Difficult caregiving for pets

B

Blessed

Well-known Member
Do you ever just wear yourself out taking care of pets. I just had one in the sink for a trim and bath. Of course,he fussed the whole time. I just don't get it, he is upset with me during the process but is so happy when he is done. Why can he just not not stay still and let me get it done. I am always exhausted and feel horrible but once I get him out in his big towel he settles down. Does everyone have this problem? I can't take him to the groomer as often as I would like so I try to upkeep inbetween visits.
 

I turn on the hose in the garden and the dog(s) try to "bite" the water spray. (it is their game!) When they are damp, shampoo is applied and another fun game of "biting the spray". They only get a "shower" in the spring, summer and fall. We walk daily but they don't seem to need a shower in the winter. If they do, I put them in my shower (keep the shower doors closed until they shake themselves 101 times -
LOLOL).
 
Lord, this little boy is laying up on the sofa like a potato. I would do the same thing if I had and massage and soak in a warm tub. It just cracks me up, they are so fussy during and then are so relaxed after the deed. Now, I am the one worn out, but he is soft, beautiful and clean. Still needs a little more trim up to his muzzle but I will deal with that tomorrow.
 
Blessed said:
Do you ever just wear yourself out taking care of pets. I just had one in the sink for a trim and bath. Of course,he fussed the whole time. I just don't get it, he is upset with me during the process but is so happy when he is done. Why can he just not not stay still and let me get it done. I am always exhausted and feel horrible but once I get him out in his big towel he settles down. Does everyone have this problem? I can't take him to the groomer as often as I would like so I try to upkeep inbetween visits.
Click to expand...
My brother solved this problem by putting his dog in a sling that's suspended over the doggie bath. The sling goes under the dog's stomach, from its chest to its lower abdomen.

That dog just hangs there happily, not moving through the whole bath. I don't know if he bought that sling or made it himself, but I'd wager he bought it.
 
Murrmurr said:
My brother solved this problem by putting his dog in a sling that's suspended over the doggie bath. The sling goes under the dog's stomach, from its chest to its lower abdomen.

That dog just hangs there happily, not moving through the whole bath. I don't know if he bought that sling or made it himself, but I'd wager he bought it.
Click to expand...
I've seen, on Instagram, slings used to help with nail clipping.
 
Sometimes looking after my two can be a handful. At times they will be outside digging at the garden and if I donā€™t want dirty pawprints everywhere I will bath them. Then once I bath then I usually want to clip and groom them. It can be quite the ordeal at times.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Sometimes looking after my two can be a handful. At times they will be outside digging at the garden and if I donā€™t want dirty pawprints everywhere I will bath them. Then once I bath then I usually want to clip and groom them. It can be quite the ordeal at times.
Click to expand...
We always had a "rinse bucket" at the door, to use on our dogs feet before they came back inside from the
backyard or walkies. They were used to it.
 
sadie123 said:
You can also order a suction cup mat that sticks to the sink or tub. You spread peanut butter on it and they are happy for a few minutes enjoying the snack.
Click to expand...
With my luck, theyā€™ll step in the peanut butter and get it all over their paws.
Pinky said:
We always had a "rinse bucket" at the door, to use on our dogs feet before they came back inside from the
backyard or walkies. They were used to it.
Click to expand...
Thatā€™s a good idea. We have plastic crates that would be big enough.
Thanks
 
sadie123 said:
You can also order a suction cup mat that sticks to the sink or tub. You spread peanut butter on it and they are happy for a few minutes enjoying the snack.
Click to expand...
With my luck, theyā€™ll step in the peanut butter and get it all over their paws.

Ha ha. I see I did not explain the use of the mat well. You would stick the mat at face level on the side of the tub or sink. Your pet may try and paw the mat, but they should not be able to step in it.
 
When our kitten first found us, she was a handful. Of course she was active, mischievous and getting into everything she shouldn't have. I constantly had to reinvent and rearrange how and where I put things. She also kept me up at night for one reason or another, often it was when she got the "zoomies". I was exhausted by the time we had her for three months. One of the assistants at her vet's office seriously wanted her because she fell in love with her as soon as she first saw her (Deja was about 6 or 7 weeks old). She asked me again on her next visit. Although I thought about giving her away...each time my conclusion was No Way! :giggle:šŸ˜ø

My honorary granddaughter's kitten surprised her with a litter and she asked me if I wanted one. That was another No Way! I can't imagine going through what I went through times two. Deja has calmed down quite a bit. She was spayed in February and is maturing. She lets me sleep now.
 
Last edited:
I dread grooming my dog. He doesn't like it, but he behaves. Sadly, he always looks like the Insane Clipper Artist attacked him. He never looks good, no matter how many clippers I buy, how many books I read, how many videos I watch. No one except the dog will let me get near them with scissors or clippers because I am a menace.

This time around, I am going to take him to a groomer after the mess I make has had time to grow out.

We have 3 dogs. They follow me everywhere, and are always in the way. I feed them, refill their water bowls several times a day, clean up after them if one or two of them decide to scoop water out the bowls during the day, feed them, brush and comb them, stay up during long nights of thunderstorms to comfort them, bake them cookies. I respond when they bark (which is often) because they come and get me.

In return, they love me. I am greeted many times a day by dogs who act like that is the first time they've seen me in years, and I am the best thing ever. They are fun, funny, and super cuddly. Cousin's two dogs are happy to have a mom again (Cousin's wife died 5 years ago).

It does not exhaust me.
 
I take my dog to the groomer every 2 months. I have to pull her out of the car and she hates going there. After when I pick her up she's so happy to see me.

She also hates her ears getting cleaned. After I do it one time she starts avoiding me by laying under the desk chair. She follows me all over to see what I'm doing. She just gives me such a hard time. I'm very gentle with her and give her kisses and talk to her explaining what I am doing. She never gets used to it.

I realize her ear may hurt so I am giving her a new treatment that takes the pain away. I've been using it for about 4 months. It helps her ears but you're not supposed to use it continually. I take breaks from using it. I got it on Amazon. Cheaper than constantly going to the Vet. It's called Zymox and I got the large size.

My dog has chronic ear infections, poor girl.
 
The love for his dog made it tough for my son to have to euthanize him. My son has good memories of the years he spent with his dog.


B. Knight

Sun, Sep 3 at 1:49 PM

Hi Dad and Mom

When I got home yesterday, it felt empty. It was hard at first to come home not seeing him to greet me or even walk around as he did so.

But then I thought to myself his peace was my peace because it put my mind at rest of not seeing him in so much pain and suffering.
I also believe that most of my mourning was done during the week until his time has come.

The tough decision we have to make, but for the right reasons is assurance of peace for the both of us. It's both of us in pain, the pain and suffering that Katsu had endured and my suffering in pain watching him in pain, that takes hold of my heart. Knowing that he is at peace releases that tension that is in my heart.

I know that emptiness will be with me for a while, but the memories with him and he will always be in my heart will help overcome the emptiness.

Thanks for the love and support yesterday. I needed that extra bit of love you & mom always give.

Love
Brian
 
In the past 19 years I have had 10 dogs pass through my life. 2 are still with me and I love them dearly. Yes bathing them is a giant pain.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top