After immunizations
After vaccination, your dog’s immune system is working hard and is very weakened. The body is concentrating on building up a defense against the pathogens introduced with the vaccine, and at this point, any additional strain – on the skin, thermoregulation, or stress – can disrupt this process. Bathing immediately after vaccination is almost like pouring cold water on someone who has just suffered something serious. Even if the water is warm. Body temperature changes, resistance to infection decreases, and even slight hypothermia or a wet environment can open the door to disease. Veterinarians advise refraining from bathing your dog for at least 7 days after vaccination, and better – 10. And you should be especially careful with puppies whose immunity is still forming – even a draft is enough for them to catch a cold after bathing.
In times of stress: when the skin and psyche are too vulnerable
A move, a new person in the house, a thunderstorm, being weaned, strangers, even a trip to the vet can all cause a dog to become emotionally stressed. Under stress, a dog’s skin changes its tone: vessels either constrict or dilate, and this affects its reaction to external stimuli. Washing dogs in this state is an additional stress factor. Even the most delicate groomer will not be able to create comfort if the dog is trembling with fear or withdrawn. In addition, stress changes the chemical composition of sebum, the natural fat on the skin, and therefore the reaction to shampoo can be unpredictable. The result is irritation, itching or even a rash. Care should not be about ticking boxes, but about respecting your pet’s condition. If your pet is stressed, it is better to postpone the bath for a day or two and first restore a sense of security.
For skin conditions: when “wash” does not mean “cure”
Often when owners notice dandruff, rashes or redness, they immediately think: “I need to wash it”. But that’s when water and cosmetics can only make things worse. With dermatitis, fungus, allergic reactions or bacterial lesions, the skin becomes maximally vulnerable. Shampoos, even therapeutic ones, only make sense after a veterinarian’s prescription – because the same product can help with one problem and cause complications with another. And even plain water can be too hard or have impurities that irritate the skin. In addition, water can cause severe discomfort or pain if itching or open wounds are present. In these cases, bathing is not the first step, but only part of a comprehensive treatment. And it should not start with a bath, but with diagnosis.
Conclusion
Sometimes it is better to scrub the paws with a cloth than to wash the whole body with risk. If in doubt, it’s best to ask your groomer or veterinarian for advice. Or better yet, entrust the care to us. We see more than just the coat, we read the condition of the skin, the mood of the animal and know when water is a boon and when it’s an unnecessary challenge. And that’s why every grooming we do doesn’t start with a shower, but with an attentive eye and care.
