How to Keep Your Dog Clean In Between Grooming Appointments

dirty dogSpring is here! We've made it through snowmageddons, rainstorms, and other weather patterns that have left us feeling a bit gloomy. Our poor dogs have had to grow winter coats to keep them from catching a chill through the winter vortex. But now that spring is here they are going to need our help getting them ready for the summer heat.

Once you start the season off with a bath, brush-out, and haircut you may quickly find the spring showers have ruined your attempt at freshening up your furry friend and maybe even your house. Have no fear we have some great suggestion to help keep your dog feeling like he just walked out of our salon until it's time for his next grooming.

The brush is your friend

If you don't have a brush for your dog, make sure you add that to your pet shopping list. During a spa session, our groomers are able to thin out a lot of your dog's undercoat. Unfortunately, this isn't a do once and done project.   From now until summer your dog will be growing his summer coat and shedding his undercoat. Brushing him out a few times a week can go a long way to help with keeping fur off your carpet and bed. He will also enjoy the extra one-on-one time he gets with you.

*Bonus helpful tip: brush your dog outdoors so that flying hair can be captured by birds building nests.

Keep Your Dog Smelling Great with Waterless Shampoo

No matter how hard you try to keep your dog clean and dry, especially during light showers, they have other plans. Lying in the sun and rolling in the dirt are second nature to them. Your dog doesn't understand that you just mopped the floors and shampooed the carpets. All they know is that they love you, and sunshine, and dirt, and being outside. You can help your dog (and house) stay fresh by purchasing a bottle of waterless shampoo. This foamy product can be used directly on your dog or on a towel that you use to spot clean your dog as needed. Waterless shampoo works great to clean a dogs muzzle, especially after they spend an afternoon digging in the yard or trash. Apply a small amount on a damp cloth and scrub away the remnants of their escapades.

Use Sheets to Cover Dog Beds and Furniture

The next two tips aren't just about keeping your dog clean in between grooming appointments, but they are great ideas to help keep your house clean after you've done spring cleaning. Cover dog beds, couches and other furniture with old sheets. No matter how hard you try to keep your dog's paws clean the minute you look away will be the instant he manages to track mud into the house. Covering dog beds and furniture can help protect those items. Washing a couple sheets is going to be much less frustrating than if you had to wash your couch.

Place Rugs or Towels in Front of Doors

If you have a doggie door or a way for your dog to venture outside without you, place a rug or an old towel to help clean their feet. You can even place a small bucket with waterless shampoo and towels at your front door for quick clean-ups after walks. Again, you can wash these items as frequently as needed. Many pet stores are carrying a variety of fashion friendly rugs so that you can find a rug that can act as accessories as well as a functional way to keep your dog clean.

We're all glad to spring has arrived and are looking forward to the dog days of summer. Hopefully. these tips will help your dog stay clean until his next visit with us. If he manages to get in a big mess and these tricks don't work we'll be here ready to scrub-a-dub your best pal.