Have you ever thought about doing your own pet grooming. This would be another way to save your budget dollars. Some people might consider us a tightwad or cheapskate, but this is actually a good, basic way to lower expenses.
There is another aspect to this that you might not have considered before. It might sound a little funny, but, your dog loves you and bathing, grooming and doing all those things that he requires gives him his own special time to spend with you.
What you will need:
* Natural pet shampoo, an 8 to 1 is good. There are formulas for all types of problems from doggie odour right down to white coats, sensitive skin and skunked.
* Liquid ear cleaner
* Pet nail clippers
* Lots of thick towels
* Brush and comb
* Detangle tool (if long haired dog)
* Rubber mat for the tub bottom
Plan where you will bath him. A bathtub can be a bit tricky if you have to kneel and bend, but does work well if you have your shower head on a long hose.
A stand up shower stall works well, but you should dress accordingly in short pants and old shirt, or even a bathing suit.
Getting him ready for his bath:
Before plopping him in the tub, it's a good idea to give him a good brushing to remove excess fur. Wash his face with clean water. To clean his ears use a liquid pet ear cleaner. Squeeze some into the ear canal, gently massage his ears and wipe the area with clean tissues. Let him shake his head and the wipe them again. Clip his nails with a pet nail clipper made for this purpose. It is a good idea just to snip the very tips and not to try to go too deep.
Now get him into the bathing area. If he hasn't experienced this before he might be a bit anxious. With patience (and endurance) he will probably settle right down and begin to enjoy his bath time. If necessary, be firm with him and don't let him have his own way. Get him wet and apply his shampoo (not too much). Rinse him thoroughly and try to get a thick towel on him before he begins to shake. Rub him down all over with the towels. He will need to dry partially before you start to brush him. If you have a fireplace, let him lay there or if it is hot outside, let him out on the deck or porch to air dry.
Once he has dried you can begin to brush him. He will need to be brushed a few times until he is completely dry. You just saved yourself quite a bit, possibly more than $75.
| Linda is a retired piano teacher in Toronto married to the retired Chief Works Supervisor of the Water Supply for Toronto. She is interested in all environmental issues, budgeting, homemaking, frugal living and shopping, recycling, reducing, reusing and all things green. Currently she is working on a project with her friend/partner on how to make your life more simple. Linda has a golden retriever dog named Rusty and a cat named Dusty. She is also involved in The Therapeutic Paws of Canada and her Rusty will be a regular visitor at a nearby nursing home. When she has spare time, she likes to play the piano with her duet partner and also her husband. |
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