Ask A Los Angeles Expert: 5 Tips For Giving Your Pet A Quality Bath

Euphuria Pet Salon has been a favorite pampering facility of pet owners for many years. They offer a wealth of services from standard bathing and grooming like teeth brushing, and ear cleaning to de-skunking, hot oil treatments, aromatherapy and special cuts and dyes. From art student and part-time groomer to pet salon owner, Lisa Bodhaine opened Euphuria Pet Salon more than 18 years ago and has been keeping her clients looking and smelling great ever since. As a groomer for more than 30 years, Lisa has some great tips for the hands-on pet parent when it comes to bathing.

Getting Your Dog In The Tub And Keeping Them There

"As a show and pet groomer I've dealt with all types of temperaments. Maintaining control is key," says Bodhaine. Lisa recommends leading your dog to water with a leash, putting you in control from the beginning. Keeping the leash on them during the bath will help stop them from escaping. If you have an expensive or leather everyday leash you don't want to damage, you can use a cheap one just for bathing.

To start the bath, it is best to turn the water on without it spraying around. Use water a bit cooler than you think you would shower in, not cold but cooler than you would like. Keep the nozzle low and slowly raise it up to wet the dog. "I usually start with the head and tilt the dog's head back a bit, then wet the head from behind, holding the water close to the head so it doesn't spray on the dog. If you don't have a detachable nozzle on your shower, get a detachable one for the tub faucet. It will make your life a lot easier than the old bucket method," advises Bodhaine.

She suggests putting cotton balls in the ears to keep the water out, as well. "If any water does get in the ears by accident, let the dog shake its head immediately so it doesn't go down into the ear canal," she adds. When shampooing, use a moderate amount first and spread it around the dog's body before adding more. As far as rinsing, it's always smart to start at the top of the dog. "Start at the head then the back then the legs. Don't rinse the legs then go back to the top, it is a waste of water, time and the dog's patience. And make sure you rinse thoroughly," says Bodhaine. She also recommends using a conditioner. "Even the best shampoo will strip the skin and coat of essential oils just like us humans."

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There are all kinds of shampoos and conditioners on the market, and many of them are great. "The best shampoos to use are the hypoallergenic or puppy shampoos. Tearless is even better. If you use a conditioner then the shampoo isn't as important," says Bodhaine. People tend to skip the conditioner because it needs to sit on the fur for several minutes. If your dog doesn't have the patience, it can become a nightmare. But if you stay calm and in control, your dog will stay calm.

Bathing your dog regularly keeps their skin from clogging up and being itchy. It also helps keep dogs from having allergic reactions to environmental and seasonal allergens they may pick up.

Bodhaine says it's safe to wash your dog as much as once a week as long as a conditioner is used to replenish the coat and skin. "Air drying is fine if your dog is warm and doesn't require it for styling the hair," she said. Another important tip is to brush your dog before the bath. The tangles just get tighter and more difficult with water. It's kind of like wool becoming worsted wool.

Cats are usually pretty good about maintaining their personal hygiene, but now and then they need a little help. "As far as cats go, they will either let you, or they won't. There isn't much negotiation with adult cats that have never been bathed before." One thing that could help is to use warm water, as warm as a hot shower you would take yourself. As with dogs, get the cat into a harness and leash to have control if they go wild - that way you can avoid injuries. And use cotton balls for the ears, too. Another helpful tip: trim their nails beforehand.

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