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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

Welcome to Gaithersburg – A Dog Friendly Community

Gaithersburg is a very welcoming community that embraces the life of being a Dog parent. This is why a Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique location is perfect for the area. There are so many dog friendly amenities you will find here. There are many parks you can take your dog, as well as stores and restaurants. There are several options for Dog Grooming in Gaithersburg as well as any other service you can think of. Take a look through this list to find the stores and doggy services that will best fit your needs. If you find that we have missed something in our list, let us know.

Dogs at Play

Play is essential for dogs. It allows them to learn how to interact with people and other animals. It also help them to get the exercise they need to be healthy. In addition to this it can help them to expend their excess energy so they are less likely to take it out on your home. There are many ways that you can allow your dog to play in the area. You can take them to dog parks in Gaithersburg, parks that allow dogs or even to dog beaches. This can be done with meet-ups or you can simply go by yourself and enjoy some time with your dog.

Dog Parks in Gaithersburg

Getting exercise is essential as a dog. If you want some place fun where your dog can run free and off leash, then one of the several dog parks in Gaithersburg may be the best option. Even if you have a large yard that your dog can run free in, this still does not replace the fun of going to the dog park. You will find that this allows your dog to make new friends and have some time to play with you.

Dog Exercise Area at Green Park
251 Bickerstaff Way
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 258-6343

The Dog Exercise Area in Gaithersburg is located in Green Park and comprises approximately one acre of fenced land separated into two sections. The upper level is approximately 17,000 sq. ft. and has a bluestone dust-based ground cover. The lower level is approximately 43,000 sq. ft. and is grass covered. Both levels have benches, seasonal drinking water stations and dog waste bag dispensers. The lower level also has shade trees and a pavilion with seating.

Dog Park at King Farm
1913 Piccard Dr
Rockville, MD 20850

The Dog Park at King Farm is located right next to Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Rockville. This dog park includes fenced-in areas to securely unleash your dog and to prevent escape. This dog park also includes a shaded shelter in both the large and small dog areas. Enjoy the park benches while your dog runs around and plays.

Parks That Allow Dogs in Gaithersburg

Although your dog can’t run off leash at these dog parks in Gaithersburg, you will find that they still enjoy getting some fresh air as well as taking in new sights and smells. You can go to one near your home that you can walk to or get in your car and drive there. Keep in mind that these parks do not have accommodations for pets so you will need to bring your own supplies.

Blohm Park
18900 Watkins Mill Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879

Blohm park in Gaithersburg was dedicated on May 19, 2001 in honor of Richard Blohm, Parks and Recreation Director from 1970 – 1999. The site is passive and includes trails, bridges and a gazebo. This is a great place to walk your dog and enjoy the sights of the park.

Christman Park
304 West Deer Park Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877

Christman Park in Gaithersburg contains a fenced-in fishing pond surrounded by green space. In the fall of 1983, a multiple inversion system was installed in the pond to keep the water from freezing over completely. The 4.3-acre park was deeded to the City in 1967 and was named for Lt. William J. Christman III, a Gaithersburg resident who was killed in Vietnam. This is a great place to take your family and dog.

Constitution Gardens Park
112 Brookes Avenue
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877

Constitution Gardens of Gaithersburg celebrates the past, present and future of Gaithersburg with unique interactive play spaces that have been inspired by the cultural, economic and natural history of the area. With some of the most beautiful sights that Gaithersburg has to offer, Constitution Gardens Park is a great place to take your pup.

Dog Meetup (Doggy Date)

Meetups are a great way to get your dog active and allow them to make doggy friends. This is also a great way for you to find people in your area that you have common interests with. There are some meetups that are for all dog owners, while some are breed specific. Keep in mind that there may be other dog meetups out there that are not listed here and you can even start your own meetup.

On A Leash
Laurel, MD

This is meetup group of humans who are owned by their four-legged friends and proud of it. ‘On A Leash’ values the relationships they have with their dogs and they enjoy getting out and being active with them. They are all dog lovers who will gather regularly in the Laurel, Maryland and surrounding area for weekday evening and weekend day walks.

Dogs Around Town

Gone are the days when you are forced to leave your pooch at home. Whether you want to go to dog restaurants, or simply to a store that allows pets, you will find many options in the Gaithersburg area. This can be the perfect activity when you need to take your pet for dog grooming in Gaithersburg or simply because you want to spend time with them.

Dog Friendly Restaurants + Bars

Going out to eat or grab a couple drinks can be even more fun when you have your furry best friend with you. There are several dog restaurants in Gaithersburg you should know about. You can find just about any type of food you are looking for with these dog friendly places.

Union Jacks
9811 Washingtonian Blvd
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Union Jacks in Gaithersburg has an amazing patio for family seating. On the right side is the outdoor bar with ample seating for you and your furry four legged kids. On the left side is the outdoor dining area great for the whole family! Great working crew excellent service and wonderful food, all breeds are welcome.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
18519 Frederick Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Treat yourself and your pup to a sundae at Bruster’s! They make a free sundae with dog bones crumbled on top for their furry customers. This is a great place for you and your pup.

Barking Mad Cafe
239 Spectrum Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Barking Mad Cafe of Gaithersburg brands itself as “”crazy delicious and a little bit bohemian,”” with an outdoor hundred-seat, pet-friendly patio. Guests can enjoy food cooked from local ingredients made in a wood hearth along with specialty cocktails. Dogs are welcome at the Barking Mad Cafe.

Mezah Mediterranean Grill
262 Crown Park Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill boasts fresh, healthy food made in house. Dogs are allowed at Mezeh’s seven outdoor tables, where guests can try customizable rice or salad bowls, flatbread wraps or pita pockets. Mezah’s loves when you and your dog comes to visit.

Noodles & Company
177 Kentlands Blvd #100
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Noodles & Company on Kentlands Boulevard has ten pet-friendly tables where you are welcome to dine with your dog. Noodles & Company has noodle and pasta dishes with an international flare. You can get Asian dishes like Japanese Pan Noodles, Italian bowls including Spaghetti and Meatballs, and comfort food meals like Wisconsin Mac and Cheese.

Dog Friendly Hotels

Need a couple of days to unwind in a hotel? Or perhaps you’re visiting the area and want to know the hotels that accept your pet. Either way there is good news, there are many hotels in the Gaithersburg area that offer this service. Each one of them has a slightly different policy so make sure you pay attention to this before booking your stay.

Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg
620 Perry Pkwy
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

This contemporary hotel, off Interstate 270, is 1 mile from the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds and 3.7 miles from the Shady Grove metro station with direct links to Washington, DC. This is a great dog friendly hotel near Washington, DC.

All rooms offer traditional decor and custom-designed beds, plus 37-inch flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Suites add separate sitting areas.

Amenities include a steak and seafood restaurant, a cafe and a relaxed lounge, plus both an indoor and an outdoor pool and a fitness center. There’s also a business center and meeting space, plus a free shuttle service around the area and to the metro station.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Gaithersburg/Washington DC North
805 Russell Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Adjacent to the I-270 Technology Corridor, this relaxed extended-stay hotel is also 5.1 miles from The Universities at Shady Grove. This is a dog friendly hotel near Washington, DC.

The casual rooms, ranging from studios to 1-bedroom suites, come with fully equipped kitchens, dining tables and free WiFi, plus flat-screen TVs and pull-out sofas.

A free hot breakfast is offered daily, as well as light dinner and drinks (Mon-Thu). There’s also a grocery shopping service and a 24/7 convenience store, plus a seasonal pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Other amenities include a putting green, a garden terrace with grills, laundry facilities and a 24-hour business center.

Extended Stay America Washington DC Gaithersburg
201 Professional Dr
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

A 2-mile drive off Interstate 260, this laid-back, all-suite hotel is 6 miles from the Maryland SoccerPlex and 7 miles from the Universities at Shady Grove. Extended Stay America is a great dog friendly hotel in the Washington, DC area.

Featuring plain, modern decor, the modest suites come with kitchens and pull-out sofas. All suites offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and desks. Kids age 17 and under stay at no charge with an adult.

Freebies include parking and grab-and-go breakfast, plus a wireless printer is available in the lobby. Other on-site amenities include a 24/7 coin-operated laundry and an exercise room.

Animal Services

There are many services you may need for your pet throughout their lifetime. This is why it’s helpful to know the options that are available to you. Whether you are looking for vets in Gaithersburg or simply someone to help you walk your dog in the afternoon, we have a list of the companies you can call. Studies have found that owning a dog can actually improve your health.

Pet Stores in Gaithersburg

Taking your dog to the pet store can be fun for both of you. There are toys, clothes and so much more you can explore together. There are several options for pet stores in Gaithersburg. Dogs need a bath and grooming too! Take them to a dog groomer in Gaithersburg today. We can’t forget to mention the awesome dog franchise that is in Gaithersburg.

Pet Valu
515 Quince Orchard Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Retail chain carrying food, supplies, toys & other products for pets such as dogs, cats & reptiles.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
9991 Stedwick Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20886
(301) 330-9991

At Splash and Dash, they believe that dogs should be treated as family members and equals. They deserve to get the same enjoyment out of life, to be able to feel comfortable and clean, and to eat delicious foods that provide them with the nutritious energy they need. In other words, “Play Dirty – Live Clean.”

That’s why Splash and Dash has introduced relaxing spa treatments for dogs, and developed treats made with 7 human-grade ingredients or less. Plus, with their affordable monthly memberships, it’s never been easier to keep ‘em clean year round.

PetSmart
218 Kentlands Blvd
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Chain featuring a range of pets, supplies & food (most offer grooming, boarding & other services).

Vets & Animal Hospitals

Vets in Gaithersburg are some of the best around, and not to forget to mention a service that every dog needs. You want to find a vet that works well with your pet and specializes in the issues your pet may have. Be sure to take your pet in at least twice a year for wellness checkups. You can make a whole day of it and even take them in for dog grooming in Gaithersburg at the same time.

Veterinary Referral Associates
500 Perry Pkwy
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Veterinary Referral Associates is one of the oldest and best known specialty veterinary and 24 hour emergency animal hospitals in the country, serving the Greater D.C. metropolitan area including Potomac, Frederick, Germantown, Bethesda, Silver Spring and Rockville, Maryland pets. This is an excellent animal hospital in the DC area. They work hard to deliver the best medical care for your pets, as well as the best experience for you, the pet owner. This is one of the best vets in the DC area.

Gaithersburg Veterinary Clinic
17 Firstfield Rd Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Gaithersburg Veterinary Clinic is committed to providing quality, friendly care to the pets of Montgomery County. Their patients include just about every kind of small animal and pocket pet: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. This is a great animal hospital in the DC and Gaithersburg area.

Each veterinarian and team member is deeply committed to the health and well-being of your pet. They love animals as much as you do! Their mission statement is to be known as the best, most caring veterinary practice in the community. An excellent Vet for your animal in DC.

Gaithersburg Animal Hospital
280 N Frederick Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Gaithersburg Animal Hospital strives to be the best veterinary experience you ever have. At Gaithersburg Animal Hospital they are all animal lovers and they work hard to create a warm, inviting and comfortable environment for you and your pet. This is a great vet in the DC area.

Adoption & Shelters

If you want to help a dog in need, then dog adoption in Gaithersburg might be the right option for you. There are also breeders in the area though if you go this route make sure they follow responsible breeding practices.

Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County
12 Park Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Animal Welfare League’s goal is to rescue strays and give-ups from high-kill shelters in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area and then foster them for a period to ascertain their health and get them the medical support they need such as neutering, shots, medicines and love. Animals come to AWLMC Shelter and await their forever homes with you. When you’re looking for your next family pet please consider AWLMC shelter when adopting a pet in the DC area.

The Humane Society of the United States
700 Professional Dr
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

The Humane Society is the leading animal advocacy organization, seeking a humane world for people and animals alike. They are driving transformational change in the U.S. and around the world by combating large-scale cruelties such as puppy mills, animal fighting, factory farming, seal slaughter, horse cruelty, captive hunts and the wildlife trade. Please consider adopting your pet from the Humane Society in the DC area.

Dog Grooming and Pet Boutiques

Although it depends mostly on the breed, hair length, and type of coat, regular dog grooming should be done about once a month. For young puppies and dogs who have never been groomed, more frequent dog grooming or brushing at home should be done to get the dog used to being handled and to avoid grooming issues into adulthood.

The Groomery
424 E Diamond Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

The Groomery is a pet groomer in the Gaithersburg area. With a variety of services to offer, The Groomery in Gaithersburg will give you an adequate dog groom.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique
9991 Stedwick Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20886
(301) 330-9991

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique is the premier dog grooming service in the Gaithersburg area. Splash and Dash breaks away from the typical “big box” pet stores (like Petco/Pet supplies). Another great thing is that Splash and Dash is family owned and offer professional grooming services and natural dog treats and products.

All Splash and Dash products, dog food, and dog treats are 100% sourced in the USA and USDA approved. All of their dog treats are 7 Human-Grade ingredients or less. Play dirty, Live clean, Eco-Friendly dog supplies are in abundance around Splash and Dash.

Splash and Dash Memberships start at $39.95 a month! This unique monthly membership offered by Splash and Dash allows your pup to get unlimited baths and brushes all month long

Best Friends Gaithersburg
395 Muddy Branch Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Best Friends Gaithersburg is a great place to have your dog or cat groomed. With many customizable options, Best Friends Gaithersburg can give your dog an adequate groom.

May 9, 2018/by

Pet News

Can you Clone your Dog?

During a recent interview, Barbra Streisand revealed that she had her late dog Samantha cloned after passing away last year. Ms. Streisand revealed that two of her three Coton de Tulear dogs were clones. Specifically, the two dogs named Miss Violet and Miss Scarlett, both had been cloned from cells taken from the mouth and stomach of Samantha.

How new is this technology?

Cloning dogs may be new to some of you, but the process has been available to the high-paying public for over a decade now. The first cloned dog was created in 2005, an Afghan hound named Snuppy in South Korea, named after “Seoul National University puppy”. Snuppy actually lived a full 10 years before she died of cancer. Afghan hounds typically live for 11 years, so this was considered a successful dog cloning. To take it a step even further, scientists cloned three new puppies from Snuppy, all have reportedly been living healthy and normal lives.

Companies like Sooam Biotech in South Korea, and Viagen in Texas offer the service to the high-paying public. On Their websites, both Sooam Biotech and ViaGen confirm that live births are used to create their clones.

How are dog clones made?

In an interview with Scientific American, author of a book on dog cloning, John Wostendiek explained the process:

“In addition to the tissue sample of the original dog, cloners will need to harvest egg cells from dogs in heat, at least a dozen or so. And, after zapping the merged cells with electricity so they start dividing, they’ll need surrogate mother dogs to carry the puppies to birth.”

There is tons of science behind it, basically the nucleus is removed from the original donor’s eggs and injected with material from the animal to be cloned. This process usually takes around 60 days after injection (about the same as a normal dog pregnancy).

A video by BuzzFeed showing how dog cloning works:

Are cloned animals healthy?

This largely depends on how you define “healthy.”

Believe it or not the FDA actually monitors the cloning of animals like goats and sheep. According to the agency’s website, cloned animals are generally healthy. Dog cloning can be a little more complicated because of the advancement of their reproductive system. At the Sooam Biotech lab in Korea, the process requires operating on the egg donor and the surrogate mother – two dogs who are rented from a lab-animal provider. It’s not exactly clear what happens after those two dogs are no longer needed.

The company has told media outlets in the past that the dog cloning process works only about 33 to 40 percent of the time, which means the chance of a miscarriage is highly likely. Of course, the general public only hears about the successful dog cloning and not the failures from the lab. However, after the cloning process is successful, the cloned dog has a very high chance of living a full and healthy life.

Will the clone act the same as the original dog?

Although the cloned animal contains the exact same genes as their donor, they still will have slight variations with how these genes are expressed. There can be different markings on their coat, different eye color even. Personalities vary as well, this isn’t a surprise though as dog personality is highly influenced by the environment and manner in which the puppy is born, something that is tough to replicate in a lab.

It wouldn’t be 2018 without some controversy

Although animals in the agriculture industry at typically highly regulated, cloning dogs is largely unregulated. Without public data it’s difficult to put an exact number on how many dogs are cloned annually. Many animal advocacy groups such as the Humane Society and Peta, oppose the practice.

In a statement release by Vicki Katrina of the Humane Society:

“The Humane Society of the United States opposes cloning of any animals for commercial purposes due to major animal welfare concerns. Companies that offer to clone pets profit off of distraught pet lovers by falsely promising a replica of a beloved pet. With millions of deserted dogs and cats in need of a home, pet cloning is completely unnecessary”

Peta President Ingrid Newkirk also voiced her opinion on the matter:

“We all want our beloved dogs to live forever, but while it may sound like a good idea, cloning doesn’t achieve that – instead, it creates a new and different dog who has only the physical characteristics of the original. Animal’s personalities, quirks, and very essence simply cannot be replicated, and when you consider that millions of wonderful adoptable dogs are languishing in animal shelters every year or dying in terrifying ways when abandoned, you realize that cloning adds to the homeless-animal population crisis.”

Final Thoughts on dog cloning

Whether you agree or not, cloning dogs is here to stay, unless laws are passed that would stop the cloning of dogs for the future. The $50,000 price tag is steep to many, but the chance of possibly “prolonging” the life of a loved one is priceless to some. All of Us at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique love all dogs, cloned or not.

March 1, 2018/by