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Every year, millions of Americans
indulge in the enterprise of spa-going. According to about.com,
33% of leisure travelers say that access to a spa is a primary
consideration in the arrangement of their travel plans. So, it's
only natural that we would want to pamper our pets as well. Pet
spas are popping up all over the country and nowadays, it is not
unlikely to see diva dogs strutting down the street donning red
nail polish, satin ribbons, and metallic hair clips.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association, a nonprofit trade group in Connecticut, Americans
spent $34 billion on pet care last year each year. We all know
that basic grooming is a necessity, but what about going that
extra mile? There are so many pet-care services available to our
pets such as multi-purpose doggy day cares with grooming
facilities, massage tables and obedience classes. There are also
long and short term boarding facilities with acres of land and
condos with posh living rooms equipped with couches and
satellite television.
This month's issue of the HealthyPetNet News is not only about
grooming our pets, but about going that extra mile and pampering
them the way they deserve to be pampered.
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Spa-tacular Doggy Day Care
Though dog day cares range as far as their services are
concerned, loosely put, a dog day care is a stimulating,
crate-free environment where you can leave your pet in the
supervision of positive, motivational trainers. Dog day cares
can provide
one, some or all of the following: exercise and socialization,
nutritious meals and treats, behavior modification, birthday
parties, spa treatments, sleepovers, pet supplies, obedience
classes and veterinary services, just to name a few.
If you don't want your dog to sit home all day twiddling his
paws, enrolling him or her in a dog day care is an option. A dog
day care is a great place to take your pet while the pest
control or cleaning person pays a visit or if you've just had a
newborn and need a little break. Just like nursery school for
children, dog day care is a wonderful way for your pup or adult
to learn how to play and socialize with other dogs from all
barks of life.
Some dog day cares provide additional spa services such as
pawdicures, fear and anxiety aromatherapy, essential oil joint
rubs, aromatherapy ear cleanings and coat conditioners, queen
sized beds for resting, and body massages. Our own Dr. Jane was
a frequent guest on "Petsburgh, USA" on The Animal Planet. One
segment was all about a day in the spa. The dog particularly
liked the cucumber facial mask while the cat preferred the mint
coat powder!
To keep the environment safe and healthy, many cage-free
facilities screen pets first and reserve the right to not admit
animals based on temperament and level of sociability. In other
words, if your dog is a grouchy old bully, some pet day care
facilities will have no problems telling you to find another day
home for him. In fact, many day cares have a list of rules to
ensure the good health and safety of all the pets, such as
up-to-date shots, spaying or neutering, and vet-administered
flea control and heartworm program. |