Pamper Your Pooches This Valentine's Day

To some, Valentine’s Day is a day to show loved ones just how much they are adored by lavishing them with heartfelt presents – pets included.

Day at the spa

This Valentine’s Day, you can treat your dog to a day at the salon to be pampered and groomed, and to undo the damage that winter has likely done to their coats. According to Kimberly Williams, owner of canine spa in Rochester, Valentine’s Day is a busy time at the salon with many dog owners making appointments to pamper their pooches.

A bath and complimentary fluff dry starts at $20; a full groom – which includes a trim, among other things – starts at $37.

Williams recommends upgrading to the oatmeal shampoo to help soothe your pet's dry skin, which can be a problem this time of year. The treatment is normally $10, but Williams says Patch readers who mention this article can purchase the treatment for just $5.

“We call it a spring clean-up, even though spring is not here yet,” Williams said. “But dogs feel gross right now because of the snow.”

A full groom includes cleaning of your dog's ears and teeth, nail trim, bath and fluff dry, breed-specific cut and a spritz of cologne. 

“Everything we use is natural and organic,” Williams said.

With every service, pups walk out with a festive bow or bandanna along with a treat for the road. A free on-site snapshot of the pampered pooch will be given at the customer’s request as a Valentine’s Day gift, Williams said.

Treating your pup

Food isn’t just a way to a man’s heart; pets have a deep appreciation for a gourmet dish or scrumptious snack as well – but remember to keep them out of the boxes of chocolate.

Local vets shared their opinions about what make the best and safest treats for dogs. According to Associate Veterinarian Kristi Yee, fruits and vegetables make great treats for dogs.

“Raw and cooked fruits and veggies are fantastic to give in moderation,” Yee said.

Of course, she cautioned, avoid grapes, which are known to be toxic for dogs. In her opinion, the harder the treat, the better it is for the dog’s teeth. Since their teeth may not be brushed on a daily basis, hard snacks can help, she said.

“As a pet owner, I like the hard and crunchy ones because they’re better for their teeth,” Yee said. “The soft ones are just full of fat and calories.”

Veterinarian Tom Barkham Jr. said to remember to keep boxes of chocolate out of reach this Valentine’s Day and also recommended healthy treats for the holiday and beyond. He cautioned to stay clear of raw hides because they can irritate many pets’ stomachs.

Getting creative and mixing things up for the holiday is a good idea, said Yee, who noted she has found numerous interesting recipes on the internet for dogs, like homemade biscuits made with peanut butter and flour. Those are very popular, she said, but should be given in moderation. 

Here are a few homemade treat recipes for your pampered pet.

For Dogs:

• Peanut Butter Dog Treats
• Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits With Oatmeal
• Sweet Potato Dog Chew

For Cats:

• Chicken Based Biscuits
• Homemade Biscuits
• Biscuits, Kibble & Balls