Melanie Lampro

A routine pamper session is not only good for your faithful friend; it’s actually pretty great for you too!

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No, this is not a new TEMPLESPA service or product range. Go on, admit it. Some of you are disappointed about that!

We humans tend to shower or bathe at least once a day. Bathing your dog once a month is considered enough. Nonetheless, the frequency varies by breed, the type of coat they have and, how much goop they recently rolled in.

2023 UPDATE

Edits have been made to this blog post, reflecting a change in Loco’s grooming regime as his regular groomer has switched from offering an exclusively mobile service to permanent parlour premises. How exciting is that?!

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Meet my rescue dog, Loco (AKA ‘Spa Dog’). Other than yours truly (of course), he thinks that Abigail from Snip Doggy Dog here in Sheffield is the best groomer ever!

Abigail’s mobile grooming service was an absolute lifesaver when I first got Loco because he needed the one-on-one attention. He could be challenging to groom at the outset but Abigail was a star with him; her patience and obvious affinity with dogs helped Loco overcome some of his anxieties. She remains one of Loco’s favourite humans.

https://twitter.com/meltemplespa/status/1155783683489632256

Loco’s mobile pamper appointments with Abigail were always anticipated with the greatest of excitement. He would get very animated when spotting Abigail arriving in her van. Anyone who loves a spa day will know this feeling well.

Loco’s monthly mobile wash and brush-up routine with Abigail usually went something like this:

• Bath and Shampoo
• Coat Condition
• Blow Dry (he wears a Happy Hoodie to protect his ears)*
• Blueberry Facial
• Express Anal Glands (if necessary)
• Nail Clipping
• Nail Grinding (after clipping)
• Deshedding (dead hair removal)
• Hair Removal (from between pads)
• Ear Cleaning
• Cologne Spritz

Loco tends to naturally smell like something that I would describe as a combination of warm suede and freshly-baked biscuits. It’s ‘his’ smell, and although that’s not horrible, I do prefer him to sport a slightly fresher scent.

Abigail uses Ancol’s Kennel No.5 Cologne for Dogs. I currently use CAREKIND Oatmeal Dog Cologne.

Between visits with Miss Abigail (steadied with some of her gratefully-received grooming hints and tips), I enjoy taking care of Loco’s as well, including our weekly spa date, otherwise known as ‘bath night’.

Spa time for Loco is a calm affair although not his favourite way to spend time, I confess. Because he is a little worried by water, I use soothing words and gentle actions, making sure he feels as protected as possible.

First, I place Loco in an empty bath. Then, I give him a once-over with his own GIVING IT THE BRUSH OFF Detoxing Dry Body Brush from TEMPLESPA. Obviously, these are designed for humans but, for my short-haired, sturdy fella, it’s the perfect size, shape, and bristle softness. His coat can be slightly oily, and he sheds a lot so he gets a much-needed brush and massage at the same time.

A non-slip mat helps Loco feel more secure while I have him in the bath. If you don’t have a mat, you can just use a folded towel.

I wipe the hair and skin debris from the bath before I pop the plug in. This way, when I shower Loco, the warm water creates a little foot bath for him. It softens the skin on his pads too, making them easier to wash.

My low-level, wall-mounted, adjustable shower head bracket really helps here. It means I can have both my hands free.

Loco gets super-sudsy in the shower, then he has a good body rinse with the shower head. This washes away all the bubbles and leaves him squeaky-clean.

I bathe Loco’s head with two flannels (one for washing and one for rinsing) to avoid getting soap in his eyes or water in his ears.

When he is out of the bath, I partially dry him with a huge, fluffy towel that has been warming on the radiator. It’s also a really, really good excuse for a big cuddle-fest. Then, I use the hair dryer on a low setting and keep it well away from his ears and face. He really does love the hair dryer; I think it’s his favourite part.

When he is thoroughly dried off and relaxing, I pop some soothing skin salve from The Dog and I on those busy little feet. I also apply some nose, skin and paw balm to his dear little inquisitive hooter.

Clipping Loco’s claws once a month is usually enough. His daily walks help keep his nails trim but, they do tend to grow very quickly.

Loco has very dark claws, which makes it difficult to cut them. You can’t see the quick, so accidents can easily happen, even when you go very slowly.

I personally recommend seeking out a professional if you aren’t confident and just carry out ‘maintenance’ in-between. I think this is potentially less stressful for everyone.

I use Loco’s pet nail file rather than his claw clippers to make sure I keep those spiky toes under control!

I prefer to wash and condition Loco’s paws and claws before I trim them (as you can see from the photographs above, Loco has very hairy feet) as well as afterwards, when he also has a paw massage.

Dogs are often cagey about having their feet tampered with. Loco does not enjoy having his claws trimmed but, a gentle paw massage is a different story! It’s up there with tummy tickles and ear scratchies.

After all this luxury, he receives the canine equivalent of a healthy smoothie. This is usually involves some tasty fresh fruit and veggies, like strawberries (in moderation) or green beans (a firm favourite).

Finally, we come to the teeth. Loco absolutely hates having his teeth cleaned. He has been dogged (pardon the pun) by dental issues from the start and was clearly in some considerable discomfort when he first arrived, with signs of gum disease and unstable teeth.

Naturally, any approaches to his mouth area are met with suspicion and currently (unless he is sedated at the vet) I am the only person who can get close enough to his ‘kibble cavern’ to even try to clean his teeth and gums.

Even so, Loco does not welcome the intrusion and I have to do a little at a time. I have additionally tried food and water additives, manual and electric toothbrushes, finger pads, finger brushes and all manner of dental sticks and chews including sustainably sourced deer antlers.

But still, his mouth remains a swamp so, interventions by the vet are necessary every now and again. I dislike having Loco sedated but, it is crucial so that we can keep an eye on his dental hygiene status. Fortunately the staff at his vet are amazing with him and he seems to actually enjoy going there (he is a little weirdo).

Most recently, the vet has suggested that we try Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Small Dog Dental Dry Food to assist his sensitive gnashers, which I’m going to investigate but, with Loco being such a discerning customer, I can only hope that he accepts it!

I’m also interested in trying the BUGALUGS dental range next as I have used some of their other products and, so far so good. I will post an update here on my continuing efforts to keep Loco’s pearly-whites sparkling!

Snacks aside, it should really come as no surprise that we all get rather spoiled in the pamper department, here at Spa Towers, one way or another. 

If you are craving a spa day for yourself, send me a message or, visit my Web site to learn how to spa at home with professional spa quality products. These are just like the ones we use in our spas.

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Obviously, I have my favourites but, I will always try new brands and lines (as long as they are vegan). If you would like to try any of the services or products for your four-legged friend that I have mentioned in this blog post, you can find them below:

DOG GROOMING SERVICE

🐾 Dog grooming in Sheffield by Abigail from Snip Doggy Dog.
💬 Tell Abi that Mel Lampro (AKA Loco’s human) sent you.

DOG GROOMING PRODUCTS

🐾 Ancol’s Kennel No.5 Cologne for Dogs from Amazon (UK).

🐾 CAREKIND Oatmeal Dog Cologne from Amazon (UK).

🐾 BUGALUGS Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin from Amazon (UK).

🐾 BUGALUGS 4 in 1 Dog Shampoo from Amazon (UK).

🐾 Nose, Skin & Paw Balm from The Dog and I.

🐾 Soothing Skin Salve from The Dog and I.

HELPFUL TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

🐾 Cretty-Meet Adjustable Shower Head Holder from Amazon (UK).

🐾 Non-slip bath mats from Amazon (UK).

🐾 GIVING IT THE BRUSH OFF Detoxing Dry Body Brush from TEMPLESPA.

🐾 Wahl Guillotine Claw Clipper from Amazon (UK).

🐾 Wahl Dog Nail Grinder/File from Amazon (UK).

🐾 Wahl Paw Tidy Paw Trimmer from Amazon (UK).

🐾 Hotterdog Fleece Jumper from Amazon (UK).

🐾 Happy Hoodie from Amazon (UK).
🔊*Also great for muffling loud noises, like thunder and fireworks; brilliant when used with a Thundershirt.

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About Loco Mojo Stinky Hobo (AKA ‘Loco’ or ‘Spa Dog’)

More information on Loco’s name

Please read the Wikipedia entry for ‘Hobo’ before you throw your aprons over your heads at the usage of this term. I recognise that the term ‘hobo’ may now be construed as derogatory but, language changes over time. Words develop multiple meanings and different connotations can evolve, both culturally and geographically.

In this instance, the noun ‘hobo’ is not intended to be offensive. It refers to Loco’s former wandering lifestyle and also pays homage to the popular 80s TV Series ‘The Littlest Hobo’, which featured an exceptionally intelligent and helpful stray dog.

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Loco is a neutered male, black and tan Miniature Pinscher (type) canine although there is a chance that he may not be full pedigree. I have never checked his bloodline because for me, it makes no difference. I love him, regardless.

He was rescued by the Pet Pals GC animal charity from a kill pound on Gran Canaria. The vet there guesstimated his date of birth as January 1st, 2016. I adopted him in 2017 and my vet in the UK placed him slightly older, by about 12-18 months.

Other than that, I know very little about his past although there are clear indications that it was not a happy one. I have made it my business to guarantee that his future is the brightest it can be.

When he was first spotted in the kill pound, Loco was in a bit of a sorry state. The other dogs were picking on him. He was skittish, underfed and out of condition with a poorly-docked tail and some serious dental issues. After his relocation to the UK, Loco now lives his best possible life with me. I am sure that he is the most pampered pooch in all of Sheffield.

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Spa Dog FAQ

Did you have Loco’s tail docked?

No. It was already docked when he was found. It is illegal to dock tails for aesthetic reasons in the UK.

You are vegan; is Loco vegan?

No, he is not. Dogs are omnivores so a plant-based diet can suit them. Unfortunately, it does not suit Loco and he does sometimes eat food containing meat and dairy. 

Other than making his food from scratch, I have been unable to find a satisfactory vegan menu for him, thus far. I am still looking, though and I’m currently considering modifying the diet Niall Harbison feeds to his street dogs. The recipe is included in the thread below. Take a look at the amazing work that Niall does with strays, too!

https://twitter.com/NiallHarbison/status/1802320671780766159

Do you use TEMPLESPA products on Loco?

No. Human skincare products are for human skin. With the exception of his dry brush, Loco only uses products approved for dogs.

If Loco came from Gran Canaria, is he bi-lingual?

Yes. He ignores me in multiple languages.
Seriously though, he understands both English and Spanish, apparently. I use them both interchangeably and he is no more or less receptive to either.

• Want to stay updated on all things #SpaDog? Follow us over on X! (@meltemplespa).
• Loco’s Amazon (UK) Wish List.

Please feel welcome to share your own dog grooming tips, product recommendations or stories/experiences in the comments.