What’s the one thing that you crave the most after a hectic week at work? If you’re like most people, you’d want to indulge in a refreshing spa treatment to recharge your batteries. So, why would you deprive your doggie best friend of that joy?
Here’s the thing - a pampered pooch is the happiest and the absolute best. Dogs love being cared for and would give anything to spend quality time with their favorite humans. While you can take them for a grooming session at the nearest pet salon, there’s nothing better than spoiling them with an at-home spa treatment.
To begin with, it won’t take much to make your furry friend happy. Even a gentle massage and some treats will make them smile ear-to-ear. But you can always take it up a notch on special occasions, such as their birthday.
The good news is that you’ll find plenty of grooming kits at your local pet shop or online stores, such as PetCareRx.com. Also, on the plus side, you’ll get to bond with your pooch and spend some quality one-on-one time with them. It’s the least you can do for them after all the affection and love they shower you with.
Curating the perfect in-home spa experience for your dog isn’t rocket science. However, it’s essential to create a proper plan for the entire day. This will give you an idea of the supplies, such as treats, towels, grooming tools, etc. you’ll need.
In this blog, we’ve handpicked a few useful tips to help you treat your dog to a memorable at-home spa day. Let’s take a look.
1. Start with a Workout Session
Doesn’t a spa treatment feel more relaxing after a few hours of intense workout? Well, it’s going to be the same for your dog. Also, a bit of workout will help your dog burn some of that excess energy and make them easier to tackle while grooming.
That’s why it’s important to start the day on a positive note with some form of exercise. It could just be a short walk in the neighborhood park or a few minutes of playing fetch in your backyard.
Depending on whether your dog is up for it, you could also consider taking them for a hike on their favorite trail. The key is to closely monitor your dog’s mood and figure out the best form of workout for the day.
2. Set the Scene
Now that your dog is back home after the daily dose of exercise, it’s time to kickstart the spa day. The ideal way of doing this is to create a spa-like ambiance in your living space. To begin with, choose the right setting for all the grooming-related activities to take place. It could be your living room, bedroom, or even the terrace.
Once you’ve selected the space, the next step is to create a relaxed and dog-friendly environment. The easiest way of doing this is to fill the space with your canine companion’s favorite toys and other belongings. Keep their bed, cushions, and a blanket for them to lie down.
If you have a vaporizer at home, you could also light up some mild aroma oils to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. However, make sure you consider your dog’s sensitive nose while selecting the fragrance.
3. Play Some Music
What’s a day at the spa without some relaxing tunes playing in the background? Apart from its numerous therapeutic properties, music is also known to be a stressbuster for dogs. For instance, studies have shown that classical music has a calming effect on anxious and jittery shelter dogs.
That’s why music needs to be a part of your dog’s at-home spa treatment. Unless your dog is fond of a particular genre of music, you could play some soft and melodious tunes to help them relax. Or you could play their favorite song and watch them break into a wide smile.
4. Be Your Dog’s Masseuse
Now that you’ve set the tone for the day, it’s time to treat your dog to a gentle massage. Use your fingertips to gently massage the top of their head and work your way down to the rest of their body. It’ll help your pooch unwind and prepare them for bath time.
5. Run a Warm Bath
Most dogs aren’t exceptionally fond of bathing. However, a day of grooming wouldn’t be worthwhile without a splash of warm water. Make sure you keep all your supplies, including towel, comb, shampoo, toys, and treats, ready before running the water.
If your dog is particularly averse to the idea of bathing, you could distract them with their favorite snacks and treats. Or you could smear some peanut butter on the side of their tub to lure them in. Gently brush their hair with a comb or brush before applying water and shampoo.
Once you’ve rinsed the shampoo, don’t forget to pat them dry with a towel. You could also use a hairdryer for this purpose. However, make sure you keep it at the lowest temperature and speed setting to prevent your dog’s sensitive skin and hair from burning.
6. Time for a “Pawdicure”
Once your pooch calms down after the bath, it’s time to clip their nails. Again, you can use a blob of peanut butter or their favorite treats to distract them while you trim their nails. Don’t forget to use a file to soften the edges of their nails.
Have you ever done an at-home spa experience for your dog? Share your recommendations in the comments section below.