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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Summer Pet Safety You Need to Know

As summer is approaching, it is important that you start getting ready for the changes in the weather and planning for the many activities you have planned. Whether you plan to lounge by the pool or take a trip, it is important to know some of the summer pet safety tips to help keep your dog happy and safe this summer.

 

Be Wary of Watershutterstock_219328042__1___1465913606_50690

One of the biggest misconceptions about dogs and water is that all dogs know how to swim. The truth is that this is not always true. You should make sure your dog knows how to swim before you just toss them in. More than this you need to make sure they want to swim. Do not force a dog to swim that clearly has no interest in swimming.

 

It is also a good idea to make sure the water is suitable for swimming. This is why it is not a good idea to take your dog to swim, or swim yourself, in fresh water that may be potentially contaminated by bacteria or other sources. Finally you also want to make sure swimming is allowed for pets (and people) before you and Fido jump in the water.

 

Think About the Paws

Another thing many people forget about when it comes to summer pet safety is keeping their pets paws safe. The concrete can get extremely hot and this can be more than just painful to your pet. It can damage or even melt off their paw pad. A good rule of thumb is that if the concrete is too hot for you to walk on barefoot then it is too hot for your pup. Here are a few alternatives to beating the sidewalk heat:

 

  • Walk in areas that have grass so your dog can walk in the grass which is significantly cooler
  • Put shoes on your dog to help keep their feet  from being burned (though keep in mind that most dogs hate this)
  • Take your walks early in the morning and later in the evening when the concrete is not as hot.

 

Protect Your Dog Outdoors

Featured-April-Image-5Many people want to keep their dogs outside with them for extended periods of time while they enjoy the weather in the summer. This is not a bad thing but you need to keep summer pet safety in mind while you do this. One of the things you need to do is ensure your dog has plenty of water to drink. In fact, having water they can play in, such as sprinklers, a kiddie pool or even a full size pool can be even better. Also, make sure there are plenty of covered  areas where your dog can go to escape the glaring heat of the sun. You should also watch for signs that your dog is getting overexerted and needs to come inside.

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Finding the Right Summer Cut for Your Dog

As the temperature gauge goes up, it is important to think about ways to stay cool. This not only applies to people but pets as well. As a pet parent one of the things you need to think about is what the best summer cut is for your pet. Here are a few things you need to consider.

 

Shaving is Not Always the Best Solutionfull_service_small_pet_groomers

Some people think shaving their dog’s fur is the best way to keep them cool. In many breeds this can be a helpful way to keep tangles under control as well as help keep them cooler during the warm months. However, this is not always the case. For dogs with a double coat, shaving is a very bad idea. Not only can it cause their fur to grow back patchy, it can also cause them to overheat as the undercoat actually works as a cooling system for them. More than this, their skin is more sensitive and can burn easily.

 

Consider a Trim

Another option than going with a straight shave is to trim the dog up. This is beneficial for a number of reasons. For one, it can help keep your dog cooler. It can also help manage tangles and keep hair from getting unruly. It can also make it easier to see ticks or other issues on their skin. Depending on the type and length of the fur your dog has will determine what type of cut they need.

 

Talk with Your Groomer

dog groomingYour groomer to find out what the best haircut is for your pet. They may ask you about their activity level and the types of activities they do. Since they understand the type of fur your dog has, they will be able to suggest the best possible haircut for your dog or at least give you some options so you can find the one that is right for your dog.

Keep in mind that even if you think the options for their summer cut are boring, there are many ways you can accessorize their look. A good outfit, hair bows, bowtie collar and other accessories can help make them look like a new dog. You may even want to talk with your groomer about dyeing their fur to help give them a more unique look.

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Dogs who love to swim

We all know that most dogs avoid the bath like the plague but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the pool. Who doesn’t enjoy cooling down after a long, hot summer day? In honor of the start of summer, we have created a compilation of videos of dogs enjoying the water in their own way.

Diving Boxer

You may associate the doggy paddle  with dogs but the truth is that this dog’s skills go way beyond that. He is great at holding his breath and fetching the toys from the bottom of the pool. This is one dog who would be great to have over for pool parties!

 

Chihuahua Kiddie Pool

OK sure this is a kiddie pool, but chihuahuas are tiny little things so a small pool doesn’t mean they aren’t swimming. This one looks like she’s trying to master her agility skills as she swims through these small tunnels. Whether she is or not, it’s still down right adorable.

 

The School of Golden Retrievers in the Lake

 

It’s no secret that golden retrievers love the water. This pack of goldies following this guy sure does prove this. These dogs are quick and as the video progresses, their numbers get larger as more and more want to join in on the aquatic fun.

 

The High Dive

 

This dog makes jumping off the high dive at the local pool look like cake work. Not only does he dive into the water, he dives at astounding heights. Either by himself or with his owner, this dog proves even if you are small you can still accomplish feats from great heights.

 

Pool Loungers

When buying pool equipment you may think that a pool lounger can be great for soaking up the sun, having a stiff drink and enjoying a dip when you get too warm. Well here are two golden retrievers who think the same thing about these pool loungers. At least they know how to enjoy the summer in style.

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Cool Down Treats for Your Dog

We all get hot in the summer and dogs are no different. Sure they may be able to help cool themselves with panting but this can take  time, is exhaustive for them and depending on how hot they are, may not be enough. Here are some cool options for your pet when the weather is hot.

 

Add Ice Cubes to Their Bowlsummer pet care quiz-01

If your dog has just come in from a walk and they need a drink, try dropping a few ice cubes in their bowl. Sure their natural reaction may be to play with them, but this is alright because it means they are getting the cooling effect of the ice. Along with this, it can be a good idea to give them chilled water along with the ice.

 

Make Sprinklers Fun

Sure this may not be the cooling treat you may be thinking, but it is cooling and a ton of fun for your pet. You can try turning on your sprinklers and seeing how your dog reacts. You can also buy one of the attachments for the sprinklers that can give greater arch and spread to the sprinklers so your dog can have loads of fun running through the water and maybe even trying to catch those pesky water spouts.

 

Make a Doggie Pop

51ab762f28ecb9f3ece27ef9384bf3f8Who doesn’t love ice pops on a hot day? Truth is your dog with love them too. Sure you may love the cherry flavored ones but in reality your dog does not need the artificial colors, flavorings and added sugar. You can make your own with broth. Some people even like to make it in a bundt pan so they can have a nice ring of broth for their dog to lick and enjoy. You can even try spicing things up by adding in treats to make it more interesting to your pet.

 

Make Frozen Treats for Your Dog

Yeah you can go to the store and pick up Frosty Paws for your pup but why do that when you can make them with items you have on hand? Simply whip up some mashed bananas, peanut butter and yogurt and fill them in ice cube trays. Let them freeze and then store them in the  freezer to give your dog when they are hot (or even to aid in training).

These are just some of the ways you can make cool treats for your dog this summer. Think about the things your dog loves and this will help you to get a better understanding of how you can accommodate your dogs.

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How You Can Celebrate Earth Day with Your Dog

Typically when people think about getting their dog involved in a holiday it is a major one, such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving or the like. However, there are many other holidays out there that you and your dog can enjoy together. Since you and your dog are both citizens of the earth, what a better holiday to celebrate with than Earth Day? Here are a few ways you can do this.

 

Evaluate Your Dog’s Carbon Footprint

Sure most people are conscious of the ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and may even actively take roles to help with this. Have you ever stopped to think about the carbon footprint your dog is leaving? A huge issue with this is poop bags. Many of these are just plain plastic which as we know will not decompose in landfills. There are however versions out there that will. Or if these are not available to you, at least consider buying ones that are made of recycled materials. Along with this you want to look at aspects such as your pet’s toys to see if they are made of recycled materials.

 

Join in on Celebrations

There are many Earth Day celebrations that happen in parks around the country. You can find one near you that is dog friendly and take your pup with you. This can be a great way to get involved in something and meet some new people (and dogs for possible play dates).

 

Do a Project with Your Pup

Is your neighborhood loaded with dog poop or other garbage? Know a place that is? Then you and your dog can take an active role in doing something positive for Earth Day and spend some time cleaning it up. If you want to take it a step further you can even separate out the garbage from items that can be recycled.

 

Another great project you can take up with your dog is planting trees or other (dog safe) plants in your yard. This is an excellent way to cut down on carbon as the plants use the carbon in the process of photosynthesis. While your dog may not be able to help you plant the tree in the ground, if your dog is a digger then you may just have one less task to do with this project.

 

These are just some of the many ways you can get involved in Earth day this year. If you have any other suggestions on how to spend this holiday with your pet feel free to let us know on social media.  

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5 Spring Dangers to look out for with Your Dog

Now that spring is here there are many things you may be thinking about. Chances are you are planning all the new fun things you will do with your dog this spring and may even get started on your spring cleaning. When thinking about all of this it is important that you are aware of these spring dog hazards that can pose a serious issue to your pet.

 

Seasonal Allergies

OK so this may not be completely one of the spring dog hazards, it is at least an annoyance that can become a hazard if your dog chews at themselves enough to cause damage such as sores. A common culprit in the spring is ragweed just as it is for people. If you notice the signs of allergies, call your vet to find out how you should treat this in your pet.

 

Beware of Sticks

Most pet parents think that sticks are no problem for their dog to munch on and in some cases this is true. However, sticks do have the potential to splinter which can be swallowed or poke their throat and mouth. This can cause many problems for your pet so instead make sure they have frisbees and other toys to play with instead.

 

Know the Plants You Have

Many dogs like to walk up to a plant and start eating the blossoms or the leafs. This is not bad all the time but the truth is that there are many plants out there that can be toxic to dogs. You can find the full list so make sure you know what your plants are and what the most common toxic plants are in your area so you can keep your dog away from them on walks.

 

Check Cleaning Labels

As you start your spring cleaning you will use a variety of different cleaners in your home. You should check the labels to find out which of these are pet safe and which are not. Even if you continue to use the ones that are not pet safe at least you will know they are not and can use and store them appropriately.

 

Be Mindful of Dog Park Bullying

Finally, it is important to remember that as you start going to the dog park that bullying is a real thing. It does not always present as a dog that attacks but rather a dog that tries to round other dogs up to do what they want or herd them. If you notice this in other dogs or even in your own then it is best to leave the park. If you notice this in your dog then the best thing you can do is talk with a trainer so you can work on the issue.

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Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Spring is one of the most common times of year for people to bring their pet to the vet for vaccines. Usually, the cost of vaccines, checkups, and other vet costs can add up enough to take a good chunk out of your bank account. It’s during vet visits that pet parents tend to think about pet insurance. But the real question is whether this is worth the cost or not. The truth is that this is not a cut and dry answer, but rather has many different things to consider.

The Type of Insurance

As with any other insurance, you need to think about the amount of coverage you will receive. There are some plans that simply cover emergency visits while others will cover every little thing you may need for your pet. Generally, the more coverage you have, the higher the cost will be. To get the best coverage for your money you need to take the time to look at what the policy covers as well as the cost and reviews of the insurance companies. Some may make you jump through hoops for them to cover a simple procedure.

The Health of Your Pet

Another important thing to consider with this is the overall health of your pet. If you have a pet that ends up going to the vet several times a year then this may be a good idea. However, if your pet is overall healthy and you find yourself just going in for the basics like wellness checks and vaccines then this may not be right for you. Keep in mind that as your pet ages they will generally need more care so it can be beneficial for older dogs, though the premiums may be higher.

Alternatives to Pet Insurance

There are a few alternatives you can go with if you don’t think pet insurance is right for your pet right now. Here are the things you can consider:

  • Savings Account- Think of this like a health savings account for your dog. Put aside the $40 to $50 you would generally spend each month on insurance and put it in a savings account for the event your dog needs medical care.
  • Use Care Credit- Most vets will accept Care Credit which is essentially a loan. This is ideal for emergency situations when you do not have the full amount to pay for the medical expenses of your pet.
  • Vet Wellness  Plan- There are some vets that offer a wellness plan. Depending on the plan this can cover office visits, yearly dental work, X-rays, vaccines and more. Talk with your vet to find out if they offer this and compare it to the pet insurance options available to you.
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5 Videos to Prove Dogs Really are Children

Most pet parents think of their dogs as their children, even if they have children of their own. While to others this may seem crazy but we know the truth. The love we have for them is just as intense as it is for any other person. Plus dogs are a lot like children. Not only are they super adorable, they are highly trainable and easy to bribe. We could go on and on but we think these videos do a better job proving the point.

 

Bathtime is Always a Mess

Anyone who has ever tried to bathe a toddler knows that the floor needs to be mopped up afterwards. Even if your dog happens to LOVE water, like the dog in this video, they will still more than likely make a big mess. At least this dog parent was smart enough to put the tub outside.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecrUZM9S0aI

 

 

Walking in Shoes is Hard

We all know learning to walk is a big deal for kids. Dogs on the other hand pretty much do this from birth. Walking in shoes though is a completely different story. This short video shows the embarrassing and hilarious ways dogs learn to walk in shoes.  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etYwoEOdhD4

 

 

Trashing the House… And Trying to Sneak Away

Everyone knows kids make messes. It’s part of the dictionary definition of children… Okay maybe not, but most parents think it should be included or kids should come with some sort of warning label about it. Turns out dogs are the same in this manner. Not only do they make messes, they tend to try to sneak away when confronted about it, as this video shows.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8GyMHDvdd8

 

 

They Hate Giving Up Their Things

It could be a favorite toy or in the case of this video, a pacifier. We all know how kids hate to share but dogs can be the same way, especially when it comes to their favorite things. Even when a parent tries to take them antics can ensue.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_AnAufknQ

 

 

Both Love to Dance

Our final point here may be the most compelling. We all know kids love to dance. As soon as babies figure out how to stand they start shaking their butts. Turns out dogs aren’t that different in this regard.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5KyMNDJE6o

 

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Great Toys for the Dog Park

Now that Spring has sprung chances are you will be thinking about taking your pet to the dog park. This can be an excellent way to allow your pet to get out some of their energy, run free off leash, and even make new friends. While you may be the type of pet parent that just sits when you go to the dog park, if you want to play with your pet, then there are a few toys for the dog park you should consider buying for your pet.

 

Ball Launchers

A great option when you are looking for toys for the dog park are ball launchers. The cool thing about this is there are many options. You can go with the ones that look like a lacrosse or jai alai equipment or even ball launchers that are essentially toy guns that shoot tennis balls. Most dogs love to fetch and this can provide long term fun without having a sore arm at the end of the trip.

 

Tug of War Toys

Another great game for the dog park is tug of war. This can be as simple as having a piece of rope with knots on each end. There are other toys for the dog park that can accomplish this as well. You can play tug of war or your dog can play with other dogs. The only thing to keep in mind is that this can be a dominant game which can lead to some problems.

 

Tips on Toys for the Dog Park

There are many who believe that toys have no place at the dog park. Many dog parks have equipment and dogs can play with each other. This is because some dogs will become protective over their toys and it can cause an altercation with other dogs.  Here are a few tips that can help:

 

  • Buy toys that only get used at the dog park. This will allow your dog to associate them with the dog park rather than just the house and being theirs.
  • Watch your dog’s interactions with the toys and other dogs to ensure there are no issues. If there is, remove the toys from their possession. If there continues to be issues then it may be time to leave the dog park.
  • If a toy is broken, make sure you pick up  all the pieces so it does not become a choking hazard for another dog.
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