Dog

Rubba Dub Dub

March 14, 2012


Rubba Dub Dub, it’s me, LuLu-bug in the Tub! My coat is what some might call, posh. I’d like to say it’s because of my pedigree but it’s more about a healthy diet and good grooming that keeps my cotton candy coat looking its best. As you can guess, my groomer is my Mom. She says it saves money. I like it because it’s our alone time together at the spa. Plus, the flowery scented suds reassure me that I’ll always be this household’s highness. Aside from the items listed, there are tons of information found on articles like that nom nom review that would ensure any other dog’s wellness. However, for specific guidance on training your Havanese, be sure to check out the Havanese training guide we found here.

Here’s Mom to give you the deets. Paws & Kisses, LuLu

Tips and Tools:

1. Dr. Bronner’s Lavendar Castille Soap
This is one of my all time favorite products! I first used it on Baby when he was first born because even the mildest soaps irritated his skin. I then started using it on Lulu and have never gone back to dog shampoo. It’s packed full of certified fair trade and organic oils and ingredients. There’s many dog shampoos out there many of which are harmful (even those claimed to be homemade recipes). Yes, there are natural dog shampoos but this simple wonder in a recycled bottle keeps her coat clean, fluffy, and hydrated. Buy it HERE.

“Our soaps are 100% true pure-castile soaps. The high foaming lather of our soaps is from their high coconut oil content, which makes a more luxurious and rich lather than any detergent can ever create. ‘Pure-Castile’ is your guarantee that what you are using is a real ecological and simple soap, not a complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the waste stream during manufacture and slower biodegradability.”

2. Fine & Wide Toothed Metal Comb
I found I have more control using a comb rather than a brush. A comb also detangles knots more easily. Brush coat thoroughly before washing as well as during the blow dry. Comb pictured is by Martha Stewart for PetSmart.

3. Deep Conditioning Treatment
This little home remedy is a good way to give your pup’s coat extra TLC every now and again. And guess what? It works for human hair too!

Separate the white of an egg from the yolk, and whip it to a peak. Add 1 Tablespoon of water to the yolk and blend until the mixture is creamy. Then mix the white and yolk together. After washing your dog, remove any excess water and apply the mixture to the coat with your fingertips. Massage gently until the froth is worked into the coat. Rinse with cool water.

4. Hydrating Your Pup’s Pads
Because our little furbabies romp and play in all sorts of terrain, their little pads can take a beating. On wash days, I gently massage a small amount of Aquaphor into her pads before bed. And in case you’re wondering, puppy feet are ticklish too!

5. Wahl Pro Series Cordless Clippers
Along with washing also comes hair cuts. Wahl’s dog series does the trick. I love that it has a cordless feature making it easier for me to get where I need to go without cords getting in the way. Getting obedience dog training while they are puppies will pay off.

6. Martha Stewart’s Microfiber Towel
It absorbs moisture quickly keeping the shivers to a minimum. You can buy it at PetSmart.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s stress levels during travel and want professionals who can prioritize their comfort, a pet carrier international company’s expertise can help alleviate these concerns.

  • Vicky March 14, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Adorable Lulu even when all wet, I love how soft and good smelling the hair gets after a nice bath and blowdry!!!

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      The blow dry is the best… her hair gets sooo fluffy!

  • Meg | One Love Meg March 14, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    How precious. My little Dahlyla looks just like your pup but all black. She hates baths but maybe with these fun products she will enjoy them more. When I was in Austin I found a really awesome organic pet shampoo that smells great! All essential oils.

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      What an ADORABLE name! I’m sure LuLu and her would be besties.

  • Becca March 14, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    On of my new fav products for my Little Lucy is Nail polish just for dogs. OPI has one called Pawlish there is another one called color paw that is awesome as well 🙂 Love your Blog!!

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      Why on earth have I not heard of this before?! Pawlish? Meep! LOVE!

  • Alexandria Smith March 14, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Just read your tweet…I hope everything is ok! THat little one needs to cook a little longer 🙂 say about 8 more weeks. btw…did you lose your google friend connect too?

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      Dude, scared me silly. I’m doing better just waaay overdid it (trying to get too much done) the day it happened and forgot to drink water. Yes, friend connect is gonzo. Wish I had some notice so I could’ve at least told those followers.

  • Casie Youngberg March 14, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    I love how she lays in the sink!! So precious. What kind of dog is she? We have been looking for one about this size. Does she shed much? I love how organic you are!

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      She’s a maltizu (maltese and shihtzu mix) and is absolutely perfect for us. She doesn’t shed and has the sweetest disposition (has never even gotten frustrated with our little guy even once). She’s a saint.

  • Courtney March 14, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    I wish there was a trick to washing my cat, she gets so dirty and loves to sleep in our bed. You have the sweetest pup!

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      I’ve heard of homemade dry shampoo recipes for cats…

  • Rebecca Grace March 15, 2012 at 2:33 am

    Well, maybe when they were puppies I could have done Spa Day in the sink… Now that each of my rotties is between 90-100 pounds, I give them a stand-up bath in the driveway with a hose that’s attached to the utility sink in the garage (so it’s warm water). I didn’t know your dog was named LuLu — ours are Otto and Lulu.

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      Oh goodness! Yes, this lil’ regimen probably isn’t applicable to your furbabies. However, the soap comes in bulk and would be good on any coat!

  • Lilli Toby March 15, 2012 at 3:46 am

    Aww, so cute. I love to give my baby a bath too. But mine is about 70 pounds larger. Of course I still have to lift him in the tub. He just won’t jump in, such a brat he is. I also call it a spa day, he actually goes and walks to the tub at least. I don’t have to drag him to get clean, thank god. I never thought to use Bronners soap before. Very smart idea thank you.

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      You’ll have to let me know if you end up trying the soap and what you think!

  • Katie March 15, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Hmmm… I see a spa day in my little Scouty’s future!

    • missy March 16, 2012 at 1:15 pm

      Haha! Too cute!

  • Fran June 1, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    Just caught a glimpse of your site from pinterest…and don’t remember what it was since I’ve been grazing through your posts for an hour now … lol! I have a Brussels Griffon and her name is Lola, she will turn 3 this month. She is my youngest child 😉
    When I first looked at Lulu, I thought she was a Brussie….the snout is a little different though. I was going to ask what her breed was but found it in a post. My Lola is the light of my life now that my kids are grown! Congrats on the new addition to your family, children are a blessing even without fur!

  • Joelle June 5, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    I am always concerned when I wash my dog’s face. They freak out a little, which makes me freak out a little. Is this shampoo safe for the face? Do you have any suggestions/tricks for me? Thank you!

  • Alison June 26, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    After stumbling upon your blog and seeing this entry… I, literally, begged my husband for a dog! We are going to check out some pooches this weekend! Thank you for the adorable post that helped me to realize that I can be a fashionable puppy owner as well! xoxo

  • Natalie June 28, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    What kind of dog is Lulu?!?

    • missy June 28, 2012 at 11:52 pm

      A maltizu (mix between a maltese and shitzu). The best combo. But then again I am a bit biased! ha!

  • Kayla July 12, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    I just discovered your blog last night and I LOVE IT!

    I tried the straight hair tricks last night and it worked!

    This has to be my fav post though.. I’m slightly crazy.. okay OBSESSED with my puppy too! I am definitely going to try your bathing tricks!

    Keep the puppy posts coming.. LOVE them!

    : ) : )

  • Zereen July 20, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I have a gorgeous Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! How often should you bathe your dog? x

  • Andrea January 9, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    I just found your website from pinterest – a pin linked to the 14 days of V-day –> Adorable. Your dog is quite the cutie! I have a boston terrier and she gets tear stains on her face (I’m sure you are accustomed to those). I’m wondering if you have found any product/regiment to be effective at keeping tear stains to a minimum?

  • Caitlin Weaver February 11, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    I also have a matlizu named Otto. He is such a sweet little guy. I have trouble keeping knots out of his fur. I will definitely be trying your puppy-beauty regiment!