Dogtopia of Waco, TX Blog

You may have seen the commercials or you may have heard about them from your friends but Thundershirts are becoming better known. We’ve heard about them in the dog industry for the last year or so and now not only do we have them available for purchase we’ve tried them on our own dogs!

Sara and Maggie wearing their Thundershirts

What is a Thundershirt? It is a fitted shirt of sorts that applies a constant gentle pressure to your dog. It helps calm them during times of anxiety or high excitability. Many owners have struggled with storm anxiety dogs as well as dogs with car, crate, noise, travel and separation anxiety.  We also have added Rescue Remedy an all natural flower essecence blend that helps manage stress and restore calm. More information can be found at  http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm about rescue remedy. To read more about Thundershirts visit their website http://www.thundershirt.com. It will tell you how to measure your dog for the proper fit. This is very important as there are many different sizes.

We have tried the Thundershirt on Dixie who has moderate storm anxiety. Normally Dixie would pace, try to crawl under things or squeeze into tight spaces with the slightest hint of rain. She has worn the Thundershirt the last 3 storms and we are very pleased with how it has helped her! If you have ever had a panicked dog then you know anything that will give a little relief to them is wonderful!

Mingles loving her Tummy Rub

One of our pup Parents asked me a serious question when he dropped his dog off on Tummy Rub Tuesday. “Do you really give tummy rubs to all the dogs….all day? My first response was “Watch the webcams and see!” However, my second response was that yes we do in fact rub every dog’s tummy if they like and enjoy it. We have a lot of fun days at Dogtopia Waco and to be honest sometimes I’m not sure who enjoys them more….the dogs or our Pack Leaders. Tummy Rub Tuesday is a win win for everyone…I mean how can you not love the pure joy of a tummy rub (some of the dogs love it so much they want their turn to be every turn!) We get to do the coolest things!

Barley getting a tummy rub

Don’t worry though, we give out plenty of tummy rubs on any given day of the week. Tummy rubs are always included at Dogtopia Waco and we don’t even tell or ask the Pack Leaders to do them…they just enjoy it. In fact, if you tune in to the webcams on Tuesdays….you will most certainly see Maverick getting his belly rubbed. It looks a lot like this

Maverick loves his tummy rubs!

The tubs at Dogtopia of Waco are staying mighty busy these days.  Seems like dirty pups with dry, itchy skin are what Mother Nature has brought us this winter.  While your pup is getting the ‘dog smell’ off you might want to think about making it a true ‘spa’ experience for him or her.  Some of the popular items lately are:

Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner…helps with dry, itchy skin
Luxurious Strawberry Milk Bath…like the oatmeal, the milk bath helps very dry skin feel better.
Paw-dicure…Includes a nails trimmed and filed, and pads moisturized (paw pads need attention too!)
Blueberry Facial…not only leaves faces bright and clean but relaxes and calms
Sparkle Spray…why not!  The sun is out…why not let your dog show it’s ‘bling’ side?
These upgrades are in addition to the bath price or groom but the deal most pup parents like is the Bling Special….oatmeal, milk bath or blueberry facial (your choice) with a pawdicure and finished with Sparkle Spray…all for just $15 (plus bath or grooming price).

What is the difference between a Spa Bath and a Grooming Bath? A Grooming bath is done by one of our Groomers and include the following: Shampoo and conditioner depending on skin needs and type, ears cleaned and ear hair pulled, nails clipped,  teeth brushed, and a final fluff and brush out. Of course they also offer de-shed treatments and full hair cuts) A spa bath is done by our Daycare Pack Leaders during the lunch hours of noon until 2pm. They include a brush out, double shampoo in our best selling most requested Fresh Pet, and fan dry. We affectionaly refer to these as “the smell good bath” because they get your pup smelling better and clean!

Here are a few pups that have already been pampered from nose to tail!

Many of us labor over what food we feed our dogs ten times more than what we feed ourselves. We love our pets and we want to make the best choices for them…and that can be stressful!

We have carried Nutrisource dog food almost since the day we opened. As many of you know, the Nutrisource Adult Chicken and Rice formula is what we serve our overnight guests.

Nutrisource has recently introduced a Grain Free line of food and we have added, so far, the Heartland Select Bison Kibble and the Seafood Select Kibble. Both of these selections, along with the Chicken and Lamb Grain Free options have been reviewed and recommended by The Whole Dog Journal. See more at www.whole-dog-journal.com. While supplies last we have samples for all 4 Grain Free options…feel free to stop by and pick one up!

Spring Break is a special time around the water bowl at Dogtopia Waco. It is a time to meet new friends and see old ones! While parents are having a week of fun at their favorite vacation spot, many pups will be boarding with THEIR friends at Dogtopia!

Many dog owners worry that their pups feel neglected when left behind. Always remember your dog often picks up on your feelings…so stay upbeat! Assure them you will be checking on them by webcam and watching them play with their friends. Oh, and that their vacation will include playing, belly rub time and possibly a special spa treatment including a soothing bath, pawdicure or even a blueberry facial! Hmmm….dog boarding CAN be fun!! What kind of things will your pup get to do on Spring Break?

Spring Break is a time to relax

and let your fur down

get some special me time pampering

Indulge in special treats

Get some sun and fresh air…IF it’s not too cold

Enjoy some group activities

 Call now to reserve a place among friends at Dogtopia Waco, where boarding is FUN!

Many of our customers know how excited their pups are when they arrive at Dogtopia Waco. Some dogs have even learned the word Dogtopia, School, or Daycare! So the below videos have been submitted and we are asking you to VOTE for your favorite! The winner will receive 5 days of daycare!

Meet our contestants!

Bo!

Lexi and Ernie!

Lear!

HOW TO VOTE: Simply scroll down to the comments section of this page and tell us who you vote for! Voting will be cut off at noon on Saturday the 17th and the winner will be announced Monday morning! Good Luck!

Dogtopia is holding an  Indoor Dog Park fundraiser benefiting Fuzzy Friends Rescue!

June 4th

Dogs 30lbs and up 12-2pm

      Small-Med dogs 30lbs and under 2-4pm.

Have you been to Waco’s only indoor Dog Park? Your dog can run, play and wrestle to their heart’s content in our 2000 Sq Ft Gym! It is open to the public and Owners must sign a waiver certifying their dog is up to date on vaccinations, in good health and must supervise their dog’s play. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog and the dog’s behavior. All dogs must be current on vaccinations.

Admission is $10 per dog for Dogtopia Daycare Customers and $15 per dog for all others.

50% of proceeds go to Fuzzy Friends Rescue so come play and support a GREAT cause!

Spring has SPRUNG and trees, flowers, and ALLERGIES are blooming! If your dog seems particularly itchy after being outdoors it is likely that the grass, pollen, and other allergens are clinging to his coat and following him inside. This leads us to our first ever

Daycare Bath Pass!

When you purchase a bath pass (pre-paying for 5 daycare baths) you will receive 3 free paw-dicures, and free upgrades on each of those baths.

The DE-TAILS:

What is a daycare bath? Every day our Pack Leaders give baths during naptime for daycare dogs. Your dog must be here between 12pm and 2pm in order to receive their bath which consists of a  shampoo, and fan dry.

What is a Paw-dicure? When nails are clipped, filed, and a pad moisturizer is applied.

What are upgrades? Conditioners, Oatmeal Shampoo or Citrus Shampoo are normally an extra charge but for your 5 baths they will be free!

What does it cost? Price depends on size and hair of the dog.

What am I saving? At least $70.00!

 How long do I have to use my pass? Until Oct 1^st 2011 (6 months).

 What are my shampoo and conditioner options?

 Fresh Pet! By far our most requested shampoo. This shampoo is wonderful for making your pup smell fresh and clean! Its scent isn’t over powering but lasts and lasts! It also has a companion conditioner that is excellent!

 Citrus Plus! Naturally removes existing fleas without harmful pesticides.  Do this prior to monthly flea & tick prevention for maximum protection AND a GREAT smell!

 Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner for the dry, irritated or sensitive skin.

 Hypo Allergenic-fragrance free cleansing shampoo and fragrance free super moisturizing conditioner for those super sensitive to fragrance.

What do I do to take advantage of this? See the front desk to purchase your pass. Drop your dog off for daycare and simply say “I’d like to use one of my baths today” and tell us which shampoo and conditioner you would like. Easy!

It’s time for our 3rd Mutt Madness! Submit a picture of your dog decked out in their favorite college team’s gear or colors to waco@dogdaycare.com to enter the Mutt Madness 2011 Contest! Pictures will be posted on our Facebook and in our store for voting.

Pups will go paw-to-paw for the most votes and the Top Dog will receive a prize package that includes a Spa Retreat Weekend at Dogtopia Waco and a treat basket. Non-daycare customers are welcome to enter but must pass evaluation for daycare to stay for the Spa Retreat Weekend. Sorry, no service substitutions available. Our 2^nd and 3^rd place winners will receive treats as well.

Submissions begin now must be received by 9am Monday, March 28th when voting begins.  All submissions will be in a folder on our Facebook page for all of your friends and family to “like”. No Facebook? No problem voters are welcome to stop by our store at 5301 Bosque Blvd Ste 300 to vote the old fashion way…in person!As a bonus for stopping by, everyone can register to win a $25 gift card to H.E.B.!Voting will end on April 1st at noon and the winner will be announced on April 2^nd.

Hard days spent romping, receiving ear scratches, tummy rubs, and gossiping over the water bowl make every Dogtopia Dog a LUCKY DOG.

In 2010 Dogtopias nationwide raised a record $50,000 for a variety of charity and pet rescue organiztions. We plan to make 2011 even bigger and better so this St. Patrick’s Day we’re giving our LUCKY DOGS a chance to give back to the community simply by attending daycare. That’s right you don’t have to do anything except bring your dog to daycare! For each daycare dog that comes in to play for a full day of daycare between March 14th-18th we will donate $1 to the  Family Abuse Center.

The Family Abuse Center (FAC) provides shelter and services to victims of domestic violence in the following counties: Bosque, Hill, Falls,Limestone, McLennan, Freestone, Navarro. http://www.familyabusecenter.org/  We are so thankful our community has this wonderful organization that is working to eliminate domestic violence in Central Texas. If you haven’t visited their 2nd Chance Thrift store, be sure to check it out! All proceeds benefit FAC and to see a list of items they are accepting as donations visit here. 2nd Chance Thrift Store is located in the Fairgate Shopping Center
1412 Sunset Boulevard Waco, Texas 76710.

In addition to $1 per daycare dog being donated we will also donate $15 for every new client that comes in for their evaluation between March 14th-18th and mentions our weeklong fundraiser.

Is your dog a LUCKY DOG? Then bring them to play with us!