De-shedding baths: What are they good for?
Here at 4 Paws Pantry & Spa in Olathe, one of the services we offer is a de-shedding bath. What is a de-shedding bath? Simply put, it is a technique that helps remove excess loose fur from a dog’s undercoat. We recommend a de-shedding bath to help manage shedding, keep your dog comfortable, and maintain a clean home.
Who should get a de-shedding bath? Any dog with a double coat! Examples: Huskies, Shepherds, Labs, Collies, and Goldens just to name a few.
What are the benefits of having a de-shedding bath for your dog? It greatly reduces the amount of fur deposited around your home, helps your dog stay cool in the warm months, keeps your dog’s coat free of mats, and helps prevent skin irritation.
The process takes about 2 hours or longer if your dog is quite large, or if their undercoat is very dense. Here is a breakdown of the process:
PRE-BATH BRUSHING
- We brush the dogs before their bath; this step helps loosen and remove as much dead hair as possible.
- When brushing before the bath, it is important to use tools designed to reach deep into the coat and remove the loose undercoat without damaging the top coat.
- Specific tools to help with the de-shedding brushing: FURminator, de-shedding brush or rake or comb.
BATHING AND DE-SHEDDING SHAMPOO
- After the initial brushing, we place the dog in the tub and get them wet all over. We then use a de-shedding shampoo that helps loosen fur and promotes a healthy coat. The ingredients in the shampoo we use in-store are great for the skin and hair follicles.
- Once the dog is thoroughly wet, the shampoo is massaged into the dog’s coat diligently, to ensure it reaches the undercoat and skin. The de-shedding shampoo is typically left on the dog for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate.
- The TropiClean brand of shed-control shampoo and shed-control conditioner we use in our Olathe pet store has the following benefits:
- Mild Coconut Cleanser: helps clean the skin and coat, removing dirt and odor.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Helps soothe and moisturize dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Protects fur from damage and softens the coat.
- Cocoa Butter: Helps moisturize dry skin and soften the coat.
- Botanical Blend: Plant and Fruit extracts that moisturize and nourish the skin and coat.
- Omega 3s & 6s: Contains antioxidants and helps maintain healthy moisture.
- Detangler: Softens the coat for easier brushing.
- Vitamin E: Helps lock in moisture by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Lactic Acid): Helps draw in and maintain moisture to the skin.
- Provitamin B5: Strengthens the coat and helps protect skin from water loss.
RINSING AND DE-SHEDDING CONDITIONER
- Rinsing removes the shampoo along with the loose hair and dirt.
- Shed Control Conditioner helps detangle the coat, making it easier to remove any remaining loose fur and is applied after the shampoo has been completely rinsed out.
- The conditioner is left on the dog for up to 10 minutes. This helps loosen more undercoat.
BLOW-DRYING
- Blow drying with a high-velocity dryer is used to remove even more loose hair from the coat.
- It also helps dry the dog quickly and thoroughly, preventing any skin issues that could arise from damp fur.
- During this process, it’s common to see a lot of fur being blown away from the body and coat.
- While our staff focuses on drying their client diligently, they also use various brushing tools to help remove excess shedding fur.
POST-BATH BRUSHING
- After brushing, bathing, conditioning, and drying (with more brushing), comes even more brushing!
- This is done to remove any remaining loose fur and helps ensure the dog’s coat is as free of dead/loose fur as possible.
- The same de-shedding tools used before the bath are typically used again in this stage.
4 Paws Pantry & Spa in Olathe recommends the frequency of de-shedding baths based on the breed of the dog, coat type, and individual dog. Some dogs may benefit from de-shedding baths every six weeks, while others may only need a de-shedding bath seasonally. Certain breeds also shed more heavily and/or have thicker undercoats, so the grooming process will be tailored accordingly by our professional 4 Paws staff.
While it is possible to have a de-shedding bath at home on your own, our staff is trained with specialized tools and expertise to make the process more effective!
If you’d like to ask more questions or schedule an appointment with our talented staff here in our Olathe pet store, please reach out via phone, email, or stop by to say hello!