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     Don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day this year? No need to fear, your pup is here to save the day! Sound silly? Well, there are actually quite a few reasons why dogs can make better Valentines than people do. Here we have just a few of the reasons your pup should be your date this year! 

 

1. Dogs aren’t picky.

They truly can have a blast doing just about anything. You won’t have to worry about a fussy date, as they will be more than happy just spending the day with you!

 

2. You’ll have the cutest date.

Without a doubt, all your friends will be jealous you’ve got the cutest date in town! What’s cuter than a furry face and a sweet set of puppy dog eyes?! Definitely not that boy you’ve been chasing after. 

 

3. You won’t have to get all fancied up.

You know that pair of heels that are just so cute, but you can’t help but dread wearing them? No worries! Your dog would love nothing more than for you to throw on your comfiest sweatpants and stay in for the night. 

 

4. You don’t have to worry about buying extravagant gifts.

Instead of buying a diamond necklace or an expensive pair of shoes, you can just pick up some treats or a cute little toy! The best part is they will love it- no matter how big or small the gift is. 

 

5. No chance of a sweet Valentine’s Day turning sour.

     You won’t have to worry about any cancelled plans or anyone picking a fight. Dogs are notorious for being happy-go-lucky critters, so you’re in luck! You’ll be sure to have a great day with no complaints. 

 

6. Dogs make the best cuddle buddies. 

Because they are covered in fluff, and are just naturally warmer than people, they make the best snuggle buddies! So, when your Valentine’s Day comes to an end, you should end the night cuddled up to your best friend.

 

No matter how you choose to spend your day, be sure to have fun and stay safe! Happy Valentine’s Day! 

 

     Each year when the holidays come around, we all start thinking of fun and useful gifts we could get for our loved ones. We start filling the stores trying to find something thoughtful for our mom, dad, kids, spouse, and more. In all the holiday chaos, we can’t forget about our furry friends! Luckily, they don’t tend to be too hard to please. Here we have compiled a list of awesome gifts for dogs in 2019. Ranging from classic toys to high-tech gifts, you’ll be sure to find something that your pup will love!  

 

#1.  Smart Dog Collar: 

We as people can hardly live without our smart phones. With the LinkAKC Smart Dog Collar, you can track your dog’s location, store records and appointments, and even know when temperatures are too hot or cold for your dog, all from your phone! The smart collar can record adventures and it can also light up in the nighttime. It can be used on dogs of many different sizes and breeds so if you’re looking to splurge on your pup this year, this may just be the gift for you! 

#2. Warm Coat:  

A new, warm, fuzzy coat is always great to have for the winter! The great thing is you can find dog coats at many places including Walmart, PetSmart, Petco, Amazon, and lots more! Small short haired and senior dogs get chilly during the colder months and can always use a good coat! 

 

#3. Dog DNA Test:

Have you ever wondered just what kind of dog you have? Many times, we adopt dogs from shelters, and it can be hard to pin-point just what breed they are. The ‘Embark’ dog DNA test is known as the most accurate and it captures over 200,000 genetic markers when testing. Although it is on the pricey side, this can be a fun one for the whole family! 

#4. Classic Kong Toy: 

Kong’s are durable, reusable, and they keep your pup busy! You can stuff their favorite treats, peanut butter, or cheese inside and just leave them to it. Kong’s are affordable and they come in different colors and sizes, something to fit each dog!

 #5. Cozy Bed: 

What dog doesn’t love to snuggle up and get comfy? Dog beds are one of the easier gifts you can get for your dog, as they are super easy to find, and they vary in pricing and sizes. They are typically affordable, and your dog can get tons of use out of them! Some lasting for years.#6. Dog Subscription Box:

 

This is the gift that keeps on giving! Doggie subscription boxes are tons of fun, and they come once a month full of surprises. There are a variety of plans you can choose from and you can personalize the things you get based on your pup’s interests. 

#7. Treats from a Dog Bakery: 

Grab a couple of festive treats from a local dog bakery! For example, here in Indiana we have ‘Three Dog’s Bakery’ which have locations in downtown Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, and Noblesville. They sell a variety of cute and yummy treats, including cakes, individual personalized treats, and bagged treats. Stop in your local doggie bakery today! Your pup won’t be disappointed. 

#8. Personalized Pet Stuff: 

Although most customizable things must be made online, there are so many things we can get personalized for our pets. You can get collars, bowls, toy boxes, and more personalized with your pet’s name or face just to let them know they’re extra special. 

#9. Durable Stuffed Toy: 

So many of our pups love stuffed, squeaky toys. However, a lot of dogs love them a little too much and they end up ripped to shreds. ‘Fluff and Tuff’ toys are ultra-plush, and they are double stitched with a mesh liner to keep your pup from tearing into them. They come in different animals too, such as a raccoon, bear, sloth, and more!  

 

#10. Custom Pet Portrait: 

Let’s be honest, this one’s more for us than the dog. I mean, a good pet portrait is just too cute! You can find different companies and local artists to paint up an awesome portrait for you and your pet. This varies depending on your location of course, but whichever way you spin it, this just makes a great gift for the whole family! 

 

 

 

We love adorable pet pictures and heart-warming dog stories, but this time of year, we want to share some information that’s a little more serious. July and August are the hottest months in Indiana, and while many of us are mentally shifting gears to fall, we still have some warm days ahead. 

Your dog’s safety is our top priority at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa, and so we wanted to share some information and tips to help keep your dog healthy before temperatures cool in the fall. If you have additional thoughts on the subject, we’d love to hear about them. And as always, it’s best to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns with your pet’s well-being. 

Dog Breeds That Feel the Heat 

Some breeds need a little extra TLC these final weeks of summer. Those with short, or snub noses are particularly vulnerable, including French bulldogs, pugs and Shih Tzu. That’s because they can quickly overheat as they struggle to pant sufficiently. Panting is how they regulate their temperature, and short-nosed breeds have excess soft tissue around their airways that can impede regulation. 

Dog Breeds That Can Tolerate Heat 

The general rule of thumb is that dogs with thin, short coats do the best in heat. Typical breeds include Beagles, Chihuahuas, and Dalmatians. In addition, breeds that originated in hot climates or are used for coursing are naturally resistant to heat. Their long noses cool the air, and their larger lungs and hearts better distribute oxygen through their bodies. This could include breeds like Whippets, Greyhounds and Salukis. 

Signs of Overheating

Your dog might be struggling with the heat if you notice the following symptoms: 

Signs of Dehydration

If you think your dog is dehydrated, offer clean, cool water. If you are concerned your dog isn’t drinking enough water, try a different bowl, or add some ice chips, a splash of chicken broth or carrot juice, or pieces of a favorite fruit to encourage drinking. 

Signs of dehydration aren’t always easy to spot, so if in doubt, contact your vet immediately. 

Signs of Heatstroke

If you notice any signs of heatstroke, get your dog to a cool location and contact your veterinarian. 

Turn on a fan, and wrap your dog in cold wet towels, especially around the underarm, belly and groin areas. 

Check your dog’s temperature every five minutes and end the cooling treatment when the temperature is down to 103°. Be careful not to cool your dog too too rapidly to avoid shock. Provide cool water, but don’t force your dog to drink. 

General Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool

There are lots of things pet owners can do to help keep dogs safe during the hot weeks ahead. Obviously, keeping your dog inside or shaded areas as much as possible is a good first step. You’ll also want to cut down daily dog walks and playtime during daylight to avoid overheating. In addition:

Do You Have More Tips?

What do you do to make sure your dog is cool and safe during hot days? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks. Please share them here, or on our Facebook page.

Planning a summer vacation is exciting and can be filled with anticipation. But if you have to leave your dog behind in a boarding facility, it can also be an emotionally draining experience. With a little preparation, both you and your dog will be set up for vacation success.

Here are some pre-getaway suggestions from our team at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa. If you have more suggestions of your own, please add them to the comments section at the bottom of this article. We’d love to hear what works for you!

Meanwhile, we hope you have some exciting plans in the works for the summer, and please let us know if we can help.

Schedule boarding now.

Summer is a busy time, and boarding spaces fill up fast. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservations. Not only will this ensure that your dog will have a place to stay, it will help ease your mind and give you one less detail to worry about.

Visit the boarding facility.

The Good Dog Hotel & Spa encourages our dog and human families to come visit prior to your scheduled vacation. This will help both of you feel more comfortable when the time comes for that extended stay. If possible, bring your pooch to doggie daycare for a day or two. Having spent time here playing and exploring the area will make the vacation departure smoother.

Spend quality time together.

It will help both you and your dog if you spend some special time together before you leave town, and of course the same goes with other family members. Your dog will appreciate all the extra hugs, walks, snuggles and playtime you can manage. And it makes humans feel good, too!

Know what to bring.

We recommend that you bring your dog’s bed to sleep on while you’re away. The bed will smell like you and your home, and make him more comfortable.

Here’s a list of items you should bring when boarding your pup:

Exercise your dog before you leave.

Getting exercise is always key, but especially before you leave on vacation. Take an extra walk or two, play fetch, or just get your dog moving prior to dropping her off. Expending some energy will help her feel more relaxed during the transition.

Consider dog calming tools.

Some dogs that experience separation anxiety respond well to things like dog calming pheromone products, wearing a ThunderShirt, or taking calming supplements. We’ve also heard success stories from owners that use CBD treats or oil. Before trying any calming tool, consult with your veterinarian.

Stay calm, cool and collected. 

On the day you prepare to leave, it’s important for you to be calm and confident, because your dog will quickly and easily pick up on your emotions. If you’re feeling nervous about leaving him, he will feel nervous about you leaving. If you’re feeling relaxed and comfortable (even though you’ll miss her), your dog will feel the same way.

Distractions are good.

Sometimes a new toy or chew will be just the type of distraction your dog needs on the day before or morning of departure. Novelty items will grab your dog’s interest, and he’ll be less focused on the hustle and bustle of packing, loading the car and vacation preparation.

Of course, your dog will miss you when you’re away, just as you will absolutely miss your dog. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more relaxed and comfortable your dog will be. A little preparation goes a long way and will help ensure that both you and your dog are ready to enjoy your vacation.

Give yourself and your pup plenty of time to check in.

Depending on the time of day and year, you may have to stand in line to check in. It is usually very busy between 7-10 am, and again between 4-7pm.  If you have medication for your dog that will need to be reviewed, checking with the boarding facility first will help with the transaction.

Check with your facility to see if the required paperwork is available online so you can complete it prior to arrival. Facilities will always want to make sure to have the proper feeding instructions as well, so give yourself extra time, knowing that check in will take several minutes.

Henry the Service Dog is also known on Instagram as @kinghenryofnashville.

We like to keep an eye on news, pop culture, music and entertainment for stories about our favorite subject: dogs. Our Good Dog Hotel & Spa guests also keep us current by sharing awesome tidbits, sound bites or the latest and greatest in stories or trends.

We thought it’d be fun to round up some of our favorites from the month of May and share them with you. Let us know what you think, and feel free to add your own at the bottom of this story in the comments section.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this collection of dog-related news, and have a great week!

Are Dog Lovers Genetic?

A recent study suggests that those of us who choose to have dogs might be heavily influenced by our genetic make-up. Which helps explain those of us who can’t imagine a world without them. Is it in your genes? Check out this article on Science Daily, Owning a Dog Is Influenced By Our Genetic Makeup.

Dogs Affect Your Social Life

It isn’t really news to us, but a new survey shows that having dogs is good for your social life. “The results found that 54% of dog owners believe having their pet has boosted their confidence and made it easier for them to talk to strangers.” Ready out more about it at the Good News Network.

Puppy Helps a European Thatcher Raise the Roof

A puppy named Shuck is quite the helper for his owner, Richard Haughton, in the U.K.’s East Anglia. As a thatcher, he works on roofing jobs throughout the region and brings along his Akita/Labrador mix. Check out a video of this hardworking pair here.

It’s All In A Smile

Owners often claim their dogs are smiling, but is that really what’s going on? Can they express emotions the way we do? The answer might surprise you. Live Science explores the question in this article, Are Dogs Really Smiling At Us?

Dogs Help With PTSD

We all know our dogs help us feel better when we’re down, but new research from Purdue University of Indiana is showing that service dogs are especially good at helping veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Find out more about how dogs are helping wounded warriors here.

A Trip to Disney Goes Viral

Henry the Service Dog is known for being adorable and charming during his adventures while with handler, Jessica Paulsen, Nashville, Tennessee. During a recent trip to Florida’s Walt Disney World, photos captured him enjoying a treat from Starbucks and showing his love for Dumbo. You can find him on Instagram, @kinghenryofnashville, or check out his adventures here.

For those who have Easter celebrations coming up, there’s a lot to look forward to. Maybe it’s a big family meal, action-packed egg hunts, filled-to-the rim baskets, or lots and lots of candy.

We never want to hear post-holiday horror stories from our guests at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa. So, as you gear up for your traditions and gatherings, check out these common Easter holiday dangers from petMD.com – along with the warning signs to look for. And don’t forget, if you’re heading out of town this month (or anytime soon) and you need a special place to board your dog, reserve your space now. We fill up fast!

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Make sure all those chocolate bunnies and special treats stay far away from your pets. Chocolate contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine. The combo can be highly toxic to dogs, and cats may be affected as well. Dark chocolate and unsweetened, bitter chocolate are the most toxic. Warning signs your pet has ingested chocolate can include diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rates and even seizures.

Easter Basket Fillers

They sure look cute, but all those popular fillers for your Easter baskets can be choking hazards for your pets. This includes plastic eggs and grass, foil candy wrappers, and toys or gadgets. The bright colored shapes and textures are often attractive to animals, but if they chew and swallow them, your pet’s digestive system could be obstructed. Warning signs your pet has ingested these items may include vomiting, dehydration, weakness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain or bloating.

Uncooked Eggs

Yes, just as for humans, serving plain, cooked eggs can be part of a healthy diet for pets. But serving them raw is not a good idea for anyone, because of the risk for salmonella. In addition, consuming large amounts of raw egg white can lead to a biotin deficiency, which is needed for healthy metabolic, nerve, digestive, and cardiovascular functions.

Biotin deficiency signs include skin lesions, dry coats, anemia, and lethargy. While ingestion of small amounts of raw egg will likely not cause any health problems in your pet, if you notice gastrointestinal distress (like vomiting and diarrhea), consult with your vet.

Egg Dyes

While most egg dyes are safe for consumption, before you buy, double check any dyes you use to make sure they are non-toxic. Regardless, it’s best to avoid feeding your pet any item with food coloring. If your pet consumes food products colored with food dye, it’s not likely to cause an immediate adverse medical reaction. But if your pet gets into a lot of food dye, contact your veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately for advice.

Sweetener

Beware of a toxic sweetener called Xylitol that’s often found in sugar-free gum, candy and baked goods. It can also be found in some common household items like toothpaste and vitamins. Xylitol rapidly releases insulin into a dog’s bloodstream, causing an extreme drop in blood sugar. It can also lead to liver failure and death. Interestingly, dogs are the only species reportedly affected by Xylitol toxicity. Warning signs include lethargy, vomiting, weakness, and seizures. If ingested contact your veterinarian or emergency center as soon as possible.

Fatty Foods

When ingested, ham, lamb and other fatty foods can lead to stomach upset, and in more serious cases, it can cause pancreatitis, which can be life threatening. Pet owners should also refrain from giving their pet ham bones or lamb bones. Fatty foods may cause repeated vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, weakness, lethargy, and fever.

Toxic Spices & Veggies

Members of the allium family – like onions, garlic, chives, and leeks – are toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastroenteritis and hemolytic anemia. Signs of ingestion of these foods may not develop for several days, but when they do, your pet could exhibit nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale games, and increased heart and breathing rates.

Wine, Beer and All Alcohol

Alcohol is harmful to cats and dogs because of their small size (relative to humans), and how quickly the alcohol can hit their bloodstream. This can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and blood temperature, which can lead to seizures and respiratory failure. All alcoholic beverages should be kept out of the reach of pets at all times. Warning signs include lethargy, drooling, vomiting, gagging, disorientation or difficulty walking.

Lilies & Lily of the Valley

Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure or even lead to death if not treated properly. In addition, flowers like Lily of the Valley, which are sometimes called “fake lilies,” are also toxic to cats. All parts of the lily plant can be deadly to cats, including the leaves, pollen, flower, and even the water that the lilies are stored in. Prompt treatment after ingestion is needed to save a cat. Warning signs your cat might have ingested lilies include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, extreme thirst, seizures, and death.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are a popular snack often included in gift baskets, or in the ingredients for cookies and other desserts. They are toxic to dogs, but not usually fatal. Look for lethargy, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors, joint stiffness, depression, and increased temperature.

Photo credit: Indy Mutt Strutt

If you love going to dog-friendly events outdoors, spring time is the season to find them. There are also plenty of opportunities to hang out with other animal lovers at meaningful fundraising events.

Our Good Dog Hotel & Spa gang is always on the lookout for more dog-friendly things to do in the Indianapolis area. If you know of other special events coming up, please let us know. Share it in the comments section below, or hop over to our Facebook page and tell us about it there.

And don’t forget, spring is a great time to get your dog groomed and beautified. Make your appointment now, and enjoy the outdoors!

 

Dog Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 13
Noon – 3 p.m.
1200 East 42nd Street, Indianapolis

This Easter egg hunt is hosted by Helping Paws and The Four Legged Ranch, two 501c3 Animal Rescues based in the Indianapolis and surrounding area. This special event will feature treats and prizes in all the eggs. Some will have gift cards, dog toys, and other items donated by local companies. There will be a contest for best dressed dog, pictures with the Easter Bunny, vender booths and a raffle. Fee: $10 per dog, humans are free.

Hero Dog Jog 5k

Saturday, April 20
7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Decatur Township School for Excellence, Indianapolis

The Hero Dog Jog 5k Run/Walk is a fast and flat route on Decatur school property. Proceeds go to the IMPD K-9 Unit, in support of local dogs who put their lives on the line daily for their handlers and the city. Post-race, awards will go to the Top 3 Overall Male & Female finishers. An after-party celebration will recognize sponsors and participants, and feature snacks and refreshments. Fees vary.

Mutt Strut 2019

Saturday, April 27
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis

The Mutt Strut is a one-of a-kind event for pets of all shapes and sizes! Join the over 3,000 people and 4,000 pets who attend Mutt Strut each year from across Indiana. Walk the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway track and kiss the bricks while supporting IndyHumane. Music, vendors, food, and activities will be available. Fees vary.

Wine, Wags and Whiskers

Saturday, May 11
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Embassy Suites, Noblesville 

This event is for wine connoisseurs and animal lovers 21 years or older, wearing their favorite cocktail attire. Network, mingle, host special guests or reward your staff with an evening of wine tastings sure to please the palate at Wine, Wags & Whiskers.Proceeds help fund Humane Society for Hamilton County’s daily operations, and the shelter’s Survivor Program. Individual and table tickets available.

Pours for Paws

Friday, May 31
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Embassy Suites, Noblesville

Pours for Paws will be the largest beer, wine, and cider event to benefit the Humane Society for Hamilton Co. In partnership with the Embassy Suites of Noblesville and hosted by Monon Beverage Brokers, this one of a kind event will be held indoors in their newly built conference center. A Friday night full of beer, wine, and cider to benefit animals, with a goal of raising $20,000.00 for this cause. Ticket prices vary.

If you’re a college basketball fan, you know that March means much more than spring. It’s NCAA tournament time, and whether you’re obsessed about your bracket or just enjoy cheering for your favorite team, it’s an exciting time.

Since basketball is on everyone’s mind, the Good Dog Hotel & Spa thought it’d be fun to see what hoops and dogs have in common. We found dog names of famous basketball players, NBA stars and their pets, team mascots, and so much more. Have fun with the tournament, good luck with your bracket, and from our family to yours, happy spring!

Famous Basketball Player Dog Names

For dog owners who also have a passion for basketball, choosing a pet name after a favorite player makes perfect sense. How about Durant, Magic or Dipper? This list of male and female dog names might surprise you.

20 Pro Athletes and Celebrities that Love Their Dogs

Klay Thompson is a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors, and is a huge dog fan. He spends time off the court with his best friend and beloved pet, an English Bulldog named Rocco. Check out pics of him along with other famous athletes and celebrities with their dogs here.

NBA Players and Their Pets

Okay, so not everyone has dogs. And for the record, we love and adore all animals. This beautiful photo gallery captures some very, very tall NBA players and their furry friends. You’ll see Dwayne Wade, Quincy Poindexter, Carmelo Anthony and many more.

Doggy Day at Syracuse

Once a year, Syracuse University’s women’s basketball team hosts Doggy Day in the Carrier Dome, which seats 49,250 in Syracuse, New York. All well-behaved, licensed, registered plus vaccinated dogs (with proof) are welcome to join their human in watching Syracuse take on the opposing team that day. The first-ever Doggy Day was held in 2017, and has become an annual tradition. Read more about it here.

Dog Goes Rogue During Basketball Game

What happens when a dog relay race and agility course takes place on the basketball course? Let’s just say one of the “competitors” decided to go his own way. And it made for a funny moment captured on film.

Dogs Represented in NCAA Division III College Basketball Tournament

Among the schools in Division III, there aren’t many that use canine nicknames. Still, a fair amount of those schools (both men’s and women’s) made the NCAA Tournament, whether the men’s or the women’s. Check them out here.

NCAA Tournaments and Team Mascots

The writers at NCAA.com looked at all 302 schools that have played an NCAA tournament game since 1985 (the start of the tournament’s modern format), and separated their mascots into nine categories. What did they find? People are the most common mascots. Where do dogs rank? Find out here.

Dog Puts On an Electric Halftime Show

We’ve never quite seen anything like this human/dog duo. During a halftime college basketball game, this charming dog named Scooby was the perfect sidekick for a man with serious talent. And he totally stole the show.

 

February 20th is Love Your Pet Day – a special day to show even more appreciation and affection for all your furry friends, no matter if they’re dogs, cats, hamsters or guinea pigs. Although the Good Dog Hotel & Spa team is a little partial to dogs, we know how much love animals of all kinds bring to their humans. They bring lots of health benefits too.

According to the National Center for Health Research (NCHR), the companionship that animals provide have a positive impact on physical health and emotional development. In addition to seeing-eye dogs and dogs that can be trained to detect seizures, animals can also be used in occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical rehabilitation to help patients recover.

Take a look below at NCHR’s list of positive ways our animals impact human lives. And from our family to yours, have a great Love Your Pet Day – now and throughout the year.

The Benefits of Pets for Human Health

Over 71 million American households (62%) have a pet, and most people think of their pets as members of the family. Some research studies have found that people who have a pet have healthier hearts, stay home sick less often, make fewer visits to the doctor, get more exercise, and are less depressed. Pets may also have a significant impact on allergies, asthma, social support, and social interactions with other people.

  1. Companion animals may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and regulating the heart rate during stressful situations.
  2. Having a dog or cat lowers the risk of heart disease, as well as lowering stress.
  3. Having your dog in the room lowered blood pressure better than taking a popular type of blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitor) when under stress.
  4. The simple act of stroking a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
  5. Children’s exposure to companion animals may ease anxiety.
  6. Findings suggest that the social support a pet provides can make a person feel more relaxed and decrease stress.
  7. The social support provided by a pet might also encourage more social interactions with people, reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness.
  8. Among elderly people, pet ownership might also be an important source of social support that enhances well-being.
  9. Studies have shown people with pets have fewer doctor visits, take fewer days off sick from work, and exercise more often than non-dog owners.
  10. One study found that dog ownership was associated with lower rates of depression among women, but not men, and among single individuals but not married people. So, while pet ownership might have a positive impact on well-being for some people, it doesn’t affect everyone the same way.
  11. When a child has no brothers or sisters, research shows that pets help children develop greater empathy, higher self-esteem, and increased participation in social and physical activities.
  12. Interacting with a therapy dog reduces levels of pain and anxiety among hospitalized children and adults, as well as increases focus and interaction among children with autism and other developmental disorders.
  13. In nursing home settings, interaction with visiting dogs has led to more social behaviors, more interaction among residents, and less loneliness.

What Is Your Story?

What benefits have you or your family enjoyed from your pets? We’d love to hear your story – please share your story below.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for human couples. Here’s how you can enjoy the day with your dog. 

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for human couples. It’s also a special day to celebrate the unconditional love from your pets. Of course, here at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple, we are a little partial to sharing the day with our favorite dogs. Always on the lookout for good Valentine’s Day celebration ideas, we are happy to pass along some of our clients’ favorites.

Let us know what you think, and if you have something special planned that’s not on the list, tell us about it. No matter how you celebrate, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful and love-filled Valentine’s Day!

1. Get Active

What are the activities your dog loves to do the most? Whether it’s taking long walks through the woods, running around in circles on open fields, fetching tennis balls or hanging out at a dog park, get outside and treat him to his favorite form of exercise.

2. Give Special Treats

Stop by your favorite dog bakery and pick up something special for your furry friend. Or peruse the internet for a great dog treat recipe and experiment in the kitchen. A delicious treat is a perfect V-day surprise that will show your pet how much you love her, plus you’ll get to see her dig in and enjoy it.

3. Go Shopping

Dogs love to wonder the aisles of pet stores (if they’re allowed). Go on a shopping trip together with your entire family if you want, and check out all the newest gadgets and toys. See what your dog is drawn to, and buy it! They’ll be so excited to get home and start playing.

4. Plan a Playdate

Who doesn’t love some good play time with friends? Plan a special Valentine’s Day playdate, complete with special treats and maybe those new toys you buy from your shopping trip. Your dog will love some time with her pals, and it’s fun for owners too!

5. Have a Photo Shoot

You probably already take plenty of photos of your dog from your phone, but why not step it up a notch with a little extra planning? Buy him a new doggie coat, outfit or other accessory (make sure they are safe and comfortable), and take a little extra time with props, lighting and angles. Or better yet, do it up right by hiring a pet photographer. Be creative, and let your imagination go wild.

6. Visit a Professional Groomer

Pamper your dog with a visit to a professional groomer. Spring for a full package that includes a bath, brush and complete groom. And remember the previous suggestion of a photo shoot? Schedule your grooming session right before it’s camera time, and let your dog shine.

7. Take a Nap

If your dog loves to cuddle up on your lap or next to you on the sofa for naps, take some time from your day to join him. Get those blankets out, turn off your phones and give your pooch time and undivided attention.