How to Make a Homemade Dog Grooming Table

You can build your own grooming table to care for your dog at home while saving money.
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If your dog needs routine grooming you may want to do the job yourself. This requires a bit of skill and the right equipment, both for your safety and the safety of your dog. For instance, you may need specific types of cutting or shaving devices to groom your dog's coat, all of which you should be able to find at a pet supply store. But fortunately, you can make your own grooming table in whatever height you prefer so that working on your dog’s coat is easier and safer.

How to Make a Homemade Dog Grooming Table

Determine the correct height for your grooming table. Typically, a table for large dogs should be about 24 to 26 inches high, which is low enough for her to step up on yet high enough for you to work on her, according to Big Paws Only. A table for small dogs should be about waist high.

Purchase a pair of collapsable table legs at a hardware store. These are widely available and typically cost less than $20. Have the hardware store or a lumber store cut the legs to 24 inches in length. If you plan to groom small dogs, leave the legs as they are to bring the table surface to the right height.

Purchase 3/4-inch-thick sheet of plywood at a lumber store and have it cut to 26 inches wide and between 40 and 48 inches long.

Sand the edges of the cut plywood sheet until they are smooth. Some prefer to tack vinyl edging around the rim of the sheet, securing it with small nails at 3-inch intervals, but this is not necessary.

Attach the legs to the plywood tabletop with 3/4-inch wood screws. Make sure the legs are held securely to the top sheet, then turn the table upright.

Secure carpeting or a rubber mat to the top of the table with small nails to prevent the animal from slipping.

Purchase a grooming “arm” from a pet supply store and attach it to the end of the table to hold a leash, which will help hold the dog steady while you groom her. You can also attach a large circular hook into the top of the table and achieve the same thing.

Tips

  • You may want to attach rubber pads to the feet of the table legs to prevent them from slipping while you work. Seal the plywood top with polyurethane varnish to prevent dirt and germs from seeping into the surface crevices.

Warnings

  • Always set the grooming table on level, secure flooring to prevent accidents. Never leave an animal unattended on a grooming table for even a short period of time.