The Ark Blog
Tips, stories, and expert advice for keeping your pet happy, healthy, and pampered, straight from The Ark's team.
Flea and Tick Season in Florida Isn't Really a Season If you've lived in Orlando for any length of time, you already know our warm, humid climate doesn't give fleas and ticks much reason to slow down. While other parts of the country get a real winter break, Florida pet parents need to stay vigilant almost all year long. Here's what you need to know to keep your dog or cat protected. Why Florida Is Prime Flea and Tick Territory Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, and ticks are most active when temperatures stay above 45 degrees. In Central Florida, that describes most of the year. Add in our dense grass, wooded areas, and mild winters, and you've got an environment where fleas and ticks can reproduce and survive with very little interruption. Know What You're Looking For Fleas are small, fast, and reddish-brown, often found around your dog's tail, belly, and neck. Signs of a flea problem include excessive scratching, small red bumps on skin, or tiny black specks in their fur that look like pepper (flea dirt). Ticks are slower moving and easier to spot once attached, often appearing as small, dark bumps on the skin. Common areas to check include around the ears, between the toes, under the collar, and around the tail. Prevention Is Always Easier Than Treatment The most effective approach is year-round prevention rather than reacting after an infestation starts. Talk to your veterinarian about a flea and tick preventative that fits your pet's age, weight, and health history, and stick to the schedule consistently. Missing doses or stopping treatment during cooler months is one of the most common reasons Florida pets end up with a flea or tick problem. Simple Habits That Help Check your dog for ticks after walks, hikes, or time spent in grassy or wooded areas. Keep your yard trimmed, since fleas and ticks thrive in tall grass and leaf litter. Wash pet bedding regularly, especially during warmer months. Vacuum frequently if you have carpet or rugs, since flea eggs and larvae can live in fibers. What to Do If You Find Fleas or Ticks If you spot fleas on your pet, treat your pet and your home at the same time. Washing bedding, vacuuming thoroughly, and using a vet-approved flea treatment together will stop the cycle faster than treating your pet alone. If you find an embedded tick, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out, then clean the area and monitor your pet for any signs of irritation or illness in the following weeks. When in doubt, your veterinarian can help confirm the tick is fully removed and check for any tick-borne concerns. We're Here to Help Between grooming visits, our team keeps an eye out for early signs of fleas and ticks so small issues don't turn into bigger ones. If you have questions about prevention or want help checking your pet at their next visit, just ask. Book your dog or cat's next grooming or wellness check at The Ark.
We see it all the time, and you probably feel it too… getting your pet places is not always convenient. That’s why The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel has partnered with Leash , a pet-only transportation company built to simplify life. Leash provides the most flexible transportation option for your pet across the entire metro. Even better, booking a ride takes just a few minutes through the Leash app. Safety Protocols For Peace Of Mind Unsure about Leash? That’s completely fair. After all, they are transporting your precious “cargo.” But Leash is backed by 5+ years of experience and more than 10,000 completed rides. Their pick-up and drop-off protocol has been fine tuned to ensure your pet is always safe when they ride with Leash. Here’s what a ride looks like: Download the Leash app and create your account and pet profile Book a ride to or from [Insert Business Name] A Verified Driver arrives based on your pickup instructions Receive photos and updates throughout the journey for peace of mind Who’s Driving My Pet? This is the most important question to ask, and one we take seriously. A Verified Driver is someone who… Passes a background check and Motor Vehicle Record review Has previous pet handling experience Uses pet-specific safety equipment like seatbelt tethers and harnesses When To Use Leash If you are in a time crunch, don’t have reliable transportation, just want to simplify your life, etc., Leash is here for you (and most importantly your pet). So next time your pet needs to get to or from The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel, consider giving Leash a try! And the nice thing is, rides start at only $20. Book your pet’s first ride here, and receive 10% off on us!
Bathing your dog too often (or not often enough) can cause real problems. Our groomers break down exactly how often your dog needs a bath, and why.
New to daycare? Here's what a typical day looks like at The Ark, from drop-off to pickup, plus how to try it free with your pup's first visit.
Beating the Orlando Heat, One Patio Upgrade at a Time If you've spent a July afternoon in Orlando, you know the heat doesn't mess around. But we're not about to let a little humidity keep you and your pup off the patio. This summer, we've made some real upgrades to keep Dougie's comfortable from open to close, even on the hottest days. New Evaporative Cooling Fans We added evaporative cooling fans across the patio to cut down on the heat where you and your dog spend the most time. Unlike a standard fan that just moves hot air around, these pull in cooler, misted air, which makes a noticeable difference when you're posted up with a cold drink and your pup is sprawled out at your feet. More Shade Is On the Way We know direct sun is rough on paws and patience, so more shade coverage is in the works for the patio. Whether you're grabbing a seat during a weekday happy hour or settling in for a weekend hang, we're working on giving you more spots to post up out of direct sunlight. The Splash Zone Is Still Your Dog's Best Friend When the fans and shade aren't enough, the splash zone is always ready. It's one of the most popular parts of Dougie's for a reason, and summer is exactly when it earns its keep. A few minutes in the water and even the most overheated pup is back to full speed. A Few Reminders for Hot Weather Visits Watch the pavement, since asphalt and concrete can get hot enough to burn paw pads even when the air feels manageable. Give your dog breaks in the shade or splash zone throughout your visit, especially during peak afternoon heat. Know your dog's limits. Some pups can handle a long, sunny hang. Others do better with a shorter visit and more shade time. Still the Best Spot to Beat the Heat Together Staying inside all summer isn't really an option when you've got a dog who needs to run, splash, and socialize. With the new cooling fans, more shade on the way, and the splash zone doing what it does best, Dougie's is built to keep you and your pup comfortable no matter how high the temperature climbs. Come cool off with us. Your pup's already sweating through their fur coat.
Keep your dog happy, cool, and active all summer with these easy ideas, from frozen treats and splash play to indoor enrichment and safe ways to burn off energy.
A summer grooming refresh does more than make your dog look good. Learn how coat care, de-shedding, and sanitary trims help your pup stay cool and comfortable all season.
Traveling this summer? Use this simple boarding checklist to prep your dog or cat for a smooth, happy stay. What to pack, what to update, and how to make drop-off easy.
Florida summers are no joke for dogs. Learn how to spot heatstroke, protect paws from hot pavement, keep your pup hydrated, and know when daycare is the safer choice.
For us, the Fourth of July means cookouts, sparklers, and a sky full of color. For a lot of our dogs, it means a night of pure panic. Those booms are loud, sudden, and impossible to explain to a frightened pup. If your dog has ever pressed themselves flat under the bed, paced and panted for hours, or tried to bolt out the door at the first firework, you are not alone. The Fourth is consistently one of the most stressful nights of the year for dogs, and shelters across the country see a spike in lost pets right after, because terrified dogs run. The good news is there is a lot you can do to help. Here are the strategies we use every holiday season, plus the one option a lot of Orlando pet parents do not think about until it is too late. WHY FIREWORKS ARE SO HARD ON DOGS It helps to understand what your dog is actually experiencing. Dogs hear far more acutely than we do, so fireworks are not just louder to them, they are overwhelming. Add in the unpredictability, the flashes of light, the vibrations, and even the change in air pressure, and you have a recipe for genuine fear. This is not your dog being dramatic. It is a real fear response, and the kindest thing we can do is take it seriously and plan ahead. CREATE A SAFE, COZY RETREAT Give your dog a den. Pick the most insulated room in your home, ideally one with few windows and toward the center of the house, and set it up as their safe space before the fireworks start. Their bed, a favorite blanket, a few toys, and something that smells like you all help. Close the curtains to block the flashes, and let your dog choose whether to hide there or not. Many dogs feel safest in an enclosed, covered spot, so a crate with a blanket draped over it, left open so they can come and go, can be perfect. The goal is to give them a place that feels secure. MASK THE NOISE Drowning out the booms makes a real difference. Turn on a fan, a white noise machine, the air conditioner, or the TV. Some owners play calm music or specially made dog relaxation playlists, which can help cover the sharp, sudden sounds with something steady and soothing. The steadier background noise will not erase the fireworks, but it softens the contrast that makes them so startling. STAY HOME IF YOU CAN, AND STAY CALM If it is possible, being home with your dog on the Fourth is reassuring for them. Your presence is a comfort. Here is the important part, though. Stay calm and act normal. It is tempting to coddle a scared dog with a lot of worried "it's okay, it's okay," but dogs read our energy closely, and fussing can accidentally signal that there really is something to fear. Instead, be relaxed and matter of fact. Offer comfort if they seek it, but project the calm you want them to feel. TIRE THEM OUT EARLY A long walk or a good play session earlier in the day, before any fireworks begin, can take the edge off. A dog who has burned energy and is pleasantly tired is often less reactive than a dog who is wound up. Just be sure to do it during the cooler hours, because remember, it is still a brutal Florida July. MAKE SURE THEY CANNOT ESCAPE This is the safety piece that matters most. Because so many dogs panic and try to flee, the Fourth is the most common night of the year for pets to go missing. Double check that your yard is secure, keep your dog indoors during the fireworks, and be extra careful with doors and gates when guests are coming and going. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with current ID tags, and confirm their microchip information is up to date. If the worst happens and they do get out, those two things are what bring them home. TALK TO YOUR VET ABOUT SEVERE ANXIETY If your dog's fear is extreme, do not just white knuckle through it year after year. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of the holiday. There are calming supplements, anxiety wraps, and in some cases prescribed medications that can genuinely help dogs who suffer badly. Your vet can help you find the right approach for your specific dog, and planning this conversation in advance gives you time to try options before the big night. THE OPTION A LOT OF PEOPLE OVERLOOK: BOARDING Here is the one that does not occur to most people until they are in the middle of a rough Fourth of July night. Sometimes the calmest, safest place for your dog is not your living room at all. A quiet, climate controlled boarding suite, away from your neighborhood's fireworks and surrounded by a team that knows exactly how to handle anxious dogs, can be a far less stressful experience than riding it out at home. This is especially worth considering if you are hosting a party, if you will be out for the evening, or if your dog's fear is severe enough that nothing at home seems to help. At The Ark Pet Spa and Hotel, we have spent years caring for dogs through every holiday, and we know how to make an anxious pup feel safe. Spacious, comfortable suites, a calm environment, and a crew that treats your dog like family. While you enjoy the celebration, your best friend gets a quiet, secure night and the kind of attentive care that turns a scary holiday into just another good night's sleep. July 4th is one of our busiest nights of the year for exactly this reason, so if you think boarding might be the right call for your dog, book early before we fill up. THE BOTTOM LINE Fireworks are hard on dogs, but a scary night is not inevitable. Set up a safe retreat, mask the noise, stay calm, secure your home, talk to your vet if the fear runs deep, and seriously consider whether a quiet boarding stay would be the kindest option of all. A little planning now means your dog can get through the Fourth feeling safe, and you can actually enjoy the holiday knowing they are okay. The Ark Pet Spa and Hotel 1965 W. New Hampshire St., Orlando, FL, in the Packing District 407-777-2710 | arkpethotel.com Thinking about July 4th boarding for your pup? Reach out today and we will help you lock in their spot. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. For concerns about your dog's anxiety or health, please consult your veterinarian.
