There are many possible causes of the chronic itchy skin, hot-spots, dandruff and oily coat that plague many dogs. In the summer months, fleas or environmental / contact allergies may be the culprit – many pets are sensitive to certain types of grass and weeds. Other possible irritants in the home include detergents used to wash blankets and bedding, household cleaners, or sprays used in the yard.

One common cause that’s often overlooked, is diet. Food sensitivities are abundant in almost every breed, possibly due to genetics or that fact that many animals are fed the same food for months or even years on end, with no variety in ingredients or alternative sources of nutrition, such as fresh real food.

One of the most common causes of food sensitivity in pets, is grain. Lots of pets are sensitive to gluten, which can cause an inflammatory response that manifests itself as itchy skin or red and inflamed feet, GI Upset or persistent ear infections.

Recommending a no-grain diet to customers who have itchy pets, is a great first stop in helping them to overcome this problem that can be uncomfortable for the pet - and frustrating and upsetting for the whole family.

If it is not possible to feed a completely no-grain diet, then one with only organic, whole-grains would be the next best choice. Grain fractions (gluten, husks, hulls etc) can be more problematic than the whole grain, and organic food, by definition, cannot be genetically modified. One school of thought is that GM grains are more likely to cause an adverse reaction in a sensitive pet; Studies show that when butterflies and other species come in contact with pollen from genetically modified crops, they suffer a number of health problems and genetic mutations eventually occur. It is possible that a similar thing happens when other species consume GM grains – especially species whose systems aren’t designed to cope with a grain overload in the first place.

Some pets are sensitive to ingredients other than grain, such as certain meats, vegetables or herbs. These sensitivities are generally less common, and in fact a pet who seems to be allergic to a certain meat, say chicken, because she gets itchy every time she eats her chicken flavored kibble, may actually be just fine when eating real, home-prepared raw or lightly cooked chicken. The problem is high heat processing that alters the amino acid structure, making the protein problematic in its processed form.

A natural, no-grain, minimally processed diet that’s also free of chemical preservatives and fillers, can go a long way to combating the problem of itchy skin, from the inside out. Customers are usually delighted with the results and under veterinary supervision , they may even be able to start reducing the long-term steroids and antibiotics they’ve had to administer to their pets. Many cats and dogs show a noticeable improvement in just a few days after starting a no-grain diet.

You should also consider the types of shampoos that you’re using. Are they all-natural? Are they PH Balanced for a dogs skin? Do they have ingredients to help combat itchy skin?  If not, you should find a shampoo that does. We recommend Comfy Dog Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo for Dry & Itchy Skin .

Also contrary to popular belief, in some cases washing your dog more often can be a good thing! Since environmental allergens are usually absorbed through the skin, weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.

Back to food–Our favorite line of fresh no-grain food is The Honest Kitchen . They produce a line of dehydrated foods that are guaranteed human grade because they’re actually produced in a human-grade plant. The company offers several completely grain free diets as well as a gluten free option made with the ancient grain, Quinoa.

In the meantime, you can try a topical all natural anti-itch spray until a more permanent solution can be found.

Good news for pet store owners– We happen to know that they are currently offering specially priced ISO’s for new stores (whooo hooo!) Contact Cami at accounts@thehonestkitchen.com for more information.

Unfortunately for those of us exhibiting or attending Global Pet Expo this year, love is not in the air as the show falls on Valentine’s Day.  Hopefully the love can float around a few extra days until we can get home and celebrate!

We are attending three shows this month and some brave souls are attending four- yikes! But for those of you who aren’t masochists and just want to attend one show, here is a run down of the four shows and what to expect.

 1. Groom & Kennel  Burbank, CA- Feb. 8-10

Target Audience: As the name implies this show is for groomers, spas, kennels, mobile groomers and even trainers and those considering adding services to your retail store.

Types of Exhibitors: Grooming supplies and tools (Scissors etc), shampoos and spa companies, grooming equipment (Hydrosurge, kennels, tables etc). There are about 90 exhibitors at this show.

Education: There is a full 3 day line up of seminars and lectures on topics ranging from adding retail to your grooming business, to the latest dog grooming techniques.  Most attendees come for the educational component.

Entertainment: Throughout most of the show a grooming contest is going on. But the highlight is  the Creative Styling Contest when groomers groom the dogs to look like anything from a cow, a camel, a zebra and the groomer dresses to match the dog.  Think lots of pink standard poodles. The above link will show you an example.

My opinion (for what it’s worth): We have exhibited at this show for 3 years because it’s close by- a 15 minute drive. The show definitely has a local, casual feel to it and is nothing like some of the larger shows. It’s in a much smaller area and has a more “industrial” feel to it then say the 2nd floor of the Chicago Christmas show.  You only need to attend this show if you want to add grooming services to your retail location, or if you are a groomer. In the grooming world this is probably the second most important show, after the one in Hershey, PA- also run by Barkleigh Productions.

Our Booth Number: 54

2. Global Pet Expo-San Diego, CA Feb 14-16

Target Audience: Traditionally APPMA has put on it’s show for distributors and chain stores although they are trying to pull in more independent stores.

 

Types of Exhibitors: In the past it was your large distributors and giant manufacturers but in the last couple of years they have tried to chage that. This year they have added a specific Boutique area which is upstairs. So, let’s hope that more boutique manufacturers will attract more boutiques! There are about 100 companies in this boutique section. According to their website: This show-within-a-show concept is for buyers looking for the trendiest, most fashionable boutique products to pamper pets. You will find custom designed jewelry, stylish carriers, couture clothing, luxury pet beds, elegant collars, spa products and more. The Boutique at Global Pet Expo is made up of Aisles of Style featuring everything a pet owner needs to satisfy their beloved, pampered pet.

Education: There are attendee seminars throughout the show. Topics include:

• Rick Segel’s Retail Boot Camp
• The Essential Online Solution…The Five Step Formula For Small Business Success
• The A-Z of Growing Your Sales and Profits
• and many more

Entertainment: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 14, 15 & 16, Pet Style News is hosting the Puppy Luv Fashion Show at 11:00am and 3:00pm each day at during Global Pet Expo.  It’s in the Boutique in Room 11B.

My opinion (for what it’s worth): The good news for attendees is that this show doesn’t have the mad rush feeling that some have. Nice wide aisles and not that many shoppers make it a comfortably buying experience.  This will be our third time exhibiting at this show and I think it will be the best, now that they’ve added the boutque section. Last year we were next to a company that made bird seed!

Our Booth Number: 7525 (upstairs in boutique section)

3. Luxury Pet Pavilion-Los Angeles, CA Feb 23-24

Target Audience: Pet Boutiques, gift stores/hotels/spas with pet sections, Dog spas and other higher end stores

Types of Exhibitors: High end. You probably won’t find cat litter or bird seed at this show. Think dog carriers, matching collars and leashes, beds, spa and more. There are at least 80 high end vendors exhibiting.

Click here to see some of the cool new products being launched at the show.

Education: There are a couple of attendee seminars. Topics include:

• Show and Tell just got serious! Presentation skills and follow up. Sat. Feb. 23 8:30 am
• Trend Spotting. trend watching is used to develop products, generate ideas, inform customers, create promotions and strategically plan Sunday Feb. 24th 8:30 am

Entertainment: There’s loads of entertainment at this show including a “Celebri-Dog” kick off on Friday at Laurel

Canyon

Dog

Park and the Pawscars on Saturday evening where awards will be announced.

My opinion (for what it’s worth): It’s a small yet very targeted show. If you are a boutique and live within 3 or 4 hours of  L.A. it’s definitely worth the trip out.  You won’t wear out your feet schlepping down endless isles where only 1 out of 10 companies you want to see.  If your main focus is food and basics this may not be the best show for you. It would probably be better to go to Global Pet Expo where you have a blend of boutique products and day to day stuff.   It’s too bad that it competes with the LA Showroom, which is only a day before. See my other post on this…

Our Booth Number: 215

4. LA Pet Designers at the Show Room, Los Angeles, CA Feb. 21-22

Target Audience: Pet Boutiques, gift stores/hotels/spas with pet sections, Dog spas and other higher end stores

Types of Exhibitors: High end (ish) Everything from collars, clothes, treats and more. There are at least 40 vendors exhibiting at this show.

Click here to see some of the cool new products being launched at the show. 

Education: There will be two symposiums. One is on starting a new pet business and growing your existing business. The other topic is growing your company via the internet.

Entertainment: There is a special event at the Sky Bark, which is a dog-friendly “club”. Sponsored by Petapotty.

My opinion (for what it’s worth): It’s too bad that this show is just a day before the Luxury Pet Pavilion. You could make a long weekend out of it and visit both shows though if I could only pick one I would go with the Luxury Pet Pavilion (and we did). There are more vendors there, so you will see more. If you want to know why there are two very similar shows, both in downtown La in the same week- see my other post.

Our Booth Number: This is one show we’re not doing!

As we here at happytails Canine Spa Line navigate our way through all of the new technologies available to us in this web 2.0 world, I found something that might be very helpful to those of you who schedule  appointments– groomers, doggie day spas, kennels etc. 

It’s a software packge that sends text messages and emails to clients before their appointment as a reminder, as well as personalized enewletters, holiday/birthday greetings and even customer surveys  All of the communication sent out would include your logo. It’s targeted to the medical profession and spas, but can be used by any organization that schedules appointments. 

It seems like a cool way to eliminate missed appointments and to connect with your clients. 

Give it a try, they have a 60 day trial!www.smilereminder.com  866-605-6867 

Working with new vendors can be challenging. There is so much competition within each category as it is (how many collar/leash lines can you count?). Just walking down the aisles of the major trade shows can be very daunting. How do you choose between vendors?  To help with that decision, here’s a comprehensive list of questions that you should ask.

1.    Does the product match my store’s image? 2.      What makes this line different?  3.      What other brands are available?  4.      What is the story behind the line? (stories make good talking points)  5.      How saturated is the product line in my area?  6.      Is this product sold in PetCo, Pet Smart, Target, WalMart?  7.      How complete or extensive is this line?  8.      What is the price point? Does this match my target market?  9.      How does the packaging fit the boutique’s image?  10.  What marketing support is available? (information sheets, books, magazine articles to display, product samples, consumer brochures, point of purchase display (Floor & Counter), shelf talkers) 11. What kind of product knowledge opportunities does the company offer?  Do they offer information pages, in-store training, phone training, educational brochures or manuals?   12.  How often does the company launch new products? (This is important because you want always want something new to offer your clients.)  13.  What is the availability of the product? · Do you order from a distributor?· Do you order direct from the manufacturer?·   Can you order on line?·    Is there a local sales rep available?  14.  What is the minimum for order?·         Initial order ·  Dollar amount·  Quantity per piece· Handling & shipping  15.  Are there bar codes on the product (Important if you are working with a point of sale system)  16.   Are product photos available to add to your website?

Please comment and let us know how you choose your suppliers… or any horror stories you’ve had when you’ve made the wrong decision.For more information on happytails, give me a call on 866 HAPPY 20 or email me directly- Lorna@happytailsspa.com