Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Facials for dogs – they are a thing! However, before we comment on how the world might be going mad, you may be surprised to hear that dog facials can actually have their benefits.
So, whether you’re wanting to try and give your own dog a bit of a pamper, or if you’re interested in taking them to a salon, let’s pop some cucumber slices on our eyes, don our bath robes and delve into the world of dog facials.
Table of contents
What‘s a facial treatment?
To be honest, dog facials are exactly the same as human facials. Facials help to exfoliate the skin, provide plenty of nutrition and can promote a healthy and shining coat.
In most cases, natural remedies are used, including fruits, vegetables and natural oils. These are easy to make at home if you are wanting to try it yourself. The mixture is massaged into the fur and skin over the course of 10 – 30 minutes.
What ingredients do doggy facials have?
There are plenty of treatments across the grooming market that claim to do wonders for dogs who undergo a facial. However, one of the most popular facials for dogs to receive is a blueberry facial.
Blueberries have a variety of health benefits for our dogs. This is because they have high levels of beneficial natural properties, including Vitamins A, E, D and K, as well as containing nutrients such as potassium and iron.
Other natural ingredients are used alongside blueberries, such as coconut oil and jojoba. These have moisturising properties, which help to keep our dogs’ skin and coat happy and healthy.
What benefits do facials have for dogs?
There are a variety of benefits that your dog can receive following a facial treatment. These can include:
Removing tear stains:
The products used in a doggy facial can help to remove staining that can appear on the fur. Most importantly, this can help to remove tear stains that appear around the eyes, usually more noticeable in white dogs.
Stains appear around the eyes and mouth due to a compound found in tears and saliva called porphyrin.
Coat condition enhancement:
A facial treatment can help to clean and condition the coat, helping to strengthen and brighten the fur around the face. Following a facial treatment, it is said that the fur has a better resistance to dirt and stains.
Calm anxious dogs:
If you have facials yourself, you will know that they are a calming and relaxing experience. Facials for dogs can help pets who are stressed and anxious, helping them to relax.
Protects skin cells on the face:
Most products used for doggy facials are packed with vitamins and minerals that help the skin to gleam and shine. Some products also contain natural antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from damage.
High in moisturising properties:
Due to ingredients such as coconut oil and jojoba, the skin around the face becomes hydrated and moisturised. This can help to reduce problems such as flaking and dry skin.
Homemade doggy facials
One of the best ways to treat your dog to a facial is to make a mixture yourself and apply it at home. That way, you know exactly what ingredients have been used and know that there are no toxic properties present.
When applying a facemask to your dog’s skin and fur, be mindful to avoid the eyes. Whilst it is unlikely to cause any damage to your dog’s eyes, it is best to avoid exposure. In severe cases, dogs may have an allergic reaction, or contract an eye infection from the mask used.
The easiest blueberry face mask recipe for your dog includes:
- ¼ cup of blueberries
- ⅛ cup of coconut oil
These can be mashed into a paste and mixed to a consistency similar to shampoo. More blueberries or coconut oil can be used as required. If you’re feeling fancy, avocado could be mashed into the mixture along with jojoba oil – although ensure it is not licked off; while avocados are of low acute toxicity, if you’re applying it somewhere where the dog if able to get their tongue easily, think about substituting banana!
There are products available across the internet that claim to be ideal for dog facials. It is important to always read the ingredients. It may be better to speak to a dog groomer that offers facials and see if you can purchase the same products that they use.
Always monitor your dog during and after applying a treatment to their face. If you notice any redness, swelling or itching, then remove the mask with fresh water immediately.
In severe cases, contact your veterinary surgeon for further advice.
Final thoughts on facials for dogs
It turns out that facials for dogs can actually be quite beneficial. Whether you take your dog to a salon for the treatment or decide to do it yourself, your pooch is bound to enjoy the process as well as having a gleaming face. Always make sure to monitor your dog throughout the facial to make sure that there is no sign of an allergic reaction.
If you carry out the facial yourself and some of the mask gets in your dog’s eyes, flush the eyes with plenty of fresh water. If you’re worried about your dog, speak with your veterinary surgeon for further advice. Most of all, allow your dog to sit back, relax and enjoy their well-deserved facial treatment.
Further reading
Discussion