SOS hygiene for dogs and cats: why and how to cleanse with a dry shampoo
Foreign material, muck and dirt can accumulate on your pet’s skin and coat. In sensitive animals, this can lead to irritation and encourage the spread of bacteria. Regular cleansing is therefore essential for your animal’s well-being and will ensure you to keep getting maximum enjoyment from cuddling and stroking your pet.
However, bathing your dog or cat using conventional shampoo is not always easy, whether this is due to lack of time, lack of adequate space, because your pet is either boisterous, elderly, still recovering from an illness or just not keen on water. In these cases, it is preferable to use a dry shampoo instead of a conventional one.
What is a dry shampoo?
Dry shampoos are cleansing products that do not require any rinsing with water. They absorb excess sebum, remove dirt and have a deodorizing effect. Different types of dry shampoo are available:.
- The foams are used by gently massaging in against the direction of hair growth to remove any adhered muck and dirt. Finish by drying with a towel.
- Spray and aerosol products, which are very popular in the human cosmetics world, are not always easy to use in pets. Sprays, particularly aerosols, tend to frighten the animal, especially the cats.
- Powder cleansers are used by distributing the product directly onto the animal’s coat. However, they have the disadvantage of whitening the fur. Thorough brushing is therefore required to eliminate the excess powder and dirt.
Benefits and drawbacks
Using a dry shampoo will allow you to space out applications of traditional shampoos which can be a cumbersome process.
Very practical and rapid to use, they make cleansing time a relaxing and enjoyable experience for your pet.
However, you should always bear in mind that they should only be used for a quick cleansing and not as a complete substitute for traditional cleansing with a conventional shampoo. Additionally, dry shampoos are better suited to small dogs than large dogs.
When to use
There are various situations in which dry shampoos can be used:
- when away from home and on the move, such as on holiday or in the car
- when small accidents occur (urine, vomit, etc.)
- after a walk when your pet is a little dirty
- with animals that are not keen on water
- with elderly pets
Dry shampoo is particularly useful in situations where it is not possible to get your pet wet, such as after surgery for example.
How to choose your dry shampoo: a solution for each problem
As with conventional shampoos, it is important to choose the right dry shampoo for your pet’s skin and hair type.
Feel free to seek advice from your veterinarian, he will guide you to choose suitable product for your pet.
