Pampering Your Favorite Puppy

I was doing some research on dog health when I came across a site for Dog Spa's. This soon set me on the path of thinking of all the different ways you could pamper your favorite puppy. It's quite amazing what's out there to make your dog feel special, from gourmet treats to interesting outfits to doggy massage. Here is a list of some pampering ideas that will not only keep your dog happy, they can also provide valuable services as well.

Dog Grooming and Dog Spas

Dog grooming salons have been around for ages. Ranging from hair cutting, nail trimming and bathing, many owners prefer to take their dogs to a grooming establishment mainly because it's just easier than trying to do it yourself. However, if you don't wish to spend that kind of money or if your dog is not "high maintenance" as some are, you should definitely take care of the grooming requirements yourself. There's several related articles on my website that you can read to brush up on how to groom your dog -> Dog Grooming and Skin Care http://www.caringforcanines.com/grooming-aids.shtml

A Dog Spa however, will usually go beyond the normal range of typical grooming. At some you can book massage therapy for your pup, plus there are places that also offer warm-water swims (which are great exercise and are wonderfully soothing for dogs with joint problems).

Doggy Daycare

If you're gone all day long your dog is probably often lonely and bored. Taking them to a Doggy Daycare may be the answer. Most daycares provide playtime (both indoor and outdoor), naptime, snack time, and in some cases even provide a "puppy kindergarten" where your dog can be taught obedience training.

Pet Sitters

What do you do with your pet when you are going on a business trip or vacation? Some owners will put their dogs into a boarding kennel. Your dog however, probably won't be very happy about the situation. Picture yourself stuck in a cage in an unfamiliar environment with strange dogs all around. Most of his/her day will be spent in that cage with the occasional outdoor run. Your dog's stress level will rise significantly and they may refuse to eat. Often times they will need a good bath after you pick them up because guess where they were forced to use the bathroom? By hiring a pet sitter your pet can remain in his/her own familiar environment and still receive the attention and exercise requirements they need each day. The pet sitter will also continue to carry out the same routine that your dog is use to, reducing much of its stress due to you being gone.

If you are thinking about trying out a pet sitting service, there's a good article that I found on the Human Society of the United States website that you should read -> Choosing a Pet Sitter http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_pet_sitter/

Dog Massage

Who doesn't love to get a wonderful massage? Giving your dog a massage has many benefits including relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief of sore muscles and joints, improved circulation and increased bonding between you and your pet.

There are several books you can read that will teach you the proper techniques in massaging your dog:

The Healing Touch For Dogs: The Proven Massage Program For Dogs

Canine Massage: A Complete Reference Manual

The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide To Canine Acupressure

Although gourmet dog biscuits, cute little jackets and snazzy collars are fun to give your pet, they're really more for the owner's enjoyment rather than the dog's. Really, how many dogs even know what their collar looks like (or care for that matter?) Show your dog how much you love and appreciate him by playing with him, talking to him, and just enjoying some quiet time together while performing a gentle massage. It's the little things that count!

Copyright 2005. Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. Please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/. Be sure to also check out the Caring For Canines - Pet Health News Blog at: http://caringforcanines.blogspot.com/

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