The Importance of Rinsing
Hydrobaths work on the idea of recycling water under pressure with the help of a pump. This process has been around since the first Hydrobaths where made by the Greyhound fraternity.
Greyhound owners used simple pump driven ‘Hydrobaths’ to treat muscular issues on their dogs after rigorous training sessions. Pretty soon the greyhound breeders where adding solutions to the water tank in order to help heal injured dogs and even wash them.
As time went on more and more operations began appearing and eventually the idea of mobile washing of dogs became a reality.
From a mobile perspective though things where a little different. Basic hydrobaths where simple in design and even simpler in their use. Fleas where a common problem in Australia and by mid to late 80’s these mobile operators began using chemicals such as Diazanon – a known poison to treat fleas on the dog. Unfortunately the use of such product caused a lot of detrimental health side effects to both the operators as well as the dogs not to mention the dog owners themselves.
Over time the industry sought a change and the eventual introduction of a friendlier flea killing product was found in the form of Pyrethrum - a natural flea killing ingredient derived from flowers. The formulations available used Pyrethrum in a manufactured solution that smelt nicer and where friendlier to everyone coming into contact with the product.
The same system still applied as before – operators of these Hydrobaths would pour a concentrated amount of the Flea rinse into the hydrobaths holding tank and consequently run this diluted solution up through the pump and over the dog for anything up to 10 minutes.
The trouble is the Flea-rinse which was been recycled would often contain a cleaning ingredient or surfactant which in turn assisted in cleaning the dog. It is this surfactant which when left to dry on a dog will be a cause for concern.
Think about it – would you leave shampoo in your hair?
Next time you come across these old style hydrobaths with a single tank and no rinsing facility check the standard of the water left behind or indeed disposed of down your driveway. It is this dirty water which is then left to dry on your dog.
Worse case scenario your dog will end up with a potential skin irritation.
The arguments for and against are wide and varied but ultimately we are dealing with the health of the dog and thousands of dollars spent at vet’s across the country to try and fix skin related issues.
Ideally if you are going to have your dog washed or indeed wash dogs for a living try and limit the amount of residues left on the coat to dry.
It is important to rinse the dog fully whether it be using a top of the range dual tank hydrobath or a single tank bath optioned with an electric rinsing facility. Domestic customers buying a hydrobath to a set budget can still rinse a dog but it will need to be adapted using the taps commonly found in the laundry.
Some consumable and shampoo manufacturers recommend that Pyrethrum based flea rinses be left on a dog to dry – Perfect Paws strongly believes this to have detrimental effects on the dogs skin and consequently we would suggest to remove as much of the residue as possible by way of a fresh water rinse.
The only reason most operators leave this product on the coat to dry is simply because it is easy to do, it leaves the smell on the dog for longer and a clean smelling dog is often what the client wants.
The old adage of the flea rinse remaining on the coat to stop fleas coming back is not true as often the effects of sunlight can deteriorate the flea killing properties of Pyrethrum.
If the dog has a consistent flea problem then other alternatives should be used such topical flea control products such as Frontline or Advantage.
Just because a dog washer has washed a dog for fleas does not mean the flea problem can be controlled.
Dog owners need to ensure that they treat not only the dog but also the surroundings such as the bedding, kennels and garden areas – basically any area that the dog may frequent including carpeted areas.
The use of other products such as flea bombs and residual insecticidal sprays are also highly recommended.