Unleash the Joy of a Clean Dog: Take Your Dog to the Dog Wash!
Many people have treasured furry friends that bring joy into their homes. Special moments can come from doing activities together—including taking your pup to the doggie wash. Active dog parents want to get their pooch good and clean, but most are unaware of the real benefits clean dogs bring.
Regular grooming is essential for all breeds, especially those which have long coats. Dogs that are housed inside benefit from regular cleaning as their coats hold more dirt than those dogs living outside. A full groom involves washing, trimming the nails and combing through their fur to get rid of all the snarls and knots.
Apart from providing their pet with a clean coat, owners should be aware of the health advantages. Clean fur can cut down on skin irritations and eliminate the bacteria that can cause skin problems. Brushing the fur also enables owners to monitor the state of the skin, identify any lumps, bumps or sores that are otherwise hidden. Clean fur is also less likely to carry fleas and ticks, as well as external parasites.
Taking your pooch to the doggie wash also cuts down on your workload. Trying to wash your dog at home usually ends with wet paws trotting up and down the house and dealing with a mess of fur. At a doggie wash, the experience is more pleasurable for both you and your pet. Dogs that may find salon visits intimidating prefer doggie washes due to the shorter duration and the more casual atmosphere. What’s more, there is no appointment necessary.
Getting your pup to the doggie wash serves another purpose as well. Veterinarians highly recommend doing a once-a-month full-body check to monitor your pet’s health. When you take your pup to the groomers, they can check your pet’s skin, fur, eyelids for any hint of infection or irritation. This practice can go a long way in determining sickness before it gets to an advanced stage. In addition, the groomers can spot any fleas or ticks that need attention.
Doggie washes offer clarifying shampoos to pamper any breed of pup. Many shampoos contain oatmeal or aloe vera to moisturise and exfoliate the skin. A deep cleaning can also eliminate the staining around your pup’s eyes, mouth and ears associated with tear and saliva. Regular bathing can also help reduce doggy odour.
By taking your pup to the doggie wash, you’ll save your own time, money and energy. Regular bathing frees up the amount of time and energy you’d otherwise spend grooming your pet at home. Doggie washes also cost less than taking your pup to the salon, so you are more likely to give them a good scrub more frequently.
Self Care
While taking your pup to the doggie wash is beneficial for their coat and physical health, the experience also helps to take some of the load off of you. Dog owners may find it difficult to find time for their own self-care. Besides the physical and mental stress, dog ownership can also include financial stress. Taking your pooch to the doggie wash gives owners a reprieve; an opportunity to step away from their furry friend for a bit, take a deep breath and just relax.
Gone are the days of cleaning a stinky pup in the bathtub; the entire experience at the doggie wash is enjoyable. Many dog wash stations provide music or sound to make the atmosphere pleasant and calm. The washers at the station are friendly and efficient, so owners don’t have to worry about struggling to clean their pup. Most places offer unlimited shampoo and conditioner, rubber mats, blow-dryers, and scented wipes to tackle the mess. With all these amenities at their disposal, owners can be sure their dog will have a full-body clean with a finishing spritz of doggy cologne.
Having a clean pup comes with plenty of benefits. Clean dogs are healthier, as it cuts down on the amount of bacteria that can cause skin problems. The experience also enhances the bond between you and your pup. A clean coat and body are pleasing for both you and your furry friend, and the extra time spent together is an additional bonus.
Spatial Awareness
Another benefit of taking your pup to the doggie wash is that it gives you the opportunity to practice your pup’s spatial awareness. Grooming sessions give you and your pup a chance to grow and learn together. While your pup receives a good scrub, you can practice basic commands. You can also take the opportunity to practice leash etiquette if necessary.
By taking your pup to the doggie wash, you also create an opportunity to get to know your furry friend better. Cleaning their body gives you a better chance to run through a physical exam. By running your hands through their fur, you can feel for any unusual lumps, bumps or other areas of concern.
Regular visits to the doggie wash give you an opportunity to familiarise your pup and help them get accustomed to the sounds and spatials at the station. Grooming periods give you quality time together and another opportunity for you to build a deeper bond with your pup.
Healthy Habits
Taking your pup to the doggie wash not only contributes to their physical wellbeing, it helps give your pup mental stimulation as well. The repetitive motion of cleaning your pup’s coat creates a sense of comfort and security. According to experts, some dogs become so comfortable with grooming that they show signs of contentment and pleasure when being washed.
The experience of managing their daily routine is another benefit of taking your pup to the doggie wash. From the moment you arrive at the station, the estabishment provides them with the level of consistency and control they need. This encourages them to develop healthy habits, reducing feelings of loneliness, insecurity, boredom and overall stress.
Pamper Your Pooch
Pampering isn’t just for humans anymore. The doggie wash can provide owners and pups with the time and opportunity to indulge in some luxury. Most pet groomers offer spa and beauty treatments such as pawdicures, hair dyeing and nail polish. All of these spa options are 100% safe for your pup and such treatments provide a unique bonding experience.
Take the spa days up a notch with a massage. Dogs respond to human touch, and massages are beneficial for them both emotionally and physically. Massages can improve blood flow to their bodies, improve their skin and coat and increase muscle flexibility. Besides a simple massage, some groomers offer spa techniques such as hot stone massages and exfoliation treaments.
Another great spa treatment for your pup are aromatherapy baths. Scented baths can help soothe your pup’s body and soul with calming scents like lavender. Aromatherapy baths can reduce aggression and improve relaxation. With such an array of options, the doggie wash has something for everyone.
Eliminate Stress
Taking your pup to the doggie wash can reduce the amount of stress in their daily life and create a sense of security. While some dogs may enjoy the experience, other pups may become overwhelmed with the situation. Anxiety occurs when pups discover a new space, and the doggie wash gives owners the opportunity to practice socialisation with their pup. During the wash, it is important to assess their behaviour in the environment and provide verbal cues and positive reinforcement.
Doggie washes provide an opportunity to work on calming exercises. Owners can perform heel work, where dogs are introduced to stationary walking, calm release with “yes”, an exercise which teaches dogs to remain still when given a verbal command. These exercises require positive reinforcement through treats and can help reduce the stress that some pups may experience.
The doggie wash gives owners the opportunity to break out of their comfort zone and find new ways to interact with their pup. Identifying stress signs and working on calming exercises can help strengthen the bond between owners and dogs and help create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Hygiene Tips
Working with your pup to get them comfortable with the doggie wash can ensure an enjoyable experience. To make sure the activity is pleasant and beneficial for your pup, here are a few tips to make sure your pup is fully pampered:
- Schedule grooming sessions when the doggie wash won’t be too crowded. Morning and late afternoon are ideal times.
- Bring your own towels to wrap around your pup. The doggie wash holds fewer germs when you have a clean and dry towel for your pup.
- Bring your own shampoo and conditioner that are specifically formulated for your pup’s skin and coat for maximum potency.
- When introducing your pup to the doggie wash for the first time, brush them at home before the visit and give them a quick swipe with a damp cloth.
- Don’t forget to bring treats! Positive reinforcement can go a long way, and treats can help make the experience a pleasant one.
Taking your pup to the doggie wash offers plenty of benefits. Not only will your pup get the tender love and care they need, the experience helps strengthen the bond between the two of you. Next time you head to your nearest doggie wash, remember that it is an opportunity to take a break, have fun and give your pup the attention they deserve.