Whimpers, scratches… What a chore! Washing your dog and cat at home can be a truly arduous task, but sometimes it’s indispensable. Between outdoor walks and meals, it’s easy for fur to get dirty, bringing dirt into the house. Moreover, bath time can be an opportunity to check for the presence of parasites.
But how do you wash your dog and cat? And how often should you do it?
At Martini, we’ve decided to answer all your questions with a complete step-by-step guide on how to wash your furry friends.
Let’s get started!
Preparation: what can I use to wash my dog and cat?
Shampoo
The first thing to do is to equip yourself with the right soap. Shampoo for humans is absolutely forbidden: animals have a different pH balance. Using human shampoo increases the chances of itching and dermatitis. So, if you care about your pet’s well-being, purchase suitable shampoo, also based on the length of the fur to simplify grooming.
Bath Sponges
With lots of fur, it’s important to have the right accessories on hand to wash your dog and cat. Martini’s My Pet Spa line was created to instantly capture hair and dirt. Being animal lovers ourselves, we’ve thought of all scenarios. You can use our soft sponge to massage sensitive areas, eye and ear pads, and a brush for a good pre-bath combing to remove excess hair. Thanks to Martini’s bath brush, your furry friend’s fur will become shiny and soft. Finally, you can dry your little pet with bamboo and sponge cloths for a natural drying process and total respect for the environment.
How to wash your dog and cat
Now onto the tough part: how to wash dogs and cats?
If you have a cat, you know they don’t like water, in fact, they can quickly retract their claws, and often even dogs aren’t enthusiastic. Here are some tips on how to wash dogs and cats, but remember to respect your pet’s pace first and foremost!
Preparation
Choose a suitable place to wash your dog and cat. It could be the bathtub, shower, or in the case of small dogs and cats, the sink. Then place a non-slip mat in the shower or bathtub. At this point, prepare your furry friend by brushing their fur to eliminate knots and dead hair before the bath.
Preliminary Check
Before wetting them, check your dog or cat’s ears for cuts and parasites. Also, clean their eyes with suitable sponges previously moistened with warm water.
Bath Time!
Gradually wet the animal starting from the head with a gentle stream of water. The water should be lukewarm, around 25 degrees Celsius.
Shampoo
As mentioned before, use a specific shampoo for dogs, avoiding contact with the eyes and ears. Massage the fur with a sponge, working from the neck to the tail, then rinse well.
Drying
At this point, your puppy will probably want to shake off the excess water! To prevent your bathroom from getting wet, use a towel to remove excess water right in the shower. If they resist the hairdryer, you can use it at low temperatures, keeping it at least 15 cm away from the fur. Dry them well, especially during the winter months, to prevent them from getting sick.
Remember the treats!
Animals, in general, don’t like being bathed. Some may be very frightened by the process. Use some treats to reassure your dog or cat and make them associate bath time with a positive experience.
Fun fact: how often to wash your dog and cat?
Washing a cat should only be done when strictly necessary. Cats can become particularly aggressive during bathing, so it’s better to seek professional help.
Generally, cats do not require regular baths unless recommended by a veterinarian, as they can clean themselves. If they have long fur or are elderly, they might need a hand every couple of months. In general, especially with cats, it’s important to brush them often to reduce the amount of hair shed and the formation of hairballs.
As for dogs, they usually need baths every 3-6 months, while if they have long fur, it’s better to bathe them every 4-8 weeks to avoid knots and mats of fur. In general, it’s important not to overdo baths, as excessive washing can remove the natural oils that protect the skin and fur of the animal.
For your dog or cat’s cleaning needs, trust Martini’s My Pet Spa line
My Pet Spa is MartiniSPA’s collection of eco-friendly products for the hygiene and cleanliness of dogs and cats. The sponges, specially designed for your furry friends, will allow for deep and gentle cleaning of the fur. Take a look!