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Doggo Spa Day



"Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.” – Franklin P. Jones 

The "ugs" as we call them aren't a fan of bath time, if you couldn't tell from the pictures. But a good bath is a necessary evil, even for animals that are pretty capable of cleaning themselves. A bath for them is more than just a fresh smelling coat- it can act as relief for achy, stiff muscles and joints for my old gals, or offer a good "pest-away" cleanse for our young trail pug- yes trail pug IS a thing.

It is also a way for me to feel around for any lumps and bumps in their skin, keeps their coat shiny, or keep their low-to-the-ground bare bellies from being irritated from scrapes, and the reappearance grasses in our yard.

And lastly, it leaves the dogs with a pleasant enough scent that helps keep my FURniture at least smelling a little better, despite the hair we often find on it. What can I say, it's their world we are just living in it.

 Bath Time Prep

Like I mentioned before, bath time is not everyone's favorite. Before I get them in the tub I like to spend some time petting with them, and I also either diffuse some Lavender or Chamomile in the room while I am working them into a relaxation state. Dogs noses are extra sensitive, only a couple drops are necessary- seriously, like two. Remember, they can smell a lot of things you can't. It is also important to remember that you can rile your dog up with pets that are quick and rougher, or you can calm them down with nice even, gentle strokes. If you want to use something a little more potent than a room diffuser take a drop of Lavender or Chamomile on a cotton ball, keeping it a safe distance from their nose (so they don't take a bite), and waft it in front of their face while you're petting them. If you need to go in the opposite direction and opt for something more subtle due to sensitivities then use a hydrosol/hydrolat/floral water on a cotton ball instead.. We offer a Chamomile Hydrosol, and a Bulgarian Rose one that can be used to help with anxiety or stress before these grooming sessions. Notice how they react to each of the smells, if something doesn't vibe with them they will let you know. Dogs don't lie very well, and just like humans these smells can be subjective. I tried different smells with my dogs until I found their favorites, or at least ones that had the intended effect. Unanimously, they all enjoyed Lavender and Chamomile so it made that decision pretty easy.

During bath time I used three different recipes to cater to each of my dogs' unique needs. When it comes to the "old ladies" we have, I often opt for things that aide their growing arthritis and back problems, but take into consideration that one of them has a double coat, and the other one is practically bald on her underbelly when I think about dilution.

 Bath Time
Tessa 17 lbs
Old Lady with thick, luscious fur coat
2 Drops Lavender- Good for arthritis and can act as an antibacterial so they are getting clean!
1 Drop Frankincense- Also helpful for pain caused by arthritis, and joint pain.
Drop your essential oils into the base carrier. I pour a little of the soap into the water before I bring the dog in, making sure to keep some un-soapy water nearby for a thorough rinse. The bath water is warm, but not hot.


Ginger 9lbs
Old Gal with bad back and mostly fur-less underbelly
15 mL of Time Lab's Shampoo Base
1 Drop Lavender- Same idea as with Tessa, but I use one less drop. Ginger is about 1/2 the size and her skin can be extra sensitive
1 Drop Ylang Ylang- Helpful for joint and back pain. I opted for Ylang Ylang after doing a sniff test with the animals and finding out that Ginger was not a fan of Frankincense.


Tux 14 lbs
Young adventurous stud with medium coat
     Tux is easy because he doesn't suffer from the same aches that the "old ladies" do, but he definitely needs some protection against bugs and pests. I use Time Lab's Pest Away Shampoo. While my other dogs might get a bath once a month Tux usually gets one weekly- after a weekend of romping through the woods it's a good way for us to check-in, locate any bugs we do find, then reapply the bath solution washing anything else away. While we are out on trail we use the Pest-Away Spray, and apply throughout the day as often as we apply sunscreen to ourselves. Always making sure to keep an eye on any skin or other reactions coming from him- so far we haven't seen any! You can make your own spray by diluting Citronella, Eucalyptus citriodora, or Lemongrass (or our already pre-blended version of the Aromatic Pest-Away) in a coconut emulsifier following about a 1-2% dilution guideline (or 0.5% for smaller/sensitive canines). You then mix your dilution in a spray bottle with distilled water.

Teeth and Breath 


 After bath time I continue the pampering regimen. I add a little coconut oil, baking soda, and a couple mint leaves to a mixture and let it sit for a little bit. Make sure your mint leaves are finely chopped or really blended together. Tiny pug mouths with as many teeth as a German Shepard means bacteria always have a dark corner to grow. Really, any dog's teeth could use a brush, but to extend the time periods in which our older dogs need a dental I like to subsidize our usual vet visits and cleanings with a tasty brush of my own. The coconut oil is a pleasant smell and taste for our dogs and helps with bacteria along with the mint leaves. Not to mention the improvement in their breath! They might swallow and lick and that's okay as both of those are also thought to be good for digestive health. Sometimes I keep a spray bottle to use to rinse their mouth out with afterwards, but avoid spraying directly down throat so they don't start coughing!

Digestive Health

Following our Spa day I treat the crew for their patience, and even sometimes when they're not, because treating them in this case is just doing more for their health. I mix some powder Spirulina (we also have Capsules of it) in just a dash of water and make what I call "gravy" to drizzle over their dinner. To them it's just a "Bonus Flavor" but they don't realize how this supplement adds in a TON of micro nutrients that are good for gut health, immunity support, and making that coat extra, luscious. Spirulina can increase the production of good gut bacteria that promote absorption of nutrients. Research also shows Spirulina as an antioxidant, further improving their quality of life longevity and overall health. This increases their ability to fight infection, and Spirulina is also thought to promote blood cell growth, and increase cellular communication, making your little fur babies more efficient. I take this to heart, knowing that pugs suffer so many problems because of poor breeding practices. I can't make their snout longer, their bodies thinner, or their heads bigger, but I can make sure they can have a longer healthy life while they stay the center of mine.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


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