Washing instruction

How do I wash the right way?

A skin shampoo has both cleansing and therapeutic properties. The skin shampoo should be used twice for optimal results. The first time for cleansing effect at the start of a treatment or if the pet is very dirty. The second time immediately after with a 10-minute soaking time to restore the skin barrier, bring moisture into the skin, cure skin infections and/or suppress itching. For a regular wash, without your pet having skin problems, one wash is sufficient unless the dog is very dirty.

Tips for an enjoyable laundry experience:

  • Begin at an early age with positive acclimation to washing.
  • Make sure you yourself are relaxed.
  • Brush the coat before each wash.
  • Has your dog never been washed before? First get your dog used to the washing area without actually washing with water and reward him with affection, by playing or giving him some treats.
  • First get your dog used to the water by using a washcloth or sponge. Only then get it used to the sound of the shower head. If the dog finds the water jet scary, use a sponge and rinse by pouring water over the animal (with a bucket or with the shampoo mixing bottle from Maxani).
  • If your dog does show fear or shows a startle reaction, do not give him affection or comfort! This actually gives the dog confirmation that washing is indeed a scary event. Try not to react and remain calm yourself. Rather, distract the dog by playing or giving him something nice.  
  • Give your dog a tasty snack with the LickimatTM Splash, for example, or via a Kong containing frozen sausage.
  • Make sure the animal cannot slip and use a rubber mat or towel if necessary.

Washing is possible in different places and forms

In warm weather, it is easy to wash your dog outside. In colder weather it is best to wash in the bathtub or shower. If it is not possible to wash at home, there are special pet stores with a dog wash where you can wash your dog yourself. If you do not manage to wash your dog at all, for example because the dog is extremely scared, you can have your dog washed by a professional dog groomer.

How often to wash?

Dogs with healthy skin only need to be washed if they are dirty and/or smelly. It is also advisable to introduce puppies to washing at an early age. Dogs with a skin problem should be washed more frequently and regularly with the appropriate shampoo. How often depends on the condition, the severity of the complaint and the purpose of treatment. For severe skin problems, skin shampoos can be used every day. Ralph Mueller (dermatologist) emphasizes that it is common knowledge that the effect of a skin shampoo lasts a maximum of 2 to 3 days. Always follow the advice of your own veterinarian. For animals with skin problems, the special skin shampoo is generally recommended at least three times a week for 2 to 3 weeks at the start of treatment. Then, in consultation with your veterinarian, discuss how and when to taper off the shampoo therapy to a maintenance frequency of usually once a week.  

Wash

For many animal owners and veterinary specialists, washing animals is a challenge. For the benefit of the animal and shampoo therapy, Maxani is happy to provide more information on how best to wash animals and how shampoo therapy works. In the video below, we demonstrate how a wash is done. Do you have any questions about washing or Maxani skin shampoos?

Watch the washing instruction video Please contact us

Washing instruction

(unless otherwise indicated by your veterinarian)

If you are washing your pet for the first time at the start of treatment, or if your pet is very dirty, it is important to apply the shampoo twice. The first time, you can rinse the shampoo out immediately and the second time, let the shampoo soak for 10 minutes.

 

  1. Wet your pet's fur and skin thoroughly with lukewarm water.

  2. Dilute the skin shampoo with lukewarm water in a ratio of 1:5 in the shampoo mixing bottle from Maxani. Pour the skin shampoo from the neck to the base of the tail onto the coat. Massage the shampoo into the skin. For best results, apply the skin shampoo undiluted to the affected areas as well. Wash the tail and skin folds well and also between the toes. You can use a soft, clean sponge as an aid for these hard-to-reach and vulnerable areas.

  3. Proceed directly to step 4 if the dog has been washed more frequently in the past week, or rinse
    shampoo out with lukewarm water until the water runs clear and repeat step 2. 
  4. Allow the shampoo to soak in for 10 minutes. This is very important for the active ingredients to take effect. The 10 minutes start after massaging in. If necessary, use a timer to set the time.

  5. Rinse the shampoo again until the water runs clear.

  6. Let your pet shake out and pat your pet dry. Then dry the animal gently with a soft towel. The use of a (hot) hair dryer is not recommended because it dries out the skin. With a thick coat or one that dries with difficulty, the use of a special dog hair dryer is recommended to prevent choking.

Tips:

  • Always keep the spray head close to the skin.
  • If necessary, wash your pet's head with a sponge or washcloth.
  • Avoid contact of the shampoo with your pet's eyes and nose. If this does happen, rinse the eyes and nose immediately with plenty of clean water.
  • If you wash your pet in a bathtub or in the sink, it is important that the stopper is not in it. When water gets into the tub, it dilutes the shampoo and reduces its effectiveness.
  • Make sure you yourself are relaxed and give your animal a reward through something tasty, a little play or some extra attention.
Watch the washing instruction video