Grooming our cats and dogs is a necessary evil. Necessary because our pets are great at getting dirty; evil because a typical bath wastes a lot of water, uses chemical-laden products, and it can be painful for our furry friends.

But it doesn’t have to be so bad! Follow these simple steps for pet-safe – and hopefully pet-happy – grooming experience.

To Groom a Dog

Never underestimate the power of treats! Most dogs will tolerate a bath, but even those dogs who hate it can do much better with a constant supply of his favorite snacks. (My dog Lucas, who is terrified of water, will only take a bath for a slice of American cheese.)

Determine the best location for your dog’s bath. For small dogs, the kitchen sink is the perfect spot. On a nice day, you can leash up your dog and bathe him with a hose outside. For large dogs willing to get in the bathtub, a shower attachment works wonders at controlling water flow while rinsing all his hard-to-reach places.

Start the grooming process by brushing your dog. Check for fleas or hot spots, and spend extra time removing any tangles from a long-haired dog. Use a pet-safe, eco-friendly product like Molly Mutt Clean. Never use your own bath products on your dog; they’re not formulated for a dog’s skin and can cause irritation.

Thoroughly wet your dog, avoiding his face. Work the shampoo through his coat. Some medicated shampoos need to sit for a few minutes – this is where the treats come in handy!

Rinse the shampoo. If you use a conditioner, smooth it through his coat. While the conditioner is working – or after rinsing the shampoo if you don’t use conditioner – wet a washcloth to wash your dog’s face. If necessary, use a small dab of shampoo, then re-wet the washcloth to remove the suds. Leaving product behind can cause dry, itchy skin, so rinse your dog thoroughly one last time. Towel-dry your dog, then brush his coat again.

Hint: Most dogs hate having water in their ears. To prevent a freak-out, try putting cotton balls in your dog’s ears to keep the insides dry.

To Groom a Cat

Follow all the same steps as above, just be sure to use shampoo formulated for cats. Oh, and bathe your kitty in a room with a door that closes!

Images: minicooper93402, spakattacks

The post Suds-Up Your Pet with These Simple Grooming Strategies appeared first on EcoSalon.

Just rescued a new puppy from the animal shelter? Now what? If you’re not prepared, your apartment could quickly turn into a disaster with your little furry destroyer running the show. Here are five eco-friendly puppy products that will help keep your new pet happy and save your favorite shoes and carpets from destruction all at the same time.

Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Bone for Pups

As your puppy teethes, she’ll try to sink her teeth into everything and anything she can – from your favorite sandals to your dining room table. My little devil even chewed the molding along our floor! But Planet Dog’s sweet pink and blue bones are a perfect and durable alternative for those sharp puppy teeth. Unlike many phlathate-heavy dog toys, they’re made from non-toxic materials in the U.S.

West Paw Designs Eco Nap

While there are lots of eco-friendly dog beds out there, West Paw Design’s Eco Nap is an easy solution for messy pups. You can throw the entire bed in the washing machine and dryer whenever it gets soiled, which will probably be often!

Earthbath Grooming Wipes Especially for Puppies

With digging in the mud, rolling in the dirt, swimming in the lake and one too many icky accidents you can expect to clean some serious grime off your grubby pup. Since you can’t give him a bath everyday, Earthbath’s Grooming Wipes will prove to be beyond handy. Plus, they’re gentle on your pup as they’re free of parabens, perfumes, phthalates, synthetic dyes and phosphates – and vitamin E and aloe vera will help keep his coat nice and shiny.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals

Sit, stay, shake, down, leave it and take it are all commands your pup should soon learn. Your pup will love doing tricks for Zuke’s tasty soft bites in salmon, chicken or peanut butter flavors. They’re made with good-for-your-dog ingredients without wheat, corn or soy that commonly cause allergic reactions in pets. And since they’re tiny – and only two calories each – you don’t have to worry about many times you’re rewarding your good dog.

The Brampton Company Natural Training Pads

Before you pup is housebroken there’s no getting around accidents in the house, especially if you’re living in an apartment building that requires a long elevator trip down to relief. Wee wee pads are a lifesaver and help your dog learn he has a special spot to do his business, but they’re traditionally incredibly wasteful. These Natural Training Pads are made from natural cellulose fiber from trees, tree pulp and a special biodegradable film. The company promises the 100 percent biodegradable pads will decompose faster than an orange peel.

Now you’ll just need to learn the best green ways to clean up after dog accidents!

Image: elvissa

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