Title: (Optional) Bathe an animal.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Performing Skin, Coat, and Nail Maintenance

Bathing should include

- using required PPE
- applying safety precautions, including preventing slipping and protecting eyes and ears from contamination
- identifying necessary supplies and equipment, including selecting a shampoo appropriate to the skin type of the animal
- preparing the bath area to ensure safety and low-stress handling
- shampooing and rinsing the animal
- removing hair from the drain
- cleaning and disinfecting the workstation when complete, according to infection‑control standards.

Teacher Resource: Safe bathing practices: Protecting your pet's skin, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech

Process/Skill Questions:

- What precautions should be taken when bathing a dog or cat? Why?
- What factors should be considered when selecting a shampoo for the dog or cat?
- What are consequences of not thoroughly rinsing the shampoo from the coat?
- How is water temperature important when bathing an animal?
- Why is it important to protect an animal’s eyes during bathing?