4. Shampooing and Conditioning the Dog’s Coat

Shampooing

1. Determine the condition of the dog’s skin and coat.
   1. Does it look dry, normal, or oily? Look at the symptoms and the environmental effects on the condition skin and coat.
   2. If you are uncertain about the cause of the condition of the skin or if it looks like the skin may have an infection, refer the customer to the veterinarian. Some skin infections are contagious to both animal and humans.
2. Choose the appropriate Kennelwood products to effectively condition and improve the dog’s skin.
   1. Do not use a product if you don’t think it will improve its condition. When in doubt, it is better to under treat the skin than over treat.
   2. After treating the skin, give the products a chance to work before treating again (perhaps a week).
   3. Never combine products, unless you know that they work well together.
   4. If you are not able to notice an improvement in the skin in a reasonable amount of time, reevaluate the program you are using.
3. Never scrub the skin, always handle the skin gently.
   1. Remove dirt, scaly skin, and crust with a lukewarm or cool bath. Hot water irritates skin.
   2. Trim the hair around sores or areas that are very irritated upon the request of the client. 
   3. Use basic products. Water, conditioners, and oils can bring desirable results.
4. Work closely with the client’s vet. Know your limitations.
   1. If you are unsure which products to use for a certain condition, talk to the client’s vet.
   2. Be aware that certain conditions (mange, scabies, and staph) can spread to other pets. Do not take the chance by accepting a pet in the building. Refer to the pet’s veterinarian. Be sure and disinfect all equipment, including brushes, the table, leads, and the grooming loop with Clippercide if you feel you have a pet with a questionable skin condition. 
5. Insecticides can be harmful. Use the mildest form. Use only when necessary.

Conditioning

Conditioning Dry Skin and Coat

1. Determine the degree of dryness.
2. Remove dander, dirt, crusts, and sores. Use a Kennelwood shampoos with an oatmeal base or our hypo allergenic shampoo.  
3. Moisturize the skin. Rinse first with plenty of water. Water is nature’s moisturizer as it hydrates the skin. Use Kennelwood Healthy Skin treatment products to add additional moisture. 

Conditioning Normal Skin

1. Use Kennelwood Clean Coat shampoo.
2. Rinse with plenty of water and follow with crème rinse, lanolin, or protein moisturizer.

Conditioning Oily Skin and Coat

1. Try using the Kennelwood conditioner first. Rinse. Then shampoo and rinse well.  This sounds backwards, but it seems to help with oily skin.
2. Remember, water is nature’s moisturizer. It is a natural way to hydrate the skin and coat.