Bath time

One of the most common questions I get about pet care is in regard to type of shampoo and frequency of bathing of pets.  For our purposes, we will primarily consider this topic to be dog specific, however a few words about cats will be included.  There are a multitude of different shampoos on the veterinary market today, many available over the counter.  The first thing to consider about shampooing is the purpose of the shampoo.  The type of shampoo should be tailored to the reason, for instance a flea and tick shampoo would not be an appropriate item to use for a dog with a severe bacterial skin infection.  By the same token, a well pampered pet does not need a harsh chemical shampoo, either.  Regarding flea and tick shampoo, I strongly discourage the purchase and use of these products, as their efficacy is minimal, they can be quite irritating, and can cause adverse reactions in cats.  Many clients are familiar with oatmeal based grooming shampoos that are available over the counter.  These shampoos tend to be fairly benign in regards to their side effects, and may provide some soothing capacity for mildly irritated skin (although these effects are often quite short lived).   For clients seeking a shampoo with a broader range of efficacy for multiple conditions, our practice carries and recommends a shampoo called Hylyt.  This shampoo is soap free and is infused with essential fatty acids, and has a very pleasant scent.  This shampoo is perfect for the vast majority of patients with mild to moderate skin inflammation.  The added benefit of it being soap free means that it will not wash off any of the topical flea/tick medication.  Frequency of bathing is a bit more difficult to address.  Most pets will not need any more than 1-2 times monthly baths.  However, it should be remembered that if your pet is dealing with a particular skin problem, frequency of bathing may vary.  With the advent of newer technologies, the veterinary shampoo market has expanded tremendously, and for pets with more persistent or problematic skin conditions, there are a variety of shampoos that are targeted at specific issues.  If you are having problems with your pet's skin condition, please call our office for an appointment to see what shampoo would be best suited for you.