7 Essential Tools for DIY Dog Washing
Whether you're a DIYer or a professional dog groomer, these tools will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
A good shower head or hose attachment can save you time and energy during your dog's bath. Some are designed specifically for pets and others provide a variety of spray patterns and pressure settings.
Paw Washer
Paw washing is an important part of any comprehensive grooming routine, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the time and patience to do it properly. This is especially true if you have multiple dogs or a dog that doesn’t like to be touched in general.
PETstock Promo Codes offers a paw washer is a convenient tool that helps you clean your dog’s paws without having to leave your house. It’s usually a lidded plastic cup that has an opening for your dog’s paw.
To use it, you simply put your dog’s paw inside and press a button. The paw washer then spins and whooshes away dirt.
The Dexas Petware Mudbuster is one of the most popular paw cleaners on the market and it’s easy to see why. It’s small, portable, and works for paws up to 2 inches wide.
Its soft silicone bristles are gentle on your dog’s paws and its angled design makes it easy to get them into the cleaner. You can also take the brush mechanism apart for easier cleaning and it’s dishwasher safe. The Mudbuster comes in three sizes, so you can choose the right one for your dog.
Shedding Blade
Shedding blades are a handy tool for DIY dog washing because they help remove loose hair before it falls to the ground and makes a mess of your home. They're also useful for larger dogs that have a lot of loose fur to get rid of.
To use, slip your hands through the loops on each end of a shedding blade and gently stroke from head to tail. Avoid putting too much pressure on the blade because that could cause your pet to itch.
Another useful grooming tool is the grooming rake, which features rotating metal teeth that help untangle knots and work out some mats. It's especially good for thick-coated breeds, such as huskies, that need to be groomed daily.
For dogs with smooth coats, Cross recommends a pin brush and fine-toothed metal comb. She uses these together for tangle-prone longhaired breeds, such as golden retrievers and Australian shepherds. She then adds a rubber ZoomGroom or SleekEZ shedding blade.
Dental Supplies
Dental care is an important part of your pets' overall health, and a bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping your pup's teeth clean. Brushing your pet's teeth is the best way to remove plaque and reduce the buildup of tartar.
There are a wide variety of products on the market, from dog toothpaste to fancy dental rinses that will leave your furry friend's teeth sparkling clean. Some even have a nifty odor-eliminating effect to make your dog's breath smell sweeter.
You can get these products at most online and brick-and-mortar pet stores. They can also be purchased in a convenient kit that includes everything you need for a thorough cleaning.
It can be difficult to convince your dog to stand still for a full teeth-cleaning session, but there are ways to make it less of a chore and more of a fun pastime. Start by getting your dog used to having their mouths touched (with your bare hands or a towel) with a bit of exposure therapy, and be sure to use the right tools. The best toothbrushes have angled handles and soft bristles, making it easy to get into all those small crevices that you just can't reach with a finger.
Ear Cleaner
Keeping your dog's ears clean is a necessary part of their overall health. Dirty ears can cause irritation and even ear infections, which will require veterinary treatment.
Fortunately, many ear cleaners are available at your local pet store. These products are vet-approved and have gone through extensive safety trials to ensure that they are safe to use.
To begin the ear-cleaning process, squirt a small amount of the solution into your pet's ear canal. Then, massage the base of the ear, aiming to mix it around inside the ear canal.
Repeat until the ear looks clean, and you should hear a slight squishing noise when you do this correctly. Then, allow your dog to shake their head and wipe out any excess earwax or solution that may have accumulated.
If your dog seems uncomfortable or irritated during the ear-cleaning process, take a break and contact your veterinarian for an adjustment. This will help prevent any pain or irritation during the ear cleaning, and will also help them become accustomed to it. Make the experience fun for them with treats and praise. This will help them associate the process with something positive, which will also make them more likely to want to keep their ears clean.
Tooth Brush
A toothbrush is an essential tool for keeping your dog’s teeth and gums clean. Brushing is recommended twice a day for oral hygiene and can prevent the development of dental issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Toothbrushes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the key is to find one that fits your hand and feels comfortable for your pet. For example, finger toothbrushes are designed to fit over the tip of your finger and can be helpful for dogs with sensitive mouths.
If you’re unsure of what type of brush to buy, ask your vet or check the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) list of approved products. You can also get a pet-friendly dental kit that includes a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for your dog, which will make it easier to start practicing at-home care for your pet’s oral health.
For the first few times, start by using a dental wipe or cloth and then gradually move to the toothbrush as your pet becomes more comfortable with being handled. Start with their front bottom teeth and work your way up to the back, using a light brushing motion and gradually increasing the amount of pressure applied.
Wipes
Keeping a pack of wipes handy is a great way to keep your pet’s paws clean between baths or while you’re traveling. They’re also a convenient option for cleaning salty paws in winter and removing pollen from their fur during springtime.
But, before you run out and buy a bunch of wipes, make sure they’re safe for your dog. According to Megan McCarthy DVM, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, using human wipes on your dog’s skin can disrupt their pH level, causing irritation or dryness.
She recommends using dog-specific wipes instead of baby wipes, as they’re made to be safer for your pet’s skin and maintain their pH level. She says to look for a product that contains ingredients like aloe vera, which helps soothe your pet’s skin and minimize odors.
Earthbath Tushy Wipes are made with coconut water and natural aloe to help remove stuck-on messes and stains without irritating your dog’s sensitive skin. They’re free of parabens, alcohol, and chemical detergents, making them gentle enough to use around your dog’s face and ears. They’re also certified as biodegradable and compostable. You can even get these wipes in travel-sized packs. They’re also a great option for cleaning your dog’s eyes and removing tear stains. If you are looking for affordable DIY dog washing then check out the Pets Discount Code.
Portable Bathing Tool
Whether you're a professional dog walker or just a dog-loving pet parent, a portable bathing tool is an important investment for DIY dog washing. They make it simple to clean a dog without having to lug shampoo, towels, and other dog wash supplies into your car or back and forth to a groomer's.
One of the most common types of portable bathing tools is a collapsible tub. These tubs collapse down to the size of a small trash can and take up minimal storage space. They're also great for traveling or if you have a smaller dog that can't fit in your home's bathtub.
These tubs come with a variety of features, including drain holes and a non-slip rubber mat. Some even come with a shampoo caddy.
A portable tub for bathing dogs can be expensive, but it's well worth the cost if you're a serious dog owner or a professional pet groomer. It's a great alternative to a shower or bathtub and helps reduce stress and anxiety for your dog while you're cleaning them.
Another option is to build a homemade dog bathing station from scratch. This is an easier project than you might think and a lot less expensive than purchasing a pre-made unit at the store. The key components are a shower pan, a hot and cold water supply, and drainage into your main drain system.
Conclusion
DIY dog washing can be made easier and more enjoyable with the use of essential tools such as a gentle shampoo, a detachable showerhead, a non-slip mat, a grooming brush, nail clippers, ear cleaner, and a blow dryer. These tools can help ensure that your furry friend stays clean, healthy, and happy.
