Dog Grooming Tables for Canine Salon Perfection Every Time

Brushing your small dog on your lap isn’t a difficult chore. What if you need to perform a lengthy trimming session, though? And what about giant breeds? They think they’re lapdogs, but your legs might not agree. Hovering over the floor isn’t ideal. Good thing dog grooming tables exist!

Special Tables?

If you take your dog to the groomer, you’ve seen dog grooming tables in action. They’re a necessity for groomers, allowing them to handle dog clients of every breed and size. Take a visit behind-the-scenes at a dog show, and you’ll see even more dog grooming tables scattered around as the show entrants get prepped for their turns around the ring.

What makes these grooming tables so unique? A couple of key features:

• A non-skid surface
• The grooming arm

Most dogs receive a bath before a grooming session. Baths mean slippery feet. The last thing you want is for your dog to slide around on a typical folding table. The non-skid tabletop protects your dog from injury.

Dogs that visit the groomer regularly tend to be pros. They often enjoy the process. Unphased by dog grooming clippers, scissors, combs, and even bows, they’re content to relax on the table without a problem. Other dogs aren’t as calm. They may start at sudden noises or attempt to jump off the table, not realizing how high they’re off the ground. The grooming arm provides an attachment to their collar, keeping them in place on the dog grooming table.

Your Health

Your dog’s safety is vital in the grooming process. However, the most critical function of a dog grooming table is the elevated height. Tables allow adjustment so you can work on different breeds in comfort. You don’t have to stoop over, putting strain on your back.

Think about it: how long does it take to COMPLETELY brush your dog? If you have a dog with short hair, maybe not that long. (Our Greyhound takes about 10 minutes for a full brushing) What about a dog with long hair? Or a dog with a THICK coat? Blowing out the coat on a Husky can take over AN HOUR!

Dog grooming tables bring your dog to a height that eases that strain. You can also access every part of your dog: belly, legs, face, and feet. No need to twist yourself into a pretzel in the process. You may not have to see your chiropractor as often, but your skeleton will appreciate the difference.

Types of Grooming Tables

Dog grooming tables come in three forms. One isn’t necessarily better than another; it just depends on your preference. The big difference tends to come in price point. If you operate a grooming business, you may prefer one over another. If you’re only brushing or grooming your dog at home, odds are you won’t want to break the bank.

• Foldable Tables: These dog grooming tables resemble a standard folding table. They have rough stability, and they work great for occasional at-home grooming. They won’t break the bank, but they aren’t adjustable.
• Hydraulic Tables: These tables use a foot-operated hydraulic lift to adjust the table height. They’re a little pricier, but if you’re using a table a few times a week, they’re worth the investment.
• Electric Tables: Also called lift tables, you adjust the height with the flick of a switch or remote control. Professional groomers often have these dog grooming tables in their salons. You’re going to have to spend A LOT on this type of table.

Choosing a Dog Grooming Table

Regardless of the type of dog grooming table you choose, you need to keep some key features in mind. Remember, you’re protecting your back in this endeavor. So while you’re buying the table to keep your dog looking great, you also want YOUR needs in the back of your mind.

• Size: How large is your dog? The table needs to fit your dog’s full LENGTH. Always err on the side of TOO BIG rather than too small. (You don’t want your dog to slide off)
• Weight Limit: Again, you need to think of your dog’s size. All dog grooming tables have the maximum weight they can hold. You might love your chubby canine, but be honest about their size. No one wants the table to collapse.
• Adjustability: Can you move that table so you don’t tilt your back? The grooming arm on tables adjusts, so your dog will stay comfortable, but you need to feel like your back’s protected, too.
• Portability: If you’re setting up a permanent salon, this may not be a problem. But if you’re brushing your dog at home, odds are you don’t want a dog grooming table stuck in the living room. Foldable legs and ease of storage are essential.
• Ease of Cleaning: This is a grooming table, after all. You’ll get clumps of hair and maybe even mud (or worse) on the surface. That non-skid tabletop needs to wash off without too much trouble.

Introducing Your Dog to a Table

If you rescued a dog that spent frequent time with a groomer, they might have no problem sitting on a dog grooming table. New puppies or dogs that have never seen a groomer might not understand why they’re suddenly allowed ON the table. To take the nerves out of this new grooming process, follow these steps:

1. Where you can start the process as early as possible. Puppies can get groomed at 10-12 weeks of age. If you have a show dog or a high-maintenance dog (such as a Lhasa Apso), the earlier you begin, the better.
2. Make the introduction as positive as possible. Place the table flat on the floor and let your dog sit on it without the grooming arm. Offer plenty of treats and praise.
3. Repeat the process with the legs. You want your dog to understand the dog grooming table is a happy place.
4. Once your dog’s comfortable, attach the grooming arm and connect the loop to your dog. Offer treats and praise.
5. If you have a larger dog, get a ramp or stairs to let them access the table. Provide treats to encourage them. (Heavy lifting DOESN’T protect your back)

Always keep the dog grooming table on a stable surface. If it wobbles, your dog will get nervous and try to jump down. And give yourself room to walk completely around. Remember, this is every bit as much about your comfort as theirs.

Best Dog Grooming Tables

You don’t need to be a professional groomer or have a show dog to keep a dog grooming table on hand. Bad backs are rampant in today’s society (speaking as someone with titanium rods and screws in her spine). Hunching over your dog WILL contribute to any underlying spinal problems you may have. Baby your skeleton and ease that pressure. Your dog will appreciate you NOT hovering over them. You’ll also find yourself doing a better job with the brush or clippers as you’ll have a clearer view of your grooming job.