Dogs with long hair or Nordic breeds need more care than ordinary dogs. A grooming table can be useful for these dogs and not only, especially if you think of doing the work yourself and not spending money on pet groomers.
Grooming tables have many features, some more important than others, and that’s why it can be difficult to know what to look for and what to buy. You can even find portable dog grooming tables.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes: they can be round, square, or rectangular, foldable or fixed.
You should choose the shape and size of the grooming table according to your dog’s weight and size. For large dogs, a large and stable grooming table is essential, while for small dogs, you can do your job very well with smaller grooming tables.
As a veterinarian, I had the opportunity to try many types of grooming tables for dogs. From my own experience, I can tell you that the best tables are those that meet these two minimum conditions: their surface is covered with non-slip material and they have an accessory to which the dog’s leash can be attached. In this way, you ensure your dog is permanently safe and won’t slip off the grooming table. Grooming is also going to be easier and faster if your dog isn’t slipping or moving around.
What Minimum Conditions Must Grooming Tables Meet?
The must-have requirements you should be looking for when looking at grooming tables are:
- Non-slip material on the surface.
- Accessory/accessories for holding the dog’s leash.
- The size should be big enough for your dog.
- The weight limit should not be less than the weight of your dog.
If you want something more than the bare minimum from your new grooming table, here’s what you need to look at:
- Resistance
- Height
- Ease of cleaning
- Ease of storage
Surface
The surface of the grooming table has to be covered with rubber or other non-slip material to prevent your dog from slipping. Your dog can injure if it slips off the grooming table.
Accessory
To ensure your dog does not fall off the table, it must have an accessory (grooming arm) where you attach its leash or collar. Some professional grooming tables have one grooming arm with two rings:
- One ring to attach the dog’s collar/leash.
- A second ring to attach another leash to hold the dog by its abdomen.
This grooming arm offers greater stability by not allowing the dog to move additionally. You must be careful when using sharp objects near your dog, such as scissors or clippers. If your dog is not secured on the table or if the table doesn’t have non-slip materials, your dog can move or, worse, try to jump off the table, and you can cut or pinch its skin.
Size & Resistance
Grooming tables must also be large enough for your dog. The weight limit should also be greater than your dog’s weight. Otherwise, you risk breaking the grooming table. Besides these two features, grooming tables should also be sturdy. After all, who would want to groom their dog on a flimsy table?
How big should my dog grooming table be?
Many grooming tables have adjustable height, which makes them exceptional for when you want to groom your pet sitting down or standing up. You can adjust your table to any height you want to feel comfortable when grooming your dog.
Cleaning
The materials from which the work surfaces are made should be easy to clean and resistant to chemical agents.
Storage
Veterinary clinics or pet grooming salons have rooms dedicated to grooming. If you don’t have enough space for a large table, some grooming tables are foldable, so they can be easily transported and stored in small spaces. These grooming tables are excellent for those who want to groom their dog at home.
Other grooming tables also have wheels so they can be transported from one place to another with ease.
If you want storage space under the grooming table, it is good to know that some tables also have this feature.
The Benefits of Having a Dog Grooming Table
Grooming tables will not only help you cut your dog’s fur but also dry and brush it. They are also suited for trimming dogs’ nails.
The non-slip surface makes it much safer than a bathtub where the dog can slip very easily. In addition, you will no longer have to perform all these actions bent. Hyperactive dogs, and especially puppies, tend to move a lot when grooming them. With a grooming table with an anti-slip surface, your dog’s feet will no longer slide and will make the experience much more pleasant.
Grooming tables are also easy to clean and have a straight surface made of materials resistant to cleaning agents.
What are the best grooming tables?
Not all dogs stand still when grooming them. For this reason, and to ensure you have the best dog grooming table for your needs you must verify that the grooming table you go with is made of durable and resistant materials and covered with rubber or other non-slip materials.
A must-have accessory for any grooming table is the rod and ring where you attach the dog’s leash or collar. This accessory is vital because this way, you ensure your dog will not fall off the grooming table and injure itself.
If you have a large dog or your pet has back problems, instead of lifting it or teaching it to jump on the table, I recommend opting for a grooming table with adjustable height. In this way, you protect your back and your dog. You can also use stairs or a ramp to make it easier for your dog to get on the grooming table.
Tips & Tricks to Using a Grooming Table For the First Time
It would be ideal for your dog to get used to being groomed since puppyhood. Pet clippers and blow driers make a lot of noise and your pet can become anxious and scared.
If it’s your dog’s first time seeing a grooming table, make it feel comfortable around it. Do not force or scold your dog. Otherwise, it will associate the grooming table with something negative, and it will be very difficult for you to make your pet sit still when the time comes to use it.
Put your dog on the table, pet it, and talk to it gently. You can also use a treat or two to make the experience even more pleasant.
If the grooming table has an adjustable height, it is even better. Lower the table at your dog’s level and let it sniff it and explore it.
Large dogs without health problems can be taught to jump on the grooming table, so you won’t need to lift them.
Once the dog has become familiar with the table, make sure you attach its collar or leash to the grooming arm before starting.
Another good tip is to use the same space or room every time you groom your dog.