June's Bathing Basics

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Thank-you to all that attended June's Bathing Basics. Our expert groomer, Kayleigh, accompanied by her lovely dog Krystal led the discussion. Attendees learned the importance and the basics of dog bathing to maintain a healthy dog coat for furry family members including; brushes that will work best on your dog’s coat, how often dogs need to be bathed, proper ear cleaning,  brushing dog’s teeth, and properly drying your dog to reduce health issues.

Help Fido Look Fierce

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You’re not the only one who wants to look good–so does your dog! And doggie bath time can go a whole lot smoother if you take these expert tips into account. Our very own groomer at Dirty Dog, Catherine Conrad dropped by Studio 512 to share some tips we use every day. One of the first things to do before you begin grooming your dog is to do a quick check. Look over your dog’s teeth, ears, nails and foot pads to check for any sensitivity or anything that might seem off. Another thing to keep in mind is the type of brush you choose. One of their most popular brushes is a slicker brush (aka a sticker brush). These are great for getting stickers or burs out of your dog’s coat. A poodle comb is great for a long coat. The main thing is to be sure to brush deep into the fur close to the skin.  Visit Studio 512 to see more. 

Collection Bins for Austin Pets Alive

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Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is not a typical shelter setting. Their innovative programs save more than 6,000 animals from euthanasia annually, keeping Austin no-kill since 2011. A no kill community saves 90% of the animals that enter the shelter. The Austin Community has made huge strides in the no-kill movement,  becoming the largest no-kill city in the country within less than a year of the initiative. 

APA! Created specialized programs for adoptable pets in great need: puppies with parvovirus, orphaned kittens, cats with ringworm, dogs with behavior challenges, geriatric animals, and more.

Dirty Dog Self- Serve Dogwash will be collecting items at each of our locations to assist APA! in their efforts.  If wanting to help in the drive, please drop one of these items:

  • Treat logs (Natural Balance or Red Barn) 
  • Large Kongs
  • KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer)
  • Wet dog food

How can you help?

·        Donate: Your support directly determines how many lives can be saved each month. Consider joining the Constant Companion Club, donating online, writing a check, or donating an item from the wish list.

·        Foster: About two-thirds of APA!’s adoptable animals are in foster homes at any given time. Having temporary, loving homes available directly impacts the number of lives APA! is able to save each day. Fill out a foster application online to open your home and save a life.

·        Volunteer: APA! relies on a dedicated volunteer force to implement their ambitious vision and enrich the lives of animals in their care.

·        Adopt: When you adopt a pet from APA! you are saving not one, but two lives – the life of the animal you’re bringing in to your home, and the life of an animal waiting for a kennel to open up at APA!. Check out adoptable dogs and cats online to meet the newest member of your family.

Furminator Low- Shed Treatment

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While nothing can completely eliminate shedding on your dog, there are things you can do to cut down on it significantly. We offer a specially formulated shampoo & conditioner that "release the undercoat" during the bath. We also have all the tools that will grab any additional loose coat after your dog is completely dry. 

Furminator promotes healthy skin and coat.
-The shampoo is enriched with Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids, Calendula Extract and Papaya Leaf Extract.  This proprietary blend of ingredients helps reduce excess loose hair from shedding by releasing the undercoat during the bath

-The conditioner helps reduce excess loose hair from shedding by releasing the undercoat during the bath and is enriched with Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids, Chamomile Extract and Aloe Vera.  This proprietary blend of ingredients conditions the coat and releases the undercoat during the bath to help protect against excessive shedding.                                                    

June's Prices/discounts:

Self-serve: 20% off the regular price of $13-$34 

Self-serve MVP: 50% off the regular price

(includes bath, special shampoo and use of furminator tool)

Full-serve grooming: $4 off

Full-serve MVP: $8 off

(please mention special when making your grooming appointment!)

*note: this does NOT stop your dog from shedding, just removes the coat that is currently loose) so we recommend that this is something that is done on a regular basis--monthly during most of the year. For extra-super-hairy-shedding dogs, it may need to be done once a week while they're blowing their coat (usually twice a year)!

 

Advice for Road Trips With Your Dog

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Including your dog on your next road adventure can be an exciting time, but it is best to be prepared and plan ahead.  There are several ways to elevate the stress on your furry friends:

·        If planning on going on a long vacation, try going on a short trip and analyze what may be missing to make the experience enjoyable.

·        Visit the veterinarian for a check-up and make sure vaccines are up to date. Travel with updated records.

·    Avoid car sickness by having your dog travel on an empty stomach.  Your pet will need a good supply of their regular food and plenty of water. Bring any medication if needed.

·        Assure your dog gets plenty of exercise before starting the trip.

·        Pack your loveable pups favorite blanket or toy as extra reassurance.

·        Plan to take plenty of breaks during the trip and walk your dog during these times.  

2016 Incredi-Bull Race

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Love-A-Bull, Austin Facial Hair Club, and local scavenger hunt guru, Clint Hansen are hosting the 2016 “Incredi-Bull” Race to benefit Love-A-Bull on June 18th! The “Incredi-Bull” Race is a downtown adventure race by foot with teams of 2-6 people who compete in a variety of challenges at different venues and bars in downtown Austin. Participants must be 21 years of age and it is a human only event  due to the streets are too hot for dog paws. The event will kick off at Fado Irish Pub at 214 W. 4th Street with a pint at 11:00-11:45 for registration and check-In.  Advanced registration is recommended. The race ends at 5 PM with an after party.  he Th cost to participate is $20/person or a discounted rate of $100 for team of 6. Registration includes an awesome event t-shirt, a free beer, awesome prizes and the best time for an awesome cause. 

Love-A-Bull promotes education, advocacy, and responsible guardianship on behalf of Pit Bull type dogs and their guardians. To find out more about the organization or to get involved, visit:  http://love-a-bull.org/ . For more information about the race and to know what the Bonus is, visit the ticket page http://tinyurl.com/jr5o3to .  
 

5 Top Tips for Helping Your Dog Beat the Summer Heat

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Dog with summer glasses.jpg

The Texas summer heat can be ruff on our furry family members.  Here are a few tips to make this time of the year more comfortable for them:  

  1. Exercise your dog early in the morning or late at night for cooler temperatures. 
  2. Keep your dog hydrated by carrying water for them when out and about. 
  3. Never keep your dog in a parked car as vehicles retain more heat than an open area. 
  4. Incorporate swimming or replace a walk with swimming for exercise.
  5. Freeze chicken stock  into a pop bowl for a delicious cooling treat your dog will be sure to enjoy.