How to Give Your Dog a Spa Treatment at Home

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How to Give Your Dog a Spa Treatment at Home

Medium

30 - 90 Minutes

4 Months

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Introduction

Treating your dog as a pampered pet is the way to go to show him how much you care. Giving your dog a spa treatment at home is not only fun and rewarding for both of you but can also be beneficial in many ways. Show your dog just how much you love him by treating him like the pampered pooch he is. Build the bond between the two of you by spending time with him, from exercising and working out all the way through grooming, drying and brushing then ending with a fabulous treat together.

Dog's Perspective

Pooches love to be pampered. He might love the massage and games and all the fun bonding, but he might be a little apprehensive about the bathing and the nail clipping. Even if your pampered pooch doesn't enjoy the pedicure as much as you do, you can still make your at-home spa day together incredibly enjoyable.

The Exercise to Relax Method

Most Recommended

21 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Towel

Step

1

Start the day off right

The day you decide to give your dog an in-home spa treatment, be sure to plan the entire treatment from start to finish so everything is prepared and goes smoothly.

Step

2

Exercise

Start off your spa treatment by getting your heart rate and your dog's heart rate up with your dog's favorite exercise. This could be tossing the ball in the backyard or going for a run along his favorite trail. Keep your exercise short and simple and make it about your dog and what he enjoys most.

Step

3

Massage the head

After your dog has worked those muscles, give him a gentle massage. Have your dog stand and work at the top of his head down towards his neck, gently rubbing in small circles pulling his skin and muscles back away from his head.

Step

4

Massage shoulders

Have your dog sit or lie down and begin to work his shoulders. Using the tips of your fingers, tap into his muscles with circular motions for a soft gentle massage. Your dog's shoulders carry much of his weight and work hard. Take this massage slowly and pamper your pooch.

Step

5

Pedicure

Once your massage is done, give your pup a pedicure. Clip his nails, watching carefully for the quick that hides inside the nail which could cause bleeding if cut. You can also give your dog's nails a beautiful color with nail polish during his pedicure.

Step

6

Warm bath

With a warm bath waiting for your dog--you can run this warm water while you're giving a pedicure-- give your dog a nice gentle bath. Use a sweet smelling shampoo that not only conditions his skin and strengthens his coat but also makes him smell delicious.

Step

7

Brush

Once your dog is out of the bathtub, carefully pat him dry with a towel and brush his coat through from head to tail, top to bottom. Take your time with your dog and use soft, slow motions to brush him.

Step

8

Treat together

Get some treats the two of you can share together. This can be your favorite vegetable that your dog loves as well or a nice peanut butter and honey ball for your pup and one for you.

The Soft and Relaxing Method

Effective

13 Votes

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Towel

Step

1

Set the scene

Set the scene for your spa treatment at home with your dog. Dim the lights, light some candles, incense, or diffusers with scents that are calm and relaxing for both you and your dog. Be sensitive to your dog's strong nose and don't overpower him with scents; set the scene with something relaxing.

Step

2

Music

If your dog has a jam, play it. If he doesn't have particular music he loves, play something you enjoy that is relaxing. The more relaxed you are, the more your pooch will pick up on that during his spa treatment.

Step

3

Warm bath

Run a warm bath for your pooch. Use some soothing conditioners like oatmeal or aloe for his skin and give him a nice gentle bath. If your dog doesn't enjoy baths, make this quick and easy but get him clean and smelling good.

Step

4

Nails

Once your dog is out of the bath and towel dried, move on to his nails. Clip them but not too short and file them so they don't get caught on anything as he walks.

Step

5

Brush

Brush your dog's fur with a pin brush. Be sure to get out any knots or tangles and focus on making your dog's style beautiful. If your dog is still wet from his bath after doing his nails you can use this time to dry him with a hair dryer on a low setting. If you have a fluffy dog this will help his fluff look even prettier.

Step

6

Massage

Lay your dog down on a couch, a table, or on the floor and give him a gentle massage. To do this with your dog, you will need to use your fingertips to knead his muscles from his shoulders down around his back and neck and up to his head behind his ears. You can also gently take each leg and give him a very gentle massage on each leg.

Step

7

Comfortable relaxing

Once you are done with your massage, get yourself and your dog a favorite treat and lie back and relax together. Talk to your dog softly, enjoy the music and the ambiance, and enjoy the spa treatment you've given your dog on his special spa day.

Caution & Considerations

Pampering your pup is easy to do with a spa treatment.
Include yourself in your dog's spa treatment. Setting the ambiance and enjoying your time with your dog can be just as relaxing for you as for your dog.
There are several products on the market you can use for your spa treatment or you can make your own at home using natural ingredients.
Oatmeal baths are very easy to do with crushed oats added to water or mixed with baking soda and water for a thicker paste.
Be sure before you give your dog a bath to brush through all of his fur and get out any tangles. This will make bathing easier and the brush out after the bath more comfortable for your pup.
Dry skin and dry coat can be soothed with oils added to your dog's massage or to your dog's bath water.
A good spa treatment that starts off with exercise relaxes your dog more quickly once he's ready for his pampering and spoiling.
You can paint your dog's claws with dog-safe polish to create a reminder of your special spa treatment.

Conclusion

Anyone who has had a dog day deserves a spa day as well. Pamper your pooch with a spa treatment you can get into as well. Your pup will feel great and look fur-bulous. Make this spa treatment fun for you both and ensure it's a stress-free time together by planning ahead.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Tinnie

Maltese

5 Years

-1 found helpful

Question

-1 found helpful

Tinnie

Maltese

5 Years

How do I treat my dog like a princess.

4 years, 4 months ago

Tinnie's Owner

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Question

Pumpkin

Dachshund

3 Years

1 found helpful

Question

1 found helpful

Pumpkin

Dachshund

3 Years

We rescued her and have had her for nearly 6 months, and she's never had her claws cut. When she got it professionaly done she tried to bite the groomer. So we brought clippers yourself and tried to cut her nails but she refuses. What would you recommend doing?

4 years, 11 months ago

Pumpkin's Owner

Darlene Stott

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hi Abbigale, little Pumpkin does have long nails, I agree. A danger with long nails is the chance of breakage and injury and as well, the dew claw can sometimes turn and make its way into the skin. I would call the vet and ask their opinion; they may suggest bringing her there as the vet and vet tech will be able to do the job quickly and safely (and if sedation is necessary, they may decide upon that). Or, you can ask the vet or at the dog park if anyone knows of a groomer who specializes in fearful dogs. In the meantime, when Pumpkin is snuggling with you, make a habit of touching her feet now and then. Give her a few seconds foot massage each day to get her used to having her feet touched. All the best!

4 years, 11 months ago

I do not know what I have to say but I know I can think of something to say owhell.

4 years, 4 months ago

Gracie Ann P.

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Question

Fefe

Maltese

1 Year

1 found helpful

Question

1 found helpful

Fefe

Maltese

1 Year

I don't yet have Fefe (I know I'm going to get her, but I'm not sure when). Does this tactic work with all breeds of dog?

4 years ago

Fefe's Owner

Darlene Stott

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Congratulations on getting a dog. That's wonderful! Get to know Fefe a few days before you think about giving her the spa treatment. Let her get comfortable in your home and know that she is in her new forever place. Once she is relaxed and used to you, go ahead and try the spa. The bathing is sometimes an issue - it will depend on how used to bathing she is. If she is unsure, make it quick the first time. If it's nice and warm out, bathing her in a baby pool may make it less scary, too. It's more open and less deep than a tub. Be sure to dry her well with a towel when you are done. When clipping the nails, watch out for the quick. Give her a little trim at first; you can even do a few nails, give her a break and do a few more later. Good luck and have fun!

4 years ago

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