Author: Amy Nutt
Taking your pet to the spa can be very expensive and time consuming,
but you don`t have to pay big bucks to get your dog into a special spa.
In fact, you can do your own spa treatment right at home. It`s a great
way to bond with your dog and since most dogs prefer to hang out with
their own humans, this is something that your dog is bound to enjoy.
What You'll Need
There are a few essentials that you`ll need in order to give your
canine friend a good experience. Items such as a comb or brush, dog shampoo
and towels are all a very necessary part of bathing your pet. However,
these are just the basics. To make the at home spa treatment something
different from a normal bath, here are a few items that will make the
whole experience better.
- Lavender scented conditioner. Make sure it`s formulated for dogs and
don`t try using human conditioner which can burn sensitive skin. -
Music. Most pets really enjoy music and this can have a calming effect
on both of you. - Detangler spray. This is very helpful if your dog has
long hair that tends to mat in the bath. - Removable shower head. This
allows you to easily rinse your dog without having to dump buckets of
water on him. - Knee pads. These will keep your knees from getting sore
as you kneel by the tub. -Non-slip bath mat. To prevent slipping and
sliding, your pet can stand on the bath mat.
These extras will help your dog truly enjoy his spa treatment and it will make things easier on you, as well.
Tips for a Successful Spa Session
- Start with a massage. Get your dog nice and relaxed by stroking him
and then lightly massaging his back and sides. Start lightly and then
increase the pressure to where your dog seems happy. Watch for the
sensitive area where the hips join the body, this can be rather
ticklish. - Keep treats handy. This is a pampering experience, so be
sure to have some of your dog`s favorite treats on hand. Throughout the
session, compliment him on his great behavior and give him a treat. -
Use conditioner to add shine. One of the great things about a dog spa
treatment is that your pet`s coat is bright and shiny afterwards. The
best way to get this professional look is with a good conditioner and
then spritz a high shine spray over his fur as you brush him out. -
Don`t use a blow dryer. While it may seem faster, the heat can be too
much for the sensitive skin of your pet. It`s best to simply dry your
dog with a big fluffy towel instead. - Brush first. This will ensure
that the extra hair will end up in the brush or mitt, rather than your
tub drain. Since most dogs tend to shed, even if you've done a thorough
brushing, it can be useful to get a drain trap. This is simply a small
bowl made of metal screening that sits in the drain, catching anything
that threatens to go down. You can just lift it out and clean it later,
without having to deal with clogged drains.
Giving your pet a home dog spa
treatment can be a wonderful way to spend some quality time together.
The end result is pretty nice, too. You`ll have a sweet smelling dog
who will be thrilled that you took the time to spend with him. Most
animals are also calmer after a soothing treatment that includes
aromatherapy (the lavender conditioner or spray) and music, along with
a massage.
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