Have Spas Gone to the Dogs?

More and more pet stores are adding spa services for dogs. Spa products like natural bath aromatherapy bath products, and shampoos and conditioners to treat skin problems. Popular shampoo ingredients include oatmeal and tree oil, whereas tar-and sulfur-based products have taken the back shelf. In addition there are shampoos with matching perfumed candles (over the top) aromatic soaps on a rope, hair-color enhancers, and skin-care creams to ward off environmental damage. There are more and more products being introduced in the spa services arena.

So what's it like for a day in the doggie spa? Perhaps a once a month trip to the spa will do for the pampered dog. For the dog that has sensitive skin, there are special shampoos that are a must for most. A body wrap may even be more beneficial than a hot oil treatment for skin and coat texture. Then there's the special wrap to relax tired muscles and reduce pain and stiffness in joints. Oh, then there's the French pawdicure! Oooooooooooooo la-la. The massage may be in order for the dog that really likes to relax.

The Spa for Dogs is a new concept. It's all part of the pampering package. For some it makes sense, for others it's excessive. For the dog, perhaps the bottom line is that "a relaxed dog is a happy dog."