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The heat is high, the shedding is real, and your pup’s coat needs a little extra TLC during the dog days of summer. Whether they’re a floofy fluff ball or a sleek short-haired sweetheart, grooming plays a vital role in keeping pets cool, healthy, and oh-so-huggable this time of year. Here’s how to maintain your dog’s summer glow—from nose to tail. Why Summer Grooming Matters Summer grooming is about more than a cute cut—it’s a core part of your dog’s health and comfort. A properly groomed coat helps: Regulate body temperature Prevent matting and skin irritation Reduce shedding and dander Deter fleas and ticks Even short-haired breeds benefit from regular grooming to remove excess fur and keep their coat breathable. Trim, Don’t Shave (In Most Cases) We get it—shaving seems like a quick fix to beat the heat. But for many breeds, especially double-coated ones, shaving can actually do more harm than good. Instead: Schedule a trim to tidy up longer coats Use deshedding treatments to remove undercoat buildup Keep face, paw, and sanitary areas neatly clipped Ask our groomers for breed-specific recommendations—we’ll help you find the right style. Stick to a Schedule Bathing your dog every 4–6 weeks in summer keeps them clean without over-stripping their skin’s natural oils. If they’re extra active or a fan of mud puddles and swimming holes, we recommend: A rinse-off with water after outdoor fun Using a moisturizing dog shampoo to prevent dry skin A fresh blowout or conditioning treatment for extra fluff and softness Pay Attention to Paws and Nails Hot sidewalks, rough trails, and wet grass can be tough on sensitive paws. Keep your pup walking in comfort with: Nail trims (every 3–4 weeks is ideal) Paw pad trims to reduce heat retention Moisturizing paw balm for cracked or dry feet Add-On Services That Make a Difference Our summer grooming menu includes a few extra perks to help pups stay cool and clean: Shed control treatments Flea & tick bath Soothing skin & coat conditioners Paw balm add-on Breath freshening (because doggy kisses never go out of season) Book Ahead—Summer Fills Up Fast! Just like boarding, summer grooming slots go quickly. If your pup needs to be fresh for family photos, travel, or just staying cool during daycare, don’t wait to book. Call your nearest Ark location today—and let’s get your pup summer-ready.

Summer means sunshine, vacations, and outdoor adventures—but it also brings soaring temps, hot pavement, and unexpected risks for our furry friends. As much as dogs love the summer fun, they rely on us to keep them safe through it. At The Ark, we’re here to help you enjoy a fun and safe season with your pet. Here are our top summer safety tips every pet parent should know. Watch for Signs of Overheating Dogs can’t cool off like we do, so it’s easy for them to overheat—especially during playtime or walks. Warning signs of heatstroke: Heavy panting Excessive drooling Lethargy or wobbliness Vomiting Bright red or pale gums If your pet shows these signs, move them to a cool spot, offer water, and call your vet ASAP. Never Leave a Dog in a Hot Car Even with the windows cracked, a car can reach deadly temperatures in minutes. It’s not just dangerous—it’s illegal in many places. When in doubt, leave your pup safely at home. Protect Those Paws Sidewalks and asphalt get scorching hot and can burn your dog’s paws. A good rule of thumb: If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet. Tips: Walk early in the morning or after sunset Stick to grass or shaded areas Consider paw balm or booties for protection Hydration is Everything Always carry water when you’re out with your pup, especially during longer walks or park visits. Keep a portable bowl in your bag or car so your dog can sip anytime. Water Safety Counts Too Planning lake or pool days? Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and some may panic or tire quickly. Quick tips: Use a doggy life jacket for boating or swimming Rinse fur after swimming to remove chlorine or algae Watch out for blue-green algae—it’s toxic Flea, Tick & Sun Safety Summer is prime season for pests. Make sure your dog is on flea and tick prevention, and ask your vet about safe sunscreen options for light-colored or short-haired pups. Cool Treats & Toys Frozen dog treats (like our Pup-sicles), frozen Kongs, or lick mats can keep your pup cool and mentally stimulated. Summer should be full of tail wags, not vet visits. With these simple safety tips, you and your furry friend can enjoy the season to the fullest. Stay cool out there—and swing by anytime for grooming, treats, or summer supplies!

Father’s Day isn’t just for dads of tiny humans—it’s also for the hardworking, ball-throwing, kibble-pouring, belly-rubbing dog dads who make life pawsitively awesome. Whether he's the type to roughhouse at the dog park or sneak snacks under the table, dog dads deserve a little extra love and appreciation. This Father’s Day, we’re wagging our tails in their honor—and sharing a few fun ideas to make it a day to remember. 5 Ways to Celebrate Dog Dad’s Day 1. Take Him (and the Pup) Out for a Drink Hit up your favorite dog-friendly brewery or café. Many places now welcome pups on patios and even have a dog menu so everyone can sip and snack in style. 2. Go on an Outdoor Adventure Spend the day hiking, paddleboarding, or exploring a local trail with your dog. Bonus points if you capture a few action shots for the scrapbook (or Instagram). 3. Gift Him Something Dog-Dad Approved Stop by Slobberbones or The Ark to pick up a curated gift pack—think custom cookies, branded hats or tees, or even a bottle of Bark-A-Rita for the pup. 4. Book a Spa Day for His Sidekick Show your appreciation by booking a grooming appointment for his furry best friend. A clean dog is a happy dog… and a proud dog dad. 5. Make it a Memory Print a photo of them together, schedule a dog dad + pup portrait session, or just let him sleep in while the pup snuggles up. Sometimes, it’s the small moments that stick. Father’s Day Specials at The Ark We’re celebrating dog dads all month long! Stop by to take advantage of: 20% OFF treats Father’s Day photos $5.00 OFF Baths Want to nominate a dog dad for a spotlight on our social pages? Send us a pic or tag us online—we love seeing our customers in action! This Father’s Day, give the dog dad in your life a high-five, a heartfelt thank you, and maybe a fresh tennis ball (for the dog, of course). He’s earned it.

When the temps go up, so does the fur! Summer isn’t just about staying hydrated—it’s about staying groomed. Proper coat care can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort, especially as they shed, sweat (through their paws), and deal with summer heat and humidity. Here are our top summer grooming tips to help your pup feel (and smell) their best all season long. It’s Not Just a “Summer Cut” Some pet parents think shaving their dog is the best way to keep them cool—but for many breeds, that’s not the case. Double-coated dogs, like Huskies or Golden Retrievers, need their undercoat for insulation and protection from sunburn. What to do instead? Regular brushing to remove loose fur Undercoat deshedding treatments (we offer them!) Trims—not shaves—for long-haired breeds Stay Fresh Between Baths Heat + humidity + outdoor play = a dirty dog. But overbathing can strip natural oils, leaving the coat dry or irritated. We recommend: Baths every 4–6 weeks in summer Using a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo Our spa add-ons like shed control or skin & coat treatments Between baths, use dog-safe wipes or coat sprays to freshen up. Don’t Forget the Paws Hot pavement can burn paw pads, and long paw fur traps heat and debris. We offer: Paw pad trims Nail trims Paw balm treatments to protect and moisturize Schedule Smart: Groom Early, Groom Often Summer appointments fill up quickly, especially before big holidays and travel weekends. Book ahead to reserve your preferred time and groomer. At The Ark, we’re here to help every dog stay cool, clean, and comfy this summer. Whether it’s a quick bath or a full grooming session, we’ll treat your pup like the VIP (Very Important Pooch) they are.

Planning your summer vacation? Don’t forget your dog’s staycation! Whether you're headed to the beach, the mountains, or just visiting family, The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel is here to make sure your pup enjoys a little vacation of their own. Here’s your ultimate guide to prepping for summer dog boarding—so both of you can enjoy the break stress-free. Book Early, Relax Later Summer is one of our busiest seasons, and space fills up fast—especially around holidays like Memorial Day and July 4th. Booking in advance ensures your pup has a spot (and gives you first pick on upgrades like Bark-A-Ritas, Kongs, and extra cuddle time). Pro Tip: Booking 3–4 weeks out is ideal. What to Pack for Boarding We provide a comfy bed, bowls, and all the love—but if your pup has special needs, here’s what you might bring: Pre-portioned food (label each bag with meal & name) Medications with clear instructions Favorite toy or blanket for comfort Any special treats (especially if they have dietary restrictions) Please leave anything irreplaceable at home—we don’t want a chewed-up keepsake! Ease Separation Anxiety New environments can be tough on some pups. Help your dog settle in with these tips: Try a Daycare Trial: A few short visits before a longer stay builds familiarity. Stick to Routine: Keeping feeding and medication schedules consistent helps reduce stress. Pack a Scent from Home: A t-shirt or blanket that smells like you can be surprisingly comforting. Make It a Resort Stay We offer a variety of extras to keep your dog entertained and comfortable: Kongs stuffed with peanut butter CBD Calming Treats Bark-A-Ritas (yep, they’re dog-safe!) Playtime Packages with one-on-one attention Pup-sicles for hot summer days Let our team know what your dog loves best—we’re happy to tailor the experience. Final Checklist Before You Go Up-to-date vaccinations (required: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella) Emergency contact info Boarding forms submitted A big goodbye belly rub! Whether you're away for a weekend or a week, your pup will be in great hands with our trained and caring team. Book today and make it the best summer ever—for both of you.

Play isn’t just fun—it’s fundamental to your dog’s health! Learn how pet daycare at The Ark supports physical fitness, social development, stress relief, and mental stimulation in our latest blog post.

At Slobberbones, we believe safety and style can go paw-in-paw. Choose from a variety of colorful collars and high-quality engraved ID tags that match your pet’s personality—and help ensure they find their way home if they ever get lost.

April is National Pet Month—a time to celebrate the joy, love, and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives. At The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel, we believe every month should be about pets—but this April, we’re going all out to help you and your pup make the most of it! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, pampering experiences, or tasty treats, there are so many fun ways to celebrate with your dog. Here are some of our favorite ideas to make this month paws-itively unforgettable. Plan a Spa Day at The Ark Treat your pup to some serious pampering with a full-service grooming appointment at The Ark. Our award-winning groomers will leave your dog looking and feeling their best, whether it’s a fresh spring haircut or just a soothing bath and nail trim. It's self-care season—and pets deserve it too! Make New Friends at Doggy Daycare Social playtime is a great way for your dog to burn energy and have a blast! Book a few sessions of doggy daycare at The Ark, where your pup can romp with friends in our safe, supervised playgroups. Bonus: they’ll come home tired and happy. Explore Local Dog-Friendly Spots Spring is in the air—literally! Take your pup on a new adventure. Some of our favorite dog-friendly places in and around Chattanooga include: Greenway Farm Dog Park Stringer Ridge Reflection Riding Arboretum Huntsville Dog Spot Monte Sano State Park Campus 805 Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram if you go exploring! #TheArkAdventures Stop by Slobberbones for a Custom Treat No celebration is complete without a treat! Our friends at Slobberbones Pet Bakery & Bath are helping make National Pet Month extra sweet with custom in-house dog treats available all month long. Whether your pup prefers a peanut butter biscuit or a fancy iced cookie, Slobberbones has the perfect way to say “I love you.” Want something extra special? Ask about custom birthday cakes or themed treats to take your celebration to the next level!  Show Some Local Love National Pet Month is also a great time to support local pet businesses, rescues, and shelters. Follow, share, and shop from pet-friendly businesses in your community—and consider donating to or volunteering with a local animal rescue. Celebrate with The Ark & Slobberbones All Month Long! Whether you’re booking a spa day, joining us for daycare, or picking up a treat, The Ark and Slobberbones are here to help you make April extra special. Because to us, pets aren't just animals—they're family. Ready to celebrate? Book a service at The Ark or stop by Slobberbones today! Let’s make National Pet Month one to remember.

Dog Moms Deserve Treats Too: Celebrating Mother’s Day the Furry Way At The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel, we know one thing for sure—dog moms are something special. They’re the treat-givers, belly-scratchers, late-night potty walkers, and cuddle providers that make a dog’s world go ‘round. So this Mother’s Day, we’re giving a big tail-wagging shout-out to all the amazing pet mamas out there! Whether you’re a proud rescue mom, puppy raiser, or dog grandma, here are a few ways to celebrate in style—with your pup right by your side. Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day (Dog Edition) 1. Take a Dog Mom Date Day Enjoy brunch on a dog-friendly patio, go for a nature hike, or treat yourself (and your pup) to a new toy and treat haul at Slobberbones . Don’t forget to snap a selfie for the ‘gram—we’d love to feature you! 2. Bake Together Whip up a batch of homemade dog treats, or swing by for a custom-decorated Mother’s Day cookie from our bakery case. Trust us, they’ll know it’s special. 3. Spa Day with Your Sidekick Celebrate with a bath or grooming service at The Ark. You relax, they get pampered. It’s a win-win! Looking to treat a fellow dog mom in your life (or drop a hint to your family)? Here are a few ideas: Personalized dog treats or cookies from Slobberbones Bakery A full-service groom for their favorite furry child Gift cards (for shopping, spa days, or boarding!) Cute collars, bandanas, or leashes Spa products like pet-safe paw balm or coat spray A custom Bark-A-Rita for a spa-day toast! A Shout-Out to Our Favorite Dog Moms! We see you every day—walking in with sleepy pups for daycare, sharing stories about your fur babies, and going the extra mile to make sure they’re healthy and happy. We’re grateful for you and proud to be part of your dog’s care team. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at The Ark!