August 2018 | Splash and Dash For Dogs

Tips for Feeding Dogs Thanksgiving Leftovers

The Holidays are a great time to get the family together to share a festive meal. The aromas wafting around your kitchen are a huge enticement for your dog. As you load dish after dish onto the table, the smell of delicious turkey and pumpkin pie can make even our best behaved pets go into a food frenzy.

Thanksgiving for Dogs

Everyone likes to indulge during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Even the most strict pet owners aren’t able to resist giving their four-legged friends some food. Which is why it’s good to know the appropriate and healthy treats for our four-legged babies. Responsible pet owners should want to use good pet care to keep their dog from getting sick. Veterinarians see a spike in pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and other gastrointestinal cases around Thanksgiving. Monitoring what your dog eats will keep them in good shape this holiday season.

It’s not secret that many human food ingredients are toxic to dogs. If you give your dog food that is too high in fat, toxic, or has indigestible carbohydrates, this can be very harmful. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination are signs of a more severe health issue. However don’t worry, this article details the types of food that are safe for your dog and the types that you should keep them away from.

Tips to Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy

Keep your portions small and limit the introduction of new foods. Abrupt dietary changes can be unsafe on a dogs digestive tract. Small portions help curb the possibility of danger. If a toxic ingredient is present in the food you give them, a smaller dose will help their chances of not getting sick. Some dog breeds are more prone to stomach issues, Shelties are especially vulnerable. If your dog has a sensitive stomach please use precaution.

Watch out for known common cooking ingredients that have been found toxic in dogs. Garlic, onions, and cilantro are very harmful to dogs. Also foods that are rich–high in fatty content are also not easily digested. Butter, sour cream, and bacon are often overly rich for a dog to eat. Consumption of foods like these will cause digestive irregularities and are not part of well balanced pet care diet.

Removing any temptation is also useful for your dog in the long run. Even for the most well-behaved dogs won’t be able to control their temptation when they see a juicy turkey inches away from their nose. Make sure to push all dishes toward the middle of the table. This will curb bad behaviors like begging and scrap-stealing. It might also be a good idea to put your dog in another room, or use a doggie gate while you cook and eat.

Turkey

Small portions of turkey are okay. Turkey is a protein, and in small doses will be fine for your dog. But if you decided to fry your turkey this year, you might want to reconsider. Frying a turkey drives the fat content up, which can be unhealthy for your pup.

Pet owners should remove the skin and bones before putting turkey into a dog bowl.

Potatoes

Potatoes are also usually okay in small servings. One or two bites of potato for your dog won’t hurt them. Many premium dog foods are replacing whole grains with potatoes as a fibrous substitute. If your recipe calls for lots of butter, cheese, sour cream, or bacon, you might want to consider using this dish as a treat. Give your dog a few bites before adding the toppings.

Yams or Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are nutritious treat for your dog, however they’re best served raw. If you add butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows, don’t let your dog have any. Be especially careful of ‘sugar free’ foods. Sugar free foods can potentially contain xylitol.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. The chemical is also common in sugar free gum, and some peanut butters.

Don’t have the time to make sweet potatoes for your dog? Try the Southern Sweet Potato flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Green Beans

These veggies are great for healthy low calorie snack. Green beans are high in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B. They also contain high amounts of minerals like calcium and iron. For your dog they’re best served raw without butter or fried onion toppings. Especially the onions, these are terribly bad for pet care diets.

Carrots

Carrots are also ‘all good’ for dogs. Bite sized cooked portions without the sugary glaze and butter are the most ideal. Carrots are certainly nutrient rich, but will need to be cooked so your dog can properly digest them.

Carrots contain beta-carotene–an antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin K. The green veggies are a great side for your dog’s Thanksgiving Dinner.

Bread Rolls

Bread is one of those treats that isn’t necessarily good or bad for your dog. Dogs can metabolize some carbohydrates as long as it’s served in small portions.

Since it’s Thanksgiving the exception can be made. Although plain turkey or vegetables are probably the better option.

Hidden Spices Can Make Your Dog Sick

Pumpkin is a great treat for dogs. It’s delicious, nutritious, and can be served as a puree or frozen cube. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thanksgiving pumpkin, many of the canned brands and pie fillings come with hidden spices like ginger. While a little bit of these roots and spices won’t kill your dog, giving them just a little could give them an upset stomach and giving them a lot could cause graver health problems. If you plan to feed your dog pumpkin as dog food this Thanksgiving, try to keep it as plain as possible.

Don’t have the time to make your Pumpkin pie dog friendly? Try the Pumpkin Patch flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Only the Best Part of the Turkey as Dog Food

Turkey is an excellent source of protein for people and for dogs. In fact, it’s such a great source that it is often used as a main ingredient for some of the best dog food on the market. If you’re planning to share the turkey with your pet this holiday season, try to keep it purely white. The darker meat can have higher levels of fat that are less healthy and harder for your dogs stomach to process. On another note, do not give your dog turkey bones. While there is the good ol’ image of a pet happily chewing away at their bone after a big meal, turkey bones can be filled with splinters that may cause internal bleeding if swallowed.

Green Beans and Potatoes

Green beans and potatoes are more great items to give your pet as dog food. However, they are also much better for your dog if they are kept in a purer form. If you plan to share the greens and potatoes with your dog, make them as plain as possible. Do not serve your dog green bean casserole in the final product as the cream and onions are bad for dog stomachs. Mashed potatoes often have butter, sour cream, and milk in them, along with various spices that are not good for pet health.

Alcohol and Sugar is Never Okay

From the funny videos and memes on the internet, to making it big on America’s Funniest Home Videos, when a party erupts, many partygoers may think that a drunk dog is a funny dog. However, alcohol is something that your dog should never have in their clutches. It can cause incredible sickness which can become more severe with higher volumes of alcohol. By the same token, as much as we love the sweet pecan pie or Thanksgiving cookies, dogs must avoid sugar and fake sugar substitutes at all times. Instead of giving your dog human treats, why not cook up some special doggie biscuits that are not only tasty, but healthy dog food.

Don’t have the time to make these treats? Try the PB N’ Jelly Crunch Flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

From all of your friends at Splash and Dash, we want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with loads of leftovers!

August 31, 2018/by

Pet Safety

Holiday Safety Tips for your Dog this Christmas

The holiday season is almost upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their four-legged companions in the festivities. As you get ready for the holidays this year, it’s important to try to keep your dog’s eating habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, it’s important to steer dogs clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plans, and dangerous decorations. All of us at Splash and Dash want the very best for you and your dog during the holidays.

Make sure your Pup avoids Holiday Food

Say no to Sweets: By now you should know not to feed your dogs chocolate or anything sweetened with xylitol. However, do you know the lengths to which a dog will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep dogs away from the table and unattended areas of food. Make sure to secure the lids on garbage cans as well.
Leave the Leftovers: Did you know that spicy food is a big no-no for dogs? The same goes for anything that involves bones, your furry friend won’t respond well to these types of foods. Involve your dog in festivities in other fun ways that won’t load to costly vet visits.
Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages (we both know it will), be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks in a place that your dog cannot access. If your dog accidentally ingests alcohol, be sure to get them to a vet right away.
Special Treat Selection: If you’re looking to stuff your pet’s stockings, you’ve come to the right place. Our Keepin’ it Simple dog treats are made with all natural ingredients. We source all of our ingredients in the United States and all of our products are USDA approved. We only put human-grade ingredients in our treats. It may cost us a little extra to produce our food, however we only want the best for your pup.

Make sure your Dog avoids Seasonal Decorations

Oh, Christmas Tree.. Oh, Christmas Tree: It’s important to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip or fall on your dog. This will also help prevent your dog from drinking the tree water, which can make them very sick. Many trees contain fertilizers which can cause an upset stomach in your dog. You need to remain that bringing a Christmas tree in your house is a breeding ground for bacteria which could make your dog sick if not properly secured.
Avoid the Mistletoe: Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Not only that but Holly, and many other varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure if ingested. Opt for ‘just-as-jolly’ artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a dog-safe bouquet.
Forget the Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Dog may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. If you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your dog’s mouth and digestive tract.

Plan a Dog-Safe Holiday Gathering

Dog House: If your dog-loving guests would like to give your dogs a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away: This is an important tip, make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors. Also, be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away as well. Dogs having access to pills is a big no-no.
A Room of Their Own: Give your dog his own quiet space to retreat to, complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the party. Sometimes dogs need a safe and quiet place to relax.
New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can be a problem for pets. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Be sure to remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe and escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

Don’t Forget to have Fun!

The most important thing this holiday season is that you and your family stay safe and have fun! The holidays are suppose to be filled with love and happiness, and happiness comes from dogs! Happy Holidays from your family at Splash and Dash!

August 30, 2018/by

Dog Grooming, Dog Services

Why you should Always De-Shed your Dog

Everyone who has a dog with the kind of hair that sheds knows what a struggle it can be to keep all that shedding hair under control. It’s not an easy task, but there are many things that can be done to minimize the unwanted shedding. First we need to understand why dogs shed in the first place..

Why do Dogs Shed?

A dog’s hair grows in cycles, shedding is a normal process in the life cycle of each individual hair. The initial phase is when the hair shaft is actively growing, however when the hair reaches maturity it enters a resting phase, and this is where the shedding comes into play.

All dogs shed to some certain degree, it’s a natural process that allows their new coat to come in. However, some breeds tend to shed more than others, and breeds with slow growing hair shed very little. No matter what breed of dog you have, knowing all about the need to deshed your dog will help you deal with the insurmountable amount of hair your dog may be leaving around the house.

No one wants their home, car, clothing, or even furniture being covered with dog hair. For dogs, shedding can be very uncomfortable, itchy, and can even sometimes cause skin complications. This means that deshedding a dog is more of a necessity, especially during a seasonal shed. Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique advises that you deshed your dog at minimum once a month, more so if your dog is prone to shedding.

My Allergies Go Crazy When I’m Around A Dog Who is Shedding!

A common misconception is that animal hair aggravated allergies, however the real culprit is the dead skin cells that shed with it. The dog hair itself is not a significant allergen, but the dander (dead skin cells that are continually shed). Dander collects airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold spores.

Removing the shedding hair will stop this process, and dramatically reduce these allergens and the dander on your dog.

Why Can’t I just Cut the Hair Off?

Simply cutting all of your dogs hair off is not going to totally eliminate shedding. The shedding will involve shorter hair, however no matter the length, shedding hair needs to be manually removed (by brushing or de-shedding methods).

Another problem is that if you cut your dog’s hair very short all over, there is a chance that your dog’s hair may not grow back properly.

But what exactly does de-shedding a Dog mean?

Deshedding a dog is basically a removal of a dog’s loose undercoat hair. When you deshed your dog, you’re helping them get rid of hair that will eventually end up on furniture and clothes. This will benefit your dog in many ways, making them more comfortable and keeping their coat and skin healthy.

My Dog sheds even after multiple de-sheddings?

Although shedding is very common in dogs, excessive shedding can also be a sign of certain diseases. Dr Alison Diesel, DVM at Texas College of Veterinary Medicine explains that any excessive shedding and scratching is a sign for you to book a vet visit.

Another explanation for your dogs excessive shedding is that you didn’t deshed correctly or professionally. At Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique we offer a “Shed No More” deshed service that will assure your dog is deshed naturally and safely every time. In addition the service is guaranteed to work.

Year-Round Dog Shedding

No matter what type of dog you have, all animals with hair shed on a regular basis. This is a natural part of the life cycle of hair shafts within the follicles. All hair shafts go through phases of growth and shedding no matter the breed. These phases affect the rate of hair growth and usually vary depending on breed, age, hormones, environment and overall health of the dog.

Dogs like Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers continuously grow hair, which mean their hair shafts have longer life spans and shed very little. On the other hand, dogs like Labradors and Huskies have a shorter hair shaft life span and more abundant undercoats, resulting in greater shedding.

Seasonal Dog Shedding

Dogs will shed extra during Spring and Fall, all the more reason to get your pup into Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique today. Most dogs are double-coated, which means they have undercoats and top coats. The top coat is often what you see and feel on the outside, while the undercoat is made up of secondary hairs that grow around the primary hairs.

Seasonal shedding often occurs as a result of temperature change. This process is often referred to as “blowing coat.” When the weather warms, dogs often shed their old winter undercoats to eventually make way for a lighter summer coat. This process is reversed for winter, when dogs shed their lighter undercoats and grow a thicker and warmer coat.

What is Stress Shedding?

Have you ever taken your dog to the veterinarian and suddenly found yourself covered in their hair? Is your car full of hair every time you take them for a ride?

Nervousness, Excitement, and stress can be trigger points for a dog’s hair to shed. You may notice some stress shedding in the first twenty-four hours following your dog’s appointment. However after that you will see a dramatic reduction in the amount of unwanted hair on your dog and in your home!

What can I do at Home?

A healthy coat starts from the inside out. Feed your dog a good diet of high quality food. There are many tools that aid in the removal of hair to help you care for your dog between his grooming appointments, and each one is design to do a specific job. Your Splash and Dash Groomer can help you select the tools that will work best for your dog and then show you how to use them.

Your Dog will enjoy the time you spend together and all the attention they receive during your at home grooming sessions. With help from our specialty salon, you will be able to think less about shedding hair – and spend more time enjoying your time together.

Take control over your Dog’s shedding

Routine grooming is absolutely essential for all dogs. Brushing or combing your dog helps to remove dead hairs before they can fall on your carpet, bedding and furniture. It will also prevent those dead hairs from forming mats on your dog’s coat, that can eventually harm the skin.

Take control over your Dog’s shedding before it’s too late and you’re googling how to deshed your furniture. Save that sofa, Schedule an appointment with our professional groomers today.

Dogs shed seasonally as a result of weather change
Shedding is uncomfortable for your dog, and inconvenient for your furniture
Routine grooming is absolutely essential for all dogs
Deshedding your dog regularly keeps their coat and skin healthy
Deshedding prevents skin irritations and complications

Our “Shed No More” deshed service is a miracle service that is designed specifically to give your dog sleek, detangled fur free of excess hair. The proprietary blend does more than just smell amazing while cleaning your pet; it also helps remove excess hair and breaks down mats.

It will keep your home free of tumble fur, that nasty condition where clumps of fur roam your home, making their way into every crevice and inflames allergies. Remember Splash and Dash guarantees our service will produce results.

For a limited time, we’re inviting you to take advantage of this amazing service at a discounted price. Book your appointment today! We guarantee you’ll notice the difference or we’ll do it again for free!

August 13, 2018/by brianchildress