Category: Blog

Making The Doggy Bath Fun

Your poor pooch hates bath time, even though it is an important part of the dog grooming process. He sings the sad song of his people as you hold him down and cover him in suds. Skip the fight and make doggy bath time more enjoyable for you and your pooch with these simple tricks.

Making The Doggy Bath Fun

Use an Anti-Slip Mat

One of the main reasons dogs don’t enjoy bath time is because they don’t feel safe. Between the water, the wet tub and the soap bath time can become very slippery. Using an anti-slip mat, some bathtub stickies or even a towel will increase the traction between your pups feet and the bottom of the tub making him feel safer.

Use Warm Water

No one enjoys a cold bath. Using warm water, measuring about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit will help relax your pup. Too cold of water can be stressful on your dog during bath time. You can put a small amount of water in the tub and have your dog lay down or gently pour the water over him. If neither option is working use a washcloth and get your pooch wet with that. Many prefer to have a shower head on a hose to easily wet and rinse the dog.

Careful on the Face

Wash your dogs face with a washcloth instead of running water down it. Gently wipe around the eyes and nose with a mild soap being careful not to get it into his eyes or nose.

Stay Calm

Dogs are sensitive creatures and they can sense when their human is stressed. This will lead to them feeling stressed as well. Keeping yourself calm during bath time will help ensure that your pooch is calmer too. Use positive reinforcement with easy treats or a favorite waterproof toy. Use a calm and playful voice. Do not scold your dog. Scolding your dog in the bath may result in them fearing the bath even more. Instead, follow his cues and stop doing what is scary. Show him that it isn’t something to fear and proceed a little slower.

If you take your time and provide some comforts both you and your pooch will soon be able to enjoy doggy bath time together. For Further information please contact us. 

Steps to Make Pet Grooming a Great Experience for Your Puppy, Part II of II

While grooming is great for any dog, puppies may be apprehensive about their first experience with pet grooming. Here’s some tips to make them less so.

Steps to Make Pet Grooming a Great Experience for Your Puppy, Part II of II

Travel with them frequently

Many dogs love to be outside, and many owners take them on frequent walks. But many, such as toy or smaller breeds, may have their walking or running confined to a yard or nearby streets. As a result, an actual event like going to another place in a car may be unfamiliar. They may become very excitable being in a car. This can present a problem when you take them to the groomer or the vet — they aren’t used to being in a car, or being put in a car. The answer? Make traveling in a car familiar. Check out dog parks. Go see friends with them. Demystify the experience of being in a car and going somewhere.

Consult your vet

Just like your primary doctor with you, your vet is a primary caregiver for your dog. Since grooming is physical, it’s a good idea to run the idea of grooming past your vet and see what they have to say. It isn’t advisable, for example, to clip the toenails of some dog breeds. Some shampoos may irritate the skin or hair of other breeds. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to ask.

Brush between grooming visits

It’s a good idea to get your dog used to the idea of a brush from a groomer early on. But it’s also a good idea to get them used to some of the tools groomers use. Brushing between grooming visits is a great way to demystify the experience even more. After all, if you are brushing your pet carefully and lovingly at home, it becomes a safe and comfortable experience.

Let us help you groom your new puppy! Contact us today.

Doggie Daycare: Is Your Dog Getting Enough Exercise?

More than half the dogs in the United States are overweight. Obese dogs are much more prone to chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease. These diseases also make it harder or more dangerous for dogs to exercise. Doggie Daycare is a great way to add exercise to your dog’s routine.

Doggie Daycare: Is Your Dog Getting Enough Exercise?

Exercise is crucial for all living beings, but it may be even more so for dogs, because not only their health but their mental well-being can be impaired by not getting enough exercise. In fact, if you’ve ever come home to a ripped couch or chewed-upon shoes, it may be because your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. It can make them nervous and bored…which can lead them to try and find excitement in your apartment any way they can.

How much should your dog exercise? If you have a small breed such as a pug, it could be healthy and happy with 30 minutes a day. If you have a larger dog, such as a Lab or a collie, a good amount is around 2 hours per day. One-half hour to 2 hours is a range; dogs in the midsize breed range should have an exercise regimen in the middle.

Dogs love to walk, run, and play fetch, so all of these activities are good. But experts also caution that good exercise provides stimulation other than the physical to dogs. Mental stimulation is important too. Dogs like to explore unfamiliar territory. They like to poke around and smell things. So if you’re a runner and like to take your dog with you, for example, work in some time when your dog can walk at a leisurely pace and sniff stuff.

Varying the route is important to mental stimulation. That’s why fetch, although a great game from a fitness standpoint, isn’t the most mentally stimulating of dog exercise plans. They love to run back and forth, and it’s fine in moderation. But running back and forth will pale from the interest standpoint.

When you think about boarding your dog, think about their exercise and other needs. We can help. To discuss boarding your dog, or Doggie Daycare contact us today.

Will Your Doggie Love Daycare?

There are many things to consider before you choose to put your best friend in a doggie daycare. So many, that sometimes it can seem overwhelming to choose the right place for your dog. This short list of things to look for in your dog’s day care center will help you get on your way to finding the perfect place for your best friend! Will Your Doggie Love Daycare?

Will Your Doggie Love Daycare?

Is Your BFF Friendly?

Your dog will have to be very social to survive in a doggie daycare center. This isn’t the day care centers fault, but rather, that is what these places are made for! Most doggie daycare centers are designed so that your playful pooch is able to have the time of their lives playing with all their new friends.

Is the Center Clean?

You’ll want to take notice of how the daycare is taken care of, I mean, it is where your dog will spending much of their day. Now, as dog owners, we know that sometimes it is impossible to keep up with our pooches, let alone a whole daycare, but pay attention to the little things. Are the rooms where your dog will be dirty? Do they have an outdoor center, and are droppings picked up? Does the staff seem friendly? Go with your gut when it comes to the place your pooch will be watched. Remember, you want that daycare to adore your friend as much as you do.

This Will Be Their Home Away From Home.

You want to make sure that your dog likes where they are. Of course, your friend might be a little skiddish when they first arrive, but if they never relax during your initial visit, you may want to take that into consideration. A dog knows what is good and bad for them (the piece of plastic they ate yesterday doesn’t count). Pay attention to your pup’s reactions to the daycare, good and bad.

Pawsh Doghouse is known for their friendly staff, clean play areas, and they provide grooming services! If you are looking for the perfect daycare center for your doggie contact us.

3 Reasons You Should Utilize Doggie Daycare

Have you ever considered putting your fur babies in doggie daycare only to feel guilt creep in moments later?

“I should just take care of them.”

“I shouldn’t have to count on another person to take care of my responsibility.”

“I don’t want Buttercup and Rosie to think I abandoned them.”

Well we’re here to give you 3 reassuring reasons why you should kick the guilt aside and utilize doggie daycare as a benefit to you AND your fur baby.

3 Reasons You Should Utilize Doggie Daycare

1. Socialization. Socialization. Socialization.

Socializing your pup is crucial at any age, but especially as a puppy. Just like humans, we need to get used to people when we are little. We can’t hang on to the same pacifier our mom uses to calm us down and we can’t always resort to our baby blanket and favorite stuffed animal when we are intimidated. Dogs grow up and come in contact with more dogs and humans too. This is your opportunity to to give YOUR PUP a space where they can socialize with other dogs and learn, you know, dog manners and stuff.

2. More socializing for your pup = more socializing for you. 

By dropping your pup off at daycare, not only do they learn to how to behave with other dogs and humans, you get humanly interaction too. This includes humanly interaction with yourself too. You can choose enjoy a drink after work with your favorite coworkers, sign up for your favorite yoga class, or even take time picking out groceries at the store without the guilt that Bubba is waiting on you at home. In fact, he’s not even thinking about you – more about who’s behind he can sniff!

3. A clean house with the fur baby out!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to clean the entire house and not immediately find the couch covered in dog hair right after? That’s because it’s almost impossible to do when they’re following you around the house as you vacuum and sweep and mop. Although we kind of admit that WE think it’s cute when dogs bark at the vacuum, you probably don’t. It is even cuter to clean the house when your furry friend isn’t interrupting. Drop your pup off at doggie daycare and give your house some uninterrupted attention!

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Steps to Make Pet Grooming a Great Experience for Your Puppy, Part I of II

Puppies are lively. They’re enthusiastic. They’re fun to be around. They love to explore. Ah, but do they love to be groomed? Well, some may. But puppies can also experience their first grooming experience as an intrusion of foreign elements — new people, new implements, new smells. It can be slightly scary, and not fun. As a result, it’s a good idea to prepare your puppy to like grooming. After all, why wait until it’s over to enjoy being pampered — and the ability to be sitting clean and pretty? Here’s some tips on making not only your puppy’s initial visit to the groomer as pleasant as possible.

Steps to Make Pet Grooming a Great Experience for Your Puppy, Part I of II

Start a regular routine

To be at your pet’s best, they need regular professionals who care for them. A vet. Possibly a dog walker, if you can’t be around much and your puppy is active. A groomer should be introduced just as a vet or dog walker would be, at a young age. The earlier you start, the more the puppy understands that this is just what we do at our house. Shampooing, clipping, and brushing should be something your dog expects will happen on a regular basis. Socialize them to expect it. A mobile grooming experience can be a great way to introduce it, as it’s a transition between the home and the groomer.

Take a piece of their usual habitat with them

Dogs are creatures of smell and habit, among other elements. The grooming experience will be more comfortable if they can have a blanket they usually lay on (smells like them) or some favorite toys (elements of their usual hangout) with them when they’re groomed. Ask the groomer if these can go with the dog to grooming. Be sure and wash the blanket, of course, to be in keeping with the clean and pretty of the grooming experience.

Want to make a pet grooming appointment? Contact us today.

Doggie Day Care, Safer than the Dog Park!

Is it possible to let your dog run free and still be safe?  We’ve all seen them on the outskirts of town; fenced in green pastures that allow for open area, outdoor dog play and require a key card for entry. Load your pup in the car, race off to the park where he can play with his buddies outside and take a nap when you get home. Seems like a wonderful idea, right?  When arriving at the park, all you have to do is swipe your key card, open the gate, and let the dog run free. Not only is your dog not properly introduced to other dogs, but there is also no way for you to know that their “new friend” is up to date on all vaccines or isn’t carrying a nasty parasite. This also increases the risk for the spread of fleas and ticks. Our facilities always require proof of vaccinations, and have trained staff to evaluate introductions. Have you considered doggie day care as a safer alternative than a dog park?

Doggie Day Care, Safer than the Dog Park!

Socialization

Properly introducing dogs is a critical stage in socialization that allows your dog to decide “friend or foe”, and allows the human to react based on their decision. If friend is decided, the dogs can happily play and enjoy themselves in a healthy manner. However, if foe is the decision, a fight can be devastating and may result in injury to you and the dog. Body language during introduction can tell a lot about how the meeting will go, and misreading this can impose serious behavioral risks. It is always recommended to consult with a professional when introducing dogs. Having a trained staff within our facilities ensures that all introductions are handled properly, and that all dogs have a great and safe time.

Sanitation

Parasites and bacterial infections are a whole other issue. At the dog park there are generally 1-3 water buckets that are filled when needed. But who cleans them and how often? Many parasites are transferred from dog to dog, and the community water bucket is a cesspool of them. There are certain parasites that are transferred through feces. When the dog accidentally runs through infected grass then plays in the water bucket, the water becomes contaminated and infects almost every dog that drinks from it. Sanitation is of the utmost importance in our facilities, and water buckets are cleaned several times a day by the staff. Our employees ensure speedy and thorough cleanup after every potty break, reducing the risk of illness and costly vet visits.

Please contact any of our four locations if you would like a safe, sanitary, and monitored environment for your dog to play and have a great time!

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Rounding Up Your Dog Care Options

It can be tough parting from your pup for a vacation, or even a business trip. They hold your heart in their paws, and love you unconditionally. It’s only natural that you want to best care for them while you’re away, or the best care in general. Whether it comes to trimming their fur or leaving them for a short trip, the Pawsh Doghouse provides several great services, including grooming, daycare, and boarding!

Rounding Up Your Dog Care Options

With each category, there are several options you can choose from, which will be discussed below.

Boarding

You can choose from packages that include private play time, private sleeping quarters, and even pictures of your pup via text. You can choose to have them play with other dogs too, but it’s up to you.

For your dog’s health and safety, and for the safety of the other guests, there are a few requirements to board with Pawsh. Your pup must be healthy, friendly, be older than 4 months, without ticks and fleas, and have a list of their current shots.

Boarding is available at these Pawsh Locations:

East and West League City

South East Houston

Clear Lake

Grooming

Your pup’s size and hair length determine the prices of a grooming session.

Small Breeds with short to long hair range from $25 to $35.

Medium breeds with short to long hair range from $30 to $45.

And Large breeds with short to long hair range from $35 to $55.

Along with grooming packages, there are other care packages. You can get your dog’s nails ground, have specialized shampoos and conditioners applied, and you can have their teeth cleaned. There are other services as well, like application of flea control medications and playtime to socialize your pup.

Daycare

If you don’t want to leave your dog alone all day, you have options. With the daycare program, you can drop your furbaby off at 7 am (the earliest), and pick them up at 6:30 pm (the latest). Daycare is typically available Monday through Saturday!

They offer several prepaid packages and several basic packages.

Pawsh Doghouse is an excellent option for your dog when you need a service, whether it be a simple nail grinding or boarding. You can find more details on everything listed above, on the Pawsh Doghouse website, or you can contact them directly with the following link. contact us

Boarding That Feels Like Home

Going away can be stressful, whether it’s a planned vacation, or an unexpected family emergency. And leaving your furry family member behind can only deepen your anxiety. You want to leave your loved one in well-trusted and loving hands, but finding someone suitable is not always an easy task.

And although the thought of traveling with your pet has crossed your mind, you realize how difficult this could be, not only for yourself, but also for your dog. Most animals become nervous and anxious during travel, and often times sick. In addition, many hotels, including restaurants, do not welcome pets, and the ones that do, can be pricey.

Boarding That Feels Like Home

There is always the option of leaving your dog at home and asking a friend to stop by to care for them, but a lonely and bored dog can also become a destructive one. They often times will chew on furniture, drywall, and may even swallow objects causing injury to their intestines.

So what is the solution to your dilemma?– Dog boarding, of course!  At Pawsh Doghouse, we offer boarding that feels like home.   Your furry canine will find love and comfort with our well-trained and trusted staff.   And boredom? That’s not even in our vocabulary. Your pet will receive plenty of exercise, potty breaks, and the mental stimulation and socialization he needs. Your dog will delight in our group, or private, playtime. We even have exclusive lodging where your dog can rest peacefully.

We offer a variety of packages to meet your pet’s needs in the Houston area.   Just visit our page and read our wonderful testimonials !

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, release your anxiety and fears, and leave your four-legged pal with us.  If fact, don’t be surprised if your pet doesn’t want to leave when you return to pick her up.  After all, sometimes your dog needs a vacation too.

So please contact us, because your pet needs boarding that feels like home.

Happy Healthy Pup!

Does your pup struggle with destructive behavior, excessive barking, or compulsive behaviors? While medications can help, exercise and nutrition are natural ways to avoid or reduce these unwanted behaviors. Doggie day care could be the solution to turning your dog into a happy healthy pup!

Happy Healthy Pup!

Expert Evidence

“Regular exercise and stimulation are crucial for a dog’s development, physical, and mental well-being. A stimulated dog is less likely to pick up destructive behaviors, and good nutrition is equally important for your dog’s health,” according to the American Kennel Club.

And the ASPCA advises “Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet’s instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.”

We’ll deliver a tired pup!

Our trained staff members and small play groups ensure your beloved pet gets exercised in our home-like environment. We sprinkle in different types of play and our dog-loving staff can customize the type and level of play to help ensure you pick up a worn out pup. It’s so very satisfying to bring home a content and tired pet!

Other Benefits

  • Socialization – Our small groups provide appropriate socialization for your beloved pet with other dogs as well as humans. This supervised contact helps them develop skills to properly interact with others.
  • Relief from Boredom – The stimulation of day care can be much better than leaving your dog home alone while you work. We give them play time activities while at home they may be searching for couches to destroy or things to bark at.
  • Peace of Mind – When your dog is at day care (or tired out from day care), you don’t have to worry about them being destructive or bored at home. We also provide photos of your dog during the day so you can see what they’re up to!

Ready to Schedule Day Care?

If you’d like to know more, check out testimonials from our customers at all of Pawsh Doghouse’s locations in the Houston area. In addition to doggie day care, we also provide boarding, grooming, and pet sitting services. Having a happy healthy pup is possible. Let us know how we can help!