When I was a new groomer, we would decant a measured portion of shampoo from a gallon jug into a smaller bottle, add water and mix. Each dog was pre-wet once we put them in the tub. Then we would pour the diluted shampoo onto the pets we were trying to clean. Finally, we would use our hands, or sometimes a sponge, to work the shampoo through the coat. This was a feasible way to work on small dogs, but the task was daunting if we had to tackle something large, especially if it had long fur or a double coat. We often had to pause several times to mix up more shampoo, and getting the product down to the skin through a thick coat was a back-breaking chore.

This method of bathing was time-consuming, challenging and sometimes ineffective. In addition, it invited groomers to waste both water and expensive shampoo. Another problem was that if too much shampoo or conditioner was diluted and left unused overnight or over a weekend, bacteria (most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa) could grow in the bottles, potentially causing skin problems in pets when it was used later.

Thankfully, professional pet bathing systems were developed. There are currently three basic types of bathing systems available to groomers: recirculating systems, siphon systems and freshwater pressurized systems.

Submerged into the bathtub with the pet, these electric machines mix water and shampoo and can be applied directly to a dry coat. The pump uses pressure from the standing water to push dead hair, dirt, oil, dander and debris out of the fur. The chemical action of the shampoo traps dirt and holds it in suspension in the water. Shampoo is delivered to the skin ensuring every hair is cleaned from base to tip, even on thick-coated animals.

There is a misconception among some groomers about this type of system. They believe pets cannot get clean because they are being washed in “dirty” water. However, this is untrue, as fresh water is used on every animal. This cleaning method can be compared to washing clothes in a washing machine or dishes in a dishwasher. The cleaning product and water work together to clean pets, clothes and dishes similarly. It must work, or we’d be walking around in grimy clothes and eating from dirty dishes. This type of system works well for people who do not have good water pressure. And it conserves both water and products.

This type of system uses water pressure rather than electricity to create a suction that draws shampoo out of the bottle and dispenses it, pre-mixed with water, onto the pet. Typically this type of machine has small hoses that can be inserted into gallons of concentrated shampoo. The shampoo is drawn through the hose due to the negative suction the water flow creates from the tap. The shampoo is then diluted with water as it is applied to the pet. Concentration can be adjusted with the touch of a dial. Most systems use a one-hose design, so washing and rinsing are done with a single hose rather than having separate hoses for each action. No pre-wetting of the pet is required.

Because siphon systems use the force of water from the tap to operate, it is best used in places with good water flow. For example, if your faucet can fill a gallon container with water in under 12 seconds, this type of system could work well for you.

These work well for shops with low water pressure. Water and shampoo are mixed in a tank, and an electric pump works to aerate and blend the contents, and then pulses the mixture through the coat. This type of system is very effective but does limit the groomer to using one product at a time until the pre-mix in the tank is emptied. Users must regularly and carefully clean the tank and filters to ensure bacteria does not grow in the container.

Some of the benefits of professional bathing systems include:

• They eliminate the need for scrubbing, making the bathing process more ergonomically friendly. (Hands, wrists, arms and shoulders get a break!)
• There is no need to pre-wet the pet.
• Groomers can clean heavily soiled areas without getting their hands dirty.
• Dogs and cats both seem to enjoy the massaging action of the water as it pulsates on their skin.
• Getting pets clean takes dramatically less time, reducing labor costs and leaving more time for styling pets.
• Water usage is reduced.
• Less product is needed per pet, which is a saving that visibly adds up.

Perhaps best of all is that bathing system technology produces superiorly clean pets. As one of my regular customers quips, “My dog hasn’t been bathed until he’s been bathed by a professional.” But, of course, this professional relies on her bathing system.