First stop: the pet supply store. Investing in a few good tools and products will pay off in time saved. “Get a good metal comb, a brush, a de-matter, and conditioner,” advises Rubin. Using two-in-one products, such as a moisturizing shampoo, allows you to skip the conditioner and cuts grooming time by a third. A tether to secure your pet in the tub helps avoid those scaling-the-porcelain gymnastics and a total bathroom cleanup afterward. Karen Furtado, manager of groomer training for Petco in Arizona and Las Vegas, likes the Aspen Figure 8 harness ($10 to $16), which can be used for dogs and cats. Another secret weapon of the pros: My Pet Washer, a $20 to $30 hose-shower combo that fits indoor and outdoor faucets. Its filter bag collects hair, saving cleanup time and reducing the chance of clogged drains. Take a gentle approach. If you’ve ever chased a puppy around the house as the water in the bathtub grows tepid, this tip is for you: “Approach your pet gently and with love,” says Rubin. You can offer her a treat or a toy to lure her into the tub or onto your lap. However, at some point, tough love may have to take over, he says—as in pick ’em up. Develop a ritual. Once your pet learns to anticipate the fun part of grooming, you can reduce the pampering time even more. Rubin’s regulars, for instance, know they’ll get a treat at the beginning, middle, and end. Brush often—and always before bathing A daily 10-minute brushing for your dog will keep mats from forming and shorten overall grooming time. Brush long-haired cats at least three times a week and short-haired felines once a month, Furtado suggests. If mats do form, it’s best to get rid of them before washing. To remove the clumps of hair or fur that form close to the skin, first use a metal comb to break them up. Are they still there? Try a de-matter, a brushlike tool with a recessed blade that can cut through a dog’s mats; some cat de-matters look like three-pronged hair picks. If all your efforts, including using a conditioner after shampooing, don’t free the mat, cut the hair beneath it with a clipper or take your pet to a professional. Zero in on problem areas. If your pet smells even after a bath, check her ears, teeth, and paws. To clean ears, use cotton balls and mild rubbing alcohol or buy special ear wipes, suggests Rob McElroy of Pet Spa in West Hollywood, CA. For teeth, experts recommend using pet toothpaste and a pet toothbrush. And several times a week, use a soft, damp cloth or disposable wipe to clean the spaces between a dog’s toe pads.
