Bathing your pet

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Lesson 4 Bathing your pet
Knowing how to bathe your pet is important to every pet owner. I will give you a supply list and guidelines to follow to make the bathing process as pleasant and easy as possible for both dog and cat owners. I've also included some notes to consider when obtaining pet products at the end.
Your supply list is as follows: tub/sink/basin, nail clippers, brush, soft/wet brush, shampoo(conditioner when applicable), paper towels, cotton balls, towels of appropriate size, gloves, and the optional blowdryer.
Your first step though is to change into some clothes you don't mind ruining. You will get wet and soapy so even a swimsuit would work, but if it's a cat opt for something more protective.
Next,set up all your supplies before you even bring your pet into the room. If possible use the smallest area you can, chasing wet dogs around is only fun at the beach.
Once your supplies are in place bring in your pet. You should start by clipping your pets' claws, it's as good a time as any and it might save you some skin if your pet is less than thrilled about the bath. Give your pet a thorough brushing next. This will loosen the dirt and hair and help soothe your animal.
Place your pet in the tub before you turn on the water. Remember to talk to your pet to keep them calm.
If you are using a flea shampoo you have an extra step right here. Apply a thick layer of flea shampoo in a ring around your pets' neck before you start the bath. Once the bath starts the fleas will try to escape up to the head and will have to run through the layer of shampoo.
Fill the tub with warm water, ensure it isn't too hot or too deep. A detachable shower head is super useful or you can use a large cup to pour water on your pet.
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...“Approved by FDA”. Be careful with shampoos containing essential oils or using essential oils at all. Your dog or cat's physiology is different than your's from what something smells like to what is toxic to them. Tea tree oil is quite popular but too much, at once or over time, can have your pet in the veternarian's office displaying signs of toxicity. Pennyroyal oil is commonly used for flea control in pets but can also cause poisoning.
Cats particularly can't process as many of the components in essential oils such as terpenes, phenols, and ketones. Build up of these chemicals can lead to organ failure. Essential oils are not regulated by any american agency and don't be fooled by the terms “theraputic grade”, there is no such thing. With no agency to regulate means no grading system either.
Always get your vetenarian's advice and follow instructions precisely.

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