Dog owners understand the importance of finding a place to live that not only suits our own needs, but also the needs of our furry roommates. Is the apartment building pet-friendly? Is there a park nearby? Where is the closest pet store? All of these questions matter when you decide where you and your pet(s) will live for the next year.
At AptAmigo, our professional apartment locators know the hottest trends in real estate firsthand and can tell you that big-shot developers have woken up to the fact that many people in their target demographic own dogs. The best example of this dog-friendly shift is the arrival of grooming tubs in downtown, dog-friendly Chicago high-rises.
Ta-da! Dog owners: they are rolling out the red carpet for us because our chic dogs need amenities, too.
Looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Chicago? AptAmigo can help you find the perfect place.
Related: 11 Best Pet-Friendly Chicago Apartments (With Dog Parks!)
How to Groom Your Pup, Even in an Apartment
We sat down with Rachel Vasquez from Kriser’s Natural Pet to figure out how to use one of these tubs ourselves and to get some tips and tricks for bathing our pets. While we spoke with Rachel, we partnered with One Tail at a Time dog rescue to help bathe one of their VERY adoptable puppies, Ellie, who served as our beloved, four-legged assistant.
Q: How does a professional groomer use a grooming tub?
“First, I place a grooming loop over the pet’s neck to keep them secure. Then, I place the pet into the tub and attach the other end of the grooming loop to the secure ring on the other side of the tub. Before wetting the dog, I turn on the water for a few moments to help them feel comfortable with the sounds. Finally, I wash the pet as instructed.”
Q: How should I prepare Ellie for a bath?
“Before bathing her, you should complete a brush-out to loosen the fur and remove any mats. We do not recommend washing a pet with mats. The mats will tighten and may not dry thoroughly.”
Pro tip: Does your dog have a lot of energy? Try and tire them out with lots of play time before their bath.
Q: Is there any part of Ellie that I should not get wet?
“You don’t want to get water in any dog’s ears. Place a few cotton balls in their ears before they bathe and clean them afterwards with pet ear cleaning solution to prevent ear infections.”
Q: Is there certain shampoo to use for dry skin or thick fur?
“If your dog has seriously sensitive or dry skin, use a hypo-allergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo. For dogs with a thick coat, the Furminator products work great.”
Q: Ellie is still a puppy; should I use a different kind of soap for her than what I’d use for adult dogs?
“There are different types of soap formulated for puppies and adult pets. Come into any Kriser’s location, and we will walk you through our different selections.”
Q: How can I help Ellie enjoy bath time?
“Use positive reinforcement. Let her sense your confidence and reward her throughout the process with her favorite treats.”
Q: How often should I bathe Ellie in between visits to Kriser’s Natural Pet groomers?
“Bathing Ellie every 4-6 weeks is recommended. It gives the skin time to develop its natural oils, which prevents it from drying out. To help maintain your pet’s coat, use dog wipes and brush out her fur in between baths.”
Our experiment: To test the convenience of these grooming tubs, we attempted to give Ellie a bath the old fashioned way as well. We have to admit, the grooming tub was much easier.
Rachel Vasquez is a long-time pet stylist at Kriser’s Natural Pet store in Lincoln Park. She owns three furry roommates of her own: a Rough Collie named Coda, a French Bulldog named Bones, and a tortoiseshell cat named Percosa. To book an appointment with Rachel, call her at (773) 871-3663, or visit her at 2055 N. Clybourn Ave during business hours.
Looking for a Dog Rescue? Check out One Tail at a Time.
Before we go, we want to put in a plug for One Tail at a Time dog rescue. If you want to rescue a dog in need of a loving home, like Ellie, or maybe even volunteer there, check out this heart-melting, puppy-loving organization. We dare you not to fall for these four-legged cuties.
Want the inside scoop on living in one of the world’s best cities? Read our deep-dive article about what Chi-town life is like.
Find Your Dream Pet-friendly Apartment in Chicago
Reach out to AptAmigo to find the perfect place for you and your pet. We’ll pair you with one of our local experts who knows all the buildings like the back of their hand. Just let them know your pet-friendly apartment preferences, favorite neighborhood, and any other relevant information, and they’ll compile a list of buildings you’ll love. Pick your favorites from the list, and our team will schedule tours (or gather videos) of the units and amenity spaces for you. Your new apartment dream team will be here for any questions or concerns throughout the entire process — the best part? It’s completely free.
