A creative, novel, or unusual approach to solving a problem, or a tool used in an unexpected way, is often called a “hack.”
Here is a list of some of my favorite grooming hacks.
1. Inexpensive exfoliating gloves found in the makeup aisle or a dollar-type store are a great addition to your bathing routine. You can get faces super clean by rubbing a bit of your shampoo on the gloves and giving those little faces good scrub. They also help deshed smooth coated breeds while you are washing them.
2. A package of baby wipes kept near the grooming table is convenient. If a dog has an “oops,” a nail bleeds a bit, or anal glands leak, baby wipes to the rescue!
3. Spray bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide are also super handy to keep around. As in the above hack, if a claw bleeds, Hydrogen Peroxide will instantly lift the stain from the fur. It is also great to remove urine odor from floors (or grooming tables) and offers a reasonable degree of sanitization.
4. If a dog has thick, furry ears, wrap them in several layers of paper towels after the bath. Hold the paper towels in place with a Happy Hoodie. You will be amazed at how much water is absorbed while you work on drying the rest of the pet.
5. Heavy Duty kitchen gloves. These inexpensive tools can be a real live saver. Cut the fingers off and pull the gloves over your arms to protect your skin when you have one of those dogs that tend to rake you while you are trimming their nails or working on their face. Your skin will thank you.
6. Elizabethan collars are oh-so-useful when working on smaller, nippy dogs. This is especially true if the dog does not do well with a muzzle or can quickly remove a muzzle if used. Putting an E collar on will allow easy access to most of the pet’s body while keeping their teeth away from your skin.
7. What if the dog you just washed and dried still has oily, clumpy fur around its ears (probably from medication)? No need to re-bathe; simply rub the area with chalk or talcum powder and let it sit for a few minutes. Then brush out the chalk or powder and be amazed at how clean and fluffy the coat looks!
Hacks are fun to try and can make life easier when they work well. These tried-and-true grooming hacks should surely work well for you.
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals
