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?