Pet Grooming is Key
Regular grooming supports pet skin and healthy coats—find out how you can groom your dog at home!
As much as we love our pets, it isn’t a secret that sometimes, they can be quite pungent when left to their own devices. We might adore our dogs, no matter how smelly they get, but that doesn’t mean that we should let them stay dirty. Grooming is a very important part of having a pet, and it can have some good benefits for your pup too—but getting a grooming appointment isn’t always easy. Let’s explore how you can wash your pet at home.
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Pet Grooming: Know Your Options
When it is time to get your dog in for a good grooming session, you really only have a few options. Grooming is important, and it can be done with the help of experts, but it can also be done at home by dog parents who have the right supplies and a little bit of patience. These are the top grooming options.
Drop-Off Groomers
With drop-off groomers, dog parents will take their pets to the groomer and leave them there for a period of time. Depending on what kind of grooming treatment your dog is receiving and the general fluffiness of their coat, this can take anywhere from two to four hours. After the appointment is over, you will have to go pick up your pup. Most groomers have on-site pens for your dog to wait in until you arrive. Keep in mind that your local groomer is likely booked out for weeks in advance at a time, so scheduling is important.
Mobile Pet Groomers
Mobile pet groomers have been growing in demand for some time now, and the trend has made it difficult to get an appointment. These groomers have mobile units that allow them to drive to your home (or anywhere else) so they can groom your pet. Generally, your pet will be washed in front of your home using the groomer’s mobile setup. Some even say that this is the easiest way to groom your dog at home.
The benefits that mobile pet groomers offer cannot be disputed. People love the convenience of having their groomer come to them, and that is probably why so many people are paying for these services. Unfortunately, these groomers are in hot demand, which means that it can be hard to get an appointment. Just like with drop-off groomers, mobile groomers might have to book your appointment out several weeks in advance.
At-Home Grooming
When you groom your pet at home, it means that you are taking on all of the work—but you might be surprised by how simple this can really be. There are plenty of benefits to washing your dog at home, and this is one approach that can be done any time as long as you have the right supplies.
Why Should I Groom My Pet at Home?
More dog parents are choosing to groom their pets at home because of the benefits that it can offer. While it does take a little work and practice on your end, the long-term benefits of grooming your pet at home can help you to enjoy a much more positive experience—and this is also true for your pet.
It’s Cheaper
One of the more obvious reasons to groom your pet at home is the fact that it is significantly cheaper. Grooming appointments can be anywhere from $50 to $150+ depending on what you want the groomer to do. For some pups, these appointments are even more expensive just because of what kind of fur they have or how big they are. Grooming at home is much cheaper, requiring a small upfront investment that will pay off for literal years.
Grooming When You Need It
When you choose to groom your dog at home, you will find that it comes with a lot of convenience. Obviously, you can’t really rely on a groomer when your pup comes back muddy from the dog park unless you want your pup to be a mud monster for the next couple of weeks. This can also be helpful around holidays. Most of us prefer that our pets be clean for the holidays, but holidays are some of the busiest times for groomers, making it nearly impossible to get an appointment. When you handle grooming by yourself, you ensure that your dog can get a bath exactly when they need one.
Being able to wash your pup when they need a bath is nice, but at-home grooming also allows you to adopt a more regular schedule. When you wash your pup at home, it is a lot easier to ensure that they get cleaned on a regular basis, which can be a lot more comfortable for them and keep your house clean too. Choosing to wash your pup is easier when you can schedule it, save money on it, and have fun with it too.
Comfort for Your Pup
Even the most human-loving dogs can find themselves in a tizzy when they go to the groomer. Being groomed isn’t always pleasant for dogs, and it can be even more stressful when it involves strangers. At-home grooming allows you to comfort your dog and ensure that they are being cared for and loved throughout the entire process. In an age where dogs can end up with a permanent record for snapping at a groomer, sometimes it really is just best to handle it at home.
Ways to Give Your Dog the Ultimate Grooming Treatment
Grooming your dog might seem like a tall order, but the reality is that dog parents around the world do it every single day. With the right tools and tricks, you can keep your pup looking as beautiful or dapper as ever in the comfort of your own home. Contrary to popular belief, at-home grooming does not have to be synonymous with a bad job. You can give your dog that perfect wash at home with the right approach.
You might be wondering: can I groom my dog myself? Absolutely. Let’s explore what this looks like.
A Simple Bath
At the base of all important grooming efforts is the bath. This is a great way to groom a dog for beginners. Your grooming sessions should almost always include a bath, and this can be a great place to start before you dive into some of the more complicated processes. Giving your dog a bath can ensure that their fur is clean and that they don’t end up too smelly just because they spent the day lounging out in the yard.
Bathing your dog is a process that can be done in different ways. It will involve, at minimum, a towel and some doggy shampoo. However, there are other exciting tools that can drastically improve the grooming experience and help your pup to receive that pawfect clean.
When you wash your dog, you can think about it like washing a wig—though you’ll want to be more careful. Be sure to wet your dog, lather them up, and then give them a good rinse. For dogs that are especially dirty or have thicker fur, sometimes you might need to repeat the process to get them clean. Avoid getting soap in their eyes, and try to keep water from going in their snouts. For the best approach, use a detachable shower head to enjoy a targeted rinse.
Give Them a Safe Pawdicure
Our dogs have nails, and while we might love the ticking of them as they walk across the kitchen floor, we don’t want them to be too overgrown. Not only can overgrown nails be harsh on our floors or painful when our pups jump on us, but they can also be a health risk for your pup. You want to keep your dog’s nails nice and trimmed, and grinding can be helpful too. All of this can be done at home, and it can help to have another person help you out if your dog isn’t overly fond of the process.
To get that perfect pawdicure, you will want to begin with a simple nail trim. A nail trimmer for dogs can be picked up for less than ten dollars, and more dog parents are choosing to invest in simple handheld grinders as well. For the best results, we highly recommend asking your dog’s vet or groomer to show you how short to cut their nails to avoid accidentally harming your pet. Once you know, repeating the process can be easy.
Make a Paw-Washing Station
A lot of dog parents are known to just groom their dog in one swift act, and while that can be good, you might be surprised by how much of an impact a little maintenance can have. A paw-washing station is a great way to contribute to your pup’s overall cleanliness levels by keeping their paws clean.
If you have a dog that likes to get outside and get dirty, a paw-washing station can be a great addition to the home. This allows you to wash off your pup’s paws before they come in—and it means that won’t be scratching themselves with dirty paws either. These are particularly helpful during certain seasons where mud is more common.
Doggy Wipes
Doggy wipes are another maintenance option that can be wonderful for keeping your dog cleaner for longer. All kinds of doggy wipes can be found, both by major brands and small businesses, and they can have a positive impact on your dog’s cleanliness. These wipes can be used to wipe off that extra dirt and grime so your dog stays clean longer between baths. Some of them even offer a pleasant scent to fight back against doggy musk!
Consider Clothes to Keep Your Pet Groomed
Clothing can be great way to keep your pet’s fur clean against the elements. A little shirt or jacket can protect your dog’s fur from dirt and debris, allowing them to stay cleaner for longer. Sometimes, you just need a good outfit to complete the clean dog look.
How to Dress Your Freshly Groomed Pet
After your pup is all clean and fluffy, it can be a great time to dress them up in a stylish outfit. Think about it—when you wash your hair and do your makeup, doesn’t a good outfit just add to it? With the right dog clothing, your dog can enjoy a complete look too.
Cheongsam Dog Dress
Floral Pattern
CHEONGSAM DRESS
Inspired by the qipao, a high-necked type of body-hugging Mandarin Gown, this dress will add a touch of sophistication to your pup's wardrobe.
Made in a traditional style, this adorable classic dress is the perfect way to complete your pup's look. It offers a very cute aesthetic and is available in several different colors to help your pup really shine. With this dress, there is always a good shade to match your dog's fur!
Pretty in Pink Dog Romper
Dusty Pink Plaid
DOG ROMPER
The tiered ruffled skirt is versatile and comes with our matching turtleneck in Dusty Pink.
Pretty in Pink might be about a teenage girl, but this look has officially gone to the dogs. With this adorable pink outfit, your dog will look cuter than ever. Boy dogs and girl dogs alike will find that this outfit offers a fun and fashionable pop of pink.
Hawaiian Dog Shirt
Breathable & Comfy
HAWAIIAN DOG SHIRT
The perfect cotton shirt to feel those tropical vibes and can be worn year-round.
What better way to welcome in the summer season than with this adorable vacation-themed dog shirt? The beautiful print and classic style makes it a must-have for dogs who are looking to spend time strutting down the streets this summer.
Pink Daises Dog Blouse
Gorgeous & Lightweight
SPRING BLOUSE
Precious and perfect this must-have blouse will give your furbaby fashionista a fresh look!
Fashionable dogs from all around the world are clamoring to get their paws on this adorable shirt, and we can’t blame them. This cute and simple look is perfect for furbabies who want everyone to know exactly how cute they are. It’s perfect for every occasion!
The Takeaway
Pet grooming can seem like a challenge at first, but as you settle into your routines, you will find that it gets quite a bit easier. This is a chance for you to show your dog some extra love and care. Is it hard to learn to groom your own dog? No, not really. It just takes practice. You can keep your pet groomed at home and enjoy the countless benefits that come with it!
Until next time, thank you for reading!
About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.
