Greencross Vets How hydrobaths benefit your dog
To fully understand how a hydrobath works, it is necessary to mention the basics of how your dog’s coat and skin function.
Dirt and debris bind to the natural oil layer on the skin and coat. Shampoos remove dirt by dissolving this natural oil layer. This oil is essential to prevent dryness and itching, help with flea control, and prevent pollens and irritants from having direct access to the skin. Without this layer of oil, your dog’s skin may become irritated, and skin issues could develop. Unless your pet has a medical skin condition that requires prescribed medicated shampoos, it is best to minimise the use of shampoos and soaps.
Who gives hydrobaths?
Commonly operated on weekends by trained vet nurses or professional groomers, hydrobaths can see your furry friend washed, conditioned and fluff dried with their ears cleaned and their nails trimmed in the time it takes to grab a coffee from a nearby café.
How do I wash my dog without shampoos?
Plain water hydrobaths have been developed to remove dirt and debris through water pressure. The skin is ‘massaged’ by the water, while any accumulated scale or wax is removed. By using plain water, your pet’s skin is not exposed to any unnecessary chemicals, avoiding irritation and preserving the essential oil layer.
Flea control
Flea rinses are best applied after the hydrobath as a separate treatment. This prevents the rinse chemicals from becoming a ‘mist’, which could be toxic when inhaled. It also allows more accurate dilution and application of the rinse for better results.
Medical skin conditions
A separate treatment with a prescribed medicated shampoo should be used first. The hydrobath is then used to thoroughly cleanse the skin and coat of all dirt, debris, and excess shampoo.
Our experienced veterinary nurses can advise you on the best treatment for your pet’s skin and coat. Please feel free to discuss any aspects of your pet’s health with the clinic staff.
What the vets have to say
Having recently held two highly successful hydrobath awareness days at her Capalaba clinic in Brisbane, veterinarian Dr Lara Brits can vouch for their wonderful benefits.
“Hydrobaths not only help keep dogs clean, but they also control allergies and infections and help us spot parasites, lumps, and skin diseases”, Dr Brits said.
“I’ve seen a huge number of patients this year with problems related to our hot, moist summer, including ear infections, foot-chewing and hotspots. Hydrobaths can be helpful in controlling many of these problems.
Vet nurse Jacque Pollitt from Greencross’ Forest Lake Village clinic added that hydrobaths could make life simpler for dog owners in other ways. “Big dogs are much easier to wash in a hydrobath than at home”, she said.
“Hydrobaths also penetrate thick coats of big breed dogs and can help when pets are shedding their fur.”
Hydrobath facts
- Dirt and debris bind to the natural oil layer on your pet’s coat and skin. While a shampoo will remove this dirt, it can also cause dryness and itching.
- Greencross Vets’ hydrobaths utilise prescribed, pH-balanced shampoos or medicated cleansers if dogs have a specific medical skin condition.
- Water pressure, without shampoo, is used to physically blow away dirt on a dog’s coat, massage the skin, and remove any accumulated scale or wax.
- While powerful, this water pressure will still preserve the natural oil layer of your pet’s fur.
Talk to your local Greencross Vets team about where you can go for hydrobath services for your dog.
