Dogs experience the world through their noses first. While we humans rely heavily on sight, dogs gather information, process emotions, and explore their environment primarily through scent. Yet so many dogs spend their walks being hurried from point A to point B without ever getting the chance to truly sniff and investigate. At Fairview Boarding, we believe sniffing isn’t a distraction from the walk — it is the walk. Why Sniffing Matters to Dogs A dog’s nose is nothing short of

Yes, boredom strikes for dogs too. When they experience it, they can’t tell anyone directly — instead, they show it through their actions. Suddenly, a once calm pup is chasing their tail, barking for attention, or getting into mischief. Recognizing the signs of boredom helps prevent long-term effects like anxiety, depression, or destructive habits. Here are seven common signs your dog might be bored — and what they’re trying to tell you. 1. Destroying or Damaging Furniture If

Allergies are common in dogs, and just like humans, pets can experience a range of allergic reactions throughout their lives. Whether triggered by environmental factors, food, or insect bites, allergies can significantly affect a dog’s comfort and overall well-being. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key to managing allergies effectively. What Are Allergies? Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to substances—known as allergens—that

Working with puppies is one of the most rewarding parts of grooming—full of wiggles, kisses, and a little bit of chaos! These tiny furballs bring endless joy, but grooming them takes patience, creativity, and a gentle touch. Starting early helps set the stage for a lifetime of stress-free grooming and happy pups. Start Early Early exposure to grooming is key to helping puppies feel comfortable with the process. The best time to start is around 8–12 weeks of age, once they’ve

Along with a good diet, routine veterinary care, and plenty of cuddles, regular exercise is an important part of caring for your dog. But just like people, the amount of exercise a dog needs can vary. So how can you tell if your dog is turning into a couch potato? Here are seven signs that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise: 1. Weight Gain If your pup is putting on the pounds, a lack of exercise may be to blame. Overfeeding your dog, plus too little activity, is a sure pa

You’re not the only one who gets fuzzy teeth from not brushing. Your dog does, too. That fuzzy feeling is called plaque and it can cause bad breath, tartar buildup, and periodontal disease. Just like you need to brush regularly, dogs can benefit from regular teeth brushing and dental exams at your local vet clinic. While some people brush their dog’s teeth two times a day, the minimum is at least three times a week. Making brushing a positive pet care experience for your dog

There are a few types of collars that should never be used on dogs, and at the very top of that list is the shock or electric collar. Many dog parents don’t realize the physical and behavioral harm these devices can cause. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness means dogs continue to experience pain and fear in the name of training. Electric collars work by delivering a shock or vibration when a dog performs an unwanted behavior. While this may stop the behavior temporarily, i

At Fairview Boarding’s groom salon, we offer two levels of pampering to suit your dog’s needs — a Tidy Up for quick maintenance or a Full Groom for a complete transformation. A Tidy Up is a light grooming session focused on keeping your dog neat and comfortable between full grooms. It includes a bath, blow-dry, nail trim, and trimming around the face, paw pads, and sanitary areas. It does not include clipping or changing the body hair length. Perfect, as a refresher bet

Western North Carolina’s mild climate allows fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to remain active throughout the year. Short, infrequent freezes fail to eliminate these parasites, which thrive in wooded areas, tall grass, and even inside homes. Because mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, continuous prevention is essential to protect dogs from serious and potentially fatal infections. Missing even one dose of preventative medication can leave pets vulnerable to infestations and