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Hello everyone and welcome to the Late Winter edition of the Happy Tails Dog Spa™ newsletter! Christmas and New Years were busy here at Happy Tails Dog Spa™ and with the recent cold weather and snow, we are really looking forward to Spring!
Our remodeling is scheduled to start the first week of February and we ask that you please be understanding. We will be replacing the ceramic tile floor in the lobby and putting up new walls to create another playroom. We do not plan to be closed during the renovation, but our lobby may be a little cramped for a few days. Please be patient, we know it will be beautiful and more functional when complete!
We are continuing along the road to offering franchises and plan the big kick-off to coincide with the International Franchise Expo. The IFE is held here in Washington, DC in April and we have a limited number of free passes. If you are interested in a free pass to the show or more information on our franchise opportunity, feel free to email us at:
franchise@happytailsdogspa.com.
Amy Nichols
Owner
Happy Tails Dog Spa™, LLC
Happy To Be Here, Inc
Cabin Fever
With the cold weather upon us, pets and owners alike are more inclined to curl up under blankets or by the fireplace than brave the inclimate weather. The days are shorter and the cold nights start early.  While many dogs are more than happy to spend their winters snuggling on the couch with their families, the lack of regular exercise can lead to winter weight gain.
When weather permits, take your dog out for a walk or a trip to the dog park. Some breeds, like Huskies or Samoyeds are better suited to the colder temperatures. You may need to limit the time a smaller or shorter-coated dog spends out in the cold. Doggy jackets and sweaters can help to keep your special pet warm. With any outdoor activity during the winter, be sure to take into consideration your dog's health, breed, and age.
Some normally active dogs can become frustrated or sad when winter weather reduces their opportunities to play and socialize. And frustration in dogs can sometimes lead to problem behaviors such as: barking, scratching/chewing furniture, and indoor "accidents". Giving your pet plenty of active play time can help to keep them happy and well-behaved.
A great way for your dog to get plenty of exercise and socialization is a day of Happy Tails Dog Spa™ doggy daycare. A day of supervised play with their friends can lift your pet's spirits and help burn off all their pent-up energy. For an added treat, why not book a "spa day"? Your dog can enjoy a morning playing with their friends, then have a relaxing spa treatment with our professional groomer. Your pet will be returned to you in the evening clean, well-groomed, and happily tired.
Winter Grooming
Owners often think that it is bad to bathe or groom your dog during the cold winter months. This is not the case. With the low humidity and heaters running, dry skin and static can become an uncomfortable problem for your dog.
A simple brush out is a good place to start. Brushing stimulates the natural oils in your pets skin and can help ease dryness.  Even dogs with short coats can benefit.
Conditioning shampoos are a great way to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy throughout the winter. Your dog's skin has a different pH from our skin, so be sure to choose grooming products specially formulated for pets. If you are unsure which products are best-suited to your dog, consult with a professional groomer.
Keeping up with your dog's regular grooming routine is essential to the health and well-being of their skin and coat. While it is tempting to let their haircut grow longer for warmth in the cold winter month, be sure to keep your long-haired pets free of mats. Matting can trap dampness against your dog's skin and can cause irritation, redness, and odor. Call Happy Tails Dog Spa™ today to book your winter grooming appointment.
Top 10 Dog New Year's Resolutions
| I resolve to... |
| 10. |
Stop barking ferociously at the mail man. |
| 9. |
Find all those bones I buried out back. |
| 8. |
Run off all those extra biscuits I ate over the holidays. |
| 7. |
Try not to hog the covers and push Mommy and Daddy out of bed at night. |
| 6. |
Stop using the good sofa as a back scratcher (the ottoman is another story...) |
| 5. |
Save my owner a trip to the doctor by not leaving my toys on the stairs. |
| 4. |
Meet my quota of chasing at least 10 squirrels every day. |
| 3. |
Realize the cat is not a toy. |
| 2. |
Finally get up the nerve to introduce myself to the cute poodle down the street. |
| 1. |
Try to remember that the trash can is not a buffet. |
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