The pet industry is a super growing one globally. More and more services are popping up which service pets, and specifically dogs. I thought it might be interesting to cover a few of these things and share just a little bit of what is out there for our four-legged buddies. 😀
Available Dog Services
1. Dog Grooming
Everything from bathing, brushing, cutting, eye and ear cleaning, trimming nails and even gland expression. As people are busier these are becoming more and more popular. Plus, I know with Caesar I had a lovely lady Dee come around just to do his nails – he absolutely hated me doing it and they were big and strong.
2. Hydro Baths
You can either go to a larger pet store and use theirs (for a fee of course) or book someone to come and do a hydro bath for your dog. This often tends to not be the full groom; more just a bath. There are even franchises for this service.
3. Dog Boarding
Whilst more and more places are becoming dog-friendly, especially camping grounds, sometimes you just need someplace to board your dog for a period of time. Boarding includes exercise time and of course meals and accommodation.
4. Pet Sitting
If a formal boarding kennel isn’t your preference, and you can’t ask friends and family, then consider a pet sitter. Sometimes they even come to you and will also mind your house (as well as caring for, walking, feeding and keeping company) your dogs. For a bit of an anxious dog, this may be ideal as they are still at home and in a comfortable and familiar surroundings.
5. Dog Walking
More than neighbourhood kids taking your dog for a walk, for a buck or two (or even for the love of it), now it’s a growing business. For the pet owner with a disability, or walking problems, this might be a valuable service for their beloved pet.
6. Doggie Daycare
Another thing becoming more and more popular. Just like we used to send our children off to daycare, you can send your dog off to doggie daycare. Some places even have adventure trips and do lots of fun things (beats working eh!). Another phrase for this is ‘day stay’ which is quite similar.
7. Dog Training
A lot is being offered in this realm, for example, you can join a group class, or you can have one-on-one training with you and your dog, or even have your dog attend classes (or boot camp) where they are trained directly. Of course, with any dog training, ultimately you, the owner, also need to be trained to keep newly learned habits correctly occurring. If you’re looking for a training group in Brisbane (Australia) reach out to https://www.pawsitiveconnection.com.au. They even do online training courses.
8. Specialist Food & Treats
As we, humans, become more conscious of what we put in our mouth and maintain great nutrition, so do many dog owners spend that little bit extra on high-quality food. Some foods out there on the market are just full of fillers and represent little nutritional value, so it makes sense to seek out quality food. If you’re looking for Aussie made from quality sourced product treats – check out https://thetreatery.com.au.
9. Vet & Vet Specialists
Not to be forgotten, a vet is an important part of your pet’s life. It’s not just about when they get hurt or sick, but for general ongoing good care including their immunisation.
10. Specialist Surgeons
Linked with your vet are a range of specialists, including orthopedic and specialist surgeons. Caesar had his knee fixed by a very lovely Dr Sue. Her website is: https://www.specialistsurgicalsolutions.com, although it’s all booked via your vet and done in your vet’s practice. They service Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
11. Canine Rehabilitation & Physiotherapists
And for any special needs, especially recovering after a surgery, you will often be recommended to have physio work done with your dog.
12. Massage Therapy
You know how wonderful a remedial massage therapist is, well your dog can experience the same. There are a number of services out there who provide wonderful relief for pain, tense muscles and more. One I (and Caesar) can personally recommend is the lovely Sally of https://canineremedialtherapy.com.au – based in Brisbane Southside.
13. Cryotherapy
For pain relief, arthritis or anxiety, dogs and horses (especially greyhounds and thoroughbred horses) can be treated. Based on science, this is 100% natural and some pet owners really swear by it. Contact Jane via horsescomefirst@hotmail.com
14. Teeth Cleaning
Another service which has emerged over the years. Sure, bones are good for dogs' teeth, but some dogs (especially greyhounds who have a more narrow muzzle) need that extra. This is often done in anesthesia and can be somewhat more expensive than a human tooth cleaning.
15. Pooch Couture
Yes, there are some absolutely beautiful items of clothing you can buy for your dog. Sure, it’s not usually larger dogs that hit the couture stores, but some do cater for more than only small breeds.
16. Pet Portraits
Whether it’s specialist photography, sketches, AI or graphically generated art or an artist-created painting – there are so many options to get your pet or dog’s image captured forever.
17. Pet Coffee Shops
Designed specifically for humans with dogs, you can go to a pet coffee shop for a little treat and coffee. In fact, there is now a coffee specifically for dogs, called a puppucino – but don’t worry, it’s safe for dogs and has no coffee in it.
18. Pet Finding Services
If you’ve lost your pet, there are a number of Facebook pages, but also businesses out there which help you find your beloved animal. Just Google the service in your area.
19. Dog Books
You can get stories of dogs (I really like the Dog’s Purpose books/videos), training books, breed books and on this site we even have a Dog First Aid book!
20. Pet Supply Stores
Just like 4 Big Dogs, you can buy almost anything you need online. Whether it’s vet-type products like your monthly worming and flea treatment, grooming clippers or an orthopedic bed, or leads, harnesses and special bowls – there are many options. Check out some of our products.
These are just some of the many services I know about; but I’ll bet that there is more that I’ve not even mentioned. I actually just discovered, there is also dog hypnotherapy. Pretty much anything available for humans (within reason) is available for our small and big dogs. When it comes to something as simple as a dog brush or comb, there are a trillion options out there – I think actually more than humans! But remember, if you’re looking for fabulous and supporting orthopedic beds, tall water bowls for big dogs, heavy duty leads, collars, harnesses or utility leads – then go no further and click here. Make a doglightful day!