Changing Your Pet’s Food; Why We Don’t Do It at HPR, and How to Do It If You Do

At Hubbard PetResort & Spa, it’s standard practice to serve your dog or cat the food and treats that you provide for them. Why is that important?

Animals react to changes in their surroundings and routines, just like people do. Unlike us, however, they eat basically the same diet, day in and day out. Dry kibble is often a main food source, often supplemented with wet canned food.

When we make sudden changes to their diets, it can cause digestive upset, which can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea, and other symptoms and problems. So putting them in a new environment is stressful enough, without introducing different food from what they’re used to.

That’s important to remember all the time—not just when you’re boarding them with us. Sudden dietary changes can adversely affect your dog or cat. If you decide to change their food, do it gradually.

For example, start by mixing 75 percent of their current dry food with 25 percent of a new formula. For the next few days, gradually decrease the amount of current food and increase the amount of new until the transition is complete. Changes in wet food are not typically as traumatic, but, just as with dry food, it’s best to avoid any sudden changes.

Also, as you change their food, keep an eye on their eating habits and observe their stool to make sure their digestion is fine. And make sure they have a generous supply of water to drink.

Remember, too, that older animals have different nutritional requirements. Like humans, they will face more health issues. A highly nutritious, leaner diet will help them avoid things like diabetes, arthritis or urinary tract issues.

So, when you decide to board your pet, be sure to provide plenty of their regular food and treats. And, if you decide to make a change in their diet, do it gradually. You’ll have a happier, healthier pet as a result.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa provides peace-of-mind cat and dog boarding and grooming in Youngstown, Ohio and the surrounding region.

Dog & Cat Grooming in Youngstown Area Extended to Evening Hours at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa

Did you know we also offer evening grooming appointments for your convenience?

“The demand for our grooming services has grown considerably, so we’ve hired additional staff to be able to accommodate evening appointments,” said Lesley McBurney, owner. “We’ve had many requests from people who can’t come in during the day because of work conflicts or other commitments.”

Click here for more information on our grooming services.

Click here to read our news release announcing evening grooms at Hubbard Pet Resort and Spa.

Best Kennel for Your Pet: Hubbard Pet Resort Measures Up!

A recent issue of Woman's Day magazine carried a helpful article titled "Find the Best Kennel for Your Pet."

We're happy to report that Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa measures up an all counts!

As the intro to the article says, "It's never easy to leave your pets behind when you travel." That's so true. And it's why we promise that, when you bring your furry loved ones to us, we'll treat them like our own.

So what are the things to watch for to make sure you have a good experience? The author emphasizes several steps to ensure that the facility you choose is the right one for your pet:

1.) Be wary of the strong scent of ammonia; an antiseptic smell signals an attempt to cover up urine, feces, mold and mildew. And make sure the temperature is comfortable.

• At HPR, we use only natural, biodegradable cleaning products, for the safety of our guests. And we keep the temperature at a comfortable 68 to 70 degrees year-round.

2.) Check for the cleanliness and safety of the facility.

• We clean living spaces daily, including food and water dishes. Outdoor play and potty yards are kept clean and free of feces and urine. And our outdoor yard enclosures are strong, secure and secluded for your pet's safety.

3.) Examine the living spaces. 

• Our spacious 4' x 8' dog suites give them plenty of room to stand, stretch and move around. We make sure they have comfortable bedding (preferably yours, but we'll provide it if you don't bring any with you). And cats are boarded in a separate section of the building, adjacent to our Catio, a large climbing and play area that offers picture window views into the lobby and outdoors.

4.) Take a look at the daily schedule.

• By that they mean, will your pet get regular attention and the opportunity to get outside of their suite? For dogs, we start potty trips between 7 and 7:30 a.m., and continue at three-hour intervals throughout the day until last potties, which take place between 9:30 and 10 p.m. Cats get generous time in the Catio climbing and play area.

We agree with all of the points in the article and have always made them a priority. Sometimes people ask us, "Aren't you just a kennel?" Absolutely not! We say "Pet Resort & Spa" because we pamper your pet in every way possible, whether boarding or grooming.

If you're already a customer, thank you for trusting us with the care of your pet. And if you're looking for a place that will give your four-legged loved one the care and attention they deserve, give us a call at the Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa. We're here to provide peace-of-mind care for you and your pet!

Read the online version of the Woman's Day article here.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa is the location for premier cat and dog boarding in Youngstown, Ohio and the surrounding region.

Best Kennels in Youngstown: Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa Sets a High Standard

When dog and cat owners are looking for the best kennels in Youngstown, Ohio, they want to know that their pet will receive personal care and attention in a clean, safe environment.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, our motto is, "We'll love them like our own," and we provide that level of personal attention and care 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. In fact, it's why we're called a pet resort, because we've established a new standard for dog and cat boarding in the region.

The interior of HPR is kept at a comfortable temperature of 68 to 72 degrees year-round. We use only pet-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products, and we staff our facility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our spacious 4' x 6' suites give dogs ample room to move around and stretch while boarding with us, while our roomy cat condos and catio provide plenty of space for our curious feline friends to explore.

There is so much more that separates Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa from other kennels in Youngstown and the surrounding area. We invite you to call with questions or stop by to see our facility and learn for yourself why we're the best choice for your pet's care when you're away.

Learn more about the area's premier pet boarding and grooming facility at the Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa website.

Dog and Cat Boarding for the Holidays: Prepare Your Pet Ahead of Time

The holiday season is always a busy time, which makes it a perfect time to give yourself and your pet a break by boarding them for a few days, or even a few weeks.

It doesn't have to be only because you're traveling out of town. Sometimes, you may find you just need a break, to help you prepare for the holidays. Meals, family gatherings and a schedule filled with parties, school and social events can place a premium on your time.

If you plan to board your pet during the holidays, there are things you'll want to do ahead of time. First on the list: Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, for dogs we require proof of rabies, distemper and Bordatella vaccines, plus a negative stool sample within the past nine months. For cats, we require proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations.

If your pet requires medications, make sure those are updated and in supply so we can administer them during their stay.

We prefer to feed pets their normal diet and encourage you to bring a supply of their favorite foods and treats. It's important to keep them on their normal diet to prevent digestive upset. We'll also want to know any allergies or anxieties your pet may have, so that we can ensure their comfort during their stay.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, and the happiness and well-being of our pets is an important part of enjoying the season. Be sure to plan ahead to make sure your pet is properly cared for, and, if you need to board your pet at any time during the holidays, we hope you'll give us a call!

For premier dog boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding region, along with

cat boarding and pet grooming services, visit Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa or call (330) 534-1200.

Cat Boarding: Top Features to Look For Are All the Norm at Hubbard Pet Resort

There's a great article over at catster.com that we encourage all cat owners to read, because it warns of "10 Red Flags to Heed When Inspecting a Cat Boarding Facility."

It's a great list, because cat owners deserve peace of mind when leaving their furry felines in the care of others. Here at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we practice what they preach in all 10 categories.

For example, the article points out that a cat boarding facility should not have smelly spaces and should provide proper ventilation to the boarding area. At HPR we clean daily and do so with natural, non-toxic cleaning products. We also ventilate the cat boarding and play areas to provide an environment conducive to optimum health and well-being.

The Catio at Hubbard Pet Resort

The article also warns against facilities that do little more than stuff cats in cages during their stay. We provide individual, 3' x 6' cat condos for every cat, and every cat who stays with us gets plenty of daily recreation time in our Catio, a large, multi-level, multi activity center play area. They love it!

And, as for a separate boarding area, our cat condo and catio area is separated from the dog boarding area and is sound-proofed, so our feline guests never hear our dogs, helping them remain relaxed and content. With a separate ventilation and temperature control system, the cats are cozier and cannot smell the dogs.

Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa is dedicated to the comfort of each of our guests and their owners. We would love to be your cat's home away from home. Please call us at (330) 534-1200 for a tour or with any questions you may have.

For premier cat boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding region, along with

dog boarding and pet grooming services, visit Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa or call (330) 534-1200.

Features of a Great Dog Boarding Facility, Part 2

For dog owners looking for the finest dog boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding area, we recently posted several points from the Humane Society of the United States* about the characteristics every outstanding facility should have. We want to continue with those points in this article.

• Is your dog provided with bedding or a resting area off the concrete floor? Dogs enjoy comfortable bedding, and we encourage our friends to bring their dog's bedding from home so their pet feels relaxed and at ease while in our care. We also have freshly laundered blankets and bedding that we provide to keep your dog warm and cozy.

• How often are pets fed? How about this: It's your call. We encourage you to provide your pet's standard diet to avoid digestive upset, and we will feed them according to your instructions. And if you provide their favorite treats, we'll feed them those after potty times, play times or at other intervals throughout the day.

• Are other services available, such as grooming, training and bathing? At HPR we're known for being the home of the premier services for dog grooming in Youngstown and the entire Mahoning Valley-Shenango Valley region. That includes bathing and an entire list of dog grooming services available on our website. We can also refer you to a number of qualified trainers should you need their services.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we treat your dog like our own and promise you peace-of-mind care. Think of us as your dog's "home away from home." Call us at (330) 534-1200 if we can be of service to you.

The entire list of recommendations from the Humane Society of the United States is included on their website.

Now's the Time to Book Your Pet's Stay for Your Getaway

Holidays, vacations, weekend getaways, family reunions and other special events -- it's a peak time for travel.

If you'll be getting away, now is the time to make your dog boarding or cat boarding plans at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa. Our open dates fill up fast -- especially weekends -- so it's best to make your reservations early.

Remember, too, that there are six holidays during the year when our lobby and registration desk are not open for check-ins or check-outs: New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Pets get the same great care, but we aren't open for reservations and pickups when we're closed for holidays.

The word is spreading throughout the Mahoning Valley and Shenango Valley regions -- Youngstown, Boardman, Canfield, Hubbard, Warren, Hermitage, Sharon and surrounding communities -- about the attention to detail and unmatched service your pet will receive at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa. For your pet boarding needs, just give us a call: (330) 534-1200. We look forward to serving you and your pet!

For premier dog boarding in Youngstown and the surrounding region, along with

cat boarding and pet grooming services, visit Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa or call (330) 534-1200.

Premier Dog Grooming and Cat Grooming in Youngstown, Hermitage and the Mahoning Valley

Dog Grooming | Youngstown, Ohio | Cat Grooming

When you think of the best place to board your pet, we're glad you think of Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa.

We want to be your number one choice for the finest pet grooming services, too! Our professional staff is dedicated to providing the best grooming for your dog or cat -- and we'll do it a prices that are more than reasonable.

Full groom prices begin at just $45 for your small dog; full grooms include shampoo, condition, full dry, brush, nails and ears. A more affordable option, starting at just $25, includes a bath, brush, blow dry and nail clip.

We have an entire list of a la carte services, as well. And remember, when you book your groom with us, your pet will enjoy one of our suites (space permitting) while they wait for you to pick them up later that day!

For a complete list of our grooming fees, visit our website: Hubbard Pet Resort - Grooming.

Come see what a difference a professional grooming does for your pet! Call us at 330-534-1200 for more information.

Caring for Older Pets: Senior Pet Care Makes a Difference in Helping Them Live Happier, Longer Lives

Just like people, our pets are living longer lives—thanks to things like improved diets and veterinary care. That makes senior pet care an important issue for us all.

But just what constitutes “old” for our pets? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are many variables, including size, but they offer the following charts as a basic guideline for how to determine your pet’s age in “human” years:

Dog years	Human years (*dog size lbs)
7	Small – Medium: 44-47 yrs
	Large – Very large: 50-56 yrs
10	Small – Medium: 56-60 yrs
	Large – Very large: 66-78 yrs
15	Small – Medium: 76-83 yrs
	Large – Very large: 93-115 yrs
20	Small – Medium: 96-105 yrs
	Large: 120 yrs
*Small: 0-20 lbs; Medium: 21-50 lbs; Large: 51-90 lbs; Very large: >90 lbs

Cat years	Human years
7	45 yrs
10	58 yrs
15	75 yrs
20	98 yrs

As pets reach their senior years, they may encounter a variety of health challenges, including things like arthritis, senility, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other medical conditions. Without question, all the major senses start to dull, and things slow down overall, just as they do for people.

Proper care should definitely include a visit to your veterinarian to determine how your pet is doing and what, if anything, you should be aware of. Physically, your pet’s ability to fight infection and disease may decrease, and their cognitive function may diminish, which can cause confusion, a change in sleeping habits, or even a loss of house training. Patience, compassion and even a little retraining will help.

Old age doesn’t mean your pet can’t enjoy a quality life. Your love and attention makes all the difference. Regular activity, switching to a higher quality and more age-appropriate pet food, and regular veterinary care are a few things you can do to ensure that they’re happy and healthy.

So consult with your veterinarian and plan ahead so that your pet—and you—can enjoy their golden years!

Dental Care for Dogs and Cats: Keep Those Pearly Whites White!

Dental care for dogs and cats is important as our pets live longer and healthier lives

Ever heard the saying, “Pets are people, too”?

All of us who are pet lovers have probably said it at one time or another. And, just like people, things have changed for pets over the years—particularly when it comes to their health care.

Like people, pets are frequently living longer lives, thanks to improved diets and access to veterinary care. As they do, they may be more susceptible to various dental conditions and problems over time.

And, just as with people, dental disease in animals can lead to additional health concerns, including heart problems and various bacterial infections. That's why dental care for dogs and cats is so important.

Plaque and tartar can build up on our pets’ teeth. Untreated, it can cause bacterial infections and inflammation. In serious situations, it can lead to periodontal disease, which requires regular attention and treatment by a veterinarian.

So, what can you do to ensure your pet’s dental health?

For one thing, it helps to include dry food in their diet. The crunchy texture can prevent plaque from building up on their teeth. The same is true of various biscuits, treats, rubber chew toys and other items that encourage chewing, which in turn helps keep teeth clean.

Believe it or not, you can develop the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth, and they can become as used to it as we are. There are toothbrushes and toothpastes made especially for pets, so use them.

Or, in lieu of brushing your dog’s teeth, which can be a challenging activity for both you and the dog, many vets and pet retailers offer sprays, foams and gels which can be sprayed or spread in the mouth with your fingers. These dental hygiene products work in many ways, they can freshen the breath, help reduce tartar and offer antiseptic properties to help prevent gingivitis.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, our specialty is pet boarding and grooming, so we’re not here to provide medical advice. But watching out for your pet’s oral health is common sense, and something you can easily do. If you have more detailed questions or concerns, talk with your veterinarian.

Dental care for dogs and cats is and important part of keeping them happy and healthy. Here’s to your pet’s good dental health!

Pet Vaccinations and Why They're Necessary

Dog vaccinations and cat vaccinations are a fact of life at reputable pet boarding facilities; here's why.

Sometimes pet owners are caught off-guard when by a boarding facility explains its policy for dog and cat vaccinations.

After all, they may have had their dog or cat for several years and not had all these vaccinations; why now?

The answer is simple. With all of the hundreds of animals that come in and out of a facility like ours, there is no way we could guarantee that pets carrying serious diseases are not among them, without requiring cat or dog vaccinations prior to their stay with us.

For dogs, we require rabies, distemper and bordatella (kennel cough) vaccinations, as well as a negative stool sample check within the last nine months. For cats we require the rabies and distemper vaccinations.

Rabies, passed through saliva, is a 100 percent fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. Distemper affects the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems, and is spread via bodily fluids, including saliva. Bordatella is a respiratory condition that can spread quickly among animals, usually through airborne droplets from saliva or other fluids.

Even if you think your pet is absolutely healthy, all it takes is contact with, or proximity to, one infected animal to cause serious health problems. It’s a chance we cannot, and will not, take. Pet vaccinations are essential.

We take extreme precautions to maintain a clean and healthy environment at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, including proper ventilation, nightly washing of food and water bowls, regular laundering of linens, and spraying the artificial turf in the potty and play yards. Even with that, however, some diseases could be spread through something as simple as a pet sneezing or coughing inside the boarding area.

These vaccinations don’t just ensure the health and safety of your pet. They provide a safer environment for the other animals, their owners, and our staff.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us in person or by calling us at 330-534-1200.

To Shave or Not to Shave? Your Dog, That Is...

Should owners have their dogs shaved for the summer? According to an article in the Salt Lake Tribune, that's a polarizing topic among groomers and veterinarians.

(Salt Lake Tribune)

The article lists these arguments against:

• Shaving exposes a dog to sunburn, bug bites and skin disease.
• A dog’s fur serves as insulation against heat.
• The fur will grow back fuzzy and may take two years to return to its natural state—if it ever does.

And for:

• Shaving helps a dog keep cool during the summer.
• Shaving reduces the amount of dog hair in the home.
• Shaving reduces the need for other grooming services.

Whatever your choice, we can help keep your four-legged loved one clean, trimmed, and happy this summer! Call us at (330) 534-1200 to make a reservation. If you'd like, you can read the entire Tribune article here.

Keep 'em Safe in the Sun!

As warmer weather and sunny days arrive in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, it's important to make sure your pet stays safe in the sun.

PetPlace.com posted an excellent article on the topic titled "Is the Sun Dangerous to Your Pet?" Some of the highlights:

• Pay attention to your pet's exposed areas, such as around his lips, ears and nose. Apply sunblock to the tips of your pet's ears and the top of the nose.
• Protect your fair-haired pet. Just like people with pale white skin, dogs and cats with lighter-colored fur are at greater risk for getting sunburned.
• Don't force your animal to run around after a meal in hot, humid weather. Stick to early morning or evening workout sessions.
• Don't tie your dog up in the sun or make him stand on the street in hot weather. Dogs perspire through their foot pads, so the longer he is on the hot pavement, the less he is able to cool down.

There are more great tips for the warm summer sun; read the entire article here.

Allergies and Small Dogs

There are clearly differences between different breeds of dogs, and different sizes of dogs. If you’re the owner of a small dog, it’s important to watch for allergies—especially as the spring and summer months are upon us.

Small dogs can show asthma-like reactions; it could be seasonal, such as allergies to something in the air, or something absorbed through their skin. No matter how energetic or aggressive they may appear, small dogs are still more fragile, and often more vulnerable, than their larger counterparts.

Here’s a helpful 90-second video from a veterinarian with a reminder of things to be aware of:

How to Treat Allergies in Small Dogs -- powered by ehow

Keep Your Pooch Away from the Easter Bunny (the Chocolate Variety, That Is!)

As with most holidays, at Easter time people's thoughts turn to chocolate. In this case, it's usually in the form of those delectable chocolate bunnies. But, regardless of the shape, one thing is for certain: chocolate and dogs don't mix!

This isn't some urban (or rural) myth; there's scientific evidence to back it up. Thankfully, there's a helpful interactive chart put together by National Geographic that can help you determine the amount that poses a danger for your dog.

As the description that accompanies the chart says:

Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in cocoa beans that can cause vomiting, heart problems, seizures and even death for dogs.

Use the slide bar in the center of the chart to find your dog's weight. The legend in the upper right corner of the chart indicates the level of danger indicated by the colored bars.

If your dog consumes an excessive amount of chocolate, time can be of the essence. Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice or instructions; they may ask to see your pet, or advise you of some home remedies you can try. Or you can call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day. (Be advised there may be a charge for their assistance.)

A helpful article on this topic can be found at the care2 make a difference web site: Dog Chocolate Danger.

Also, at this time of year, be reminded that it's not a good idea to share you Easter ham or turkey with your dog. The turkey skin and fat trimmings from ham are high in fat, and too much fat can give your dog a fitful bout of pancreatitis.

Enjoy the holiday! And enjoy it even more by being kind to your dog -- and only feeding them food that is manufactured specifically for their health and nourishment.

HPR Teams With Rescue Road Warriors to Help Deliver Dogs to Their New Forever Homes

Hubbard Pet Resort and Spa is proud to be affiliated with Rescue Road Warriors, a network of volunteers who give of their time to transport loving dogs from rescue organizations to their new forever homes.

HPR owner Lesley McBurney began volunteering with RRW in January. "These beautiful animals are so precious when I pick them up from the previous driver," she said. "Sometimes they're a little nervous or tentative, but once you show them kindness and affection, they give it right back. They deserve to be loved and cared for, and that's what this whole process is all about."

The network covers about a dozen Midwestern states, and hundreds of volunteers rotate on different weekends. Most volunteers drive once a month, with some doing it more often. It's a relay that begins in Missouri on a Saturday morning. Drivers pick up the dogs at designated spots and then drop them off an hour or two later at the next rendezvous point. The process continues through Sunday and sometimes into Monday, until the dogs arrive at their destinations on the East Coast -- in states like Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire and New York. Most legs last between an hour and 90 minutes.

"Some of these dogs have been abandoned or mistreated, and it's sad to think of the lives they may have lived to this point," said Lesley. "That's why it's so gratifying to know that they're on their way to homes where they'll be able to love and be loved in return."

Rescue Road Warriors welcomes volunteer dog rescue drivers and appreciates donations to the cause. For more information, call Lesley at HPR: 330-534-1200.

Professional Grooming at the Right Price, Right Here at Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa!

When you think of the best place to board your pet, we're glad you think of Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa.

We want to be your number one choice for the finest pet grooming services, too! Our professional staff is dedicated to providing the best grooming for your dog or cat -- and we'll do it a prices that are more than reasonable.

Full groom prices begin at just $45 for your small dog; full grooms include shampoo, condition, full dry, brush, nails and ears. A more affordable option, starting at just $25, includes a bath, brush, blow dry and nail clip.

We have an entire list of a la carte services, as well. And remember, when you book your groom with us, your pet will enjoy one of our suites (space permitting) while they wait for you to pick them up later that day!

For a complete list of our grooming fees, visit our website: Hubbard Pet Resort - Grooming.

Come see what a difference a professional grooming does for your pet! Call us at 330-534-1200 for more information.

Winter Storm Reminder: Take Care of Your Pet's Needs, Too!

With the first major snowstorm of the season blanketing Northeast Ohio, it's good to review things to watch for to make sure our pets are healthy and safe during the winter months.

If you’re like most people and have a dog or cat that lives indoor with you, it’s important to limit their outdoor time in extremely cold conditions.

If you occasionally allow your cat to go outside, it’s not advisable to do so in freezing temperatures. Their tendency to explore, even close to home, may be overcome by their need to seek warmth. This can lead them to dryer vents on homes, or worse, to climb into a nearby vehicle’s engine compartment—and such locations can lead to tragedy. Keep your cat indoors until the weather warms up again.

If you own an indoor dog, you’ll naturally let it go outside for potty times and some exercise. However, whether it’s on a leash or able to roam free in a fenced or invisible-fenced area, your dog can be overcome by freezing temperatures more rapidly than you may think. If their coat becomes damp from snow or ice, hypothermia can set in.

In particular, keep an eye on the pads of their feet. Snow and ice can become packed between their pads, and cause severe discomfort even after they’ve come back inside.

If you have a dog or cat that typically stays outside, or perhaps in a garage, take precautions to make them more comfortable in the winter. Make sure their houses are lined with cardboard or a piece of carpet to add extra warmth, and turn the opening away from the wind. In a garage,  try to seal up any air leaks that may cause an unnecessary draft, and make sure there is something—cardboard, an old blanket, or carpet scraps—that they can snuggle up on other than the concrete floor.

Again, take precautions to keep them away from your car’s engine. Clean up any antifreeze spills, which are hazardous, and from time to time check your pet’s coat for ice-melting salt or chemicals, which they’ll try to lick from their fur.

Winter can be a wonderful and invigorating time of year, but it can be perilous, too. Take precautions to make sure you and your pet remain happy and healthy until the first signs of spring!

Here's a Grooming Tip If You Put a Sweater On Your Dog This Winter

We are at that time of year for warm clothes and boots for ourselves -- and our four-legged friends!

But here's a tip: If you put a sweater or coat on your dog, it is important that you only do so when they are going outside. If your dog needs to wear a sweater in the house, please remember to remove it periodically to brush their fur and loosen any mats or static that has formed.  

We have already seen dogs come for grooms who have been wearing their Santa sweaters for a week, and they are so matted (it's like a very thick felt pad!) that we have had to shave them down completely. It's just impossible to comb that out when the mats are so thick and cover such a large part of their bodies. 

If your dog needs a good bath and brush out in-between haircuts, call us at 330-534-1200 and we will help you keep them maintained and mat free.