You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you can get, don't you? Hey, who doesn't? It's almost impossible not to, with those adorable, big, beautiful eyes, the little lashes, the soft fur just behind the ears… they almost beg to be spoiled. But what can you really do? There are all of those new doggie day spas, doggie day cares, and other doggie luxury services, but how often can you really afford things like that? I mean, most people rarely have enough cash in the bank to get themselves a surprise manicure and pedicure, much less spring for their pups to get a quadripedicure. You give her a few scratches behind the ears, rub her belly, and maybe give her a massage and splurge on some gourmet treats, but you have to pay rent and eat each month. Your budget just doesn't allow for constant spoiling of your dog…
1. Or does it?
You can make the shampoos, fragrances, and skin conditioners the doggie day spas use whenever you want for a lot less money than you think. Wouldn't your pup love to have an at-home spa treatment? Give these recipes a shot the next time you want to pamper that pup:
2. Aromatic Dry Shampoo
250 ml (1 cup) cornmeal
250 ml (1 cup) baby/talcum powder
5 ml (1 tsp) rosemary
5 ml (1 tsp) lavender
Combine all of the ingredients in a large, airtight container and let them sit overnight. This will allow the rosemary and lavender to scent the other two ingredients lightly. When ready, sprinkle generously over your dog and brush it into her fur by working your fingers against the lay of her coat. Once it's worked in thoroughly, use your fingers or a hard rubber brush to massage her coat in the direction of the fur but working in circles. Brush until the mixture is completely out of the coat. Your baby will smell great, the powder and cornmeal help absorb excess oil and dirt to clean her, and she won't have had to go through the trauma of having a full bath! How great is that?
3. Herbal Shampoo
470 ml (2 cups) purified water
10 ml (1 tbsp) rosemary
10 ml (1 tbsp) orange zest
30 ml (2 tbsp) chamomile
10 ml (1 tbsp) lavender oil
120 ml (1/2 cup) baby shampoo
Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add all of the herbs, cover the dish, and allow it to steep overnight. Strain the mixture and stir in the oils, then gently add the shampoo until well-mixed. This shampoo should be kept refrigerated for freshness when not in use, but use about 2 tablespoons every time you wash your dog for a sweet-smelling, great treat for both of you. Don't forget to give her a little massage while you're rubbing it in!
4. Lemon Flea Dip
3 lemons
940 ml (1 quart) water
60 ml (1/4 cup) baking soda
5 ml (1 tsp) herbal shampoo
Cut the lemons into eighths while bringing the water to a rolling boil. Add the lemons, boil for one hour, then cover and let the mixture steep overnight. Strain the solution then add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Warm to a tepid temperature before applying. To spoil your pup with the application, dip a sponge into the water and drizzle it slowly over her coat, then use your fingers to work it in using slow, deliberate circles focusing on points like the hips and shoulders. Give her a good massage – she deserves it! This shampoo uses citrus oil to help repel fleas, but the warm water and baking soda also help to soothe any existing irritations she may have.
See? Spoiling your dog is much easier and less expensive than you think, and I've compiled 101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for Under $10 for just that reason. Any dog owner knows how hard it is to resist spoiling their pup, and now there's no reason to resist! Spoiling her can be as easy as talking to her… you just might not realize the impact simple things have on her. Give the book a read, then try some of the ideas you'll find. You'll be amazed at how much closer and more bonded with your dog you feel!
Mark Eckenrode is a lover of dogs, his own is named Ryker. Mark is also the creator of an amazing website that offers free step-by-step tips on how to spoil your dog, cook up delicious dog recipes, insights into health, and communicating with your dog…
"Finally! A Quick and Easy Way For YOU to Learn Exactly What Your Dog is Looking For… Without Being a Vet, Visiting an Animal Shrink, or Paying Outrageous Prices for Dog Toys!"
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