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Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm Thursday 9:30am - 5am Friday 9:29am - 5am Saturday 9:30am - 5am

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Muddy Paws Canine Spa, Athlone (2025)

10/07/2025

🚨 HOT DOG ALERT! ☀️🐶

This Saturday is set to hit a fiery 30°C, and while that might sound like fun for sunbathers, it's a hard pass for blow dryers, furry coats, and overheating groomers 🥵✂️

For the safety of your pups (and our slightly melting team), the salon will be CLOSED this Saturday due to extreme heat. No pooch deserves a spa day in a sauna – not even with ice cubes in their water bowl! ❌🐾

We will be contacting all owners booked in for Saturday to reschedule – if we missed you, please check your messages or give us a shout! 📞💬

Until then, walk your woofers early, avoid the midday scorch, and remember: grooming can wait – heatstroke can’t.

Stay cool, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the breezier side! Sorry for any inconvenience
💦🐾☀️
Jayne at Muddy Paws Canine Spa Athlone

10/07/2025

☀️🐾 “But my dog needs a walk…” 🐾☀️
Here we go again…

Look, we get it – your dog has energy. So do toddlers. But you wouldn't drag a toddler across a scorching car park barefoot at noon, would you? (If you would, we need to talk. Urgently.)

It’s 28–30°C out. The ground is HOT. The air is thick. Your dog doesn’t want a walk – they want to stay alive.
Not walking them will not kill them.
Walking them very well could.

🥵 Heatstroke can hit in minutes.
🔥 Burned paw pads take weeks to heal.
💀 And yes, dogs do die every summer because someone thought "Ah sure it’ll be grand."

So no, you’re not being a bad owner by skipping the walk – you’re being a GOOD ONE.
Play some brain games inside, give them a frozen Kong, pop a paddling pool in the shade – they'll love you for it.

They don’t need a walk in this heat. They need you to use your noggin. 🧠🐶

Signed,
Every groomer, vet, dog walker, and sweaty canine in Ireland 😅🐾

25/06/2025

💣The Silent Sniffer Killer – Let’s Talk Pyometra in Dogs! 🐶🚨

Your sweet lady dog seems a little "off"... she’s tired, not eating, and maybe there’s a bit of weird discharge down there. Could be a tummy bug, right?
WRONG. It could be Pyometra — the “silent killer” of unspayed female dogs. 😱

It’s dramatic, dangerous, and potentially deadly — but totally preventable. Let’s sniff out the truth in the quirkiest way possible!

🧪 What is Pyometra?

Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection that strikes unspayed female dogs, often a few weeks after a heat cycle.
Picture her uterus turning into a pus-filled balloon of doom 💀🎈... not pretty, not safe, and definitely not something to ignore.

🧬 What Causes It?

After a heat cycle, her body produces progesterone, which thickens the uterine lining.

That warm, thickened space becomes a 5-star hotel for bacteria — usually E. coli sneaking up from the rear.

Infection sets in, pus builds up, and BAM — emergency situation.

🔍 What’s the Difference Between Open and Closed Pyometra?

🎭 Think of it like two versions of the same horror movie:

Open Pyometra – “The Leaky Kind”

The cervix is open, so the infected pus can drain out.

You may notice vaginal discharge — thick, yellow, brown, or bloody and very smelly.

Dogs may still be quite ill, but at least you have visible warning signs to act on.

Closed Pyometra – “The Silent Assassin”

The cervix is closed, trapping all the pus inside.

No discharge, no obvious clue anything’s wrong… until the infection causes fever, swelling, vomiting, or even a uterine rupture (which is deadly).

This one is much harder to spot and often far more dangerous.

🚨 In both cases, it’s a medical emergency. But closed pyometra is sneakier — and riskier.

🚩 Warning Signs to Watch For:

Lethargy, weakness, or just "not herself"

Vomiting or loss of appetite

Swollen tummy

Drinking and peeing more

Discharge (only in open pyometra)

Fever, panting, or trembling

👉 If your girl was recently in heat and starts acting poorly, don’t wait — head to the vet!

🛠️ Treatment:

The only real fix? Emergency spay surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries.
It’s not your average spay — this is high-stakes, urgent, and can be life-saving.
Some very mild cases may respond to meds, but surgery is the gold standard.

🛡️ Prevention Is Power:

💖 The magic word: SPAY. HER.

Prevents pyometra 100%

Also slashes the risk of mammary cancer

No more heat cycles, hormonal drama, or weird suitors sniffing around!

🐾 Final Thought:

Pyometra might sound like a sci-fi villain, but it’s real, it’s dangerous, and it hides in plain sight. Whether it’s leaking or lurking, this is one drama you don’t want your dog starring in.
Spay for safety — and give her a long, happy, belly-rub-filled life! 💕

24/06/2025

🍒To Snip or Not to Snip? That Is the Question…🐾

Ah yes, the big debate: “Should I neuter my dog… or let him become a four-legged Casanova with dreams of fatherhood?” 🐶💘
Or maybe your lady pup’s strutting her stuff and you’re wondering if breeding “just one litter” is a good idea.

Let’s dive into the delightfully awkward world of neutering vs. breeding, and why sometimes, the best love you can give your dog… is a snip. ✂️💕

🧬 First, What Is Neutering?

Neutering (or spaying for the gals) is surgical sterilisation. In other words:

No more surprise puppies

No more heat cycles or hormonal howling

No more hu***ng the neighbour’s leg at awkward BBQs 😅

🛠️ Why Neuter? (Other than saving your furniture and your sanity...)

🚫 No Unwanted Litters – rescue centres are overflowing. Puppies are cute, but 6–12 surprise pups? Not so much.

💀 Prevents Certain Cancers – like testicular, uterine, and mammary cancer.

🤬 Behavioural Bliss – less marking, mounting, roaming, and grumpy mood swings.

🧠 Focus, Please! – neutered dogs often concentrate better in training (less distracted by… erm… urges).

💚 Longer, Healthier Life – studies show neutered dogs often live longer and happier lives.

🎀 But What About Breeding “Just One Litter”?

We get it — your dog is adorable. But here’s the tea ☕:

Breeding is NOT a hobby — it’s a serious responsibility.
Think health testing, bloodlines, temperament checks, emergency C-sections, sleepless nights, and finding good homes… x 10 puppies.

“Just one litter” can still go wrong. Complications can harm or kill your dog.

Puppy buyers? Friends say they’ll take one… until the puppies arrive. Then it’s crickets.

Your dog won’t miss out. Dogs don’t feel the need to be mums or dads. They’d rather chase tennis balls and steal socks.

🧐 But Isn’t It “Natural” for Dogs to Breed?

Sure. So is rolling in fox poo and eating dead things.
“Natural” doesn’t always mean “good idea.” 😬
Dogs rely on us to make the best health and welfare decisions — and avoiding preventable problems (like pyometra, testicular cancer, or oops-litters) is part of that.

🐾 Final Thought:

Love your dog? Then show it by doing what’s best for them, not what looks cute on Instagram or what Aunt Mary’s friend’s cousin did with their Jack Russell in 2006.
Neutering is safe, smart, and one of the kindest choices you can make. 💚

24/06/2025

🐶🎭 Drama Queen or Expecting? Let’s Talk Phantom Pregnancies in Dogs!

Your dog’s belly is looking a bit round… she's nesting in her bed… and she’s definitely guarding her favourite stuffed piglet like it’s a newborn pup. 🐷👶
But surprise: she’s not pregnant — she just thinks she is!

Welcome to the strange and hormonal world of the phantom pregnancy, aka pseudopregnancy — a canine soap opera in full swing! 🎬🐾

🧬 What Is a Phantom Pregnancy?

It’s when a female dog shows all the signs of being pregnant… without the actual puppies.
Hormones go rogue after a heat cycle and trick her body into thinking she's having babies, even when she absolutely is not. 😅

🎭 Signs of the “Pawgnancy” Include:

Nesting like she's on Grand Designs: Dog Den Edition

Producing milk (yes, really!)

Enlarged belly or mammary glands

Mothering toys, socks, or random bananas

Mood swings – clingy, growly, or downright dramatic

Reduced appetite… or suddenly eating like she’s feeding 12 imaginary pups

🐾 Why Does This Happen?

It’s all about hormones, darling. After a heat cycle, progesterone levels rise whether she’s pregnant or not. Then they drop, triggering the release of prolactin — the "let’s be a mum!" hormone.
Mother Nature got a bit carried away with the backup plans. 🙄

Some breeds (like Terriers, Cavaliers, and GSDs) seem more prone to full-blown doggy delusion.

🛠️ What Can You Do?

Don’t encourage the behaviour — gently take away the “adopted” toys

Avoid milking her (even if she's producing!) — it stimulates more milk

Distract her with walks, games, and treats

Vets may prescribe meds to help settle hormones if it’s severe

If the mammary glands are swollen, a cool compress can help soothe

🛡️ Prevention: Snip the Drama!

🎉 Spaying is the golden ticket!
If you’re not planning a litter, spaying:

Prevents future phantom pregnancies

Stops the heat cycles altogether

Slashes the risk of mammary cancer

Ends the hormone rollercoaster

💬 Final Thought:

Your dog’s not crazy — she’s just hormonally hijacked! Phantom pregnancies can be confusing, messy, and emotional (for both of you), but with some TLC and smart choices, she’ll be back to her real self soon. 💕

24/06/2025

🎀Lumps, Bumps & B**b Worries – Let’s Talk Mammary Cancer in Dogs 🐾

Ah, the doggy belly rub. A moment of bliss — until you find a little lump near her ni***es and your brain goes: “WAIT. WHAT’S THAT?!” 😳
Before you panic, let’s talk about mammary cancer in dogs — the causes, signs, treatment, and how to help your leading lady stay healthy (and fabulous)! 💃🐶

🩷 What Is Mammary Cancer?

Mammary cancer is breast cancer for dogs — yes, they can get it too! It's one of the most common cancers in unspayed females, usually over the age of 6.
It can range from harmless little lumps to more serious growths that spread elsewhere in the body. Some are benign (non-cancerous), but about 50% can be malignant — so always get them checked!

🧬 What Causes It?

Hormones, hormones, hormones! Female dogs that haven’t been spayed — or were spayed later in life — are most at risk.

Late or no spaying = longer exposure to oestrogen and progesterone, which can fuel abnormal cell growth.

Genetics – some breeds like Poodles, Spaniels, and Terriers are more prone.

Obesity at a young age also increases risk (and shortens those zoomie years 🏃‍♀️💨).

🚩 Warning Signs to Look Out For:

A lump or bump near or around the ni***es

Swelling, heat, or discharge from the mammary glands

Redness or changes in the skin

Your dog licking the area more than usual

Weight loss, appetite changes, or feeling just “off”

👉 Pro Tip: Dogs have five pairs of mammary glands, running from their chest to their groin — so check the whole undercarriage! 🕵️‍♀️

🛠️ Treatment Options:

Surgical removal of the lump or, in some cases, the entire chain of mammary glands

Spaying at the time of surgery (if not already done) can help stop hormone-fueled recurrence

Biopsy & histopathology – to find out if the lump is malignant or benign

In advanced cases: chemo, pain relief, and palliative care

🩺 Early treatment = better outcome. The sooner it's caught, the more likely your pup will bounce back to belly-rub bliss.

🛡️ Prevention Is Powerful:

Spay before the first heat = up to 99% reduced risk of mammary cancer!

Spay before the second heat = 92% reduced risk

Regular tummy checks during cuddles

Keep her lean and active — belly fat’s no friend to mammary health!

🐾 Final Thought:

A few extra minutes giving belly rubs (like you needed an excuse!) could literally save your dog’s life. Check those nips, don’t ignore lumps, and if in doubt — get them checked out. 💕

**bCheckForDogs

21/06/2025

🎈One’s Missing?! Let’s Talk Retained Testicles in Dogs (aka Cryptorchidism!) 🐾🍒

Ever gone to check your pup’s bits and realised he’s only rocking one dangler? Or maybe… none at all? 😳 No, he’s not a magical unicorn — he might have a retained testicle, also known as cryptorchidism (fancy word, right?). Let’s unravel this nutty situation with a fun, quirky twist!

🧐 What Is a Retained Testicle?

Normally, testicles drop into the sc***um before or just after birth like punctual little commuters. But sometimes one (or both!) stays hidden up in the abdomen or groin like it’s playing a game of hide and seek. This is cryptorchidism — a testicle that refuses to drop the mic 🎤.

🧬 Causes:

Genetics! It’s often inherited — so if dad had shy testicles, junior might too.

Hormonal delays during puppy development.

Premature birth or other growth hiccups.

It’s most common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Poodles — those tiny gents just can’t let go sometimes! 😅

🚩 Warning Signs:

One (or no) testicle in the sc***um by 6 months old

No “dangly bits” but definite male behaviour (mounting, marking, macho strutting)

Swelling or mass in the belly or groin

In older dogs: signs of testicular cancer, like weight loss, behaviour changes, or mammary development (yep… really)

🛠️ Treatments:

There’s only one real solution: surgical neutering. Here's why it’s important:

A retained testicle is 10–13 times more likely to become cancerous 😱

It can also twist (torsion) and cause sudden, severe pain

The surgery might be a little more involved (especially if the testicle’s in the abdomen), but it’s totally worth it for your pup’s long-term health

⏰ When to Act:

🕐 By 6 months, if both testicles aren’t visible, it’s time to talk to your vet. Waiting doesn’t help — these stubborn nuts aren’t coming down on their own.
And don’t breed a dog with retained testicles — it’s a heritable condition and not the kind of legacy you want him leaving behind!

🐶 Final Thought:

Your dog may be handsome, brave, and blessed in many ways — but if he’s got a no-show nut, it’s time to snip, not shrug. He won’t miss them, and you’ll be doing him a huge favour for his health and happiness. 💚

21/06/2025

🍒Oh, Nuts! Let’s Talk Testicular Cancer in Dogs 🐶

Yep, we’re going below the belt today — because while it might make you wince, testicular cancer in dogs is a real thing, and it’s no laughing matter (even if the word “testicle” makes people giggle 🙈).

So grab your pup (or maybe don’t if he's looking suspicious), and let’s talk causes, signs, treatments, and how to help your boy keep his bits healthy — or make the smart snip. ✂️

🧬 What Causes Testicular Cancer in Dogs?

This type of cancer usually strikes older, unneutered males, especially those who still strut around with both jewels intact. Causes include:

Hormonal changes as your dog ages

Genetics – certain breeds like Boxers, German Shepherds, and Afghan Hounds seem more prone

🚩 Warning Signs to Watch For:

Your dog’s not going to hold up a sign that says, "Excuse me, something’s wrong with my nuts!" – so here’s what to look for:

Swollen or uneven testicles

A hard lump in one testicle

Licking or biting at the area

Behaviour changes – more aggression, more clingy, or generally "off"

Unexplained weight loss or reduced energy

In severe cases, visible mammary development (yes, seriously — hormone imbalances can do that!)

🛠️ Treatment Time:

Caught early, testicular cancer has a very good prognosis. Treatment often includes:

Neutering (aka castration) – removes the source!

Surgical removal of affected tissue if needed

Hormone therapy or chemo in more advanced cases

Regular vet monitoring if cancer has spread

🛡️ Can You Prevent It?

In one word? YES!
And that word is: Neutering.

Not only does it eliminate the risk of testicular cancer entirely, but it also:

Helps with unwanted behaviours (looking at you, leg-humpers)

Reduces risk of prostate issues

Prevents accidental fatherhood of 18 puppies down the road 🐶🐶🐶

🐾 Final Thought:

Your dog doesn’t care if he still has his “bits” — but you should care about what’s best for his health. So whether you’re team snip or just keeping a close eye, remember: early detection = longer, happier lives!

20/06/2025

🌽Corny Toes? Let’s Talk Doggie Foot Corns! 🐾

Nope, your dog hasn’t stepped on a rogue popcorn kernel — that weird, round, painful bump on their paw pad might just be a corn! Yes, dogs can get them too, and no, they’re not the kind you can butter and eat 🍿🙃

Let’s dive into the quirky world of corns on canine toes – what causes them, how to treat them, and what you can do to keep your pup strutting pain-free! 💃🐶

🐾 What Are Dog Corns?

Corns are hard, circular areas of thickened skin that usually show up on the paw pads, most often in sighthounds like Greyhounds, Lurchers, and Whippets. Why? Because their elegant legs and dainty paws carry a lot of pressure.

Corns can make walking painful, turning your zoomie champ into a tiptoeing diva. 👑

🔍 Causes:

Repeated pressure or trauma – think bony feet + hard ground = ouch.

Poor foot structure or gait – when the foot doesn’t land evenly.

Old injuries or foreign bodies under the pad.

Viral papillomas – yes, corns may sometimes have a viral root (especially in sighthounds).

🚩 Symptoms to Spot:

Limping or walking “funny”

Licking or chewing at one foot constantly

Sensitivity when the paw pad is touched

A visible, round, firm lump (like a hard coin) on the pad

🛠️ Treatment Options:

Soaking in warm Epsom salt water to soften the corn

Pumice filing or sanding (by the vet or experienced groomer) to reduce the bulk

Surgical removal for persistent or painful corns

Booties or paw pads to protect from further trauma

Topical creams to soften skin (ask your vet first!)

In some sighthound circles, people use the “hulling” technique (removing the whole corn by twisting it out) – but warning: do not try this at home! 🛑

🧼 Can You Prevent Corns?

Prevention is tricky, but you can help:

Use soft surfaces when possible for walking (grass > concrete)

Doggy boots or pad protectors for hard or hot surfaces

Regular paw inspections to catch early signs

Maintain healthy weight to reduce paw pressure

Vet checkups to adjust gait issues or manage old injuries

💬 Final Thought:

Corns might sound silly, but they’re no joke for a dog in pain! If your pup’s prancing has turned into paw-dragging, a simple toe check might reveal the culprit. Luckily, with the right care, those paws can get back to peak patter! 🐾💚

20/06/2025

💥CYST Happens! Let’s Talk Doggy Lumps & Bumps 🐾

Ever found a little lump on your dog and immediately turned into Dr. Google? 🧐 Don’t worry, it’s probably just a cyst — nature’s way of keeping things weird, squishy, and slightly gross! 🙃

Here’s your fun (and slightly icky) guide to cysts in dogs – what causes them, how to treat them, and whether you can stop these bumpy surprises from popping up in the first place! 🎉

🐶 What Exactly Is a Cyst?

In plain pup-speak: it’s a little sac under the skin filled with fluid, pus, oil, or other "mystery goo." It’s like your dog’s body decided to store some weird stuff in a personal pocket. 🎒

🧨 Causes of Cysts:

Blocked hair follicles or oil glands – especially in fluffy or wrinkly dogs!

Infections or ingrown hairs – ouch!

Skin trauma – a bite, a scratch, or some wild zoomies gone wrong.

Genetics – some dogs (like Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Poodles) are cyst overachievers. 🧬

🐾 Meet the Cyst Squad:

Sebaceous cyst – the classic “squishy zit” of the dog world.

Follicular cyst – hair follicle rebellion!

Dermoid cyst – sounds fancy, but just a congenital lump.

True cyst – lined with cells and filled with fluid like it’s got a mission.

✨Interdigital cysts✨ – the drama queens of the cyst world! These pop up between the toes and can get red, sore, and angry. Your dog might lick, limp, or look seriously unimpressed. They’re usually caused by:

Friction or pressure between the toes

Allergies or poor paw hygiene

Ingrown hairs or foreign objects stuck in the skin

💥 To Squeeze or Not to Squeeze?

NOT! 🚫 Resist the pimple-popping urge. Poking at it can cause infection, inflammation, or even rupture it under the skin. Leave the gooey business to the vet, no matter how tempting it looks.

🧼 Treatment Options:

Leave it alone (if it’s small and harmless).

Topical treatments for mild irritation.

Warm compresses (especially for interdigital cysts!) to soothe inflammation.

Surgical removal if it’s big, painful, or keeps coming back.

Antibiotics or anti-inflammatories if it’s infected or angry.

Foot soaks or booties for persistent paw cysts.

🛡️ Can You Prevent Them?

Kind of! Here’s how to reduce the chances:

Regular grooming to keep skin and paws clean.

Paw checks after walks – look for grass seeds, cuts, or gunk.

Wipe those feet! Especially after muddy walks or allergy season.

Keep them trim – excess weight can add pressure on those paws.

Feed for skin health – omega oils and a good diet can help from the inside out.

🐾 Final Thought:

Cysts may be annoying, squishy little weirdos, but they’re usually harmless. Interdigital ones can be extra annoying, but with some TLC (and maybe some cute booties 🥾), your pup will be bouncing again in no time.

Muddy Paws Canine Spa

10/07/2025

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Tuesday	9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 6pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5am
Friday	9:29am - 5am
Saturday	9:30am - 5am