Huntsville's Favorite Doggy Daycare!

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, your dog is probably just as excited about spring and summer as you are—more walks, more sun, and more outdoor fun. But with all that sunshine often comes one less-loved part of pet parenthood: shedding. Seasonal shedding is totally normal, especially in the spring when dogs start to lose their thick winter coats. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live in a cloud of dog hair. With the right grooming routine and a few simple tips, you can help your pup stay comfortable and keep your home cleaner. Why Do Dogs Shed More in Spring & Summer? Most dogs have a natural cycle of coat growth and shedding that’s influenced by daylight and temperature. As it warms up, their bodies know it's time to shed that heavy undercoat they developed for winter. This is especially true for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Labs, Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. While some breeds shed year-round, the change of seasons can bring on a heavier “blowout,” especially in the spring. Tips to Manage Shedding This Season Bathe Your Dog Regularly A good bath helps loosen and remove excess fur before it ends up all over your clothes and furniture. Use a shed control shampoo and conditioner that hydrates the skin and helps release dead hair. Not sure what’s best for your pup? Our grooming team can help recommend the right products. Pro tip: Schedule a spa day! A professional bath and blowout can seriously reduce shedding and keep your dog feeling fresh. Brush Often (and With the Right Tool!) Brushing is your best defense against loose fur. Aim to brush your dog several times a week—daily during heavy shedding periods. For dogs with thicker undercoats, tools like deshedding rakes or slicker brushes work wonders. Not a fan of brushing battles at home? Let us do the heavy lifting with our deshedding grooming services. Feed a Healthy Diet A shiny coat starts from within! High-quality food packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, which can reduce excessive shedding. We carry a wide selection of premium dog foods and supplements that support coat health. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can lead to dry skin and more shedding. Make sure your pup always has access to fresh water, especially as the temps rise. Keep Their Environment Clean Regularly vacuuming your home and washing your dog’s bedding can keep fur from piling up. A lint roller or pet hair remover tool also goes a long way! When to Worry About Shedding While shedding is totally normal, excessive hair loss, bald patches, red or irritated skin, or constant scratching could be signs of an allergy, parasite, or underlying skin condition. If you notice anything unusual, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet. We’re Here to Help! Whether your pup needs a quick bath, a full grooming session, or a professional deshedding treatment, we’re here to make shedding season easier on both of you. Book an appointment or stop by for tips, treats, and coat care products recommended by our team. Here’s to a cleaner home and a happier, healthier pup this spring!

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, both you and your dog are probably eager to spend more time outdoors. Spring and summer bring plenty of opportunities for fun, but they also come with unique challenges for pet owners. From shedding winter coats to staying safe in the heat, here’s how you can prepare your dog for the warmer months ahead. 1. Schedule a Spring Grooming Session After a long winter, your dog may have a thick coat ready to shed. Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and prevents matting, which can be uncomfortable as temperatures rise. If your dog has a long or double coat, consider a professional grooming session to trim excess fur while keeping their natural protection against the heat intact. Tip: Regular brushing also reduces shedding in your home, so stock up on a good de-shedding brush! 2. Protect Against Pests Warmer temperatures mean fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are back in full force. These pests can carry diseases like Lyme disease, heartworms, and ehrlichiosis. Action Steps: Ensure your dog is on a vet-approved flea and tick preventative. Use a heartworm preventative, especially if you live in an area where mosquitoes thrive. Check your dog for ticks after walks in grassy or wooded areas. 3. Adjust Their Exercise Routine Longer, sunnier days make outdoor activities more enticing, but warmer weather also means adjusting your dog’s routine to avoid overheating. Hot Weather Tips: Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl on long walks or hikes. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. 4. Keep Up with Hydration Dogs need more water in the warmer months to stay hydrated. Always provide clean, fresh water at home and on the go. Hydration Hacks: Add ice cubes to their water bowl for a cool treat. Invest in a pet-friendly water fountain to encourage drinking. If your dog enjoys fruit, frozen watermelon or blueberries make refreshing snacks. 5. Protect Their Paws Hot pavement, sand, and sidewalks can burn your dog’s paw pads. Before heading outside, test surfaces by placing your hand on the ground—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup! How to Protect Their Paws: Walk on grass or shaded paths. Consider dog booties for hot pavement. Apply a pet-safe paw balm to protect and soothe pads. 6. Ensure Their ID & Microchip Information is Updated Spring and summer often mean more outdoor adventures, but also a higher chance of your dog slipping out the door or getting lost. Checklist: Make sure your dog’s collar has an up-to-date ID tag. Verify that their microchip details are correct. Consider a GPS pet tracker for extra peace of mind. 7. Keep Parasites and Allergies in Check Springtime allergens like pollen and grass can cause itchy skin, watery eyes, and sneezing in dogs. If you notice excessive scratching or licking, consult your vet about allergy relief options. Common Allergy Triggers: Pollen, grass, and mold spores. Flea bites (even one bite can cause an allergic reaction). Certain foods or environmental factors. 8. Prepare for Travel & Outdoor Adventures If you’re planning a vacation or weekend trip with your pup, make sure you’re ready with travel essentials: Dog Travel Must-Haves: A well-ventilated travel crate or seat belt harness. Their favorite toys and a cozy blanket. A portable water bowl and dog-friendly snacks. Vet records in case of emergency. 9. Create a Cool & Safe Space at Home Even if your dog loves the sun, they need a cool retreat indoors or in the shade. Cooling Strategies: Provide a shaded area in the yard. Use cooling mats or elevated pet beds. Keep a fan or air conditioning on during extreme heat. Enjoy the Season Safely with Your Dog! Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to explore the outdoors, take longer walks, and enjoy quality time with your furry friend. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your dog stays healthy, happy, and comfortable all season long. Do you have any special warm-weather activities you enjoy with your dog? Share them in the comments!