minutes.
Rinsing
Any remaining medicated shampoo on your pet’s skin after a bath should be rinsed carefully because it can irritate. Remember to rinse thoroughly for at least 10 minutes, focusing on skin folds where shampoo can get trapped (armpits, groin, under the tail, or between toes).
Conditioners
Because medicated shampoos and frequent washing can dry the skin, a vet dermatologist may advise using a conditioner made specifically for animals. These are commonly employed following the elimination of shampoo. If your pet develops secondary bacterial or yeast infections, you may need an anti-bacterial and antifungal leave-on conditioner on your prescription by visiting a veterinary dermatology clinic.
Drying
It is recommended that you dry off with a towel. Blow dryers’ warm air can irritate skin that is already inflamed or infected because it causes further heat production.
Clipping
It is easier for topical medications and shampoos to penetrate coats of medium- to long-length hair when clipped. So, the medicine can enter the skin without getting caught in the hair.
In addition, if you feel sick, your first call should be to your primary care doctor. Your primary care physician may suggest a referral to a specialist or a second opinion if they feel your condition warrants it.
The same standards should be applied to animal care. Contacting a primary care veterinarian first is recommended. Similar to the field of human medicine, veterinarians can now pick from a wide variety of specialists in the field of animal health. A Legacy Animal Medical Center cardiologist is a veterinarian who has completed specialized training in treating cardiac and vascular diseases in animals. Open lines of communication with your primary veterinarian are critical to the well-being and health of your pet.
Pet’s Point of View
Your pet may avoid getting wet if its skin is inflamed, raw, or uncomfortable. If your pet has severe skin allergies, they may associate bath time with pain and discomfort. To alleviate the discomfort of skin irritated by allergies, use natural products or products specifically formulated. While you are at it, shower them with affection, understanding, and tasty treats.
Conclusion
Taking precautions when bathing an allergic pet is essential to avoid exacerbating its symptoms. Natural products, especially those formulated to soothe allergy-sensitive skin, are crucial. It is good to consult a vet to ensure your pet receives the proper skin allergy care.
