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 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 donate to the Salvos. I knew I was about to start my dog grooming business, and the equipment I needed was going to be a significant investment. So when I came across this bag, I thought, "Why not give it a crack?"

What is a dog grooming hammock?

Does your dog take one look at the nail clippers and make a run for it? Or have you tried sneaking in a nail trim while they're asleep, only for them to wake up before you even clip the first nail? Trust me, you're not alone!

A dog grooming hammock can act like an extra pair of hands, helping to keep your dog secure and still while you trim their nails. It's especially useful for dogs that get anxious about nail clipping or having their feet handled. By gently supporting your dog, a grooming hammock can help them feel more relaxed, making the whole process quicker, easier and far less stressful for both of you.

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 recommend using a grooming hammock only for small dogs weighing under 12 kg. For larger dogs, I'd be concerned that the hammock or the equipment it's suspended from may not safely support their weight.

I also wouldn't use a grooming hammock for breeds that are prone to spinal issues, such as Dachshunds. If they become distressed and twist or struggle, or if any of the equipment were to fail, they could be at risk of injury. As with any grooming tool, it's important to use it safely, never leave your dog unattended, and stop immediately if they're showing signs of significant stress or discomfort.

How to make a DIY dog grooming hammock

Making a dog grooming hammock at home is quick and easy. All you need is a sturdy bag, a pair of scissors and a marker. When choosing a bag, make sure it's large enough for your dog to fit comfortably inside and strong enough to safely support 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 your dog’s legs can fit comfortably in them
Cut a hole in the front and the back of the bag for your dog’s head and tail
Pop your dog in the bag and gently lift it by the handles a few centimeters 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 bar. 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, the plush material is really soft and comfortable for the dogs I groom.

Here are a few more dog grooming hammocks worth checking out:

More Kmart Hacks?

If you’re looking for an inexpensive dog car booster seat check out my 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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Kmart Hack: How to make a dog grooming hammock