Astro is bringing DOCK DIVING to the Upstate!

Construction on our new dock diving pool is underway! Stay tuned for updates!

#TipTuesday – Harnesses

More and more pet parents are opting to use a harness on their dogs. However, did you know that the traditional harness is actually designed to encourage a dog to pull? That’s why you frequently see bloodhounds and other tracking dogs sporting a harness. A harness will encourage a dog to pull through their shoulders. Furthermore, when a dog is pulling against a harness it can actually make their body language appear dominant to other dogs. Similarly, there are also front-clip harnesses which are said to discourage pulling. However, these harnesses also cause dogs to bear less weight on their front legs and alter their gait. Which over time can cause structural issues. Most trained dogs can wear a harness without issue. However, using a harness on an untrained dog is a difficult task. Dr. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVSMR, explains: “I do not believe that there is a harness on the market that is nonrestrictive and that also helps the dog not to pull. There are however some very nice, well-constructed, nonrestrictive harnesses on the market. However, those should not be considered as a method to teach a dog not to pull. In my opinion the real way to get a dog to stop pulling is to train it.” For our source, and more information on this topic, please visit: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_7/features/the-no-pull-debate_20782-1.html.

Happy National Mutt Day!

George is here to remind you that dogs love Thanksgiving too! Don’t forget to add a Holiday Meal to your dog’s boarding stay while they’re at Astro. Your pup will enjoy sliced turkey, salt-free green beans, pumpkin puree, and a Frosty Paw for dessert. Give us a call at 864-297-9636 to add this tasty meal to your dog’s reservation!

Max & Potter Pet Photography @ HOWL-o-ween

We are so in love with these beautiful shots taken by Max & Potter Pet Photography based in Greenville, SC. For more information you can visit their website: http://www.maxandpotter.com/

It’s a great day to be a doggy day boarder at Astro!

#TipTuesday – Halloween Pet Safety

Halloween (and HOWL-o-ween) is almost here! While most of us enjoy this spooky holiday, it can be full of dangers for our pets. Here are a few tips to keep your four-legged friends safe this weekend. Firstly, keep any candy well out of reach, chocolate and sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to dogs. It’s best to keep pets safely enclosed since you will probably be opening the front door frequently to greet trick-or-treaters. Also, make sure your dog has proper identification on his or her collar. Decorations are fun, but your dog may think this is a new and exciting chew toy! Ensure that your pet isn’t left unattended with any decorations or lit candles. For a few more Halloween safety tips and our source, please visit: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/halloween.aspx.

(Video) Cash & Beckett Swim Time

Wilderness Adventure – October 21st, 2015

7th Annual HOWL-o-ween at Astro!

HOWL-o-ween at Astro is almost here! Get those doggy costumes ready and join us on October 31st from 2:00pm-4:00pm. This event will feature ghoulish games, a boneyard hunt, haunted agility maze, door prizes, local vendors, free dog swim times, costume contests, and much more! Entry to event is $3 per dog and includes all activities, games, and entry to door prize drawings.