With winter months bringing us harsh and frigid weather, it is essential that you keep your furry companion in mind. Falling temperatures can make daily activities a challenge, even for those with pups long or thick hair. Central Bark Doggy Day Care has some health, safety and grooming tips for you to help survive this winter.

Long Coats Need Extra Care: Keep in mind that just because your pup may have a built in sweater doesn’t mean you can ignore maintenance. In fact, it requires the same care and time that the warmer months do. Remember to brush and bathe Fido regularly and keep those claws clipped. From time to time, check Fido’s paws carefully for any overlooked sores or blemishes.

Short Coats Keep on Shedding: Cold air brings dry skin, it’s just a fact of life. With that said, even short-haired dogs tend to shed even more during winter. To minimize shedding, try brushing your pup at least three to five times a week. Remember that good grooming and frequent brushing will keep your dog’s coat shiny, and healthy.

Winter Bathing Is A Must: Keep in mind many of the same rules you use for yourself apply to your pooch.  If your dog’s coat is wet or damp don’t ever let them run around in the cold. It is crucial that they are dried properly to avoid any form of sickness. If your schedule is too tight to properly bathe or wash your dog then consider taking your pup to a groomer.

Last but not least, layer your pup if you live in an extremely cold climate.  Look for a comfortable sweater or jacket and make sure that any garment is not to tight or to loose.

All Central Bark locations have doggy boutiques where you will be able to find everything you’ll need to survive the winter.  Stop by and pick up a jacket, some brushes, some booties and book an appointment with one of the expert dog groomers.

For more information on Central Bark click here or call 866-799-2275.

On February 13 and 14, two thousand dogs will compete in the 136th annual Westminster Dog Show in New York.  Each dog will be vying to be named Best in Show and this year will feature six new breeds including: Mexico’s hairless Xoloitzcuintli, the Finnish Lapphund, the Norwegian Lundehund, the Cesky Terrier, the American English Coonhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

The show started in 1877 with 1,201 dogs and has a strict set of rules and prerequisites for competing dogs.  Before being included in the show, the breed must meet American Kennel Club (AKC) rules.  These rules include having sufficient numbers in the United States, a certain geographical distribution and a parent club that makes sure they are following responsible breeding practices.

David Frei, the Westminster Kennel Club’s director of communications and USA Network host, does not seem to be hopeful when it comes to one of the new breeds taking home the coveted award of Best in Show.

“The shortest time between a breed competing at Westminster and winning best of show is 27 years,” Frei said.  ”That was the Bichon Frise.  It had its first year in 1974 and won best in show in 2001.”

Last year’s winner was a Scottish Deerhound named Hickory.  One thing is for certain: All of the competing dogs will be meticulously groomed for their shot at doggy stardom.

For all your dog grooming needs, be sure to stop by Central Bark Doggy Day Care or call a location nearest you.

If you have an all white dog, or a dog with a primarily white face, you’ve probably noticed red staining from the inside corners of their eyes that may bother your pooch from time to time.

This staining condition is called epiphora, which occurs whenever there is an overflow of tears onto your dog’s face. Epiphora can be acute or chronic and is typically caused by a problem with tear drainage, tear production or both.

Think of it in terms of when your eyes get irritated.  Normally when this happens, your eyes begin to tear up which is a normal reaction used to flush away the irritation.

When a dog has chronic epiphora, the moisture around your pup’s eyes will become irritating to them causing them to rub their face.  Over time, the pigment found in tears will create a red staining around the eyes which is typically when we notice it.

When this happens, the first thing a dog owner should do is consult their veterinarian, or a veterinary ophthalmologist.  The staining doesn’t necessarily always have to be a result of epiphora.  It is important to out-rule everything else before treating your animal for anything.  In this case, you want to out-rule things like conjunctivitis, uveitis and glaucoma (among other things).

Once all of those things are hopefully out-ruled the doctor will determine treatment. This will depend on the underlying problem.  The treatment can be as simple as flushing out the eyes or as intense as having to undergo surgery to correct the problem.

To increase your dog’s comfort level you can keep the fur around your dog’s eyes trimmed and clean the corners of their eyes with a moistened paper towel (warm water).

There are a variety of tear staining products on the market, but you should consult an animal professional before using products like these.  If you are uncomfortable with trimming your animal’s fur around their eyes Central Bark Doggy Day Care offers dog grooming services where professionals can do this for you.

To contact Central Bark click here.

Winter can be a harsh time of year, especially on a dog’s paw pads.  When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, paw pads are at risk for drying, cracking, frostbite and trauma.

Here are a few tips on ways to help prevent your pooch from getting hurt paw pads:

1.  There is a plethora of protective balms that are available to help protect a dog’s paws.  Do you research and find the balm that works best for your dog.

2.  Dog boots are another great way to protect your dog’s paws.  Dog boots are basically like a sock boot with a velcro strap to help keep them in place.  Some have soles which provide additional traction for walking or running.  Keep in mind that dogs generally don’t like wearing boots so try to acclimate them to wearing them by putting them on your dog for short periods of time.

3.  Be aware that salt and most de-icers can be toxic to your pup.  Try to keep your dogs away from roads and sidewalks that have been heavily treated with these chemicals.

4.  Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia so be aware of how long you are walking your dog and be aware of your dog’s behavior.  Are they shivering?  Do they appear anxious or in pain?

Remember, if you’re really not sure what to do that you can always stop by your local Central Bark Doggy Day Care and ask their experts.  You can even pick up some winter doggy products at their doggy boutique!

Well, there is a simple answer to this question: How ever often you feel like it!  Unless your dog has skin issues, there is no specific need to bathe your dog except for making them smell pretty.

Just like people, some dogs get stinky faster than others.  It is recommended that a dog with normal skin get a bath once a month.  Be careful about bathing too often.  If you want to bathe your pup more often than once a month be sure to use a soap-free or moisturizing shampoo to prevent the skin from becoming too dry.

If you’re like most people and don’t want to bathe your pooch yourself, Central Bark Doggy Day Care is here to save you.  Central Bark offers a full line of dog grooming services that include large and small dog cuts, ear cleaning, shave downs, nail trims, brush outs, flea and tick baths, and so much more.

Don’t forget about the Central Bark canine cab professional animal transportation that is also available for round trip service!  This really could not be any easier!

For more information on Central Bark dog grooming services click here or call 866-799-2275.

Roderick Ward said he came home to find his house in Newton County, Georgia  had been broken in to.  The burglars celebrated a birthday, brushed their teeth and groomed their dog while inside the home.

That’s right, burglars broke into a house and decided to wash their dog.  Allegedly, the young intruders left behind a camera with pictures of themselves using Ward’s home as their personal dog grooming salon.

Someone should have told them they could have taken their pooch to Central Bark Doggy Day Care and gotten better service!

To find a Central Bark location near you click here or call 866-799-2275.

The Maltese is a lively and playful breed that is devoted to its owner.  They are highly intelligent, good at learning tricks and oh so adorable!

The Maltese is one of many bichon breeds found in areas around the Mediterranean.  It is believed to be at least 2,000 years old and was kept as a companion by nobility, being carried around in women’s sleeves and even allowed to sleep in their beds.  The Maltese was first recognized by the AKC in 1888.  Today, there are many Maltese mixes out there, including the popular malti-poo (poodle), morkie (yorkie) and mauzer (schnauzer).

Sizes range anywhere from 5 – 10 inches in height and 4 – 9 pounds.  Their fur is long and silky and daily brushing is a must so there is no matting.  Many people prefer to keep the hair short for easy maintenance.  Central Bark Doggy Day Care provides dog grooming services for all breeds, including the tiny Maltese.

As with any small dog, it is important to remember to treat him/her like a dog and not a child.  Do not over pamper or over protect these little dogs, or they can become unstable.  For example, excessive holding and baby talk may result in behavior problems, including separation anxiety, guarding or obsessive barking.

Provided by Kevin & Laura of Central Bark Grayslake, Illinois

An 8-year-old coonhound from Colorado named Harbor is now the Guinness World Records holder of the title…”the longest ears on a living dog.”

His right and left ears measure 13.5″ and 12.25,” respectively.  Harbor’s owner said that when he was a puppy he used to trip over his own ears!

Awwwww…

Pet owners by the millions flock to their veterinarians in hopes of relieving their pet’s itchiness.  For some people, the constant chewing, licking and scratching can test their love for their pets.

Current estimates show that about 20 million pets suffer from some sort of skin condition and many of these are actually allergies.  Allergies are an overreaction of the body’s immune system to a foreign substance, such as pollen or flea saliva. For people with allergies, we sneeze and sniffle as our bodies respond to histamine released by immune cells.  These symptoms are due to the reaction of histamine with receptors in our nose and upper airways.

Our pets, however, react differently.  Dogs and cats have many more histamine receptors in the skin and fewer in the nose. As histamine is released, the receptors cause an itchy feeling and the pet reacts by scratching at the site.  Scratching can generate more histamine release, causing more scratching.  The constant assault on the skin by the pet’s claws can actually damage the skin.  Areas of hair loss and oozing sores known as “hot spots,” are very common with allergies.

Fleas are often found to be the reason for a pet’s itchiness.  However, the pet who is truly allergic to fleas will often appear to have no fleas at all! Why?  Because these pets are the ultimate flea catchers, doing everything in their power to bite or scratch the discomfort of the flea away.  The flea’s saliva sets off an allergic reaction leading to a flurry of chewing and digging at the skin.

Allergies are not only one of the most frequent reasons for a trip to the veterinarian, but are also a big reason for pet owners becoming frustrated with their pet.  Working with your veterinary team to identify what is causing your pet’s symptoms will help keep your four-legged family member right where he needs to be…with you.

Central Bark Doggy Day Care provides veterinary services as select locations.  Click here to find a Central Bark location near you or call 866-799-2275.

If this isn’t the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen!  The Amanda Foundation held its second annual Patterns for Paws fundraiser event at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood last night.

It was a complete star studded event featuring Jennifer Lo-Paws, Natalie Poochman and Brad Pit Bull even made an appearance.

All joking aside, the event drew in a big crowd of celebrities including comedian host Kevin Nealon.

“These dogs are available for adoption, too.  So, you know, if you see an outfit you really have to have, you’re going to have to take the dog with it,” Nealon said.

The Amanda Foundation was founded in 1976.  It is a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs and cats.  Patterns for Paws is an annual doggy fashion show and silent auction that benefits the Amanda Foundation.