How to Bathe a Dog After Flea Treatment

So, you discovered fleas on your dog, applied a topical treatment over your dog's body, and now your pup just gone out in the yard, found the one area of mud in over a quarter-acre of perfectly good yard, and rolled in it. Now what? If you bathe your dog, you risk diluting or washing off the flea treatment. What do you do? 

Well, here’s what not to do: do not bathe your dog and then reapply the medication. This could result in your dog getting too much anti-parasitic medication, which could make them very ill. 

But there are options to help you get out of this sticky situation. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Your dog doesn't know that just because you have given them flea treatment, they now can’t get dirty, and no amount of explaining it to your pup is going to change that. 

If your mutt is a mud monster, you may want to choose a product that allows for bathing soon afterward. Alternatively, you could keep your dog inside to keep them clean for the specified period of time required for the product to take effect. Remember, there is no point getting angry at your dog for getting dirty — they didn't read the leaflet that came with the flea treatment.

If your dirty or smelly pup is in need of a bath, book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you.

• Avoid bathing and then reapplying flea treatments, as this could result in an excessive dosage of flea medications, which can cause toxicity in your dog.
  
• Most flea treatments provide specific instructions on how soon you can bathe your dog afterward. If your dog is particularly mishap-prone, try to find a treatment that allows bathing shortly after treatment.
  
• Do not let your dog lick off topical flea treatments after application. Ingesting the medication can make your dog ill.
  
• If necessary, contain your dog in the house, a kennel, yard, or run to avoid your dog becoming soiled or dirty for a few days after treatment.
  
• Do not let your dog swim after treatment for the same length of time bathing should be avoided.
  

If you apply flea treatment, be aware what the manufacturer's instructions are on how soon you can bathe your dog and take precautions to avoid needing to bathe sooner. If the unthinkable happens and your dog gets dirty, spot cleaning may be an option. Also, some products allow for bathing shortly after application. 

Follow product instructions carefully and if you have no choice but to give your dirty doggy a bath, consult a veterinarian for advice on the appropriate reapplication of flea treatments and when it can be safely conducted.

And if you need a little help to get your dog looking (and smelling) their best, book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you today.