Naps in a strip of sunlight by the window, small bursts of play (belly rubs included) throughout the day, meals lovingly prepared in a nice-looking bowl. Laid out like this, it’s easy to think that your pet is living the dream. And it probably is, with a devoted parent at its beck and call, or shall we say “bark” and call. However, stressful situations sometimes arise (e.g. changes in weather, loud noises, and new people), and when they do, you need to be quick on your feet and know how to de-stress your pet. Here’s our guide to a relaxing spa day at home to help wash your pet’s worries away. 

Furst things first 

Dim lighting? Check. Classical music playing softly in the background? Check. Tasty treats in hand? Check. The idea is to have your pet feeling relaxed, not trembling on the bathroom floor. Most dogs would rather skip bath time, but you can get your dog to enjoy the first item on your spa day agenda by making the environment as calm and peaceful as possible. 

It also helps to brush the coat out and remove mats before getting your dog wet as water causes mats to get tighter. Use slow, gentle strokes and your furry pal will feel like it’s getting a massage! 

Relax and soak up

For a delicious scrub down to the skin, a cleansing bar will do just the trick. With neem as its base, the Neem Deep Cleansing Bar heals and soothes skin while killing ticks, fleas, and other creepy crawlies. Let the lather sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more personalized, you can opt for a shampoo that caters to your dog’s coat type. For light-colored coats, there is a wide range of brightening shampoos: bleaching shampoo, bluing shampoo, dyeing shampoo, enzymatic shampoo, optical brightening shampoo, and the list goes on. But what are the most important things to look for in a brightening shampoo? Your shampoo should contain a safe and natural formula, meaning it’s free of parabens, harsh chemicals, and heavy fragrances that can dry out your pet’s skin and coat. The Jicama Brightening Wash is made with 100% Jicama extract that naturally brightens, lightens, and hydrates the skin. 

For dark-colored coats, a good shampoo should add richness and shine without using dyes, like the Dark Polish Shampoo from our Indulge Line. Our shampoo contains three good-for-your-pet ingredients: dark molasses for naturally enhancing coat colors, goji berry for stimulating melanin formation in each strand, and rosemary for improving the health and growth of hair. 

If your dog has a dry skin or coat, take the extra step with a rejuvenating conditioner. Look for a formula with a blend of natural plant oils and extracts such as aloe vera, castor oil, and green tea seed oil that moisturize strands. Work the conditioner into your dog’s coat and allow it to sit for a few minutes—and that’s it! A boost of gloss and hydration, instantly. 

Cherry on top

Have a plush towel ready for your pet to cozy up in while you blow dry its coat. Keep the dryer at the lowest setting; remember, the cooler the better! Next, bring out a paw balm and give your dog a nice paw massage. Just take a small amount of cream and rub it in a circular motion. This can also be used on elbows, snouts, or anywhere your furry friend has dry skin. Choose a balm with safe, natural ingredients in case your dog takes a lick!

After getting every item on our spa day checklist ticked off, we’re sure your pet (or you) is starting to feel drowsy… right about now. Perfect! Give you and your pet a pat on the back and call it a day with some post-bath snuggles (it’s the cherry on top). After this spa session, we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that your dog will never look at bath time the same way again. 

Sources

• Stress in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Finding Relief

https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/behavior-appearance/dog-stress 

• Top 5 Best Dog Whitening Shampoos to Keep Your White Dog Clean and White

https://www.puppywire.com/whitening-shampoo/