Dog Grooming
Dog grooming is a specialized skill. You may not agree, but roll with me here. Grooming a dog properly takes time and energy. Larger dogs are a handful just to get wet and soapy, then rinse (which is why we use Chubbs bars). There’s nail trimming, ear cleaning, fur trimming (if it’s the kind of dog which needs trimming, otherwise groomers do a sanitary trim around the wee and poop hole – yes, I hate technical terms). There’s drying and prettifying. And for little dogs, there’s the expression of the anal glands.
Yeah, that’s the clincher for me. I’m new to small dog ownership. I’ve never before had a dog which needed its anal glands expressed. It’s gross. Don’t try telling me it’s not. And don’t try telling me it’s not necessary. Gadget had extensive surgery because his anals became infected (before we had him – his story is here), so it’s more than necessary for him. It’s life or death. And I’m not doing it myself. Which is why dog grooming by a professional is a specialized skill, one I’m willing to pay for somewhat regularly. Because let’s be honest – I hand the little dogs to my Hunny when he’s showering and they get clean. No big. But the anal gland expression and trimming those black nails, the ones which prevent me from seeing the quick, makes it totally worth whatever it takes. For my 13 pound dogs, that’s 30 to 35 bucks a dog, plus tip. I try to get them in every three or four months.
But Dog Grooming in Spring?
Dog grooming in the rainy season might not sound too bright. My yard gets muddy. My freshly washed dogs go potty, then track dirt into the house. How smart is that? Just last night we sat in our storm closet, the dogs and I, waiting for bad weather to pass. I was grateful that they smelled sweet, having been to the groomer yesterday morning, but they pranced around outside this morning getting wet and muddy. *sigh*
And I’m okay with that. Like I said, the things I refuse to do make dog grooming in spring well worth the mud mess. I’ll hand the dogs to Hunny when he’s showering on Saturday morning and they’ll get clean again. He’ll use our favorite Chubbs bar to wash them, and I’ll spray them with the coconut scented Surfin’ Jack’s conditioner when they’re towel dried. Actually, they’ll smell far better after the Surfin’ Jack’s than when I brought them home yesterday. I’m super impressed by the scent, that there’s not a hint of wet dog once they’re dried, and by how soft their coats are. And the mud won’t effect the nails or their anal glands.
Honestly, they get baths weekly all spring long. So having them professionally groomed has zero to do with spring and rain and mud. It has everything to do with the details I don’t want to handle myself. It’s worth it to me. It’s worth it for Gadget and his wee rear end. It’s a peace of mind thing.
Tell me your dog grooming stories. I know some of you don’t have it done with your dogs at all. I never did until I had lap dogs. A hose and an undercoat rake have always been enough for the Aussie mixes. But now I’m curious and need to hear your stories!
Giveaway
This is the last week for the Heart Breakers giveaway! Your dog wants to win them, so click this sentence, which will take you to the giveaway post, then scroll down to the Rafflecopter, where you’ll click for entry instructions. Don’t forget to tweet daily to increase your chances of winning! Your dog will thank you. And smile. Naturally.
Spreading the good chews …
Flea
