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Puppy love is the special kind of love that only the furriest of fur babies can provide. It doesn’t matter how old they get; they always have that sweet puppy love to share!
Here’s a few ways to show your pet that you love them:

  1. Go for a walk to somewhere they’ve never been before. Dogs often get bored with their normal walks, so going somewhere new will provide them with new sniffs and their tails will be wagging.
  2. Work on positive reinforcement training. Dogs love to please their humans and they even enjoy being rewarded for it. Try working on something simple like “sit” or “stay” so they can excel every time! For the advanced doggo, try to teach them how to give you a hug or a kiss.
  3. Talk to your dog. Dogs really are “Man’s best friend”. They make excellent listeners and seem to always have a solution to your problems: If you pet me while we talk, you’ll automatically feel better.
  4. Enrich your dog with puzzles. Dogs love to solve problems and learn new things. Get an old towel and spread their food on it. Fold the towel like a burrito and give to them to see if they can figure it out. For a fun human perk, time them to see how long it takes to figure this out. This works well as a DIY slow feeder for the fast eaters.
  5. Tell your dog you love them by rubbing their ears. Rubbing your pup’s ears makes them happy and they feel loved. While doing this, you can whisper sweet nothings and tell them how much you love them. They’ll be grateful for this special attention and extra love.                                                                                                                                                                                         

The great thing about owning a pet is that you’ll always have a special bond– even during times of quarantine!

XOXO,
Tiki

We are often asked questions about dog’s nail, including trimming frequency, benefits and services that we offer. Having your dog’s nails trimmed regularly is an important part of routine grooming.   

Reasons to Trim Dog Nails

Many times, we hear: “I have hardwood floors and my dog’s nails are driving me up the wall!”  Dogs that run or walk on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt are able to wear down their nails.  However, many dogs either spend most of their time indoors on carpet or run around in grass.  This means that their nails tips are not worn down regularly, which can lead to overly long nails.

Nails that are too long are at risk of being torn off, such as if your dog’s nail gets caught on carpeting or a piece of furniture.  This can result in an injury that might require a vet visit.  Longer dog nails also make it harder for dogs to walk around comfortably.  When your dog’s nails hit the floor constantly as she walks. this puts more pressure on the nail bed.  This pressure can cause discomfort that forces your dog to distribute her weight differently while she walks, which can affect the way her toe and paw joints are aligned.  Long unkept nails can also cause arthritis and ‘splaying’ or deformation of the bones.  Also, nails continue to grow and can begin to grow into the paw pad which may be hard to notice on dogs with furry feet.  This is very painful and at times results in a veterinarian visit.

how often to trim dog's nails

 

How often to get your dog’s nails trimmed?

This depends on the dog.  However, if your dog’s nails are touching the floor, they are ready for a trim.  Dog’s that do not get routine nail trims tend to have longer quicks, so it may seem like the groomer did not take very much off the nail.  Yet, if the groomer went any shorter, she/he would cut into the live part of the nail called the “quick”.

What is grinding the nail?

This is done after the nail is clipped.  A rotary tool such as a Dremel is used to “smooth and round out the nail”.  It gets a little closer to the quick making it a great way to get your dog’s nails as short as possible.

Good Dog Hotel and Spa takes walk in nail trims.  Our groomers are here at 7am during the week and at 8am on Saturdays.  So come on in when you need that service, it only takes about 5 minutes.  If you are needing to come in after noon just give us a call to make sure a groomer is still here.

Nail trim: $15

Dremel: $11

how to reduce shedding on a dogDo you find that your dog leaves a trail of hair wherever they go? Does he shake and make it “snow” fur? Perhaps you find “snow” all year round at your house and you would like the fur to be minimal. We offer a fantastic treatment called the Shed-X treatment that can help reduce shedding up to 90%! This treatment helps the dog fur stay at our spa instead of your home. 

The Shed-X treatment is a full day of pampering starting with special shampoo and conditioner that is left on the pup for at least 10 minutes to receive the greatest benefit. Your furry friend then gets a blow out and a special brushing using a special de-shedding tool. No matter the size of your dog, our Shed-X treatment is only an additional $21. 

Just like their humans, the fur babies need regular upkeep as well! To get the maximum benefit from this treatment, we recommend the pup to come every six weeks for a Shed-X treatment. If you place your hands on your dog before and after the Shed-X treatment, you will notice a significant difference as the coat is much thinner. Another perk of this treatment is that it focuses on the undercoat leaving the topcoat undisturbed and healthy. 

As I am sure you can imagine, the benefits of having a Shed-X treatment are plentiful. Having a regular Shed-X treatment promotes a healthy coat and can reduce the pet dander in your home. This can help tremendously if any family members have allergies. Since this treatment reduces the amount of fur in your home, it can also reduce the wear and tear on your furnace. 

Are you still wondering if the Shed-X treatment is right for your dog? Have you seen tufts of hair on your dog recently? Seeing tufts on your dog often means that their coat is impacted, and the undercoat has too much moisture. The hair in the undercoat gets trapped with moisture and is unable to make its way out. The Shed-X treatment would help minimize the tufts and keep your dogs coat healthy and fresh. 

If you want to reduce your dog’s shedding, call Good Dog Hotel & Spa today to book your appointment.

 

It’s early July in Indiana and the sun is blaring down on you as you finish eating some of your favorite tasty watermelon and strawberry popsicles. You look over at your dog and notice they’re feeling the heat too- tongue out, flopped over in your yard, worn out from the twelve times they’ve already played in the doggie pool you set up for them. You start to wonder, “Hm, if only there were some dog-friendly alternatives to these refreshing summer treats.”

Well, you would be in luck! Chances are, if your dog has a favorite snack, there is definitely a frozen version of it. Perfect for cooling down in the summer, but nothing too hefty that it would spoil their dinner. Here are just a few homemade treats we’ve found online that your dog will love, and also give you something fun to do during these hot summer days.

1. Watermelon Pupsicles

Have watermelon and Greek yogurt in your house? That’s all you need to make this creamy, yummy, treat for your pooch! Learn how to make these watermelon pupsicles here. The website also provides a helpful link on where to buy a dog bone mold for when you make them.

2. Mint Froyo

Greek yogurt, fresh mint, and a touch of honey. Just three simple ingredients to cool your dog down AND freshen their breath. Who wouldn’t want that? Mint is known to be a powerful anti-bacterial that will aid in preventing bacteria from developing in a dog’s mouth. Get this minty-fresh recipe to satisfy your dog (and their breath) here.

3. Frozen Kong Recipes

There’s tons of unique, simple, frozen Kong recipes that will make your dog happy. They’re all healthy, dog-friendly, and super easy to make. You just mix the ingredients together, fill the Kong toy with the mixture, and freeze! Simple as that. Here is a small list of frozen Kong recipes you can make here.

4. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Ice Cream

The pumpkin and yogurt in this recipe are not only good for a dogs digestive system, but every dog loves peanut butter. Cool them down with some refreshing ice cream. The article recommends using freezer-safe cups, which you can find linked in the article. Learn how to make this homemade ice cream for your dog here.

5. Frosty Paws Popsicles

Using bananas, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt, your pup can be chowing down on these yummy popsicle-like treats! Put the ingredients in a blender or food processor, place them in molds, (using a milk-bone as the stick), and freeze them! Learn more about how to make these fun doggie popsicles here.

When our dogs feel good, we feel good. Take some time during these hot Indy summer days to experiment with some fun DIY recipes in the comfort of your own home. Although your dog might beg for more, it’s also important to remember these treats should be given in moderation! One or two tasty summer treats is the recommended amount to keep your dog feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle on the rest of the day. Summer treats are for dogs too, not just humans!

 

As we approach almost the fourth month of quarantine, you may be looking at your dog and thinking, “Man, we really have got to get out of this funk.” Creating new habits and a healthy environment is essential for keeping yourself (and your pup) sane during these odd times. Many pet owners have claimed their pets are responding differently to their owners being at home all the time. Michael Waters’ article on Vox stated, “Some pets are growing clingy, others are pouncing on exercise equipment, gliding across countertops, or hiding in corners and shooting their owners concerned stares.” In order to combat these new strange behaviors, here is a list of activities (Tiki approved of course!) that you and your furry companion can do to keep each other busy.

  1. Exercise, exercise, exercise!Staying active during this time is as beneficial for you as it is for your pet! If you’re going on walks, make sure to social distance (6 ft.), but even if you prefer to stay inside, there’s still so much you can do! Stretch and do some yoga, move the furniture around and play tug-o-war, or, if you have a backyard, run around with them and play chase. A little bit of exercise everyday could help you and your pup stick to a schedule and routine.
  2. Play some mind games!Mental stimulation! We all need it, and so do our dogs. If you ever find yourself lounging on the couch- watching tv with nothing to do- look up how to teach your dog some tricks. There are so many helpful YouTube videos and articles online. It can be a great use of your time and also a fun way to impress your friends! (Take it from Tiki- he loves doing some tricks with us and showing off to other people too!)
  3. Baking dog treats!Rosanna Pansino is an expert baker on YouTube, and has a very informative video on how to make DIY Dog Treats at home. The products she uses are all organic, and she offers substitute ingredients for any allergies your dog may have. Watch her video and give it a try for yourself! Baking these treats keeps your mind busy and will make your dog incredibly happy. https://youtu.be/l3Mb9RyW3V4
  4. Get creative!Set up an agility course for your pup using everyday household objects! Examples include using boxes, laundry hampers, blankets, tunnels, and small forts for your dog to explore. Mix it up and even get your kids involved! Train them with treats and positive reinforcement. It’ll be a fun experience for everyone involved. (Safety permitted.)

Take some time out of your day to enforce some new habits into you and your dog’s lives, and everyday will start to feel a little more productive. Exercise, Watch YouTube videos for inspiration, and mix things up at home. In the end you and your dog will enjoy the new changes, and learn more about each other in the process.

With summer just around the corner, it’s time for pet owners to start back up on their flea prevention routine. For those who live in places that are warm year-round, like Florida or California, it is essential to keep up this regimen all year. According to AKC, here in Indiana, flea and tick season begins in March and doesn’t end until December. Although your pet is really always at risk of getting fleas or ticks, when it’s warm these parasites simply become more active. Below is a chart for when fleas and ticks are most active in each state. 

It is recommended that you keep your pet on preventatives all year long for the best defense. There are various methods of protection including: flea collars, oral medications, and topical treatments. Consult with your vet for more information on which method is best for your pet. 

If you’re going to an area that is more prone to fleas and ticks, like wooded areas, dog parks, or camp sites, you can double up your pet’s protection. For example, if your dog already regularly takes medication and you know you’re about to go camping, you can put a flea collar on them for double the protection. Always do your research and consult with your vet before adding any new preventatives. What may be right for one pet could be unsafe for yours and combining medications should only be done under veterinary guidance. 

Both fleas and ticks can carry diseases, which is why it is especially important for us to be on top of our pet’s prevention routine. During spring and summer more people and their pets are out and about which inevitably ups the risk involved. Contact your vet today to prepare your pet for the warmer months to come. That way you and your pet can have a carefree, fun-filled summer, that’s full of adventure!

 

 

Tired of your pup begging for your sweet Easter treats? This year, save the trouble by getting them their very own Easter basket! It’s super simple and your furry friend is bound to love it. Here’s how to make the perfect doggie Easter basket in just a few simple steps! 


 

           1. Pick out an Easter themed basket. 

There are so many different options for what you can use to hold all of your pup’s goodies. The most common options are wooden or plastic baskets. You can find each kind in lots of different colors and prints and most are very affordable. Pick whatever fits your their personality best!

       

          2. Add treats.

You can add a bag of your pup’s favorite treats, or you can go for some Easter-themed snacks. There are so many recipes online for dog friendly cookies, peeps, cakes, etc. You also have the option to stop by a local dog bakery, where they have lots of customizable treats in different flavors, shapes, and sizes! 

 

         3. Get some fun toys.

During holiday seasons, many pet shops come out with cute festive toys you can pick up if you’re really in the holiday spirit. A new chew toy or plush bear is sure to brighten your doggie’s day! 

 

         4. Grab some festive Easter accessories. 

Choose a festive new collar or bandana for your pup to wear on Easter Day.  A fancy bow or a cool new leash would also make a great addition to their basket. 

 

         5. Break out the plastic Easter eggs to make it all come together. 

Grab some plastic eggs and put some milk bones or small snacks inside. You can add as many or as little as you would like, and for even more fun; you can hide them later and have doggie Easter egg hunt! 

 

 

Now you have the perfect DIY dog friendly Easter basket! Check out Tiki’s Easter basket this year! 

What’s inside? Two bags of his favorite treats, two Easter bandanas, two cute toys, and lastly we added plastic Easter eggs with milk bones inside!

 

**Tag us on Facebook or Instagram to show us your doggie’s Easter basket this year!

Instagram: @gooddogindy

Facebook: Good Dog Hotel and Spa 

 

 

 

In part one we discussed ‘human’ foods that your pup shouldn’t eat. In part two, we will go over common household items that should be kept out of reach of your pet!  

 

Human and Animal medication: The Acetaminophen in Tylenol and other pain relievers may interfere with the animals oxygen flow and could severely harm their liver. Do not give any ‘human’ medication to your pet without consulting with your vet first. On the other hand veterinary pharmaceuticals should be given with caution as well. Just because they are prescribed to them, doesn’t mean they can’t overdose on them if given the wrong dosage. Always give medication of any kind under veterinary guidance. 

 

Antifreeze: As many know, antifreeze gives off a sweet smell and taste. We as people of course know not to drink it, but our pets don’t and they may very well be tempted. Even a very small amount can be lethal for pets. Consumption can result in fatality for not only animals but humans as well.  

 

Fertilizer: These contain harsh chemicals that are made to combat pest and weed problems. If your pet happens to eat some grass that has fertilizer on it, chances are he/she will probably be fine. The real problem is when it is ingested straight from the bag in its purest form. If this happens, it can result in tremors, seizures, and more. 

 

Laundry Detergent: If detergent is ingested- this can cause gastrointestinal problems and lethargy in pets. The biggest concern is that the pet will begin to aspirate after the ingestion, which can result in aspiration pneumonititis (a type of lung infection) that can be very serious. 

 

Plants: There are certain plants that are specifically poisonous to pets, while others are completely safe. Before purchasing a new house plant check to make sure they are pet-safe. 

 

Rodenticides: These are specifically formulated to attract and exterminate small mammals. They may contain flavorings like fish, peanut butter, and more to attract the pest. However, these have a good chance of attracting your pet as well. Opt for baits that are considered ‘pet friendly’. These are created in a way that protects pets as they are resistant to tampering. 

 

Insecticides: Just like with rodenticides, these are made with the purpose of extermination. If pesticides are necessary, there are a handful of safer options available. 

 

Cleaning Products: Most cleaning products contain many harsh chemicals for removing dirt, grime, etc. With that being said- some of these products are of course harsher than others. It is just safer all around to keep all window cleaners, bleach, bathroom cleaners, etc. nice and tucked away.  

 

Batteries: Because batteries are so acidic, if ingested they can cause mouth, throat, and stomach issues. When chewed or punctured alkaline batteries can leak a toxic substance that can potentially burn the inside of the mouth and throat. Not to mention- if swallowed whole they can cause blockages in the intestines. 

 

Children’s toys: Any toy that isn’t specifically made for your pup, should not be given to your pup. Many children’s toys that have small bits and pieces can break off and potentially get lodged in the throat or intestines.

 

Dogs and pets in general tend to try to get into stuff every once in a while because they’re simply curious by nature. It is up to us to keep things secure and out of reach. This means locking up any potentially harmful substances that may be in our kitchens, bathrooms, etc. No one is perfect and accidents happen. Pets can be crafty little critters. If your pet ingests something that could possibly hurt them- contact your vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Center Hotline at 888-426-4435. Healthy pets are happy pets, and the more prepared we are the better! 

Did you know that March is national pet poison prevention awareness month? Of course, most dog owners know the obvious foods dogs shouldn’t have, like chocolate for example. However, there are a lot of things that you shouldn’t give your pups that most wouldn’t think twice about. With March being the month to highlight these things, this gives veterinary professionals the opportunity to educate on what could potentially harm pets. To start, we’ll just go over some of the most common ‘human’ foods that dogs shouldn’t have. 

 

‘Human’ foods to avoid giving your dog:

 

#1. Grapes and Raisins: Although science has yet to discover what is in grapes that makes them so toxic to dogs, we know there is a substance in them that can lead to sudden kidney failure. Until more is known, it is best to avoid giving these to your dog all together. Common symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and decrease in appetite. 

 

#2. Milk or Dairy products: This can really upset your dog’s stomach due to the fact that pets do not have a sufficient amount of Lactase which is needed to break down Lactose. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and overall abdominal discomfort. 

 

#3. Yeast Dough: Because yeast dough rises, this can cause a gas build up in the digestive system- as it produces Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide. This becomes painful and may even cause the stomach to bloat. If this results in the stomach twisting- this can become a serious emergency. Common signs of bloat include abdominal distension, restlessness, retching, and pawing. 

 

#4. Alcohol: This is an obvious one to most, which is good because it’s among one of the worst things your pet can ingest. Ingestion of alcohol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Some animals can even experience seizures or respiratory failure. Alcohol of any kind and any amount should be avoided at all costs.

 

#5. Onions and Garlic: No matter what form they come in, if ingested in a large enough quantity they can kill off your dog’s red blood cells which can result in anemia. Symptoms include but are not limited to: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart/breathing rate, and lethargy.  

 

#6. Xylitol: This is a sugar substitute used in many ‘sugar free’ products. This is commonly used in sugar free gum/ candies, toothpaste, baked goods, and vitamins. Ingesting this can cause blood sugar to drop and can potentially cause liver failure. Symptoms start to show rather quickly after it is ingested. Signs include vomiting, weakness, and seizures. 

 

#7. Coffee, Tea, Caffeine: Sodas, energy drinks, caffeine pills, diet pills, etc. can cause a rise in blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias- both being very dangerous for pets. Even a small amount can be very toxic. 

 

#8. Macadamia Nuts: Nuts have a high fat and oil content- Macadamia nuts contain up to 80% oil- which can increase the risk of pancreatitis due to the high amount of fat. In high quantities they can cause weakness, hypothermia, tremors, and stiffening of joints. 

 

#9. Table Salt: Ingestion of too much salt can cause sodium poisoning- meaning there is a rise in the sodium concentration in the blood. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, tremors, and seizures. 

 

#10. Fat Trimmings and Bones: Bones can cause blockages or puncture or cause damage to their insides. Fat- could cause the pancreas to become inflamed which can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. This also puts your pet at risk for developing pancreatitis.  

 

These are the top ten most common ‘human’ foods that are potentially harmful to your dog. Of course, we highly encourage everyone to do their own research on the matter, as there is tons of information on the internet about what dogs should and should not eat. Although there are a lot of our snacks that they shouldn’t have, there are still a lot of fun things you can get for your dog as a treat. You can always stop by a local dog bakery, they have many things your pup is bound to love. Best part is- these treats are formulated specifically for our doggie friends! 

 

…Please stay tuned for part two- as we go over some of the most dangerous household items for dogs! 

 

 

 

 

             Each year we as dog owners have to take our dogs to the vet for their annual vaccines. Because we love our furry little friends, we want them to be able to socialize with as little risk of getting sick as possible. Just like our own children, we want them to be protected against anything that can potentially be harmful to them. Sure we’ve heard of people getting vaccinated for the flu, but what about our dogs? Why not protect our pets when we have the ability to do so? Canine influenza is something a lot of people aren’t super familiar with, but it is very important for us to educate ourselves on the matter. Not only for the safety of our own dogs, but for dog safety worldwide. 

 

           What is canine influenza? According to Merck Animal Health, “it is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by canine influenza virus (CIV) Type A.” Although we’re now starting to hear more about the canine flu, the first strain of it, CIV H3N8, was first reported in racing greyhounds in Florida back in 2004. It is believed that this first affected horses and made its way to dogs. This strain can also be a little harder for veterinarians to diagnose. The second strain, CIV H3N2, was more recently found here in the United states- although it was first found in South Korea in 2006. This strain of the virus is of avian origin and had spread to 30 states in the U.S. by April 2016. Every year more and more dogs are traveling from state to state with their families for vacations, road-trips, etc. Because dogs are being transported so much more than before, they are also exposed to more things that could be harmful to them. Which results in contagious illnesses, like the flu, being picked up and spread of course. The canine flu is not a seasonal virus like the human flu, which means it can be caught year-round. 

 

             How is canine influenza spread? For the most part, it is spread the same way the common cold would spread through people, and we all know how easy that is to get. Does your dog regularly attend a daycare or dog park? It is most commonly spread through dog to dog contact. This could be as simple as licking one another or even sniffing each other. Sharing water bowls and toys is of course another big way it is spread. Lastly, dogs can even get sick by merely coming into contact with us! If we unknowingly come into contact with the virus, our clothes, hands, and other surfaces can be contaminated in an instant. It’s that contagious. Any dog no matter their age, size, or breed can get the flu- it does not discriminate.   

 

         How do I know if my dog has the flu? The most common signs include, but are not limited to: coughing, retching, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Although many cases of the flu are relatively mild, there is a small percentage of dogs who are plagued with severe cases. For instance, if the dog is very young or very old their immune systems are more compromised. Therefore, they are at greater risk for receiving the more severe cases because their bodies aren’t able to fight off the virus as well. Many people have the misconception that the canine flu is the same thing as kennel cough, because without diagnosis all canine respiratory illnesses can look similar. However, the flu is a viral disease which results in it being more difficult to treat than kennel cough.

 

                With all of that being said, I think we all can agree that getting your dog the flu vaccine is the right thing to do. Let’s face it, if your dog does end up getting sick, you’ll be paying much more for vet visits than you would just getting the vaccine. Like most vaccines, this does have to be boostered two to three weeks after the initial vaccine. Once you’ve done that it will just be another annual vaccine to add to the list. Remember, the first priority of all canine facilities is dog safety. Most of these places will be requiring the flu vaccine in the near future if they aren’t already, so it wouldn’t hurt to get it sooner rather than later. Stop into your local vet’s office today to set up an appointment, that way your pup can get back to playing without a sweat! 

 

 

*** As a reminder to all current or potential clients of Good Dog Hotel and Spa, we are requiring both rounds the canine influenza vaccine by 3/1/2020. For any questions you have about this, call us at 317-255-2525!