When it comes to how often you should bathe your pets, there is no one-size-fits-all answer – it all comes down to your pet and its lifestyle. For instance, dogs with skin issues or that regularly play outside in wet, muddy areas may need to bathe more often than the average pup. Whether bathing your pet is a once-a-week, once-a-month, or even a once-a-season activity, you’ll want to have the necessary bath products on hand for when the time comes.

Pet-safe shampoo

Our pet’s skin has a different pH than our own, which means that human bath products could leave them itchy and dry. Instead, you’ll want to find a low-scent or scent-free shampoo that is designed specifically for dogs or cats. There are countless options available that suit all skin types and price ranges, but two popular options are from Aesop and Burt’s Bees. On the more premium end, Aesop’s Animal Shampoo features ingredients such as lemon rind and tea-tree leaf, which gives the shampoo a mild and pleasant fragrance and helps calm the skin. For those looking for a high-quality option that’s easy on your wallet, Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is made with 99.7% natural ingredients, including beeswax, honey, and colloidal-oat flour.

Water-safe brushes

When bathing your pet, it can be helpful to have brushes to help remove excess hair. We know that some pets shy away from brushes, which is why we’re so excited about HandsOn’s unique brushing gloves. When you use them, your pet simply feels like you’re giving them a great petting session! The glove’s flexible rubber nodules will gently massage the soap into your pup’s coat and distribute the skin’s natural oils at the same time. They also gently remove excess hair and dirt while keeping your hands clean – a win-win!

A dedicated paw washer

With the Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer it’s never been easier to keep your pup’s paws clean. Simply add a little water to the tumbler, insert their paw, twist a few times, remove the paw and dab it dry. While twisting, the silicone bristles gently remove dirt and mud from your dog’s paw without any soap (or mess) required. When it’s time to clean it, you’ll be happy to know that both the tumbler and bristles are top-rack dishwasher safe. Another great thing about this tool is that it’s small enough to pop in your bag when you’re out, so you can clean your dog’s paws before they get in the car after a muddy hike or visit the dog park.

A skin-supporting diet

Regular baths can keep your pup’s coat looking fresh and clean, but if their skin isn’t healthy no amount of grooming will help. Pets with sensitive skin often struggle with patchy hair loss as well as dry, red, and flaky skin. Fortunately, there are recipes made especially for pets that struggle with sensitive skin, like our Freshpet® Select Sensitive Stomach & Skin. This all-natural recipe made with gently steam-cooked chicken, fiber-rich pumpkin, and brown rice is packed with natural prebiotics and highly digestible protein. Plus, the vitamin A and omega fatty acids in it help maintain healthy skin and shiny coats.

Out-of-house bathing
options

If you don’t have the facilities to wash your pet at home, there are a number of out-of-house options available. Pet Supplies Plus has self-service dog washes at many of its locations. You’ll find everything you need in our wash station, including shampoo, conditioner, towel, and a dryer – all you need is to bring a brush and leash to secure your pup during their visit. You can contact your local Pet Supplies Plus to see if a store near you has these types of bath stations. If they don’t, many companies offer mobile grooming services for both cats and dogs. One such company is Groomit, which offers in-home or mobile pet grooming in their professionally equipped vans so you can sit back and relax while your pet gets pampered.

Once you have all the necessary products, don’t forget to take a look at these seven tips for grooming at home!

Source: Freshpet