How to enjoy an at-home spa day with your dog

If you could, you would take your pup with you everywhere. While that might not be realistic, you can still enjoy a special time by pampering yourself and your pooch at home. Consider treating yourself to a spa day – or, in your dog’s case, a spaw day – at home using the tools you have on hand.

Take a bath

Bath therapy is a real thing, and it can be good for both you and your dog. For humans, taking baths can do anything from lessening chronic pain to reducing stress and clearing your skin. Your dog may enjoy the benefits of being clean just as you like what you can get from a soak in the tub. During your bath, make sure to have a fluffy place for your dog to rest so you can enjoy the atmosphere together.

Do-it-yourself dog washes can help adults who don’t want to bend over the bathtub to bathe their furry friends or deal with cleaning up. Taking your loved one to a dog-washing station can still give you the bonding experience of bathing your dog with all the tools you need to provide them with proper grooming. This way, you know your pup is completely clean without hurting your muscles.

Since you want to spend your spa day at home, consider bathing your dog the day before. That way, you and your squeaky-clean pup can focus on other fun ways to relax and unwind after a long week of hard work.

Brush your hair

You and your dog likely both have hair that needs to be brushed. Focus on getting tangles out of your hair. You may have to cut some mats out of your dog’s fur if they haven’t been groomed recently and spend time outside. Once you’ve taken care of yourself, give your dog your full attention.

Brushing your dog can be a relaxing activity for both of you. Simply having a dog lowers blood pressure and can reduce anxiety symptoms and the detriments of aging. Remember to speak gently to your dog while spending time with them. After hearing your pleasant voice, they’re sure to relax and feel like a  prince or princess for the evening.

Try some at-home grooming

Unless you’re confident of your abilities or are only giving your dog a basic cut, you should leave your dog’s grooming to the professionals. Depending on your dog’s breed and fur type, they may need proper grooming every month. Still, you can do plenty of things with your dog to take care of them and help you both have a relaxing spa day.

Clean ears

You should be checking your dog’s ears regularly. Especially if they’re floppy, your dog’s ears could be hiding infections, ticks, or built-up earwax. You can take a cloth and gently wipe inside your dog’s ear. They may have had something irritating them that you can easily wipe away.

They’ll feel like a brand-new dog after such pampering!

After you clean your dog’s ears, don’t forget to wash your hands and clean your ears. You shouldn’t stick a q-tip in your ears because it can damage your eardrum if not done correctly and gently enough. Once both of you have clean ears, you might be able to listen to one another better.

Cut nails

Dogs who have backyards to run around in can typically keep their nails at a manageable length and sharpness, particularly if they have stone or concrete to walk around on. If your dog doesn’t have these opportunities, you may have to pay attention to their nails more often. Consider getting a nail grinder if your dog doesn’t like nail clippers. Watch for their reactions so you know when to stop to avoid hurting them.

Once you’ve finished with your dog, it’s time to tend to your grooming. Always give your nails the proper attention they need, as the appearance of your nails can signify your body’s overall health. After taking care of any hangnails or cuticle issues, you can paint your nails or put on a strengthening clear coat. Consider buying dog-friendly nail polish so you can pamper your pup with color, too.

Offer a massage

As your dog gets older, you’ll want to help ease any discomfort they may be feeling. You can rely on massage to help your older dog feel better. Medical massages can target specific areas and problems unique to your dog. Try to learn from your trusted veterinarian what you can do to improve your dog’s health and massage them from home. Then, give your pup a nice massage according to their needs on your spa night.

You can also get a massage for yourself. Of course, you probably won’t be able to take your dog there, so you may have to split up a bit. Alternatively, if you have a partner willing to give you a massage, you can relax at home with your pup snoozing nearby.

Spend the evening with your best friend

Your dog has unconditional love for you. They’re your best friend, and they deserve to have a night of pampering and relaxation like you do. No matter how you choose to take care of yourself and your dog on your at-home spa night, remember to spend as much time with them as possible. Your dog may only be part of your life, but you’re their whole world – and taking a night away from going out or staying busy to slow down with them would delight them more than anything else.

Jane Marsh is an environmental writer who is passionate about pet care and health. To read more of her work, follow her site Environment.co.