I think my dogs are getting spoiled. Today was Spa day for them. Just the term alone might indicate they are spoiled, but it's just what we call it when I do their teeth, coats and nails. They've gotten to love it.
They all get their turn but each wants to go first. We start with me sitting on the floor, legs apart and I call in the dog I want. With the dog sitting in front of me, I run my hands all over it, patting it, telling it how pretty it is, etc. but what I'm also doing is feeling around for any abnormalities, bumps, growths, basically anything that shouldn't be there.
Next, I give their teeth a good going over with the doggie toothbrush, which they don't mind because of the chicken flavored toothpaste. (The vet said he appreciates it because he can put his hands in their mouth without them raising a fuss). Then they get a good long brushing, first with a wire brush, then a Furminator, which is a tool designed to remove the the loose undercoat that is trying to work its way out. Next comes a comb out around the ears and feathers where most mats typically occur. Lastly, they roll over onto their backs so I can use the soft side of the brush to do their underside and trim their nails. It's easier for me to do their nails with the dogs on their backs, head towards me, because I can reach all four paws without having to re-position them. The dogs also know it's leading up to their favorite part... The Belly Rub!
We finish with a nice long belly rub and tons of more praise, while I examine their undersides for cuts, scratches and things of that nature. Then they roll back over and lay on my lap while I again tell them how wonderful they are give them a nice long hug, at which point they get up, shake any last loose hairs all over me and it's on to the next dog.
Yes, I think they just might be spoiled.
Thanks for reading,
Ken
