Spoon notes
How to bathe a shedding dog (and a very patient cat)
A bath is the fastest way to get loose undercoat out of a dog and into a drain. Done right, it pulls out hair that would otherwise have taken a week to land on your carpet.
This is the routine we use with our shed control shampoo, and it works the same way for cats with a smaller bottle and much more patience.
Brush first
Ten minutes with a brush before the bath breaks up mats and lifts out the easy hair, so the shampoo can reach the skin.
Soak to the skin
Use warm water and take your time. Thick double coats shed water for the first few minutes — keep going until the skin is wet.
Lather and wait
Apply the shampoo generously and work it into a thick lather down to the skin. Leave it on for several minutes; that's when the loose hair lets go.
Rinse longer than feels necessary
Leftover shampoo is what makes skin itch afterwards. Rinse until the water runs clear and the coat squeaks.
Dry and brush again
Towel off, then brush once the coat is damp-dry. You'll be surprised how much more comes out.
Repeat every one to two weeks
During a heavy shed, a bath every week or two keeps the undercoat moving. Our shampoo is gentle enough for frequent use.
Bath day works best alongside the daily spoon: one clears out the old coat, the other helps the new one grow in stronger.
