If you want more details on grooming prices, feel free to contact one of our stores and ask about grooming.

Overall Price Range for Dog Grooming

Dog grooming can cost as little as $30, and as much as $200+. Usually, the cost you will pay for a groom depends on the characteristics of your dog. For example, a small short haired dog, such as a Pug or a Jack Russell requires fewer resources, time, and effort to groom than a large dog with a thick coat like a Saint Bernard. Also, pricing can be much higher if you use a mobile groomer instead of a salon based groomer. 

Most grooming operations will have predetermined prices or price ranges for each breed of dog. When it comes to mixed breed dogs, salons typically base the price on the closest comparable breed according to the size of the dog and type of coat. So, if your Lab-Pug mix has a coat and size that is similar to an Australian Cattle Dog, you’ll probably pay close to what someone pays for an Australian Cattle dog, even though your dog isn’t technically crossed with that breed.

Some pure-bred dogs may still fall outside of the standard pricing for a breed. This is most common when there is a significant difference in size between your dog and the breed standard. Usually if your dog is 20 pounds larger or smaller than the breed standard it can result in a difference in price either higher or lower. For example, a typical Yorkie weighs 5-7 lbs. So if you have a super small teacup Yorkie that weighs only 3 or 4 lbs – or an extra-large Yorkie that weighs 12-15 lbs, you should expect to pay about the same price. Conversely, the average Labrador retriever weights between 55 and 79 lbs. So, if you have a lab that is closer to 30 lbs, you will likely pay less and if you have a lab that is pushing 100 lbs you will probably pay more.

Additional Services that Affect Grooming Prices

Most grooming salons are able to provide additional services, beyond standard grooming. There are different types of services. Some provide tangible value and others are based more on emotional value. Depending on your own preferences, some types of additional services may be more valuable than others.

Tangible value services are things like a de-shed treatment, skin-enriching mud baths, and nail filing. These types of services provide long term benefits such as significant reductions in shedding, softer and more enriched coat, and smooth scratch-free nails. Adding nail filing is extremely popular and usually only costs about $5-10 more at most salons. De-shed services are very popular with shedding breeds like Labs & German Shepherds. These can cost a bit more due to the additional work and supplies involved and usually add somewhere between $24 and $42 at most salons depending on the size and coat type of the dog.

Emotional value services are things like specially scented shampoos and colognes, any kind of “facial,” putting a bow or bandanna on your dog, etc. The cost for emotional value services can vary widely from salon to salon and the value of it is highly dependent on personal preferences. In some cases salons will offer certain emotional value services at no extra charge from time to time as a courtesy to the customer.

What Can Make a Groom Cost More than Expected?

Grooming price estimates are based on the “typical” grooming process for a certain breed. Most pets visit the salon on a regular schedule of 6 to 8 weeks, their coats are in good condition, and they do not require additional time, supplies, and effort to groom compared to the breed standard. But from time to time, other factors can play a role in the price you pay for a groom. Things like skin and coat condition, presence of fleas or ticks, and behavior/difficulty with handling all play a role.

For example, if your dog has a matted coat, more work is required of the groomer to address that coat condition, which will result in a higher total price. Matted coats, depending on the severity and extent of the matting can add an extra 10-20% to the cost of the groom. In some extreme cases the added cost can be even more if the entire coat is matted. That’s because removing the matts requires more time and effort from the groomer and also places additional wear on their tools and equipment.

The presence of fleas and ticks will also usually increase the cost of a groom. This is because when parasites are present, additional bathing and sanitizing procedures must be taken both on your dog and within the salon. The presence of fleas can add $25+ to the cost of a groom. Ticks will usually only cause an increase in cost if more than one or two are found.

Finally, the behavior of your dog can play a role in the cost of the groom. If your dog is resistant to certain aspects of grooming it can result in the groomer spending extra time and effort to complete the groom which also can drive up the cost. Usually small inconveniences, such as fidgeting do not result in extra cost, but if the behaviors result in significant challenges you should expect to see a charge commensurate with the issue. This can range from $5 to $20 in most cases.

How are grooming prices calculated?

Grooming prices are calculated based on a number of factors. Some of those factors are within the control of the grooming salon and some are outside of the salon’s control. The single biggest cost of grooming is the groomer him/herself – and they are worth it! Most salons pay some kind of incentive-based pay that rewards the groomers for the hard work they invest in grooming dogs in a safe and professional manner. Typically, salary, benefits, and taxes paid either directly to, or on behalf of, the groomer work out to about 60-65% of the cost of the groom. So where does the other 35-40% of the cost go? 10-15% goes toward consumables like shampoo, conditioner, cleaning products, and the like. Another 15% covers the overhead costs of operating the salon, such as rent, scheduling systems, IT, equipment maintenance, utilities, etc. The remaining 5-10% is the profit for the business, some of which must be saved to reinvest in major equipment and update salons as needed.

How much does my dog cost to groom?

Although an article such as this can’t tell you exactly what your dog will cost to groom, we can give you a good approximation. Keep in mind that there are lots of factors that go into setting grooming prices. Often times, prices at the lower end are set that way because they cut costs by either shortening the amount of time it takes to groom a dog (e.g. they will be less detailed in their work) or by selling emotional value packages to enough customers that boost revenue without adding much extra time, supplies, or effort. On the other end of the spectrum, more expensive prices may be the result of more detailed work by the groomers and/or more things included in the price of the groom, such as the option to use a hypoallergenic shampoo at no extra cost.

Here is a table that breaks down the price range you can expect to pay for some of the most common breeds that come to a grooming salon in 2022:

Bichon Frise $69-79

Boston Terrier $30-38

Boxer $41-53

Cocker Spaniel $55-82

Golden Doodle (under 50lbs) $69-81

Golden Doodle (50-75 lbs) $73-91

Golden Doodle (75+ lbs) $86-130

German Shepherd $65-101

Golden Retriever $67-101

Labrador Retriever $45-65

Labraoodle (under 50lbs) $69-81

Labraoodle (50-75 lbs) $73-91

Labraoodle (75+ lbs) $86-130

Miniature Poodle $69-79

Shih-Tzu $69-79

Yorkshire Terrier $69-79

How Does Chaar Determine its Grooming Prices?

Grooming is hard work and can be hectic at times. Many groomers invest years into mastering skills and thousands of dollars into maintaining and upgrading their tools. At Chaar, the main factor in setting prices is to ensure our groomers can make a good wage for the effort and dedication they put into their craft.

Chaar has four stores in the Lehigh Valley, serving Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. We specialize in healthy, natural pet foods, alternative / fresh pet foods, and grooming for both dogs and cats. But if you don’t live near one of our stores, or simply want to see what the other locally owned pet supply stores have to offer, please check out some of these Lehigh Valley gems.

Affordable Pet Center – Northampton, PA

Affordable Pet Center is located near the heart of downtown Northampton, PA. Family owned by the Ford family, they carry a full line of pet supplies including items for dogs, cats, small animals and birds. Affordable pet specializes in friendly customer service with a knowledgeable team. Affordable Pet can help you find the pet food and supplies that are the right fit for you and your fur baby.

Google Reviews: 4.7 of 5 stars & 360 reviews

https://affordablepetcenterinc.com/

The Dining Dog – Allentown, PA

The Dining Dog in Allentown, PA specializes in fine quality soups, stews, cakes, cookies, and more from their in-store kitchen and bakery. In addition to homemade style goodies, they offer a curated assortment of pet supplies that meets the high standards for quality set by owners, Althea & Risa. Be sure to check out The Dining Dog if you are looking for unique, premium treats and meals.

https://www.thediningdog.com/

Google Reviews: 4.8 of 5 stars & 529 reviews

Living Things – Orefield, PA

Living Things in Orefield, PA is well known for their assortment of exotic animals and fish. In addition to these offerings, they also provide a full assortment of pet supplies & food for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, & more. If your home resembles Noah’s Arc, then Living Things in Orefield is likely a good one-stop-shop for your pet supply needs.

Google Reviews: 4.7 of 5 stars & 728 reviews

Doggy Dao & Cat’s Meow – Hellertown, PA

Doggy Dao & Cat’s Meow in Hellertown, PA is a nutrition focused pet store that offers a tailored assortment of natural & holistic foods for cats and dogs. Be sure to visit Doggy Dao if you are looking for a more intimate shopping experience in the heart of Hellertown.

Google Reviews: 4.8 of 5 stars & 89 reviews

Google reviews based on average review as of the date this article was published. 

1. Don’t Be Fooled by the Front of the Bag

Words like “natural,” “real meat,” or “no fillers” sound great—but they don’t always match what's inside. A bag might show pictures of lamb or bison, but check the ingredient list: the main protein might actually be chicken meal or pea protein. If premium meats are listed after legumes, grains, or by-products, they’re likely just a small part of the recipe.

2. Check the Ingredient Order

Ingredients are listed by weight. That means the first few items make up most of the food. Look for a clearly named meat like “chicken” or “turkey” first—not vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal fat.” Be cautious of ingredient splitting too—when brands list “peas,” “pea protein,” and “pea flour” separately to push them further down the list. They still add up.

3. Crude Protein Isn’t the Whole Story

A high protein percentage doesn’t always mean high-quality food. Many mass-market foods use plant-based proteins (like lentils or soy) to boost protein levels. But dogs digest and benefit more from animal-based protein. Check the sources, not just the numbers.

4. Watch for Synthetic Additives in “Natural” Foods

Even foods labeled “natural” can contain artificial vitamins, preservatives, and colorings. Ingredients like menadione (synthetic vitamin K), caramel color, or vague “natural flavors” are common. These additives are legal, but they may not match the natural image the brand promotes.

5. Look for Brands That Are Transparent

Better dog foods are upfront about their ingredients and sourcing. They name their proteins clearly, explain where ingredients come from, and avoid hiding behind marketing claims. If a food makes big promises but gives few details—think twice.

Need Help Choosing the Right Food?

At Chaar, our team is trained to help you navigate confusing pet food labels and find the right option for your dog. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your food, manage an allergy, or just learn more about what's in your dog’s bowl, we're here to help.

? Visit your nearest Chaar store or contact us today.

Vast Benefits of Raw Dog Food

Raw dog food nutrition is a vital component of any pup's diet. Raw dog food diets are based on the ancestral diet of wild canines, providing a natural and balanced diet that is high in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Additionally, raw dog food benefits include natural ingredients that are free of preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives. When compared to conventional dog food, raw dog food contains fewer carbs, more protein, and more healthy fats.

Raw diets for dogs are becoming more and more popular because they offer improved digestive health and nutrition compared to traditional kibble alone. By providing a more natural diet, raw food for dogs helps to reduce the risk of many diseases, as well as improving the overall health and well being of your pup. Additionally, raw diets for dogs contain natural enzymes that help to break down food and aid in digestion.

The benefits of raw food diets are vast. Not only does it provide a more flavorful mealtime experience, it also helps to boost your pup's metabolism, improve skin condition, improve dental health, and reduce stool volume (yay!). Additionally, raw food diets for dogs contain natural enzymes that help to break down food and aid in digestion. And, if you include raw meaty bones as part of your dog’s diet there are additional benefits of mental and physical stimulation from chewing more than is required with traditional kibble.

Top Concerns with Raw Dog Food

One of the biggest deterrents for feeding raw dog food is the cost. Some of the most well known raw dog food brands, like Primal, instinct, and Stella and Chewy can be fairly expensive compared to kibble. That’s because these brands offer raw food that is fully complete and balanced with all vitamins and minerals added. However, if you’re more of a DIYer, you can look into brands like Blue Ridge Beef. Most of their formulas are much more basic and require adding supplements or other foods to get complete and balanced nutrition. To reduce costs even more you can try using a hybrid diet that incorporates both raw and kibble together. By making only 25% of your dog’s meal raw you’ll see many of the benefits of raw with a negligible change in the overall cost to feed. This is by far the most popular way to feed raw.

Another concern with raw dog food is food safety, as it can contain bacteria that can make your pup ill if not handled properly. It is recommended that raw not be used for dogs with weakened immune systems from ailments such as renal failure. However, for the vast majority of dogs as long as you practice basic safe food handling techniques like washing your hands, cleaning bowls, and storing the food properly, this is usually not a concern - especially when you consider that dogs have much higher thresholds than humans for falling ill from bacteria commonly found in foods due to the way their digestive system works.

The Final Word on Raw

In conclusion, raw dog food is a nutritional powerhouse that offers a wide range of nutritional benefits for your pup. From improved digestive health and maximum nutrition to mental and physical stimulation, raw dog food provides a more natural diet that is free of preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives. Additionally, raw diets for dogs contain natural enzymes that help to break down food and aid in digestion. With so many benefits, it is no wonder that raw dog food is becoming increasingly popular amongst pet owners.

Top 10 Key Takeaways:

1. Raw dog food nutrition is based on the ancestral diet of wild canines.

2. Raw dog food benefits include natural ingredients that are free of preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives.

3. Raw diets for dogs offer improved digestive health and reduce the risk of many diseases.

4. Incorporating raw dog food doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Adding as little as 25% into your dog’s diet can have tremendous benefits.

5. Raw food for dogs benefits include mental and physical stimulation and boosting immunity.

6. There are a variety of raw dog food options available, such as frozen raw dog food, freeze dried raw dog food, and raw meaty bones.

7. Raw dog food safety is an important factor to consider, as it can contain bacteria that can make your pup ill if not handled properly.

8. Dogs with a significantly compromised immune system may not be the best fit for raw diets.

9. Raw dog food is a nutritional powerhouse that offers a wide range of nutritional benefits for your pup.

10. With so many benefits, it is no wonder that raw dog food is becoming increasingly popular amongst pet owners.

Raw dog food is a great option for pet owners looking to provide their furry friends with a nutritious diet. From improved digestive health and maximum nutrition to mental and physical stimulation, raw dog food has a wide range of benefits that are sure to keep your pup happy and healthy. 

1. What kind of terrain will you encounter?

Nature and trail conditions can be extremely diverse. Maybe you prefer an easy stroll on well maintained, relatively flat trails. Or maybe your cup of tea is pushing yourself to the limit over rugged terrain for days on end while carrying a heavy load. Or maybe you’re somewhere in the middle. Generally speaking, stiff and supportive footwear like backpacking boots are better for rugged terrain, whereas lighter flexible footwear will be more comfortable on mild terrain.

2. What’s your style of hiking?

Are you the type who wants to set speed records, moving fast with minimal lightweight gear? Are you more interested in being comfortable and prepared for any situation? Do you just want to relax and have fun on the trail? Your style of hiking will likely lend itself to one type of hiking boot or shoe over another. Many thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail or PCT opt for the lightest footwear that reasonably makes sense - oftentimes trail running shoes. Their objective is to move as fast and light as possible in the months they spend out on the trail. Maybe you’re a hunter who needs to be able to haul in extra gear and is willing to pay a weight penalty for a more supportive boot. Or maybe you’re a day hiker looking for something that is more of an all-around choice for a variety of outdoor activities.

3. What’s your fitness and flexibility level?

I’m not talking about how often you go to the gym, or if you can run a 5-minute mile and bench press 300lbs… more like “how strong are your ankles and feet.” If you don’t spend a lot of time traversing rocky or uneven terrain, you might benefit from more supportive footwear. If you put in 15+ miles per week hiking and have relatively strong ankles and feet, you might be just fine with something less supportive.

Hopefully now you’re thinking about what you want out of a hiking boot instead of what some dude on a Youtube video says you and everyone else in the universe are supposed to use. So here's a quick breakdown of what characterizes the different types of hiking boots and shoes.

Types of Hiking Boots & Shoes

Trail Running Shoes

This would be the lightest weight, most flexible, and most breathable class of hiking footwear. They will give you better traction and support than standard sneakers, so they are much better for use on the trail. If you’re looking to set blazing fast trail times, or just prefer the fit and feel of a sneaker, trail running shoes are for you.

Pros: Lightest weight, most breathable, maximum mobility & flexibility

Cons: Least support and protection, least durable

Shop: Men's Trail Running Shoes | Women's Trail Running Shoes

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are one step up from trail running shoes in terms of support and durability. They are also usually a little heavier and less nimble. Hiking shoes usually share many features in common with over-the-ankle hiking boots, except they do not come over your ankle. The way they are able to offer more stability is through stiffer sole construction that acts to stabilize and support your foot more than a trail running shoe would. Hiking shoes are a great choice for someone who is simply trying to leisurely enjoy their time in the outdoors and plans mostly fair-weather excursions on mild to moderate trails.

Pros: Lightweight, breathable and waterproof options available, good mobility & flexibility, modest support

Cons: Not as supportive as mid height boots, not ideal for 4-season adventures in mud and snow

Shop: Men's Hiking Shoes | Women's Hiking Shoes

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots encompass nearly all over-the-ankle hiking boots. Generally these will have comparable support to hiking shoes, but with added protection around the ankle. This means that they are usually a little heavier than a hiking shoe of the same construction, but they also offer a little more support. Additionally, the higher height means that hiking boots are a better choice for year-round adventure and excursions where you may encounter foul weather, mud, and snow. Hiking boots are probably the best choice if you want one all-around footwear item for everything outdoors - they’re not the best at any one thing, but they are pretty darn good at most.

Pros: Supportive without being too heavy or stiff, versatile for lots of weather and terrain conditions, reasonably durable.

Cons: Not as light as lower height shoes, may require more break-in before regular use

Shop: Men's Hiking Boots | Women's Hiking Boots

Backpacking Boots

Backpacking boots are basically hiking boots with upgraded features in terms of durability and support. They share many similarities, but will usually be noticeably stiffer in all areas - flexion, torsion (twisting), and ankle. This translates into a piece of footwear that can handle more abuse in terms of terrain and the amount of weight you’re carrying before it begins to degrade in performance. We generally recommend backpacking boots for people looking for the highest level of durability and support.

Pros: Most support, suitable for hiking in all terrain and weather conditions, most durable

Cons: Generally the heaviest and stiffest type of hiking boot, most require an extensive break in process before regular use.

Shop: Men's Backpacking Boots | Women's Backpacking Boots

Honorable mention: Mountaineering Boots

We won’t go into a lot of detail about mountaineering boots, because they are usually a much more specialized piece of footwear. But they bear mentioning because some lighter-duty 3-season mountaineering boots blur the lines with some of the heavier duty backpacking boots. If you plan on primarily, or exclusively hiking high peaks and very rugged terrain, then some of the lighter duty mountaineering boots might be worth considering too. Keep in mind that mountaineering boots are designed with aspects of technical rock and ice climbing in mind, so using them as your everyday hiking boot would be sort of like using a Mack truck as your daily commuter car.

Shop: Mountaineering Boots

Honorable Mention: Hiking Sandals, minimalist shoes, and moccasins

There are some brands and styles of sandals and other minimalist footwear that are oriented toward hiking and outdoor pursuits. These are great shoes for certain conditions and types of hiking, but for most people, they will overall lack the versatility expected from a hiking boot or shoe. For example, they’ll be great for summertime excursions to the local pond, lake, or river, but would they be your first choice if the weather suddenly turns on an early spring or late fall hike when you’re miles away from camp or the car? Maybe that’s fine in your book, but if not you should definitely consider other types of footwear.

So which type of hiking footwear is right for you?

Some avid hikers will have several pairs of boots and shoes and will use them each for different applications. If you’re that person, you probably already have ideas for what your next addition will be. But if you’re trying to decide on one pair to kind of do everything, carefully consider what you will get the most use out of. All of the above types of footwear are completely fine for the vast majority of the hikes most people do, so go with the one you think you’ll use the most - not the “just in case” pair. Finally, if you really truly can’t decide, we recommend trying on a few pairs of mid and low height hiking boots - they will be the most versatile. And if after a few months of use you realize you want another pair for a more specialized application you can always add to your quiver. 

Links:

Men's Hiking Boots & Shoes

Women's Hiking Boots & Shoes

The Importance of Break-In

Brand new boots might feel pretty good in the store. They might even feel pretty good the first hour or so that you wear them outside. But the reality is that even if they were custom made for your feet, they still won’t be a perfect match for your foot in motion. New boots in many cases, are bound to rub in certain areas, create pressure in others, etc – especially after several hours of wearing them. Sometimes it can be downright painful to the point that you question if there is a defect or problem with the boot itself. By gradually breaking in a pair of boots over time, you will avoid many of these issues and soon move on to all day wear with comfort.

General Break In Process

The general break in process is pretty simple. Wear your boots for short durations at first, gradually increasing the amount of time / miles you spend in them. Exactly what that looks like can vary depending on the type of boot. For example, a very flexible day hiking boot might only need a mile or two of wear before it’s broken in enough to be comfortable – essentially “no break in.” On the other hand, a stiffer backpacking or mountaineering boot might not be fully broken in until you’ve put in dozens of miles on varied terrain.

There are many ways to break in a pair of boots, but my preferred way to break in boots is pretty simple and it goes more by feel than by a specific time table. It should be easy enough that anyone can do it. Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved:

Step 1: Wear the boots around inside the house for 15 minutes or so just to do one final confirmation that I like the fit.

Step 2: Take a short walk in the neighborhood or on an easy trail, maybe 2 miles at most, then asses how your feet feel. Are any areas bothering me? Should I lace up differently? Could I have walked double the distance comfortably?

Step 3: Keep doing Step 2 until you’re confident with how the boots perform on those short outings.

Step 4: Add in a challenge like carrying a pack, taking on steeper / more challenging terrain, or putting in more miles or hours in the boots. Afterwards, assess. How did everything feel? Are there any problem areas? At this point you’ll not only be breaking in your boots, but you’ll also be breaking in yourself to the boots. For example, that spot that was rubbing your ankle will start to soften up a little, but that part of your ankle will also become accustomed to boot and toughen up or develop a callous.

Step 5: After a few challenges like in Step 4 you should be ready to tackle some all-day wear adventures with your broken in boots!

Alternative approaches

Let’s say, for whatever reason, the method above isn’t going to work for you. There are plenty of other ways to break in boots, but if I were to think about a “second best,” it would be something like this:

Either every morning or every evening, wear your boots around the house for 10 or 15 minutes. Make sure you walk around, flex them, bend at the ankle, etc. Your goal is to press into and really work those areas around the ball of the foot and ankle where discomfort is most common.

On the weekends or when you have to run errands, wear your boots. Ideally this should also involve walking, because if they’re just sitting on your feet, you’re not really doing much to break them in.

After a week or two of doing this, you’ll be ready to pick up with something along the lines of Step 4 above. If that goes well, you’re on your way to having some broken-in boots.

Shortcuts

One “shortcut” I sometimes use on leather boots is getting the leather damp and “walking them dry.” Damp leather is softer and more prone to stretching and molding to your feet. Getting the leather wet can aid in the break in process, provided you wear and walk in them until they are mostly dry. You have to be careful with this shortcut, because if you dry the boots too quickly, like in front of a fire or stove, you could make the boots fit worse or possibly even cause irreparable damage them. One product I use for this kind of damp break in is shoe stretch spray. It doesn’t actually stretch the leather, per se, it just is used to dampen the leather for an easy break in. The difference between shoe stretch spray and water is that shoe stretch is formulated to dry faster so you don’t have to be in your boots as long for an application. This shortcut will not fully break in the boots, but it can help reduce the number of miles you have to put on to achieve the goal.

Other Tips

Get wool socks. The right socks play a huge role in getting good comfort and performance out of your hiking boots. Right now there is no substitute for a quality pair of merino wool socks. Some advanced synthetics do a good job at wicking away sweat and preventing blisters, but they still fall short in other areas compared to merino wool. One more thing about merino – it IS NOT itchy. Over the years I have introduced (and sometimes tricked) many people to wearing wool socks who claimed they absolutely cannot wear wool because it gives them a rash. Merino wool is a much finer and softer thread than standard wool and it will not cause itching, rashes, or blisters on your feet. Cotton socks, on the other hand, will cause all of those problems on prolonged outings and multi-day backpacking trips.

Throw away the stock insoles. Ok, you don’t actually have to throw them out, but a good fitting pair of orthotic insoles will be much more friendly to your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. I recommend trading out the stock insoles for a good pair of orthotics on any new pair of boots.

Learn to lace. There are a couple of lacing techniques that are good to know for boot break in and for general comfort on the trail. I won’t go into details here, but look up window lacing and heel lock lacing for hiking boots. Window lacing can be used to relieve pressure from certain areas by skipping eyelets or not crossing laces at certain points on the boot. Lock lacing can help you maintain different levels of pressure and support at different parts of the boot.

There are plenty of ways to break in your boots and they can’t all be covered in this article. The important thing is that you do a thorough break in before attempting that next big adventure. That way, you can focus on enjoying the activity instead of suffering through discomfort in your feet. 

We feel that in the interest of good customer service, we cannot continue the clinics unless or until some internal challenges facing VIP Petcare are resolved. Namely issues with reliability and punctuality.

Please note that no pets were harmed by VIP Petcare at any of these clinics and the reason for our departure has nothing to do with concerns for the safety or welfare of any pets.

We hope to find an alternate means of providing pet vaccine clinics in our stores at some point. In the meantime, we recommend checking with local animal shelters for information on other low-cost pet vaccination opportunities.

We stock the widest variety of work boots in the Lehigh Valley, exclusively at our Allentown, PA store location on Airport Rd.

Students & faculty must show a valid trade, technical, or vocational school ID at the time of purchase to qualify for the discount, which is deducted from the regular price of the boots. If a pair of boots is already on sale, the selling price will be whichever discount is lower, but not a combination multiple discounts/offers.

Currently we are only able to offer the discount for in-store purchases and not those made over the phone or on our website. 

What: Mostly Muttz Pet Rescue Event

When: 9/25/21 from 1-3pm

Where: Chaar Saucon Valley, 3673 PA-378, Bethlehem, PA 18015

1 Exercise

There’s an old saying, “a tired dog is a happy dog.” Often times one of the healthiest ways to reduce anxiety is with regular exercise. For some breeds a simple 20-minute walk is enough to manage nerves, but sporting breeds and terriers usually need something more stimulating. Time outside in a big fenced in yard isn’t usually enough either. The best way to tire your dog out is exercise for both their body and mind. Try going on a hike or playing games with your dog, or better yet, both! If you know when a stressful situation may occur, plan to do some extra rigorous exercise ahead of time. 

2 Make a safety space

For things like thunder and fireworks you might be able to create a safety space in your home. That’s a place where your dog can safely hide to feel safe and protected. For my dog, we have a windowless bathroom that is nestled in the center of the house and is well insulated from noise. To top it off we have a comfy spot for him to lay and will turn on the bathroom fan or a white noise machine to further drown out some of the outside sounds.

3 Calming aides / supplements

There are a wide range of items available on the market to help your dog feel calm and relaxed. Different calming supplements can have different active ingredients that function in different ways. Sometimes a little trial and error is involved in finding the one that works best for your dog or your situation, but it’s generally a pretty easy process. Many calming supplements come in treat form too, making them very easy to administer. 

4 Create an activity

This last one applies more to dogs with some level of separation anxiety. One of the things that can reduce separation anxiety is if your dog has something else he really wants to do besides hang out with you. I do this with my own dog. If I have to leave the house without my dog I will make him wait in the kitchen while I "hide" a few piles of treats throughout the house (Note: they're not that had to find - I don't want him missing any and inviting pests). He's usually raring to go, but I don't release him from his stay until I'm walking out the door. At that point he is so excited to look for the treats that he could care less about me. By the time he's done finding them all he's forgotten that he wanted to come with in the first place. 

Parting thoughts

There are many ways to manage and reduce canine anxiety. Some of these may work for you and some may not. For example, don't use my treat hide-and-seek activity if you can't leave your dog out of the crate while home alone. Sometimes managing anxiety can be as simple as removing your dog from the situation as well. For example. we've taken trips to remote areas before to avoid fireworks. This definitely isn't an exhaustive list, but hopefully it helps get you on the right track for your pup!

Products mentioned in this article: