1. Thoroughly wet your dog all over

The more water you get into the coat the easier it is to shampoo. You may find it necessary to add small amounts of shampoo as you go, as this breaks down the surface tension due to grease on the skin and allows the shampoo to penetrate down to the skin where it is needed.

2. Use a sponge to apply shampoo particularly around the face

Pouring shampoo down the back of your pet will mean you will use more than you require particularly when using Dermcare products. These products are made concentrated so you only need a small amount of shampoo. Work on a figure of 1-2 teaspoons of shampoo per 5-kg dog. The larger amount is for hairier dogs. Rub the shampoo all over including around the muzzle, lips and under the tail. These are the areas bacteria and fungus spread from, and are common causes of infection. You will find this relatively easy if you are using a sponge.

3. When lathering up always add more water before you add more shampoo

A shampoo won’t lather well in absence of water. Dermcare products have minimal water added to them. This results in a more economical product and reduces waste. You can always add water, why pay extra for it?

4. Allow time for it to work

This is important if using a medicated shampoo. In general, 10 minutes is required. Some other shampoos, which are known to irritate the skin, will specify shorter contact times with increased frequency of use to reduce the irritating effect. All Dermcare shampoos are low irritant. We recommend 10 minutes contact time. Your dog can do what ever it likes while waiting. Play ball or throw a stick to take its mind off being wet. If the dog does go and roll, remember there is still shampoo in the coat so adding water at the time of rinsing will reactivate the shampoo.

5. Rinse thoroughly

It takes time to get rid of all the shampoo from the coat, about 5 minutes in longer haired dogs. A shower rose or hydrobath is excellent. Your pet should be “SQUEAKY” clean. If the hair doesn’t squeak, there is still shampoo residue, which needs to be removed.

6. Dry gently

Using heat or vigorous towel drying will irritate skin that is already itchy. A commercial grooming drier just blows the water out of the coat. It doesn’t use heat.

7. Apply conditioner

Apply a small amount of leave on conditioner to animals coat and rub through evenly. Only a small amount is required as a little goes a long way. This rehydrates and also adds a protective barrier to the skin and hair.