MEET OUR MANNERS PROGRAM LEADERS!

Lisa (left) and Michelle (right) with some of their canine students

We recently launched our new Manners Training program! This new activity package and daycare option offers a variation to your dog's stay, with group and individual manners sessions tied in with walks and play times. So your dog gets to play and learn! Combining mental and physical stimulation, your dog gets the best of both worlds!

Leading this exciting new program are long time Morris Animal Inn staffers, Lisa and Michelle.

Michelle VanWinkle, Program Leader

Q: What is your background working with dogs?
A:   In 2009, I graduated from the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers, a nationally recognized school, studying dog behavior and training for over a year. After earning my Associates, Professional, and Masters Dog Training Certification, and graduating first in the class, I owned and operated my own dog training business for four years. I have experience training different breeds, ages and temperaments in the avenues of general obedience; agility; competition and much more. I am an active competitor in many dog sports including AKC, PSA, French Ring, Shutzhund and IPO. I have been nationally recognized with my own dogs, Xander, a Belgian Malinois and Gracie, a Golden Retriever, for competition obedience and apprehension. I've worked with local shelter dogs teaching general obedience to improve their chances of finding a new home. I have been with Morris Animal Inn for five years in various positions including Activities staff, Group Play Evaluator, Lodging staff and am currently the Manners and Fitness Program Leader.

Q: Could you describe Morris Animal Inn's Manners Training program in your own words?
A: Our program teaches general obedience commands with real life distractions. Using the most up-to-date and humane training approach, the program allows for clear communication and creates a dog that loves to learn. Teaching your pet manners is crucial because it opens doors to a lasting bond between canine and owner.

Q: What do you believe is the most important skill to teach a dog?
A: The most important command for a dog to learn is to come. Every year, countless canines are lost because they never learned this basic command. For the safety of our pets, this is an important and necessary skill to teach.

Q: What is your main goal when training a dog?
A: My goal is to help enhance the healthy, happy relationship owners already have with their dog and to help make their dog a more enjoyable and respected member of the family.

Lisa Kaune, Program Leader

Q: What is your background working with dogs?
A: I've been an animal lover my whole life and professionally working with dogs for five years, first as a Lodging Team Leader at Morris Animal Inn and now as a Program Leader for the Manners and Fitness programs. After heavily researching dog behavior and psychology along with spending countless hours training my two dogs, Zeke, a black lab and Archu, a shepherd mix, I have successfully trained them both. Eventually, I would like to participate in the sport of Competitive Obedience. 

Q: What is the most important message to get across to those who are interested in this program?
A: Learning is a journey, not a destination. We will give the dog the foundation in manners but best results are achieved with consistent reinforcement at home. In doing this, the dog has a clear understanding of what is expected from him/her.

Q: What is your dog training philosophy?
A: My dog training philosophy is pretty simple - clear communication. Too often people assume that dogs just automatically understand what is expected from them. This is, of course, not the case. It must be taught and reinforced over and over again. The same commands must be used everytime and by every member in the household.

Reservations are now being accepted. Call us today! 

HOW TO APPROACH A DOG

Photo Courtesy of jonjd2

You know your dog. You know the familiar smell of their paws, which spot on their tummy they love to be scratched and the first thing your dog is going to do when she or he wakes up in the morning. Our love for our own dogs can make us too trusting of other dogs. We may sprint over to any dog we see walking down the street and immediately start petting them. If we have children, this behavior may be passed down and that’s not necessarily a good thing. It’s critical to learn the proper way to approach an unfamiliar dog. We will break it down so that you can still greet dogs without putting yourself at risk.

Ask Permission

Never walk toward, let alone run to an unfamiliar dog and start touching them. If someone did that to you, I guarantee you would not be happy. Treat this dog with the same respect. First, ask permission from the owner if you can pet their dog. Just as you know best how your dog will react in certain circumstances, this owner knows whether or not their dog will appreciate a stranger petting them, and what spot on their dog is best not to touch.

Photo Courtesy of ocean yamaha



Sniff and See

Hold your hand out to the dog so that he or she can sniff you and get to know you and your scent. Remember, dogs use their noses to gain the most information. Bypassing this important step would be a faux-pas in the canine world. Do not look the dog directly in the eyes as that can be seen as a challenge. If the dog looks relaxed with their mouth open and their tail wagging, signs are the dog is friendly and would not mind gentle petting. If the dog appears tense, the tail is not wagging, the ears are laid back and the mouth is closed or in a snarl, this dog may be scared, so leave it alone.

The Right Touch

Adults generally understand proper pressure for touching animals. Children however, occasionally struggle with this concept, especially when it is an adorable furry creature that resembles the stuffed animal they squeeze at night when they sleep. Teach your child how to gently stroke from head to tail. Stay away from the ears, the face, the paws, and the dog’s hindquarters, including the tail. Children have a tendency to tug on tails which animals do not appreciate.

Dog to Dog

Photo Courtesy of cogdogblog



If you are walking your dog and you approach an unfamiliar dog, do your best to keep them separate. Even if your dog is friendly, the other dog might not be. Some dogs love people but not other canines. Keep the dogs separate until you know the other dog, in order to avoid unnecessary scuffles.

Some dogs love attention and will play with anything that moves.  Sometimes it can be easy to tell when a dog wants attention and when they do not, but to be safe, you should never assume. Always ask the owner first and teach your children to follow suit.

HOW TO CURE YOUR DOG'S CAR SICKNESS

Photo Courtesy of mysza831

It’s a struggle to get your pooch in the car. When you do, you close the door as quickly as possible. You cross your fingers as you turn the key in the ignition and back out of the driveway. Making sure to take turns at a snail’s pace, you avoid the bumpy potholes as best you can. But then you smell it. Yup, sure enough your precious pooch has vomited all over the upholstery of your backseat. It doesn’t matter if you drive slow enough to make out the eye color of the irritated person tailgating you or if you play soft classical music from the car radio to calm your canine. Every time you get your dog in the car, nausea is sure to follow. Not only do you feel sorry for poor Fido, but your backseat isn’t looking or smelling too great either. Read on for some tips to help you with this unfortunate situation.



Photo Courtesy of thetimechannel

 
Pinpoint the Issue

When your dog is a puppy, their ear canals are still forming and this can cause their balance to be off. Being off balance can cause motion sickness, so it is not unusual for puppies to get car sick. Unfortunately, some dogs struggle to outgrow their motion sickness. For other canines the problem can be attributed to anxiety. Many dogs have limited experience in the car and only take a ride when going to the vet; thus, it can be scary for them.


Condition

Whatever the root cause of your dog’s car sickness, it is important to try and condition your dog so that they become used to the car and grow more comfortable with it. It is especially important to start this conditioning when your dog is still a puppy. Hang out in the car while it is parked in the driveway. Bring your dog’s favorite toy and spend some time playing and petting your pup in the car. Get him or her accustomed to the smells and feel of the car while it is not moving. The next day, do the same thing but turn the car on for a short while. Progress to short drives down the block and always keep a fun dog toy in the car. Each day, go a little bit farther. Make sure to take your dog to places like the dog park or a hiking trail so they begin to associate the car as a gateway to fun activities.

Photo Courtesy of abbynormy

Comfort is Key 

Other things to consider when driving with a dog that gets carsick is to make sure the car is well-ventilated and comfortable. The back of the car or the trunk can be the bumpiest section. Your dog might be better off in the backseat, kept firmly in place with the help of a dog seat-belt or in a crate. Limit your dog’s food intake before traveling if they are prone to vomiting.

Don’t Pull Over

When your dog pukes in the car, don’t make a big deal out of it. Resist the urge to pull over and clean it up because your dog will start to realize that vomiting makes the car stop. Instead, protect your car seats with old towels and just throw them in the wash when you get home.

Medication

If your dog’s motion sickness does not seem to improve with time and conditioning, consider medication like a mild sedative. Your vet can help you choose the proper medication to ease your dog’s car-related tummy problems.

Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe Outside

Irene came and went. In her wake, she left a path of destruction: downed power lines, uprooted trees, and rivers where streets once were. If your backyard was ruined, here are some things to consider when rebuidling your yard in order to keep your canine safe from certain hazards.

Fence In Your Yard

Photo of Courtesy Nash

Dogs are natural born explorers with little regard for a map or compass, relying solely on their olfactory senses and stellar hearing capabilities. They can hear and smell interesting stimuli that is outside the perimeter of your yard. Unfortunately, these senses may not always be enough to lead them back to home sweet home. Because there is nothing more upsetting than a lost dog, it is highly important your yard is fully fenced in to prevent this from happening. If your dog is a jumper or a large breed dog, make sure to install a tall fence that is sturdy, strong, and can resist the repeated pressure of your dog jumping against it. If your dog likes to dig, it is crucial to reinforce the fence in order to deter your pooch from recreating a scene out of The Great Escape and tunneling to the other side. Make sure the fence is placed deep in the ground so this scenario cannot happen. Do not place objects like garbage cans near a fence that your canine can jump on and use as a trampoline to hop over the fence. Remember, if you are an owner that leaves your dog chained to a tree in the yard, it is not the safest option if you are not there to monitor and there is no fence. The rope or chain can easily break and your dog can get loose.

Lawn Maintenance

Before applying fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, remove any water bowls or dog toys from the yard. Wait until chemicals have completely dried up. Some sources suggest waiting up to four days before allowing your dog to go out in the yard. Consider applying the chemicals in shifts and monitor your pup when outside to ensure he or she steers clear of the infected area for the suggested time frame. Keep chemicals in its original packaging and store them in a spot your pet cannot access. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, cocoa mulch, if heavily ingested can have a similar effect on dogs as chocolate causing vomiting and diarrhea, so steer clear of this mulch. The most poisonous pesticides for dogs are slug and snail bait, gopher and rat poison, fly bait and systemic insecticides. For the safety of your precious pooch, it is best to invest in natural, organic, and chemical-free lawn substances to avoid this situation all together.

Photo Courtesy of tar0

Holes

The potholes that continue to plague your driveway every year after winter may make you crazy but you should also turn your attention to the divets and holes dotting your grassy yard. If your dog takes off after a squirrel or rabbit and their paw happens to land in a hole, your pooch is liable to strain a muscle or sprain an ankle. Patch up holes with topsoil and replant grass in these areas. Enlist the help of a landscaper if lawn maintenance is not your speciality.

Letting your dog out in the backyard should be an easy way for your pooch to enjoy the outdoors. If you follow these simple steps to safeguard your yard for Fido, it can be a walk in the park. 

Seat Belt Safety - It's a Dog Issue Too!

Photo Courtesy of Emdot

Nothing spells carefree better than the image of a dog sticking its head out the window of a car and their ears flapping in the wind.

Safety First!
Though it may seem sad to harness and buckle your dog into the car, thus preventing the sensory overload they so dearly enjoy, the alternative outcomes are not in your fuzzy pal’s best interest or yours. Keep your pup as safe as you would your child!

Shopping for a Seat Belt

Luckily for us, nowadays, not only does every car come equipped with seat belts unlike your Grandpa’s stories of the old wide Lincoln with nary a buckle in sight, but there are a myriad of seat belt options for your canine companion as well. From harnesses to buckles to booster seats for little ones and even crates, there are many selections designed to keep a dog of any size safe and secure. Companies like Doctors Foster and Smith, Petedge, and Dog.com offer quality dog seat belts.

Buckle Up!

Seat belt safety has long been an important issue in regards to children and adults. The second we get into the car, we ask the pivotal question, “Is everyone buckled up?” You would never let your child hang their head out the window of your car, with no constraints to hold them in. That is reckless, neglectful and dangerous. Why should it be any different when it comes to your fur child? Not only can things get in your dog's eyes when they lean out of the window, but if you are forced to stop short, your dog, if small enough, can fall out or jump out. Your dog can also become a projectile if you are forced to slam on the brakes too quickly. Many dogs would love to be the hood ornament on the front of the car and if given free rein of the vehicle, they can easily get in the way and be as distracting, if not more so than talking on the cell phone. Airbags also pose another risk for smaller, more delicate canines sitting in the passenger seat and when inflated, can seriously injure your pooch. We understand you can’t ask Fido to buckle up, so why don’t you strap Fido in yourself? 

The Thundershirt Experiment: Does it Really Work?

http://www.thundershirt.com/

My dog Cassie had always been a curious and fearless explorer. She spent many vacations hiking with me, trailblazing new doggie paths off the beaten path through brambles and thickets. At the beach she would taunt the sea by racing in to meet the waves and then fly back at the last minute with sand and salt flying in the ocean breeze, her mouth agape in a mischievous smile, knowing she had just evaded Mother Nature.



Though I expected her physical strength to wane over the years, I was not prepared for the noise anxiety she gradually developed over time. The two boogiemen in her life became the oven with its high pitched chirping alarm and worst of all, a rainy thunderstorm that’s loud claps sent her running, tail between her legs behind my bed or to the bathroom where she would shake in fear.

Photo Courtesy of Bayasaa

A Season of Fireworks and Thunder

With summer under way and the threat of thunderstorms and fireworks in the picture, I thought it was time to give the Thundershirt™ a try. I’d heard about the phenomenon, but because it was just a shirt, I was skeptical. My dog tends to freeze in place and become as immobile as a statute when I put her raincoat or winter sweater on. However, since Temple Grandin, a doctor of animal science and an animal behavior expert, has touted the calming benefits of pressure for anxious animals, I was somewhat convinced of the methodology behind the seemingly simple concept. Much like you swaddle a baby in a blanket to calm it, theThundershirt™ fits snuggly over your dog, exerting soft pressure on your dog's body which soothes your pup and their anxiety. Not only does the shirt claim to help with your dog's noise phobia, but it's also helpful for pooches with separation anxiety.

Cassie in her Thundershirt

Week 1

With July 4 approaching, I attempted to suit her up in preparation for the big day. As suggested, I put the shirt on her at night during her treat and trick time, which happens to be her favorite part of the day. I wanted her to associate the shirt with pleasurable experiences and become accustomed to wearing it at non-threatening times. As per usual, after I finally managed to Velcro her in the shirt in all the right places by following the diagram, she froze in place. Once I got her interested in her treats, she loosened up and performed her repertoire of tricks with ease. Later, she lay down and fell peacefully asleep.

Week 2

After putting the Thundershirt on her every night for 10 to 20 minutes at times when she was eating, I noticed her grow comfortable in it. Often times she would simply fall asleep. Finally, the night of July 4th arrived, every dog’s nightmare. I swaddled her in her shirt and sat down with pen and paper in hand to observe her reactions to the loud pop, sizzle, and boom of the fireworks. Though her expression was fearful, and she kept to the corner of the bathroom, I noticed that for once, she did not shake incessantly. This was a huge step!

Cassie and Briana

Conclusion

Though it took longer for her to adjust to the shirt than I had originally suspected and putting the shirt on correctly can be a little bit confusing, in the end she was calmer than I had ever seen her during a thunderstorm or fireworks episode! In my opinion, the Thundershirt™ is worth it, but in the beginning you must be patient. Morris Animal Inn carries Thundershirts™  so stop by to test one out on your dog before the summer is over!

Written by Briana Falco

Morris Animal Inn Employee and proud mother of Cassie

Have you ever used the Thundershirt on your dog?
If so, what have your results been?

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Memorial Day weekend will soon be  upon us ushering in the ensuing summer months of popsicles, sunburn, and bathing suits worn like second-skins, so get ready! But before the festivities begin, take time to dog proof your house and backyard to ensure your Memorial Day Celebrations run smoothly for both you and your furry guests.

SCOOP THE YARD
If your celebration is outdoors in the backyard, make sure to mow the lawn and scoop any of your dog’s eliminations so no one steps onto a smelly surprise in your backyard. Have pooper scoopers available throughout the day to prevent this from happening.

THE AQUATIC LIFE
If your pool is open for the summer, make sure there is always a lifeguard on duty to watch youngsters and water-loving dogs. Some dogs can be excellent swimmers but can have trouble finding their way out of the pool or may wear themselves out. Investing in doggie life-jackets is always a safe and an excellent idea.

GUARD FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Make sure that alcoholic beverages are not lying on the ground or the edges of picnic tables within easy reach of your curious canine. Any type of alcoholic beverage is potentially poisonous to pets. Other foods you should never let your canine ingest are grapes, chocolate, and onions all of which can be poisonous to dogs. Since your grill will most likely be fired up and an abundance of meat will be floating around, protect the food from prying wet noses and flies with mesh food tents that open up like an umbrella to fit over wide platters of food. Tell guests to keep food scrap feeding to a minimum so that your dog does not get sick from too much grub and indulgent food that he or she is not accustomed to eating on a regular basis.

MOSQUITO PREVENTION
The later your party runs, the more likely mosquitoes will show up as extra guests you did not bargain for. Preventative measures such as citronella candles and bug spray can be used, but must be monitored. You do not want your dog to get anywhere near these substances as they can be toxic for Fido.

SAFEGUARD THE EXITS
With family and friends coming and going, it is likely that a door or gate might be left open. Keep a vigilant eye on the exits to prevent this from happening and tell all of your guests to do the same. Make sure that your pet has identification on, like a collar with identification tags.

BACK-UP PLAN
If the thought of keeping an eye on your dog, let alone cooking and cleaning for a large group of guests stresses you out, or your travel plans are taking you far from home, you can always bring your pup to Morris Animal Inn where we can help Fido or Fluffy celebrate the federal holiday in safety and style!

 

Tick and Flea Prevention

Oh no! Not ticks and fleas!

What are two five letter words that pet owners never want to think about? Ticks and fleas of course! Unfortunately, as the weather warms up, flea and tick populations increase and become an unpleasant reality. How can you tell if your pet has fleas or ticks and what can you do when faced with this situation?

Not to worry, Morris Animal Inn has got you covered with the best advice on handling this situation.


Critter Identification
Ticks:

American Dog Tick
Photo Courtesy of jkirkhart35

There are three different types of ticks prevalent in New Jersey: the deer tick, the Lone star Tick, and the American Dog tick. Deer ticks are the smallest and are black in color. The deer tick is a transmitter of Lyme disease. The American Dog tick is much larger in size, looks like a white or grey kernel of corn when engorged, and is the tick that is most frequently encountered. The American Dog Tick can be a transmitter of the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The Lone star tick can be identified by the white spot on its back but is less common in this area.
Fleas:
Fleas appear as small red or black dots about the size of a pinhead and can be found on any part of the body, but tend to congregate around the neck and tail area of cats and dogs.

Preventative Measures
Ticks tend to favor wooded areas with overgrown grass. After every hike or walk with your dog, take the time to diligently scan his or her body for ticks. Use a brush or a flea/tick comb to slowly comb through the hair. If any fleas or ticks were on your dog’s body, it would get trapped in the fine tines of the comb. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about the best preventative measure but for owners convenience Morris Animal Inn carries Frontline for all size dogs and would be happy to administer the application.

Cures
Ticks:

http://www.dogtipper.com/

What do you do if you find a tick on your dog’s body? Use tweezers to pull the tick straight out, do not twist. Try not to grab the tick’s body but rather the mouthparts attached to your pet. Drop the tick in a jar of alcohol to kill it. If you want to be sure it is not a disease carrying deer tick, bring the tick preserved in alcohol to your local veterinarian to have it examined. Simply flushing a tick down the toilet will not kill it. Clean the bite wound with antiseptic.
Fleas:
Fleas are less dangerous than ticks but are much more annoying. As soon as a flea sucks blood it is able to reproduce and will soon lay eggs. To completely eradicate fleas from your pet and your home it is crucial to wash all bedding where your dog or cat sleeps in hot soapy water. Vacuum the entire house making sure to focus on baseboards and the corners of every room. Seal the vacuum bag in a plastic trash bag and either freeze it or pour flea powder into the bag to ensure the fleas do not return and then dispose in an outdoor trash receptacle. It may take several weeks to entirely wipe out those pesky fleas so continue to wash bedding, rugs, and pillows and become a vigilant with your vacuuming. If these natural solutions prove ineffective after several weeks, it may be time to invite an exterminator over. Just make sure that whatever fogger or spray is used contains an IGR, or insect growth regulator, to exterminate the flea in all its life cycles, from larva to adult.

To remove fleas from Fluffy or Fido, wash them in hot soapy water. There are many natural remedies out there that you may want to try before resorting to flea shampoos which contain harsh chemicals but may later prove to be necessary. Discuss your options with your veterinarian to determine the best and safest solution for your pet. If needed, Morris Animal Inn does provide flea shampooing.
Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to show any tick or flea whose boss!

What tick and flea remedies have you found most effective?

Sources:www.dogster.com, www.petplace.com,

Shed that Winter Coat!

Now that spring has officially sprung, (though it might not seem like it!) it's time to invest in some spring cleaning…for your pet that is!

With spring, we get the good and the bad: more sunlight and blossoms come with allergy attacks, muddy shoes, and if you are the owner of a fuzzy friend, more hair everywhere.

The Shedding Situation

For many people who own dogs that have a double coat (which includes a top coat and an undercoat) like Newfoundlands, Samoyeds, and Shelties or have long haired cats like Himalayans and Persians, excess hair floating around your house is as natural as dust mites. While this is not harmful, hair trapped in the coat is unsightly and uncomfortable for your pet. For cats, it can also cause an increase in hairballs.

For some dog owners, shedding appears to be a year-round occurrence. In fact, it probably is, according to TrainPetDog.com. Since most of our pets spend their time indoors in heated houses during the winter and then go outside into the cold for walks, it fools your dog’s body into thinking the seasons are changing.

Dogs without two coats, like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Tibetan Terriers, must still take extra care to brush their dog’s coats regularly. Since these breeds don’t lose hair as naturally, their hair tends to get matted if not brushed properly and frequently.

How to Cope with Shedding

As your dog’s winter hair shakes loose to make room for a new spring coat it is important to brush, brush, brush! The appropriate shedding tools will help remove loose hair from the undercoat and a slicker brush will knock hair from the top coat. Catching the fuzz between the bristles of a brush will prevent them from finding their way to your floor, your furniture or your clothing.

If you have trouble keeping up the rigorous brushing routine on top of all your other spring cleaning, simply bring your dog and all that fuzz to Morris Animal Inn. Our groomers will happily take on the challenge! Our effective shedding tools combined with regular grooming appointments will do wonders to help our fuzz-emitting friends, both canine and feline. If you feel your pet needs extra help in this area, we offer the Shed-Less procedure, performed right in our state-of-the art spa. This process is a multi-step procedure that utilizes a shampoo and conditioner, a pre and post bath blowout, special shedding tools, and a finishing spray, all of which are designed to eliminate excess hair but without hindering the natural shedding process.  The process is best if scheduled once every six weeks.

Honor your pets and your home this spring by keeping their shedding to a minimum…your couch will thank you!

Sources: TrainPetDog.com

                Dog Breed Info Center

Tricks for Treating Thunder Phobia

As March rolls in like a lion, with it comes the ensuing rain, grey overcast days, and the occasional claps of thunder that send Fido and Fluffy running with tails between their legs. Since we can’t avoid stormy weather, we’ve collected some tricks to help you treat the thunder phobia plaguing your furry friends so that you and Fido can weather it fearlessly together the next time March’s lion begins to roar.

Thunder=Treats

When it beings to rain and thunder booms overhead, give your pet one of their favorite treats. It must be a truly delectable treat that will entice them even in the midst of the loud noise. This might be the time you pull out strips of turkey or chicken. Whenever you hear a loud thunder clap, feed your dog or cat a delicious treat. Alas, they will begin to associate thunder with food which will transform the storm from a negative experience to a positive one. This concept mimics clicker training in which a noise or click precedes a reward.

Safe House

If “thunder treats” don’t quite get your fuzzy pals salivating, try creating a safe house for your dog or cat to cuddle up in and hopefully rest or sleep. This can simply be their crate or a private nook in your house that your pet likes to relax in. Make sure it is comfortable, padded with soft blankets, and keep their favorite toys nearby as an added comfort.

Music Therapy

A stellar conglomeration of research between Joshua Leeds, psychoacoustic expert, and Susan Wagner, veterinary neurologist, culminated in the body of work, Through a Dog’s Ear, a book outlining their scientific research and a collection of CDs designed to calm and soothe your dog in any anxiety-inducing situation. Their work studies the effects of the environment and its soundscape on our canine companions and develops simple solutions that highlight the importance of classical music. 

DAP

Dog Appeasing Pheromone Therapy utilizes a replication of a pheromone produced in the mammary glands of a lactating female dog. The pheromone is supposed to promote a calm sense of security in dogs. It is extremely simple. Just buy it in diffuser form and plug it in to an outlet!

Medication

If all else fails and your pet continues to exhibit signs of stress from the sound of thunder, consider talking with your vet about medication that might include anti-anxiety or anti-depressant meds to ease them in these times.

Don’t let stormy weather get the best of you and your pets! Use these techniques to help them have sweet dreams!