Here in New York City, a simple bath and nail trim for a small dog will set you back around $70. The prices are much higher for larger dogs.
Many of us wish we could wash our own pets and trim their nails, but we are too nervous to do so. Or maybe we think we won’t be able to control our pets in order to properly bathe them. While it may take some getting used to (for you and your pet), your pet will grow to enjoy the experience. Dogs and cats have a genetic predisposition to identifying their groomer as their parent. In the wild, mothers often lick their offspring to keep them clean. Your pet will recognize this and grow to see the grooming as a chance to bond with you.
There are some products that make the task of grooming your own dog or cat a much more pleasant experience.
We highly recommend the Hydro Surge Bathing System. It is available at most pet stores and makes bathing your pet a breeze. It connects to your shower or to a standard garden hose, making it easy and convenient to bathe your pet.
If you are worried about controlling your pet, check out the Booster Bath. You can wash small and large dogs in the tub and drain the water into your sink or bathtub with the included five foot long hose.
For nails, we tried the Pedi Paws nail trimming tool on a pug who hates having his nails trimmed. With a little coaxing, he actually let us sand his nails down without any fuss. The only negative thing to be aware of with the Pedi Paws system is that a slightly unpleasant “burning” smell is emitted when the nails are being sanded down. This is to be expected and a small price to pay for sparing your pet the potential pain of nail clipping.
In just a few months of bathing your own pet, the tools above will pay for themselves. You will end up saving money and developing a stronger bond with your special pet.
