Total Hip Replacement Preoperative Bathing

The back half of the body is the most important area to bathe, but entire body bathing is better. Concentrate the bathing primarily on the surgery side hind limb.

If your companion has a history of dermatitis, a consultation with the dermatologist may be recommended. A “hair cut” is occasionally recommended in advance of surgery when it is hot in the summer and if your dog has long hair with a thick undercoat.

Use the shampoo recommended by your doctor. The shampoo will usually contain 4% chlorhexidine.

Bathe you companion 3 days and the day before surgery.

Lather up the skin and hair. Let the shampoo sit on the skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse with water.

Use a towel to dry the hair.

Mix 6 tablespoons of bleach with 1 gallon of water (1 ½ Tbsp. / Quart).

Apply as a bleach rinse using a sponge or spray bottle.

Allow the bleach rinse to dry before your pet is allowed on carpet or furniture because the bleach can damage the fabric or change the fabric color.