Due to the recent financial state here in the US, many pet owners have found it necessary to take a closer look at their budget for pet-related costs. One of these expenses is most definitely doggie grooming. Some family dogs, who previously might have taken a trip to the groomer once every few weeks, are now only going every other month. This leaves a lot of time for those nails to grow and that hair to get shaggy.
How hard can it be to give your dog a bath at home in between visits to the groomer? Probably much harder than one might think.
Of course this all really depends on the breed, demeanor, and size of your pet pal. Groomers normally have special harnesses and equipment to aid them in the process and have years of experience dealing with all types of dogs. They know what to do in situations where biting is an issue or when all the pet wants to do is run as far away from a bath as they can. Getting a pet clean can be tricky.
Here are a few helpful tips that can help you avoid a home doggie grooming disaster and point you in the right direction.
1. Do some research on doggie grooming by asking advice from a professional breeder and reading grooming or breed-specific books.
2. Get together all essential items before you even start running the bath water. Pet soap, shampoo, towels, gloves or any other accessories should be placed somewhere that you can easily reach them when needed.
3. Never leave your pet alone in the bath water once the bath has started. Smaller pets can drown and any other pet could hurt their limbs by trying to jump out of the bath tub.
4. Invest in a non-skid bath mat to prevent slips in the tub or sink.
5. If the telephone or doorbell rings during your doggie grooming and you need to walk away for a few minutes then take your pet out of the water and wrap them in a towel.
6. Purchasing a hand-held shower attachment will go a long way for making baths more efficient and less time consuming.
7. Always check the water temperature by running it over your wrist to make sure it is not too cold or so hot it will injure your pet.
8. Keep kitchen or bathroom doors closed tight when bathing your pet in order to avoid them running out and soaking furniture or tracking soap suds all over the house.
9. Try to soothe your pet and keep them calm while always placing one hand firmly around them to avoid slipping or falling.
10. When you are done with your doggie grooming remember to dry the floor in order to avoid future accidents or slips.
 | If you are considering sprucing up your dog in between trips to the groomer then it is important to follow these few simple tips. Keep in mind that doggie grooming at home is not always as easy as it might seem and be careful so that both you and your furry friend stay safe and avoid injury. |
Russ Barker has washed a few dogs in his time and knows it can be a crazy experience. He is the resident writer at DogTagArt.com, a website devoted to providing pets with fun and useful pet ID tags. We all know how important having an up-to-date ID tag is for ensuring pets are returned home as quickly as possible when they wander away. A custom dog tag featuring your own art or photos is a great way to ensure your pet's safety.
