Fido's Hygeine
Bathing your Dog - Without the
Tears
Whether you have 1 dog or 4
(like me), bath time for the pooch(es) can take on a circus-like
atmosphere. Especially if the breed is known to be very active (I have
JRTs 5, 2, 1 & 1 yrs old). Here's some tips on how this day
goes off without a hitch once a month (we live in red dirt country).
1. SURPRISE! We make that day
a special day for those 4-legged members of our family. My husband
& I spend time with our dogs everyday but when the day comes to
clean em up, they get extra special treats, a lot more time &
attention.
2. STAY ON SCHEDULE. In our
house, it's the 1st Friday of the month. Friday for a couple of
reasons. Usually a light work day due to being the end of the work week
& you should have more energy.
3. ACTIVITY PLANNING. Much
like putting together a child's birthday party, eventful is the key to
success but the end goal here are pets that are too tuckered to tangle
with you over the issue of their lack of hygiene. We devote 1/2 of the
day to playing fetch, chasing bubbles, swimming or chasing the hose
stream & tripping around the yard picking up the little pieces
of a once whole toy. And they get tidbits of a favorite goody. After a
good few or more hours we head in to sweep the bathroom commencing the
days fun by duelling the vacuum hose extension, it dared to invade
their area & take the stockpile provision of hair they spread
along the baseboards. But you should never let children do this as most
vacuum suction is very strong which could suffocate the animal
&/or kill your pet, especially smaller pets. And doing this may
make it difficult for you to get chores done if they won't stop
attacking the machine.
4. COME & GET IT! A
quick dance & then they eat. Warming their food is not just
better for their digestive system but it also works the same as warmed
milk does for insomnia. Thanksgiving too, if you're serving turkey. I
get a show in their anticipation of dinner. It's an adaptation of River
Dancing but they add in some whimpering, jumping straight up in the
air, & an occasional anxiety yipe. I get into the act too.
5. POTTY BREAK. After making
sure each others bowls are thoroughly cleaned of any remaining morsels
it's outside to take care of business, you know what lukewarm water
does to us.
6. MAIN EVENT. Round up all
those attending the de-grubbing of the dirt ball gang in the bathroom
or where ever you perform this task. Make sure they have things to chew
on & fiddle with while waiting their turn or while you get the
water just right. I find it easier if I sit on the side of the tub with
my feet helping to control urges to flee the scene. Which won't be too
strong since it was a busy afternoon with no nap & a full
belly. Wrap each one up in a clean, dry towel paying particular
attention to the feet, head, ears, chest & around the tail.
Sending em off with a big hug & smooch, NEXT! It's on to
another pooped pooch.
7. POTTY BREAK. Once all done
& every buddy is a sparkling version of it's previous mud
rolling self, it's a good idea to take your pet(s) out again to do
their business. You will notice a depleted energy level in your pet,
adjust the activities accordingly depending on how you pet(s) walk
outside & how long they take. **Our lot of hooligans will then
snooze while we take care of our nutritional needs & then have
a snack later. Don't be alarmed if you find yourself up the next
morning with no company or your pet(s) seems to be slow or worn out.
Just like human kids, a big day today for them means a more peaceful
tomorrow for you. We get our household chores done so much quicker the
next morning because they sleep in & lay around catching up on
rest. -- CeCelia Barnes
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