Are Supplements Necessary for Pet Health?

Whether you have a new puppy or a senior dog on your hands many concerned pet parents are asking this question. Should I give my dog supplements or vitamins? Supplements have been popular for a long time with humans and it was only a matter of time before we began giving them to our animals for an extra boost of pet health.

So, are vitamin supplements dangerous, helpful, or even necessary?

Pet Health: Fact From Fiction

Many supplements and vitamins are designed to support specific bodily functions like fatty acids, which support coat health, or glucosamine for joint mobility.

The thing is, all FDA approved dog food is formulated to provide all the nutritional requirements a dog will need for proper pet health. When dog food manufacturers develop dog food, they assume dogs will only be ingesting the ingredients within their food. Aside from treats and a few table scraps, dog food should provide a balanced diet.

So most of the time the answer is—no.

The best way to maintain your pet’s health is to provide a nutritious diet. Some supplements contain ingredients that could combine with ingredients in their food. This could cause toxicity or have an adverse reaction. If you believe your dog needs extra nutrition, please seek out veterinary advice before administering supplements.

Of course, not all pet food manufacturers are the same. There is a huge disparity between healthy pet food formulas and pet food that is poor quality. For a pet food to be sold it must “meet one of the AAFCO nutrient profiles, it must contain every nutrient listed in the profile at the recommended level,” according to the FDA.

Any medications your dog is taking could also react adversely with ingredients in supplements.

What Supplements are Available?

Many pet parents fear their dogs will inevitably develop arthritis or are already suffering from joint pain or limited mobility. This is common in senior dogs and some susceptible breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers. Glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly used together to combat arthritis and protect joints and repair cartilage.

Giving your dog these bodily chemicals will support joint function, but will not reverse arthritis or restructure abnormalities.

Another popular supplement is Omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish oil. Fatty acids work as a strong anti-inflammatory and help the functions of multiple organs, skin, and coat health. For directions on dosage amounts refer to your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on their own pet health.  Your dog will need a different administration of supplement amounts than other dogs. Your vet is the most equipped to make that call.

Antioxidants, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, are also widely used with senior dogs who begin experiencing dementia. When pet parents catch their dogs in a ‘senior moment’ they often turn to supplements with high amounts of these vitamins to curb cognitive dysfunction. Both antioxidants help repair aging brain cells. However, most senior dog foods are formulated with high levels of antioxidants that target cognitive support.

The Bottom Line

Supplements can be used under the guidance of your veterinarian, but most pet owners might save time and money by first selecting a premium dog food.

Not only should pet parents be able to decipher dog food labels, but they should also change formulas throughout a dog’s life. Most reputable manufacturers have different formulas that correspond to the appropriate nutrition a dog needs in certain stages of life. A puppy needs different nutrition than an adult and senior dog.

Foods like pumpkin and use of the rotational diet also help provide all the essential nutrition your dog needs with natural methods.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique want your dog to live and long and happy life!

 

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Millennials Become Primary Pet Owners in U.S.

For years baby boomers have been the primary owners of pets in the U.S. Many trends in product design and pet care have been based around boomers holding this spot.  Even more recently, the pet industry has been catering for senior pets who are aging with their owners. Now a new generation is the most substantial in pet ownership.

A comprehensive consumer report published by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) states that millennials are now the primary pet owning demographic.

Millennials and Generation Y individuals surpassed baby boomers by three percentage points at 35% of national pet ownership. 68% of American households own a pet. This makes up around 84.6 million houses a number which is up by 4.9 million from last year.

Information is gathered by the APPA in the National Pet Owners Survey.

Highlights of the Survey Include:

  • 61% feel buying a pet product made in the USA is important to them
  • 81% are aware that owning a pet can be beneficial to their own health
  • 85% of owners believe pets are a good source of affection
  • 81% feel unconditional love for their pet
  • 82% agree that interacting with a pet can help them relax
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Pet Industry Spending Breaks New Record:$66.75 Billion

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) Releases Annual Industry-Wide Spending Figure for the 2016 Year.

The excitement was palpable at this year’s Global Pet Expo held in Orlando FL, on March 23rd. Not only was the giant 13 football-field-long exhibit space sold out, but last year’s figures for the U.S. pet industry expenditures were announced.

Bob Vetere, president, and CEO of the APPA, told an excited crowd that figures saw record-setting growth.  Officially, pet industry spending is up $6 billion dollars from the previous year. This sets national pet spending at $66.75 billion, surpassing economic forecasts by 4 billion dollars.

The most dominant of the sales sector was in food sales which grew 22.5%, or $5.18 billion. Projection growth for food is predicted to plateau next year as a number of pets owned in the U.S. will remain constant.

Another segment of the pet industry that saw growth was in services which include boarding and grooming. The growth in this sector was at 6.5%, around $350 million.

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$60 Billion in U.S. Expenditures Prompts Two Industries to Launch into Pet Business

The secret, it seems is out.

With 2015’s fiscal year for the pet industry expenditures ending at $60.28 billion, and this fiscal year expected to end with two billion dollars in growth, many industries are capitalizing on the market openings.

The most notable and prestigious is John F. Kennedy International Airport’s ARK at JFK. The ARK facilitates pre and post-travel conveniences for animals in their own climate-controlled terminal. Animal care includes veterinary services and dog grooming for the comfort of both humans and their pets.

Animals are transported from plane to terminal in safe and stress-free ARK transport vehicles. No animal at ARK will wait in a storage area or warehouse. Once in the terminal, animals receive immediate veterinary care processes developed under guidance from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Ark does it all. From dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, livestock and even birds with the new addition of their aviary, any pet owner can take advantage of the environment designed solely for animal client amenities.

The ARK is as much about safety as it is about luxury with a state-of-the-art facility and expertly qualified staff.

However, JFK is not the only new accommodation for pets from a luxury-aligned business. The wine industry has also set their sights on animals. Two producers of animal-friendly ‘wine’ are now available to consumers. Wine tastings featuring a cat-nip laced formula like Apollo Peak’s Pinot Meow or Pet Winery’s Purrgandy.

Dogs are also invited to the party with  Dog Perignon or CharDognay created by the same manufacturers.

As pet parents are more and more willing to provide the most over-the-top products and services for their pets, it’s apparent companies will continue to oblige them.

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Media Mogul Ellen DeGeneres Enters Pet Industry Arena

Ellen has been one of America’s most favorite sweethearts since first appearing on her own sitcom back in 1984. Since then, she has climbed the ladder of stardom as a comedian, actress, and producer. She now, of course, hosts her own syndicated talk show—The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

But that is not all Ellen is doing.

The talk show star recently launched her own line of pet products called ED by Ellen last month. The line features products ranging from dog beds to clothing with hand-drawn art done from Ellen herself. It is no secret Ellen is a pet lover, owning three cats and three dogs with her wife, Portia DeRossi.

She currently has a three-year deal with Petsmart and customers can expect to see items on shelves now. The design of each product features little slices of Ellen’s personality. Bold bright American colors, avowals of warm sentiments, nautical patterns, and racing stripes are all design patterns of various products in the Ed line.

In 2016, the pet industry broke records in revenue at $62 billion, according to American Pet Products Association. This makes Ellen’s move to gravitate toward the lucrative pet industry a wise one.

Mrs. DeGeneres is no stranger to making huge business deals and spreading her own brand. She is the number one creator of digital content online with 1.1 billion views across platforms, reports Fox News. Her current show receives 300 million views a month, and she is the most followed T.V. host on Twitter.

Ellen continues to inspire people with laughter, wit, and now contributions to an already booming pet industry.

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Four Pet Groomer Shed Busting Tips for a Cleaner Home

All dogs and cats shed. This is a natural process to rid loose or damaged hair from an animal’s coat. Dog’s coats will grow thicker during the winter to help insulate their body and shed during the summer to keep cool. Dogs with skin conditions or allergies may also shed excessively. There is no way to stop shedding, but there are ways to control it and keep your house cleaner. These pet groomer tips can help!

Brush Your Dog Regularly

Depending on how thick your dog’s coat is you will want to brush them consistently, if not daily. Brush them outside or in an area you’re okay with letting loose hairs fall in. Brushing keeps your dog’s coat healthy, cleaner, and less likely to shed.

Also, make sure you’re using the right brush. Shedding blades, slicker brushes, and mat breakers all have different uses. Talk to your pet groomer on which to use.

Pet Groomer Choice Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for coat health. If you’re dog is eating poorly and not getting the nutrition they need, it will show in their nails, teeth, and most blatantly their coat.

Feed your dog a nutritious diet with plenty of B vitamins for a stronger coat.

Control Allergies and Fleas

Allergies, fleas, and ticks provoke excessive scratching which makes hair fly everywhere. Talk to your veterinarian about proper allergy and flea relief.

Don’t Skip the Baths

The healthier a dog’s skin and coat are, the less they shed. A pet groomer can bathe your dog routinely. This will ensure their coat is healthy and all damaged hairs are removed. This helps save time and money cleaning and covering furniture.

If All Else Fails…

During the hotter months of spring and summer shedding can get out of control. If you have tried everything and still can’t contain all the hair, try taking your dog to Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique for our ‘Shed No More’ service and treatment.

The service is 100% guaranteed!

See what Jennifer Hopkins of Peachtree City had to say about her pet groomer.

“Splash and Dash has been doing a fantastic job on our Golden Doodle…They take the time to ask exactly how we want her cut and actually do it; everyone else wanted to keep giving her a Poodle cut. She looks great, smells great and the price is great. Thanks Splash and Dash!”

For more information visit our website here!  

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Pet Safety: Is a Harness or a Collar Better for my Pup?

A popular pet safety question pet parents are asking these days is, which is better for my pup—a harness or a collar? This is an important question concerning pet safety.

Many pet owners walk their dogs unaware they are using the wrong equipment  which can possibly be harming their dog.  Dogs with breathing complications or behavioral issues like pulling and lunging will need specific equipment that addresses their needs.

So which is better, a harness or a collar? The answer depends on your pup. Your dog’s body type and size, training goals, and medical conditions all affect whether you will want to use a harness or a collar. Assess the needs of your dog to make a decision of whether to use a collar or a harness. Keep pet safety in mind!

Pet Safety Features of the Harness

Harnesses are an increasingly popular choice for pet owners these days. The reason their popularity is growing is because of misinformation on collars and more awareness of the harm dogs can self-inflict while pulling and lunging on a leash.

Harnesses are the best choice for dogs that excessively pull at their leash or have a tendency to jerk forward suddenly. This strains their throat and neck area. Tracheal problems can occur if this strain is constant over time. Using a harness will neutralize the strain on a dog’s neck by balancing out pressure from a taut leash.

Toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, and French Bulldogs are also great candidates for harnesses. Dogs like these are more delicate because of their size and the pull of a collar could damage their neck. Even when leading a dog gently on a leash many pet owners are unaware of the pressure they are putting on their dog. This makes harnesses a good pet safety choice for the toy breeds.

Also, owners of dogs with breathing complications like Pugs or Shar Peis might want to consider using a harness. Dogs like these have loose folds of skin and wrinkles that make these breeds more susceptible to breathing complications from airway obstructions. The less pressure accrued around the dog’s neck area, the easier time they will have breathing. A harness places pressure evenly throughout the chest which will not obstruct a dog’s airways.

Pet Safety Features of the Collar

Collars are traditionally the pet supply of choice when it comes to clipping a leash around your dog. The most popular of collars is the necklace style collar, but collars also come in martingale styles and metal choke collars, which we do not recommend using. Choke collars can be dangerous and harmful to dogs, especially if they are prone to pulling.

Dogs that are trained securely to walk on a leash without pulling will love their traditional collars. Pet owners do not need to worry about pet safety issues like tracheal damage or suffocation. The only time a collar is not recommended is if a dog has respiratory problems. Otherwise, go ahead and feel confident in putting a collar on your dog.

There are a few popular styles of collars. The ‘greyhound’ collar, or martingale, is used for dogs with elongated snouts and necks like the Greyhound and other sighthounds like Whippets or Afghan Hounds who often ‘slip out’ of regular collars.  Dogs that also have short necks and round heads like French Bulldogs and Pit Bulls might need a martingale. Because these dogs body type regular collars can slip off easily.  

The martingale collar gently closes around the neck if a dog pulls or backs up. This keeps the collar flush with the neck lessening the chances of the collar falling off. Its function makes it a great option for pet owners and their dogs.

Hybrid Options for Dog Training

Despite training programs and good habits, some dogs continue to pull on the leash. Bloodhounds and other sniffers are especially known for pulling because their heads are low to the ground sniffing out the scents of their walk. If you have an adult dog that you have tried relentlessly to train against pulling, you may want to consider using a head halter. These collars are designed to restrain pulling as a tool to use for behavioral correction.

The collar attaches to the back of the head and then around the snout. The head halter does not act as a muzzle because a dog can still open its mouth with the head halter on. A head halter is a good option for pet safety and humane choice for dogs that need restraint when being walked. The collar is also called brand names like ‘gentle leader’ or ‘promise collar.’

When a dog pulls on their leash the collar’s design will gently pull a dog’s nose down and their head toward you making it difficult for them to continue pulling. This discourages the behavior of pulling with a pet’s safety and comfort in mind.

 

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique offers selections for responsible pet owners every need. Come visit a shop and find out!

 

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New Location Opening Soon in Grand Rapids Michigan

A new addition to the Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique family will be opening soon. We want to extend a warm welcome to mother-daughter duo, Vicki and Jayme Lesperance—our new shop owners!

This is Splash and Dash’s first shop in Michigan, located about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, tucked conveniently in Grand Rapids. Construction has already begun, and the build-out is estimated to be completed as soon as June 25th. Our team will post ongoing updates and soon reveal the much anticipated opening date!

Splash and Dash will share Cascade East with a number of diverse businesses, which Vicki and Jayme are confident will provide a convenient and enjoyable experience for patrons.  “If clients have errands to run while their pets are being pampered,” Vicki says. “They can grocery shop, get their hair or nails done, grab a cup of coffee, pick up some cards and gifts or have a bite to eat all without ever leaving the plaza.”

As the heat of the summer approaches, Grand Rapids pet parents will be able to find the modern and award-winning accommodations for a cool summer cut at Splash and Dash.   “I think the local community will be pleased to see a new concept in pet grooming and will appreciate the personalized services that we offer,” Vicki tells us. Services like bathing, clip, nails, glands, brushing, bows, and more are offered at every Splash and Dash. 

Both Jayme and Vicki are thrilled to play a role in a pet-loving community and look forward to making connections with clients and a positive impact in Grand Rapids. Vicki adds, “The one thing that I want to resonate with new clients, is that the well-being of their pets is our top priority!” 

This is just one of many openings coming soon that have propelled Splash and Dash to rank 59th in Entrepreneur’s 500 Ranking. Stay tuned for more exciting news, and congratulations again to our newest member of the Splash and Dash family

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Humane Society’s Amazing Pet Care for Overseas Rescue

The Aftermath of Human Society’s Pet Care Rescue

Rescue stories are always at the center of the Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique’s pathos. We believe that the senseless suffering of animals big and small is something that we and others can stop. Our shop owners participate in rescue events and work with local pet care and rescue organizations to get animals off the streets. We continue to share pet news of dogs needing a home and triumphs of the pet care world.

Over 70 million animals are stray, vulnerable to the streets in the U.S. with only ten percent that enter a shelter being spayed or neutered. We can all take part in bringing these sad numbers down. This video introduces us to a dog named Kat. Kat was rescued from a meat market shut down by The Humane Society. The video shows the first pet care Kat has ever been given. She has never slept in a dog bed or played with dog toys. These are her first steps into a new life!

Kat is anxious to step out of the kennel, hesitant of the new more loving and less harsh world around her. She sniffs around finding her path. A soft bed, clean food, and plush dog toys are all new experiences for this poor dog. Kat was one of 200 dogs rescued in the Humane Society’s pet care campaign to end the dog-meat trade.

This lucky dog gets a second chance to live in a loving home!

We at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique are so happy to see this dog make it and wonder what’s in store for her next.

 

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