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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 

 

 

 

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! 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that January is ‘walk your dog’ month? During the winter, it’s easy to get in a rut and not spend as much time outside. If you and your dog have the right gear, taking a winter stroll can be something to look forward to, rather than a chore. Here are five essentials to make winter dog-walking a breeze! 

 

1. Waterproof boots/ shoes

A nice, durable pair of boots isn’t only a good thing for us as people, but for our pets too! Although many dogs get through fine without them, others can really benefit from them. For example, older dogs not only tend to get cold easier, but they don’t always have the best traction on the ice. Having that rubber layer on the bottom of their foot can really lend a helping hand when walking across a slippery surface. Not to mention, boots will keep the snow and ice from                                                    getting packed into their paw pads!

 

 

2. Winter coat 

         Now, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know we need coats in the winter. But what about our dogs? Of course a big Great White Pyrenees wouldn’t need a coat, as they are made for the snow! On the other hand though, a short-haired chihuahua would be shaking like a leaf in freezing temps. There are many different kinds of coats that you can choose from, that way you can find what fits best for your pup! Pictured above is an insulated, water resistant dog parka. Although this kind of coat is a bit more on the expensive end, they are well worth it as they can last a lifetime! 

 

 

           3. Reflective Gear

          Wearing reflective gear ensures that you and your dog will be seen when traveling in the dark. This is especially prominent in the winter because there are less daylight hours. There are many different things you can choose from including reflective vests, flashing pet blinkers, reflective leads, etc. Whether you’re taking a hike through the woods or just a walk around your neighborhood, it’s never a bad idea to have one extra safety precaution!  

 

         4. Pet Friendly Ice Melt

          Because of all of the snow, many people start putting salt down in the winter. Something a lot of people don’t realize is how harsh most chemical ice-melts really are. They can damage lawns, sidewalks, etc. If it can damage the sidewalk, it wouldn’t have any trouble irritating your pets paws. Choosing a non-toxic, pet-friendly ice melt is definitely the way to go to protect your furry friend!

 

 

 

       5. Travel-size First Aid Kit

          Last but not least, a travel size first aid kit. Although this is good to have year round, there is more risk for your dog to slip or fall in the winter time. Ice can also become very sharp and could cut or split paw pads. In moments like this, when you could be pretty far from home, it’s a huge relief to be prepared with supplies on hand. You know what they always say, better safe than sorry! 

 

 

 

          As you can see, this list is compiled based off of pet safety, and anything that can help you and your pet get through this winter. Dog safety as pet owners is of course our top priority, and it is our duty to make sure we are prepared for what is to come. Now get out there and have a snow-filled adventure with your mind at ease! 

Puppies are just the best, aren’t they? Who doesn’t love a cute, happy, little puppy face?! Although they are undeniably adorable, they can be a real handful. There are many things one should consider before rushing to adopt a puppy. You want to make sure you are prepared to take on another full-time job. Here are a few things you should think about if you’re going to adopt a puppy! 

 

       What kind of dog you get is one, if not the most, important thing for you to think about before adopting. In fact, it is crucial that you do your research on different breeds to help you determine what will best fit into your life. For example, a 10-pound Chihuahua would be fine living in a small apartment. However, a 180-pound English Mastiff would need much more space. You also want to look at the breed’s coat-type, because some dog’s coats will require regular maintenance. Dogs with tight-curly coats must be brushed out regularly, or they can end up with some painful matting that will eventually have to be shaved off. On the other hand, short/straight-haired dogs require little to no grooming maintenance, aside from the usual bathing and nail trimming. 

 

     The next thing you should definitely consider is your lifestyle. Do you have a demanding job that calls for you to work long hours? Because to train a new puppy, you are going to need lots of time and patience. You also will have to make time to keep up with their vet appointments for annual vaccines and check-ups. Not to mention, most puppies can’t just be left home alone with no supervision. If you choose not to crate train, you will need someone there to watch them or find a doggie daycare/hotel that can watch them for you while you’re gone. It will make things much easier for you if you set these things up before you bring home your new pup!

 

     Lastly, you will just want to make sure your home is ready to welcome a puppy. Puppies are curious, and they will more than likely be ready to get into stuff. You will want to puppy-proof your home to ensure his or her safety. This means keeping the trash put away, covering electrical cords, getting rid of any poisonous plants, etc. Also, if you have children or other pets, you will want to make sure they are ready to welcome a new pet into the home. It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on the proper ways to introduce a new pup to your family, that way you can have peace of mind when leaving them alone together. Other than that, you will just need the basic dog supplies such as water/food bowls, toys, bedding, etc. Now you’re on your way to bringing home your new furry friend!  

 

    By no means is this written to deter you from adopting a puppy, puppies are great and they truly become part of your family. It is more so to simply educate on the fact the puppies aren’t just all fun and games. There is a lot of responsibility and work that comes with bringing home a new fur baby. As long as you are prepared, things will be great. To bring things to an end, we’d like to feature a few of the new puppies we’ve recently met here at Good Dog! 

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     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! 

 

 

 

        Each and every dog has their own unique story. Here at Good Dog, we see hundreds  of different dogs, from towering Great Danes to tiny chihuahuas. They all come from different backgrounds and homes, and their owners always have fun stories to tell. Unfortunately, not all dogs have a great start, but there is so much beauty in what we as people can do to better a dogs life. As many of you know, we have a furry little pug-poodle mix named Tiki, who has been our mascot for Good Dog for eight years! We always get so many questions about him, and we figured it would only be right to outline his inspiring journey for you all. Tiki’s story; who he is, his accident, and his recovery.

            

       People are always so intrigued by Tiki, as he is a scruffy little old man, with a huge underbite, who just hangs out on our desk in the front lobby. He is always there to greet everyone as soon as they come in, and he is not the least bit shy. He is very much known for running around demanding attention. Many would say he lives the perfect doggie life, because all day long he gets numerous treats and all kinds of affection. If you know Tiki, you know that he is extremely vocal and makes the strangest noises when he gets excited. One thing for sure is that Good Dog would not be the same without our beloved Tiki. He is hilarious and truly one of a kind. In the eight years that he has been with us, he has changed so many of our lives for the better. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, Tiki makes coming to work so much more enjoyable. I mean, who wouldn’t want a cute little dog by their side all day while they work? Now, how did we get tiki you may be asking? It all started back in September of 2011. Michelle, who is one of the managers for Good Dog, was off for the day and she had an appointment scheduled at a beauty salon to have her hair styled. As she was waiting in the front lobby, one of the stylists rushed in exclaiming to her co-workers, “I am so sorry i’m late! I just saw a dog get hit by a car!” 

                

         After hearing this, Michelle, who has worked with dogs for years, and has many of her own, of course started to tune in at this point. The stylist goes on to say that she couldn’t keep him due to having two boxers at home, so she just took him to a nearby vet to see what they could do. Michelle at this point explains to her that she works for Good Dog, and she would love to help out, as we have had many rescues. So, she gives the stylist her number and waits to hear back. Not too long after, she ends up reaching out to Michelle. She tells her that Tiki had a broken hip and he was going to have to stay at the vet for quite some time. If you are a pet owner, you know how expensive things can get when you make trips to the vet. Although the stylist had no money to pay for him to essentially live at the vet for a while to recover, that’s when a miracle happened. A woman was standing at the front when Tiki was dropped off, and she had selflessly offered to pay. For it all! Thanks to her, Tiki was given a second chance, and was able to live there for a month. They called him ‘Neil’, before he was ever our Tiki. Before we knew it, it was time for him to come to what would become his forever home. He arrived for the first time at Good Dog, on October 10th, 2011.

 

To be continued….

 

Does your dog need a new look? Check out the names and descriptions of the top seven most popular dog grooming styles.

Is your dog ready for a trim, but you’re not sure what style you want? Or does your pooch need a fresh makeover and you want its cut to reflect its personality? No matter what your dog grooming goals are, the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Indianapolis has you covered.

Sometimes at-home haircuts don't quite go as planned. Cornelius here needed a little reshaping.

Sometimes at-home haircuts don’t quite go as planned. Cornelius here needed a little reshaping.

Our professional groomers offer a full array of services, and they always provide them with a loving and gentle touch. Their knowledge of grooming styles and techniques is exceptional, and so we asked them to describe some of the most commonly requested grooming styles. We also asked them to address a common question about haircuts and summer heat. Check out what they had to say.

SHORTER DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN BETTER

During the summer, owners often ask if they should give their dogs a special “summer cut.” The general belief is that when it’s hot outside, a closely trimmed – or even shaved – fur will help keep them cool. “A dog’s fur helps regulate its body temperature,” says Misty Young, Good Dog Hotel & Spa Groomer. “So, a shorter haircut doesn’t necessarily make hot weather more tolerable for the dog.”

Here's Cornelius after his haircut by one of our professional groomers. What a cutie!

Here’s Cornelius after his haircut by one of our professional groomers. What a cutie!

In fact, if a dog is outside for multiple hours throughout the day, a shorter haircut can mean a higher risk for sunburn. “Your pet’s coat is designed to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter,” says Misty. “Shaving your pet can interfere with its built-in temperature regulation.”

Remember that dogs (and cats) feel the heat differently than humans. Sweating is the way our bodies naturally cool down and regulate temperature. For dogs, it’s panting. The best way to keep them cool and calm on blistery days it to provide a steady supply of fresh water and shade. For more details, check out our recent blog about summer safety tips for dogs.

MOST POPULAR HAIRCUTS FOR DOGS

Our groomers do everything from breed-specific cuts and special requests to styles that are one length all over. Here are some of the most popular dog grooming styles.

Neaten. This is the style most often requested. We trim the feet, sanitary areas, and featherings such as the back of the legs, belly lines or the neck and chest. This is most common for double-coated breeds like golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, and great Pyrenees.

The Lamb Cut. To achieve this style, the hair on the body and neck is clipped short, leaving the hair longer on the head and legs. This is not a breed-specific haircut, but it’s often seen on poodles.

The Lion Cut. Just like it sounds, this is when the hair cut resembles a lion’s mane. Body hair is cut short, while the hair on the neck and head is left much longer in comparison.

The Puppy Cut. This is really another name for what we call a Neaten without the feathering, where the hair is cut to a uniform length all over the body. Usually, 1-2 inches of fur is left behind. Because it’s short all over, there isn’t the need for much grooming once you get home.

The Schnauzer Cut. Contrary to its name, this cut isn’t just for Schnauzers. Appropriate for large and small dogs alike, it leaves longer hair on the dog’s legs while trimming the back and sides very short. Its distinguishing characteristic is the light fringe of hair left on the lower side of the dog’s body, and a little ‘mustache’ cut around the dog’s face.

The Teddy Bear Cut. This is basically the opposite of the Lion Cut, where we trim the hair on the head shorter, but leave the hair on the rest of the body longer – it can be clipped to any length, as per the pet parent’s preference. The end-result resembles a Teddy Bear.

The Practical Top-Knot. This style is usually seen in long-haired dogs such as Lhasa Apso, Maltese or Shih Tzu. In the Top-Knot, some of the hair on the head is gathered and secured with a band or clip, making a sort of a ponytail. Hair on the rest of the body can be clipped to any length.

WHAT DOG HAIRCUTS ARE YOUR FAVORITE?

While these are the most common types of haircuts for dogs, we also have some pretty creative pet-owners who like to specify custom details or unique styles. Which styles have worked for your pet, and do you know of any special cuts that we haven’t mentioned here? We’d love to have your feedback – please leave your comments below.

Looking for a best friend? We have the perfect pup just for you!

When we updated our website, we lost our previous blog on Buddy. However, we think he’s ‘oh-so-perfect’ and decided to write another. If you don’t already know about Buddy, you’ll soon find out why we love him so much. Buddy has been through a lot but since the first day we met him he has been the sweetest, most loving, perfect boy. He came to a long-time client of ours as a stray & in need of immediate medical assistance. He had a skin infection and really bad teeth. After a few rounds of antibiotics we saw a huge change in his fur/skin. His coat went from brown to a deep, bright red and his demeanor is sweeter than ever (if that’s even possible.) As of recently, a miracle happened. Buddy had a donor step forward to pay for the removal of a few teeth. Everyone who meets Buddy falls in love immediately, we know we can find him a forever home.

–For more information about Buddy take a look at his bio: https://www.gooddoghotel.com/adoption/

 

maddie aliceSpring break and Easter are upon us and our hotel will be full for the next few weeks. This means both hotel and daycare will be busy every day, but especially during the weekends.

Hotel Drop-Off:

Daycare Drop-Off: