Best Dog Grooming Tables (Review & Buying Guide) in 2018

Whether you are a professional groomer, have show dogs, or just like to keep your dog looking their best, a grooming table is a must. It makes the whole process much easier for you, and safer, calmer, and less stressful for your pet. However, with so many grooming tables to choose from, how do you know which one is best for you and your dog? Our panel of pet lovers and dog experts have put together this list of the best dog grooming tables to point you in the right direction.

Best Dog Grooming Tables Buying Guide & FAQ

In this part of the buying guide we look at some of the factors that determine which is the best table for your particular needs. As well as exploring what makes a good grooming table, we explore some of the key questions relating to why you need a grooming table and why you should consider grooming at home over using a grooming salon.

Qualities of Good Dog Grooming Table

A good dog grooming table is one that fits your specific needs and those of your dog. However, there are some key features that you should look for in any table that you are considering for grooming your canine companion. These features include:

• Durability

The table you choose needs to be able to withstand constant use, particularly if you have more than one dog, or regularly attend dog shows. It should be made from strong and durable materials, such as stainless steel. One of the many benefits of stainless steel, as well as its strength, is that it is rust resistant, so it copes well in wet or damp environments, including damp dogs.

• Height

Grooming your dog properly takes time, so it is important that you, as well as your dog, are comfortable. Check the height of the table to ensure that you can stand comfortably without needing to stoop while grooming. If you cannot find one that is at the right height, then consider a table top version or an adjustable height table.

• Cleanliness

Grooming your dog can be a messy business. Even if you bathe them before you begin, you still need to account for loose hair and nail clippings, as well as the usually slobber that dogs like to share. The best dog grooming tables are easy to clean and have waterproof tops to ensure the longevity of the table.

• Static free

Grooming your dog is difficult enough without a buildup of static making their hair stand on end or giving you undesirable shocks. The best tables have rubber tops and rubber feet to reduce, if not completely eliminate, static build up.

• Safety features

It is important that your dog cannot get off the table or move suddenly while they are being groomed. This is especially important while cutting hair around delicate areas such as their face. Choose a table that either comes with an adjustable grooming arm or which can have one fitted to it easily. Adjustable arms are preferable as they can be set to meet the particular needs of each grooming session. This is ideal if you have more than one pet. Non-slip and textured table tops are also beneficial in ensuring your dog stays put during grooming.

• Storage

The last thing you want to do when you have your dog on a grooming table is leave them to collect your tools and equipment. Tables that include storage are beneficial because you can everything to hand and prepared in advance. Storage can vary from mesh baskets under the table to hooks on the side of the table.

• Comfort

You want your dog to be comfortable while they are being groomed. The best tables take this into consideration with their construction, often including padded bases. Table size is important here as well. If the table top is too small your dog will not feel comfortable or safe standing on the table. Always check the dimensions of the table top and compare them to the space your dog needs to stand, sit, and lay down comfortably.

How to Deal With Difficult Dogs on the Table

There are numerous reasons why your dog may be difficult on a grooming table. Nervousness is most likely the main reason, followed by fear of the unknown if they are new to the experience. Being prepared and having everything to hand before you get your dog on the table can go a long way to calming their nerves and encouraging them to behave once they are on the grooming table. Following these tips can help the whole process go much smoother.

1. Introduce your dog to the table before you groom them on it for the first time. Let them walk around it and sniff at it so they know there is nothing to fear. Put your dog on the table and give them lots of praise, get them used to the restraints and the feel of the table.
2. Talk to your dog while you are preparing them for grooming and throughout the grooming process. Have treats to hand to reward positive behavior and offer lots of praise as well as clear direction during the grooming process.
3. While you don’t want to rush the grooming process and risk mistakes or injury, you should work efficiently to minimize the amount of time your dog is on the grooming table. .
4. Keeping your hands on your dog the whole way through the grooming process helps give them comfort as well as helping to keep them safe. Combined with your voice commands, gently moving your dog into position helps them to understand what is expected of them, particularly when they are new to the experience.
5. Start young, even if you are not ready to start grooming your dog, introducing them to the grooming table young goes a long way to preventing difficult behaviors and nervousness when the time comes to start grooming.
6. Praise, praise, and more praise is always a positive way to go, even with the most difficult of dogs.

FAQ

Q: Why Groom a Dog at Home?

A:  Grooming at home is much more cost effective than using a dog salon or other grooming professionals. But, the reasons to groom at home are much deeper than simply saving money. Grooming at home also:

• Builds a stronger bond between you and your dog.
• Is an opportunity to train and praise your dog.
• Is less likely to be frightening for your dog.
• Gives you an opportunity to check their general health including skin, coat, eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and paws.
• Adds to your skills set.
• Ensures results that you are happy with.
• Means that you can groom at a time that is right for you and your dog, rather than needing to fit into some else’s schedule.

Q: Why Get a Dog Grooming Table for Your Home?

A: It is possible to groom your dog without a grooming table; however, it is not advisable. A grooming table is safer for both you and your dog. Grooming on the floor or on a worktop can mean you are bending at awkward angles and putting your back health at risk.

It may also make reaching parts of your dog difficult and increase the risk of you slipping with the scissors or trimmers. At best this could mean an uneven coat for a little while, but at worst you could injure your dog or cause them to be nervous of being groomed in the future.

Grooming without a table also makes keeping your dog still much more difficult. Good grooming tables have safe and effective restraints such as grooming loops and leash attachments. This helps you to position your dog correctly and keep them in that position safely and comfortably.

Ease of cleaning should also be a reason to consider a grooming table. You are less likely to have hair traipsed through your home with a grooming table and the surface can be easily wiped down after use.

Q: Should I Buy a Electric or Hydraulic Grooming Table?

A: One of the difficulties that owners can face with a grooming table is lifting dogs onto and off the table. This is a particular concern with medium and large breed dogs that can be very heavy. You do not want to risk either your own health or that of the dog by lifting more than you can comfortably manage. One answer to this is to invest in an adjustable table. These tables allow you to lower the height of the table, place the dog on the table and secure them safely before raising the table to the desired height.

Most good adjustable height grooming tables are wither electric or hydraulic, but which is best for your needs?

• Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Tables

Hydraulic tables tend to be cheaper than electric tables of the same build and safety quality. Height is generally set in increments, so you may not be able to get the exact height that you desire from the table. However, high quality tables have small movement increments, so you should get very close to your desired height. Hydraulic tables are strong and sturdy, and the best have smooth motions and reliable fluid systems. Such tables do require some manual effort to work the hydraulics, usually by a foot peddle. This could be a little tiring with very heavy dogs or if you have multiple dogs in the home.

• Pros and Cons of Electric Tables

Electric dog grooming tables tend to be more expensive that hydraulic tables of the same quality. They often offer smoother transitions while being lowered or higher and provide greater height control. Electric tables require little or no manual effort on the part of the owner, meaning that they are often the better option for more regular users. However, you do need access to an electric outlet for the table to work, this limits your options in terms of where you groom your four-legged friend.

Both hydraulic and electric tables are good options if you buy a high-quality table that meets required safety standards, such as those on our best dog grooming tables list. As with many choices you make for your dog, putting quality first is always the best option. But, by following the tips and ideas in our buying guide you can be sure that you are heading in the right direction to choosing the best table for you and your pet pooch.

Sources

1. Benefits of Dog Grooming Tables, Groom Arts Academy
2. DIY Tips for Grooming a Dog at Home, Pet MD
3. Grooming Table Tips for Keeping Your Dog Stationary, Vet Info