Taking your pet to the spa can be very expensive and time consuming, but you don't have to pay big bucks to get your dog into a special spa. In fact, you can do your own spa treatment right at home. It's a great way to bond with your dog and since most dogs prefer to hang out with their own humans, this is something that your dog is bound to enjoy.

What You'll Need

There are a few essentials that you'll need in order to give your canine friend a good experience. Items such as a comb or brush, shampoo and towels are all a very necessary part of bathing your pet. However, these are just the basics. To make the at home spa treatment something different from a normal bath, here are a few items that will make the whole experience better.

- Lavender scented conditioner. Make sure it's formulated for dogs and don't try using human conditioner which can burn sensitive skin.

- Music. Most pets really enjoy music and this can have a calming effect on both of you.

- Detangler spray. This is very helpful if your dog has long hair that tends to mat in the bath.

- Removable shower head. This allows you to easily rinse your dog without having to dump buckets of water on him.

- Knee pads. These will keep your knees from getting sore as you kneel by the tub.

- Non-slip bath mat. To prevent slipping and sliding, your pet can stand on the bath mat.

These extras will help your dog truly enjoy his spa treatment and it will make things easier on you, as well.

Tips for a Successful Spa Session

- Start with a massage. Get your dog nice and relaxed by stroking him and then lightly massaging his back and sides. Start lightly and then increase the pressure to where your dog seems happy. Watch for the sensitive area where the hips join the body, this can be rather ticklish.

- Keep treats handy. This is a pampering experience, so be sure to have some of your dog's favorite treats on hand. Throughout the session, compliment him on his great behavior and give him a treat.

- Use conditioner to add shine. One of the great things about a spa treatment is that your pet's coat is bright and shiny afterwards. The best way to get this professional look is with a good conditioner and then spritz a high shine spray over his fur as you brush him out.

- Don't use a blow dryer. While it may seem faster, the heat can be too much for the sensitive skin of your pet. It's best to simply dry your dog with a big fluffy towel instead.

- Brush first. This will ensure that the extra hair will end up in the brush or mitt, rather than your tub drain. Since most dogs tend to shed, even if you've done a thorough brushing, it can be useful to get a drain trap. This is simply a small bowl made of metal screening that sits in the drain, catching anything that threatens to go down. You can just lift it out and clean it later, without having to deal with clogged drains.

Giving your pet a home spa treatment can be a wonderful way to spend some quality time together. The end result is pretty nice, too. You'll have a sweet smelling dog who will be thrilled that you took the time to spend with him. Most animals are also calmer after a soothing treatment that includes aromatherapy (the lavender conditioner or spray) and music, along with a massage.