The following article elaborates on what medicated shampoo is, how it’s helpful, our vets number one suggested medicated shampoo and some general tips on how to bath your pet.

What is Medicated Shampoo & When Should I Use it?

During periods where your dog is healthy, shampooing your dog is recommended only every few weeks, depending on how dirty your dog gets. However, if your dog is showing signs of parasites or skin problems, two or three shampoos in that week are recommended.

What Medicated Shampoo Should I Use?

RSPCA Medicated Shampoo is formulated to remove, scale, degrease the skin and kill micro-organisims which is a major cause of dermatitis and ringworm. It is a topical keratolytic, antibacterial, antipruritic and antifungal shampoo for the control of bacterial, fungal and yeast infections of the skin for dogs and cats.

How Often Should I Bath My Pet?

In the case dermatitis or ringworm, RSPCA Medicated Shampoo should be used twice weekly when the infection is active. You may be able to reduce the frequency of bathing to once per week or fortnight once the infection is under control. In most circumstances long term therapy is needed as ‘curing’ the cause of the imbalance is not always possible. If the issue persists, we suggest visiting your local veterinarian. 

Practical Tips for Shampooing Your Pet

• Thoroughly wet your dog all over. The more water you get into the coat the easier it is to shampoo.
• Apply medicated shampoo across your pet and massage into coast. 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. Sponges can assist in lathering and penetration of shampoo into the coat.
• Ensure the shampoo is applied around the lips, under the tail and between the toes as bacteria and fungus's spread from these areas and are common causes of infection.
• It is important when using a medicated shampoo to allow time for it to work. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes than rinse off thoroughly with clean water.
• Dry gently. Using heat or vigorous towel drying will irritate skin that is already itchy.

Your dog's ears are important. They allow them to know when it's time for dinner, respond to your voice and help understand what is happening around them. Ear cleaning can seem like a messy chore, but the importance of this grooming task cannot be overstated. Due to their long “L” shaped ear canals it’s difficult for debris that gets in to work its way back out, resulting in a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Therefore, by regularly cleaning your pups ears it will keep them healthy and problem free.

Common Causes of Ear Infections

3. Although all dog breeds are susceptible to ear infections, those with floppier ears are more likely than their shorter-eared counterparts to suffer problems. Moisture is a necessary ingredient for many infections, and the floppy ears on some breeds prevent proper air circulation. No circulation means no evaporation, meaning the moisture trapped in their ear provides the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria growth.

Signs

•          Shaking of the head
•           Persistently scratching at ears
•           Abnormal amount of wax build up
•           Redness inside of the ear
•           Bloody, brown, or yellow discharge
•           Hair loss around the ear
•           Swelling, crusting or scabbing around or on the ear
•          Loss of balance, or excess shaking or tilting of the head
•          Unusual eye movement
•           Walking around in circles

Which Ear Cleaner to Use?

As there are various types of ear cleaners on the market it can be hard to know which one if best for your pup. The most important thing to remember is to only use good quality do ear cleaners and to never use olive oil, vinegar, shampoo or any other substance in your dog’s ears; they’ll thank you later! We recommend using the new RSPCA Ear cleaner as a once off or regularly on dogs with wax build up. This product is designed to remove crust, dirt and scales around the ear canal. It effectively dissolves oils, waxes and debris in the ear canal leaving your pet with a clean, comfortable and fresh ear.

How to Clean

Simply apply a few drops to the ear canal and gently rub the base of the ear, then wipe the interior of the flap with a swab moistened with the ear cleaner. Ensure you are gentle and do not put the swab into the actual ear canal. This can be done once off or regularly, depending on your dog.

If your pet suffers persistent ear problems we suggest talking to your local vet. Shop the RSPCA Ear Cleaner now!

If you’d like more vet approved pet health advice, sign up to our monthly newsletter here, or visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au/Pet-Health.

Being a Pet Hero just became a whole lot easier with the launch of the latest RSPCA products. The launch contains 4 new products, Ear Canker Drops, Ear Cleaner, Joint Health Tablets and Medicated Shampoo. Revenue from all purchases support the ongoing work of RSPCA; which not only benefits your fur-friends but also the tens of thousands of animals the RSPCA helps every year.

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