Kmart Hack: How to make a dog grooming hammock
I bet you’ve all seen many Kmart Hacks over the years. I’ve seen baskets transformed into pendant lights and side tables, clothing racks turned into plant stands, you name it, I’ve probably seen it because I was working at Kmart when ‘Kmart Hacks’ was born.
At the time the business was starting to turn around and stylish products were hitting the shelves. Out of nowhere, an online fan community formed and people started sharing photos of ways they repurposed Kmart products beyond their intended use. And it took off. Every Monday when I came into the office, I had the best morning looking through all the amazing Kmart Hacks that we’d been tagged in over the weekend and I got to decide which ones we’d share across our social channels– talk about having the best job!
So naturally I wanted to create a few Kmart Hacks myself, and this is one of them. I hacked a $15 Kmart weekender bag and turned it into a dog grooming hammock! The idea came to me when I was training to become a dog groomer and I was eyeing off a dog grooming hammock we used at the salon, and at the same time I was de-cluttering my house and pulling together a bag of items to donated to the salvos. I knew I was about to set up my dog grooming business, and the equipment I needed to get started was going to be expensive, so when I came across this bag I thought while not give it a crack.
What is a dog grooming hammock?
When it’s time to cut your dogs nails, do they take one look at the nail clippers and take off? Have you tried to cut their nails when they’re asleep, but they wake up just before you can cut the first nail? Yep, I hear you. Well a dog grooming hammock can act as a second pair of hands and help keep your dog still while you cut their nails. Some dogs can get really anxious when it comes to cutting their nails or trimming their feet. A grooming hammock will help relax them while you can quickly cut their nails without a fuss.
If your dog moves around a lot, you can also use a hammock when grooming other parts of their body, like trimming their face and shaving their paws. Grooming hammocks are also useful when grooming older dogs that may not be able to stand for long or dogs with disabilities.
Are dog grooming hammocks safe?
I would only use a grooming hammock for small dogs that weight less than 12kgs. For larger dogs I would be nervous the hammock and the equipment you use to hang it from might not hold their weight. I also wouldn’t use a grooming hammock for certain breeds, like dachshunds that are susceptible to spinal injuries. If they panic and move in a certain way or a piece of equipment gives way they could injure themselves.
How to make a DIY dog grooming hammock
Making a dog grooming hammock at home is really easy. All you need is a pair of scissors, a marker and a bag. When choosing a bag, make sure it’s larger than your dog so they’ll fit comfortably inside it, and make sure it can hold their weight.
Instructions
Stand your dog on the bag, ensure they’re standing square and draw around their paws with the marker
Cut out leg holes and keep expanding the holes until you dog’s legs can fit comfortably in them
Cut a hole in the front and the back of the bag for you dog’s head and tail
Pop you dog in the bag and gently lift it by the handles a few cms off the floor to double check all the holes are big enough and not restricting your dog in any way. Double check your dog’s head and tail can move around freely and your dog isn’t distressed.
How to use a dog grooming hammock
Now that you’ve made your grooming hammock (nice work by the way), you’ll need somewhere to hang it. If you have a dog grooming table you can hang it from the horizontal bar or grooming arm, otherwise I have seen some hang from a chin-up bar secured to a door frame or any other secure horizontal bars. If you can’t thread the bag handles through the bar you can always use s-hooks to hang the hammock from the bar.
Not keen on DIY?
If you’re not too keen on making your own hammock, no worries you can buy one online. I bought this dog grooming hammock from Amazon, its plush material is really soft and comfortable for the dogs I groom.
More Kmart Hacks?
If you’re looking for an inexpensive dog car booster seat check out my $27 Kids Flip out Sofa Kmart Hack.
I’m a qualified dog groomer and fur-mum to two cavoodles; Soda and Poppy. I’m passionate about the health and wellbeing of dogs, as well as helping dog parents groom their dogs at home. I’ll teach you the basics, however if you don’t feel comfortable or confident at any time that’s completely fine, book your dog in for a regular groom and pamper session at the salon. Please never leave your dog unattended on a grooming table.
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