Medicated Bath — Groomers & Salons
Medicated baths use veterinary-recommended shampoos for skin conditions like dermatitis, hot spots, or fungal infections.
120 groomers across 112 cities in Australia
Top-Rated Medicated Bath Groomers
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Aussie Pooch Mobile Port Kennedy/Baldivis
Port Kennedy WA 6172, WA
5.0
11 reviews 
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Uncle Purrfect (Dog and Cat Grooming Salon)
Melbourne VIC 3000, VIC
5.0
22 reviews 
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What is Medicated Bath Grooming?
A medicated bath is a wash with a therapeutic shampoo, usually prescribed or recommended by a vet, left on the skin for a set contact time before rinsing. 113 of the 1,728 Australian salons in our directory offer it, most often as a $10–25 add-on to a groom rather than a standalone appointment.
Choosing the right groomer for medicated bath is important for getting the best results. Look for groomers with experience in this service and positive reviews from pet owners. Groomably lists 120 groomers across 112 Australian cities offering medicated bath.
What medicated bath includes
- ✓ A pre-wash with a gentle shampoo to lift dirt and oil, so the medicated product can reach the skin
- ✓ The medicated shampoo worked down to the skin, not just through the coat
- ✓ The contact time on the label, often around ten minutes, timed rather than guessed
- ✓ A thorough rinse and a low-heat dry, since heat can aggravate inflamed skin
- ✓ A note to you about anything new the groomer spotted on the skin, for your vet
- How long it takes
- It adds fifteen to thirty minutes to a bath or groom, most of which is the timed contact period. A medicated bath alone is usually under an hour.
- What it costs
- Usually $10–25 as an add-on. In salon menus across our directory we see medicated shampoo listed at $10, $12, $20 and $25, and one salon lists a Malaseb medicated bath at $40 as a standalone service. If your vet has prescribed a specific product, bring it, and ask whether the salon charges less when you supply the shampoo.
When a medicated bath is the right call
Medicated baths are for diagnosed skin conditions: yeast (malassezia) and bacterial skin infections, seborrhoea, and some allergic skin disease, where a vet has recommended a specific shampoo as part of treatment. Common active ingredients include chlorhexidine, miconazole, benzoyl peroxide and coal-tar or sulphur-based products, each for a different problem.
They are not a general "sensitive skin" upgrade. An oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoo is the right choice for a dog that is simply prone to dryness or itch. Medicated products are stronger and can dry or irritate healthy skin if used too often.
If your dog is scratching, licking, losing hair in patches or smells yeasty, see a vet first. A groomer can apply a treatment well, but cannot diagnose what the treatment should be.
Why contact time is everything
A medicated shampoo only works while it is on the skin. Most labels specify a contact time, commonly around ten minutes, before rinsing. A medicated product lathered and rinsed straight off in a normal bath has done very little.
This is the real value of booking it with a groomer. The dog is already on the table and used to being handled, and the groomer can keep it still and calm through the contact time, which many owners find hard to manage in a home bath.
Ask the salon how they time it. A good answer is specific, such as "we set a timer after it reaches the skin". A vague one suggests the product is being treated like any other shampoo.
What medicated-bath salons tend to offer
Salons that list medicated baths in our directory are noticeably more care-oriented than average. 51.3% of them also list flea treatment, against 16.2% of all salons, and 45.1% list teeth cleaning against 12.7%. 22.1% describe themselves as using organic or natural products, against 8% overall.
They also skew toward booked, quieter appointments: 64.6% are appointment-only, against 39.9% of all salons. That matters for a dog with sore skin, which is often more sensitive to handling and to the noise of a busy salon floor.
Most bundle a medicated bath into a wash or full groom rather than selling it on its own, so you can usually add it to the appointment you were booking anyway.
Between salon visits
Many vet-directed skin plans call for a medicated wash weekly or twice weekly at the start, tapering off as the skin settles. That is more often than most people groom, so the usual pattern is home washes in between with the salon handling the full wash, dry and trim on the regular schedule.
At home, the same rules apply: wet the coat to the skin, apply the product, time the contact period, then rinse thoroughly, because shampoo left in the coat is itself an irritant. Towel dry or use a cool setting on a dryer.
Keep your vet in the loop. If the skin is not improving after the course they set, the plan needs changing, not more of the same shampoo.
Medicated Bath Grooming FAQ
What is medicated bath grooming?
Medicated baths use veterinary-recommended shampoos for skin conditions like dermatitis, hot spots, or fungal infections.
How much does medicated bath grooming cost in Australia?
Medicated Bath Grooming pricing depends on the breed, coat condition, and the groomer's experience. Contact groomers directly through Groomably for personalised quotes — most offer free consultations to assess your pet's needs.
How do I find a good medicated bath grooming groomer?
Look for groomers with experience in medicated bath services and positive reviews from pet owners. Groomably lists 120 groomers across 112 cities — compare services, read reviews, and find the right groomer for your pet.
How often should my pet get medicated bath grooming?
Most pets benefit from medicated bath every 4-8 weeks, depending on breed and coat type. Your groomer can recommend the ideal schedule based on your pet's specific needs.
How much does a medicated bath cost at a groomer?
Usually $10–25 as an add-on to a bath or groom. Salon menus in our directory list medicated shampoo at $10, $12, $20 and $25, and some salons sell a standalone medicated bath at around $40.
Do I need a vet prescription for a medicated bath?
Many medicated shampoos are available without one, but a vet should diagnose the skin problem first, because different conditions need different active ingredients. Bring the product your vet recommended to the salon.
How long should medicated shampoo stay on a dog?
Follow the label or your vet. Many specify a contact time of around ten minutes before rinsing. Rinsing it straight off means the treatment has had little chance to work.
