A Word from Amy
Welcome to the January issue of the Happy Tails Dog Spa™ newsletter! We hope this newsletter finds you relaxing after the holidays and looking forward to a spectacular year ahead.
I would like to thank all of our customers for the surprises and treats the staff and I received over the holidays. While the dogs enjoyed their holiday treats, many of us were able to take a break and enjoy your homemade and elegant delights, as well.
In 2006, Happy Tails Dog Spa™ plans to expand our premier dog care services nationwide. Watch for Happy Tails Dog Spa™ to open six locations in Maryland, Virginia and Texas in the coming months and in the new year look for news of our expansion efforts throughout the nation. With our loyal customers motivating us, the possibilities are endless for the company. We look forward to all the adventures 2006 will bring.
On behalf of the staff and management team at Happy Tails Dog Spa™, I wish you a very healthy and happy New Year!
Warmest regards,
Amy Nichols
President and CEO
Happy Tails Dog Spa™, LLC
Happy To Be Here, Inc
Pamper Your Dog in 2006
Treating your dog to a day at the spa or trying other ways to pamper your pooch is a great New Year's resolution for any dog owner. Here are a few ideas to help you spoil your dog this year:
Plan a vacation with your dog. With the proper planning, a vacation with your dog is not only possible, it can be easier than you think. For example, plan a trip to the beach before the tourist season and let your dog run along the beach with the wind in her hair. For a list of dog friendly hotels and motels visit www.dogfriendly.com.
Rotate toys. Since many dogs have more toys than they can play with in any given day, keep your dog feeling loved by rotating his toys to keep them feeling new. Buy a toy chest and leave out two or three toys at a time. Rotate the toys as the dog gets bored so each time you take a toy out of the toy chest - your dog thinks you gave him another new gift!
Brush his teeth. Dog dental care is a very important and commonly overlooked area contributing to a dog's health and hygiene. Most veterinarians recommend brushing a dog's teeth twice a week. To motivate your dog to do it more often, buy special toothpaste for dogs in his favorite flavor such as beef, peanut butter or chicken. After you've brushed his teeth, treat your dog to tartar-control dog biscuits and a flossy-thread rope toy to keep his teeth clean in between brushings.
Health maintenance. Make it a priority this year to regularly brush your dog's fur, clean his ears, trim his nails and keep up on all preventative medicines and treatments for fleas, ticks and heartworm. If you want to ensure your dog is groomed properly and is healthy, bring your dog in for a visit to Happy Tails Dog Spa™ where we can groom him before you take him for a check-up at your local veterinarian.
Buy new "outfits" for your dog. Some dogs feel awkward in boots and jackets at first, but they get used to the feeling and enjoy the warmth and protection. Enjoy walking along with the most stylish dog in the neighborhood!
Allergic to Dogs? No problem!
Suffering from a pet allergy is one of the most heartbreaking ailments an animal lover can have. But there is hope! People with pet allergies can have dogs.
Here is a list of some dogs known to be better companions for those prone to allergies:
 Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chinese Crested, Cockapoo, Havanese, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Shih-Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Schnauzer, Tibetan Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier
And here are some tips to alleviate symptoms if your dog affects your allergies:
- Clean regularly. Vacuuming stirs up allergens. Use a "microfilter" bag in the vacuum to effectively catch them. Make sure to also dust regularly and wash couch covers, pillows, curtains and your dog's bed covers as much as possible.
- Brush your dog regularly. Make sure to brush your pet outdoors and change your clothes immediately afterward.
- Create an "allergy-free" zone. Most people prefer making the "allergy-free" zone their bedroom although you may have another preference. Strictly prohibit your dog's access to this area of the house and use a high-efficiency air cleaner in the room.
- Bathe your pet weekly. Bathing can eliminate many of the allergens on your dog's fur. Up to 84 percent of allergens can be reduced with a weekly bath. For dogs prone to skin allergies or dryness, this may be too often. Consult your veterinarian to figure out the best grooming routine for your dog.
- Consider allergy medications. Talk to your physician or allergist about immunotherapy (allergy shots) or other treatments for pet allergies, including steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills.
Many people make the mistake of blaming the family pet for any allergic reactions too quickly. A visit to your physician or allergist to test for specific allergies can pin point the cause of the irritation, and may prove it's not your loving little furry companion after all.
Designer Mutts: Crossbreeds Growing in Popularity
Dog lovers throughout the U.S. and abroad are now seeking a number of new crossbreed combinations, deemed "designer mutts."
Crossbreeds are known to be heartier, healthier and, many times, smarter. The only downside to owning one is that if you obtain them as puppies, you may not know the exact size the dog will reach as an adult.
Many of these dogs have really cute names, but they are not yet recognized as breeds by organizations such as the American Kennel Club. Still, some of the 153 breeds the kennel club recognizes are, in fact, crossbreeds.
Here is a list of many "designer mutts" sure to be popular in 2006:
- Boxerdoodle
(Boxer / Poodle mix)
- Bug
(Boston Terrier/Pug mix)
- Cairnoodle
(Cairn Terrier / Poodle mix)
- Cockapoo
(Cocker Spaniel / Poodle mix)
- Doodleman
Pinscher (Doberman / Standard Poodle mix)
- Doxiepoo
(Dachshund / Poodle mix)
- English Boodle
(English Bulldog / Poodle mix)
- Goldendoodle
(Golden Retriever / Poodle mix)
- Labradoodle
(Labrador Retriever / Poodle mix)
- Lhasapoo
(Lhasa Apso / Poodle mix)
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- Malti-Poo
(Maltese / Poodle mix)
- Pugapoo
(Pug / Poodle mix)
- Puggle
(Beagle/Pug mix)
- Saint Berdoodle
(Saint Bernard / Poodle mix)
- Schnoodle
(Schnauzer / Poodle mix)
- Scoodle
(Scottish Terrier / Poodle mix)
- Weimardoodle
(Weimaraner / Poodle mix)
- Westiepoo
(Westie / Poodle mix)
- Whoodles
(Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier/Poodle mix)
- Yorkipoo
(Yorkie/Poodle mix)
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Looking for an even more unique and exclusive breed? Visit your local animal shelter and rescue a special one-of-a-kind "designer mutt" of your own.
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Since ear infections occur in five to 20 percent of dogs, every dog needs to have his ears checked regularly. Whether or not you have your dog professionally groomed every few months, you should check your dog's ears at least weekly. Long ear dogs, or "drop ear" dogs, are prone to ear infections. Also, any dog who gets an ear infection is at risk for further complications.
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