Recovering from skin treatments
If your dog is recovering from a skin treatment — hot spot care, surgery, biopsy, or topical medication course — grooming needs adjustment for 1–4 weeks post-treatment.
Skip professional grooming until the vet clears it. Fresh wounds can't get wet, surgical incisions need to stay dry for 10–14 days, and medicated skin shouldn't be exposed to standard shampoo.
For minor hot spots that have already scabbed over: a maintenance bath at 7 days post-healing helps remove dead skin and prevent re-infection. Use a vet-recommended antibacterial shampoo.
For post-surgical recovery: wait at least 14 days before any bathing, then start with the gentlest possible approach. Tell the groomer about the recent surgery and incision location. They should photograph the area before and after.
For dogs on medicated baths: keep that schedule. Don't double-up with regular grooming during medication courses unless the vet says so.
What you can do at home during recovery: dry brushing, ear cleaning (avoiding affected areas), nail trims, and gentle wipe-downs. Skip baths, dryers, and chemical treatments.
Schedule the first post-recovery groom about 1 week after the vet clears it. The groomer should do a careful skin check and flag any persistent issues.