Feet First!
People often ask us what the biggest challenge is about taking care of dogs in a daycare environment. The answer is always: Their Feet! More specifically, the condition of their pads and their overgrown nails is often a problem when they check in. Here in Colorado, dogs especially have problems with their pads and nails so these require extra attention. Just like we humans need to use moisturizers to combat the dry conditions, it is a good practice to use similar products on your best friends paws.
The reason most of us do not like to trim our dogs nails is that every time we do it, they start bleeding and our pal hates it even more the next time. Sound familiar? The reason is that the cuticle usually extends the length of the nail. However, clipping them a little bit each time will cause the cuticle to recede making it easier to trim the next time. When the nail is too long, you must trim a small amount off every few days until the nail is at the proper length.
Running or walking on concrete is never enough to keep them at the proper length. Nails left too long can lead to leg and hip problems. When a nail breaks off next to the foot itself, it should be treated by a professional immediately. The nail will usually bleed excessively, the dog may begin to frantically lick the nail, bacteria can enter the open wound which can lead to infections and, if left untreated, could potentially result in the loss of a toe, foot or even a leg.
Here is what we recommend to keep your dogs feet in great condition.
*Pads: Use Balm Bag or Paw Wax to help condition the pads. Trim the excess hair between the pads so that matting does not occur. This matting can start pulling the skin and cause discomfort, leading the dog to chew on his feet.
*Nails: Trim the nails at least once a month, or even weekly to get them back in shape.
* Winter Care: Keep the pads conditioned, nails trimmed and rinse your dogs feet after coming in contact with snow, ice or snow removal products. Better yet, check out doggy boots if your dog is exposed to harsh conditions. Well-made boots can keep a dog's paws warm and dry in rain, ice, and snow and protect them from the harmful effects of salt and de-icers. There are several great brands including Vibram Ruffwear Boots and Paw Tectors.
Good foot health leads to a happier dog!
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Poochof the Week
Betsy Betsy is a Great Pyrenees who loves to play with everyone. Her first friend was a little puggle, but she loves to romp with the big ones too! She was a little shy with the staff at first, but now she runs over when we call her name so she can get some personal TLC. She is the apple of her mom's eye and we certainly know why!
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Playful Pooch is Denver's Premier Dog Daycare, Boarding and Grooming Center
Playful Pooch offers doggie daycare, spacious overnight dog boarding kennels, and full service grooming for our guests and visitors. We have over 7,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor doggie daycare play areas. Big and little dogs each have their own play areas making Playful Pooch Denver's best dog daycare.
Our location is just 4 blocks south of I-70 on Holly Street at Exit 277, making it the most convenient place for dog boarding in Denver when you are on the way to DIA (Denver International Airport). Our family owned and operated business is conveniently located 5 minutes from the Stapleton, Park Hill and Lowry neighborhoods, and only 10 minutes from Downtown and Cherry Creek. Playful Pooch also serves the entire metro Denver area and the Front Range.
Right on the way to DIA!!
Our philosophy is to provide a relaxing and nurturing experience, that includes supervised socialization in a safe, clean and fun environment, nutritional recommendations, comfortable private kennel suites with pet cots and soothing music at night, and lots of personal love and attention from our experienced and caring staff.
Our goal is to provide a social setting where your dog can play with other dogs throughout the day in a play group environment. We suggest that all dogs be socialized and able to participate in group play. If you have concerns regarding your dog's social skills, we would be happy to assess his or her compatibility to our socialization process through a free day of daycare for new customers.
Full service grooming is available for our boarding and daycare guests and we welcome visitors as well. See our grooming section for more information.
Boarding rates are $35 per day and include daycare at no extra charge, a $22 value! A second dog will receive a 25% discount if sharing the same kennel with a sibling.
Daycare rates are $22 per day and we have packages for as low as $18 per day.
Hours MONDAY - FRIDAY 7-11 am and 1:30-6pm
WEEKENDS 8-10am and 3-5pm
Boarding drop-offs MUST be scheduled at least 1 hour before closing time to allow some playtime before evening.
CHECK OUT TIME IS 10:00 AM DAILY
Look at What We Have to Offer! * ABKA certified petcare technicians on staff
* Three huge doggie indoor and outdoor playgrounds with separate play areas for the small and older dogs
* 25 square foot kennel suites
* No need to bring beds, we supply comfortable PetCot dog beds at no extra charge!
* Three indoor color doggie web cams
* Full service grooming available
* No charge for administering medicines
* 24 hour security
PLAYFUL POOCH IS VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED!!
Customer Testimonials from TheDenverChannel.com/Alist Many of our loyal customers have posted wonderful comments on the Channel 7 A-List. A few are listed below, but to see over 40 more, please click the A-List link on the left side of this page.
"I can't say enough about how blessed I am to have found "The Pooch"! As my only "children", I am very picky about where Maggie and Jack can stay and not only am I satisfied - the "kids" LOVE it! Every staff member there treat the dogs as if they were their own and love them as such! In addition, Brenda, Will and Jason also care as much about the owners as their furry guests! Not only would I recommend Playful Pooch to anyone - I would insist on it!"
Karen L
"The owners, Will and Brenda Miller are the greatest. The kennel is one of the cleanest I've ever seen. I worked for a noted veterinarian for several years while going through college and I can honestly say that this is the best run kennel I've ever seen. My dog Dizzy is a 14 year old English Setter and she loves to go to daycare and to board. She NEVER comes home with fleas, kennel cough or dirty. I can't say that about some of the other kennels in Denver."
Greg B
