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Going That Extra Mile
. . . Pampering Our Pets
Every year, millions of Americans indulge in the enterprise of
spa-going. According to the web site, 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. 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.
In light of HealthyPetNet's new spa line for pets,
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
Although dog day cares vary regarding their services, 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, 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 “Petsburg” 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.
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