| Sometimes you don't have the time or resources | | | | The next step is to prepare Rover for the bath |
| to take your dog to a pet spa, but you can still | | | | with a good brushing to remove loose hair and |
| pamper your dog with a do-it-yourself spa day. | | | | dirt. Tangles are more difficult to deal with when |
| Think about it - you know how Rover loves to | | | | the coat is wet. One great brush to use for this |
| get your one-on-one attention, so why not give it | | | | task is called a zoom groom - it looks like a nubby |
| a try. It's a great way to spoil your best friend. | | | | rubber glove. In fact, this tool not only does a |
| You really can create the royal bath time right at | | | | great brushing job, but also gives a gentle |
| home and it will be much more soothing when the | | | | massage at the same time. |
| treatment is coming from you. Here's how easy it | | | | Moving along to the bath itself, get everything |
| is. | | | | you will need close by: organic shampoo, |
| Let's begin by getting together the grooming | | | | conditioner, detangling spray, cotton balls to keep |
| supplies you'll need. It's a good idea to always | | | | the soapy water out of your pet's ears (ears |
| have a supply of these on hand anyway, but if | | | | should be handled later) and of course doggie |
| you already have them around, you can be more | | | | towels. You won't want to start reaching for |
| spontaneous about spa day. | | | | things once your dog is in the tub! |
| Top-notch products can easily be found online and | | | | Have the water warm, but not too hot - just |
| these will help you get a more professional result, | | | | about the way you'd like it yourself. If you have |
| so don't skimp. Specially formulated dogshampoos, | | | | hard water, try adding some epsom salts to |
| conditioners, finishing sprays for detangling, combs, | | | | soften it up. Use a bath mat in the tub to help |
| brushes and doggie towels - they're all out there | | | | your pet remain stable and feeling secure. Then |
| readily available. Tip: make sure to choose | | | | put on your rain gear.... you might get just a |
| products suitable for your dog's coat and skin | | | | teensy bit wet otherwise! |
| type, because each dog breed is unique. | | | | Lather up your pooch really well in a massage like |
| Next, set the stage for relaxation by misting the | | | | fashion, then give a thorough rinsing, followed by |
| grooming area with a lavender aromatherapy | | | | a conditioner. |
| spray. Lavender is a well-known natural relaxant | | | | Wrap Rover up in a highly absorbent doggie towel |
| and is also useful as a deodorizer and insect | | | | and give him a good rub down which he'll really |
| repellent. | | | | enjoy. You can finish off with a hair dryer on low |
| A calming massage is a good beginning to Rover's | | | | setting. Comb and brush out using a conditioning |
| special day. Among other things, a massage is | | | | dog coat spray to achieve a lustrous and healthy |
| very relaxing to your dog, can ease areas of | | | | look. Now's a good time to carefully clean your |
| soreness, and definitely creates a closer bond | | | | dog's ears (dog's ears are very fragile) with some |
| with your him. The basic massage routines are | | | | cotton balls |
| easy to learn, but if you are not familiar with pet | | | | (not swabs) and a high quality dog ear wash. A |
| massage, there are some excellent guidebooks on | | | | doggie pedicure would be a great finale to the |
| the subject written byexperts in this field. It will | | | | day, but only if you have done this before and |
| be well worth your while to learn about the | | | | have the necessary skills for the job. |
| benefits of massage not only for spa day, but for | | | | And you're done! No doubt your dog is looking |
| the lifetime of your pet. | | | | good and feeling great from all the attention. |