If you’re the kind of pet owner who would spare no expense to make sure your dog is getting all the latest and greatest care, there might be a few more services to add to your roster. The Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology is encouraging pet owners to be more aware and attentive to their furry friends’ skincare needs through the “Empathy for Itch” campaign โ and Toronto has just the spa treatments to do that.
Puppy pampering has become a major trend over the years, with entire shops cropping up dedicated to pet care, special doggy food, pet clothing and accessories, and more pet-focused luxury. A dog spa in the U.K., for example, offers everything from body therapy to facials for your pooch, including a deep tissue massage, therapeutic mud treatment, and ozone spa bath. The trend has made its way over to Toronto, and after heeding the advice from Canada’s pet dermatology experts, you may want to book your dog in for a session!
Dr. Jennie Tait, a registered veterinary technician and animal health technologist in Ontario, says many pet owners will think it’s normal for their dogs to be doing things like licking their paws or scratching themselves frequently. But Tait says licking and scratching too regularly is almost always a sign of something else. “Unlike humans, pets grow into their allergies instead of growing out of them,” she explains. “Environmental allergies typically manifest between one and six years old.”
If you find your dog is excessively licking at her paws or scratching at her ears, Tait says it’s always best to check in with your vet. “A lot of people think that their dogs licking their paws every night is normal, and then the animals that I see at a referral have been having skin issues for years, sometimes 10 to 11 years, before they get to me,” Tait says. “It doesn’t have to be like that.”
At home, there are things you can do to be preventative and look out for those allergies. Tait recommends weekly baths in cool water with moisturizing shampoo for your allergy-prone dogs. If paw-licking is an issue, try to thoroughly wipe down your dog’s paws with a wet cloth or towel after every visit outside. Regular brushing and combing will also prevent matting, which can cause skin irritation and sores.
Sara, a pet groomer at Bloor West’s Dogtopia, says matting is often a major concern for the dogs that come in to see her. “The matting can happen underneath the hair so you can’t see it, and it becomes very uncomfortable so dogs may try to chew at it themselves,” she explains. “And that’s a big problem because they can put themselves at risk.”
Regular brushing and washing may seem like a no-brainer, but it will make a world of difference for your pets. And if you’re looking to go the extra mile, there are dog spas across Toronto specializing in the skin treatments and services that will keep your pet’s skin healthy and happy.
Doggieland
At Doggieland, located in Vaughan, Bloor West and North Toronto, you can give your dog the care you’ve always dreamed of. Book an appointment with animal chiropractor Dr. Elana Silverman for the ultimate therapeutic care for your pet. You can book a massage, a chiropractic adjustment or both at this full-service spa, which also offers regular grooming, pampered baths and add-ons like a deep moisturizing treatment.
Hounds of York
Head over to Hounds of York for a nutritional consultation for your dog! Food allergies can often be the source of rashes, itchiness, rubbing and licking you notice your pet doing, so start at the source and book a consult with one of the store’s pet nutrition expert for dietary recommendations, supplements and more!
Tailspin Dog Spa
Right near Yonge and Bloor, you’re in for a treat at this deluxe dog spa. The list of add-ons to your regular dog grooming can include breath freshening, an anti-itch and anti-dandruff treatment, dematting and even a blueberry facial! This is the place to go if you’re looking for some regular prevention and extra TLC for your itchy pets.
Flow Canine Wellness
Located in west Toronto, this company has dedicated their practice to the art of pet massage. Testimonials from pet owners say they could see the pain and tension “melt away” under the hands of these practiced animal wellness experts โ and they might notice anything else funky going on with your pet’s skin while they’re at it!
Pawfect Spa
This dog grooming salon near Yorkville might seem like a regular dog spa at first, but they’ve got a few extra special offerings for your extra special pets. Shoot for the “shedless treatment” to help de-shed your dog’s heavy coat, which includes deep brushing to extract loose dead hair, and the “Furminator Shedless Treatment” to top off your regular grooming. Or ask for pet hair colouring for your most fun-loving pets โ it may not have any health benefits, but who said you can’t have a little fun with your pet care every once in a while?
