POSH PUPS
Posh? Why not?! Our furry four-legged friends become our sounding board, cheerleader, snuggle buddy, shoulder (paw) to cry on, and so much more. What we put on them, matters just as much as what we put on us!
So in this chat, let’s talk about bath-time.
Let me ask you something Sweet One, are you giving your dog a “bath” or a “shower?”
Have you ever really even thought about that?
Some dogs prefer a shower with clean water and splash around while others may get anxious when it comes time for grooming. If your pet is nervous about spa-day, opt for the quiet, subdued relaxation of a traditional bath. (side note: baths are a great option for dogs that need attention to their anal glands and sanitary areas)
If you are new to the idea of giving a dog a bath, here are some tips:
Fill a basin with warm water (not cold, and not hot!)
Add your soap
Soak your dog while working a soft lather into their coat as you would washing your own hair.
Drain water, while rinsing your dog.
I personally opt to refill the basin while working a small amount of conditioner into the coat. Then drain water once more, and rinse thoroughly.
INGREDIENTS MATTER
The same ingredients you would avoid for yourself, you should avoid for your pets. Here is a good list to start with and then, expand upon as you learn more.
• sodium lauryl sulfate
• fragrance
• phenoxyethanol
• mineral oil
• PABA
• parabens
• phthalates
• urea
• isopropyl alcohol
• ceteareth-20
■ PRODUCTS
I tend to avoid traditional dog shampoo for a very good reason: they smell horrible, the ingredients re wretched and they leave the hair dry.
•Shampoo & Conditioner
What is good enough for me, is good enough for my dog. I use the same shampoo for Eleanor, that I do for myself: Young Living Shampoo & Conditioner. Copaiba Vanilla is a great choice for softer hair, while Lavender is a perfect choice for added volume. In the summer / fall months I opt for AnimalScents Shampoo as it is formulated for a dogs outdoor adventures to be enjoyed annoyance free.
• Grooming Spray / Detangler
For daily grooming or a quick touch up in between baths, try this DIY spray that you can customize with your choice of essential oils if you don’t prefer the ones I have listed.
BASE:
2 Tbsp Young Living Copaiba Conditioner
4 ounces water
2 droppers full Mirah Lustrous Hair Oil
5 drops each: geranium, northern lights black spruce, lavender (Or, 15 drops AnimalScents PuriClean essential oil blend)
• The Finishing Touch
Silky soft hair, or in this case a coat, is always in high style. To tame fly-aways and give a finished look take a few drops of Young Living Mirah Hair Oil and rub into your hands so you can then rub down your pups ears, and coat for a finishing touch.
• In between bath “Touch-Ups”
Not kidding one bit: Savvy Minerals Makeup remover wipes. Just enough of a cleanser base that if you need to add a bit of water, you can or just simply wipe the coat down.
For my complete product list and individual product information visit:
https://www.myyl.com/melissahd#bwm/posh-pup
■ THE TOOLS
The right tools make ALL the difference! I think Eleanor has a personal grooming arsenal that would rival mine! Over the years I have collected and used so many different types of brushes and just like for myself: I’ve landed on just a few that remain a staple today while the others collect dust.
Here are a few of my favorites:
• Furminator
Start with removing as much lose dog hair as possible and this is the perfect tool for that task!
• Boar Brush
This is ideal for giving a soft finish after brushing, and between grooming. If you’re going to pet your dog every day, why not do it with a softening brush and help eliminate tangles, and matted hair! Just as a boar bristle brush does for you to help evenly distribute natural oils throughout the hair, it does the same for your posh pup.
• Comb
This comb is magic to help get out snarls and work through small knots.
• Toenail clippers
The task nobody likes but this tool, makes clipping nails much easier!
• Hair Dryer
I did not think it made a difference: my hair dryer vs a dog hair dryer but it really does! They are designed to run at a lower temperature, and quieter!
