If you’re watching your budget and looking for ways to cut back on expenses, one area to consider is grooming your own pet.
While skimping on our beloved furry family members is not something pet owners are inclined to do, there are ways to maintain your dog’s appearance and general health at home. Consider these tips from the All the Frugal Ladies blog, but be sure to check with your vet first to make sure these suggestions are safe for your particular dog.
Clean their coat. Keep your dog’s coat soft and shiny in just a few steps. Start by working cornmeal or cornstarch into dirty and/or oily spots on your dog’s fur while it’s dry. After about 20 minutes, brush it out with a dog comb or brush. Then rinse him off in the shower, only using shampoo if you haven’t done so in a while, then massage honey into his damp fur, and rinse again. This will leave your pup soft and shiny.
For ongoing coat care, brush your dog daily to keep his coat shiny and soft and prevent shedding. Only use shampoo every three months or so as it can dry out and irritate their skin.
Clean their ears. If your dog is experiencing any signs of an ear infection or other problem, take them to the vet right away. But if your dog’s ears are healthy, you can clean them with a mixture of ⅓ cup of apple cider and ⅔ cup of water. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and gently clean your dog’s ears.
Remedy bad breath. According to All the Frugal Ladies, one of the most effective ways to clean your dog’s bad breath is to give her a bone from the butcher. Not only will your dog enjoy this treat immensely, it will help clean her teeth and freshen her breath. The blog also suggests adding the juice of one lemon to your pup’s water bowl for an instant breath refresher, or try homemade dog treats made with mint or parsley.
Remember that grooming your dog is an opportunity for bonding, so make it a calm, enjoyable experience, enlisting small treats as needed to incentivize good behavior.
