Bathing My Dogs and Cats
It's bath time for the dogs and cats.
My pets are brushed and checked for ticks every day, but they are all very active and need regular bathing as well - every couple weeks for the dogs, and about once a month for my cats. Yesterday was bath time for my pair of calico Persians and my French Bulldogs. I love to do this task myself when I am home, but since I was traveling, Carlos and Enma were happy to do the job. The most important tips to remember - go slowly, use lukewarm water and only mild pet shampoos, and if using a blow dryer, always position it to the lowest heat setting to prevent skin burns and irritations.
Despite some of their expressions, all the pets did very well. Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- Bath time takes place in the big laundry room in my Winter House basement. I have two large, deep enameled sinks there, which are good for soaping and rinsing.
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- My beautiful Empress Tang is first. In general, cats are skittish about water. The key is to make it a gentle and positive experience. Carlos and Enma talk to the cats throughout the entire process. It’s also good to schedule baths when the cat is most relaxed.
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- Cats have built-in grooming tools and do a lot of self-grooming. Longhaired cats require a bit more grooming care than shorthaired cats. My cats are longhaired, and very active, so bathing is a necessity.
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- Always use a good quality shampoo specifically made for pets. The shampoo should be diluted in a container of warm water. Enma gently combs Tang’s head and is careful not to get the face wet. Cats do not like getting water in their nasal passages.
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- After cleaning one area at a time, including tail and legs, fresh lukewarm water is poured over Tang’s body to remove all the shampoo. Removing all traces of shampoo is crucial to prevent skin irritation.
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- Tang doesn’t seem to mind the soothing lukewarm water.
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- After her bath, Tang is wrapped in a large terry towel for drying. Be sure to dry in an area free from drafts. Tang is very affectionate, and loves being rubbed and petted.
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- Not all cats will tolerate a blow-dryer, but my dear Empress Tang is very accustomed to them. Always use the lowest heat setting to dry the coat. Here, Enma uses a damp washcloth to carefully wipe Tang’s face.
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- Enma then brushes Tang’s coat as Carlos blows it dry – it is always helpful to have two sets of hands.
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- Enma also brushes Tang’s head very gently, avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth.
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- Here is her tail getting a good combing. Removing matted fur is important because collected mats can cause irritation and hair balls.
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- Enma goes over the coat one more time to be sure Tang’s coat is tangle-free.
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- Don’t you feel clean and fresh, Tang?
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- Once she’s released, Tang scurries upstairs for a nap in her cozy bed.
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- This is my precious Princess Peony, who is quite used to having a bath, as she’s been receiving them her entire life. However, on this day, she doesn’t look entirely pleased with the idea.
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- Peony is bathed in the same way, with lukewarm water and special pet shampoo. After her bath, Peony is quickly wrapped in a large terry towel to absorb more water.
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- It appears Peony prefers being towel-dried over being washed.
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- Peony actually got a little sleepy while on the table.
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- My cats are brushed every day to keep their coats as tangle-free as possible. Baths are done when needed.
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- Princess Peony is a bit more shy than Tang. Almost done, Peony – just a little more brushing.
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- Creme Brûlée is next. My dogs are also very accustomed to being bathed. The Frenchies are nearly 14-months old and have had many baths. Always keep a close eye on young dogs when bathing – some are very quick to move.
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- Bete Noire sits nearby and watches. These rolling laundry carts are excellent dog carriers!
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- Creme Brûlée is a very sweet and loving puppy. She is bathed in the same way as the cats, using lukewarm water and shampoo specifically formulated for pets. Here she is in her large terry towel.
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- After being towel-dried, Enma blow-dries her coat using the same low heat setting.
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- While Enma dried and brushed Creme Brûlée, Carlos bathed Bete Noire. Here she is getting toweled dry. Despite the sad expression, the French Bulldog is comical, entertaining, and dependably amiable. The puppies make everyone laugh here at the farm.
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- Very little grooming is needed for a Frenchie, but it is a good way to examine their coats for any abnormalities. My dogs are brushed daily. Their paws are also cleaned after walks – I like to rinse them in a shallow bin filled with lukewarm water.
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- Bette Noire and Creme Brûlée wait for an after bath treat from Carlos.
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- They are now squeaky clean, and ready to head upstairs for more playtime.
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- And more GK time – these pups adore my handsome boy.
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