Pets vs. Snow

Ever wonder why your pets love the snow so much? There may be no definitive answer, but many experts believe that because pets have different sensory intakes than humans do, the snow is invigorating and exciting, especially for predatory animals like dogs and cats who enjoy a variety of environments.

It's similar to why some of us like frolicking in warm and shallow waves at the beach. Doesn't that sound fantastic right now? The sensation of the water feels good as the sand squishes between our toes. It is the same with the fluffy snow for your pets. A pet's body temperature regulates differently than ours, so the snow isn't as cold to your dog and cat as it is to your bare skin!

At this point, we can only laugh about the seemingly never-ending snow as we wait for spring. One of the things snow is good for is building snow people, animals, and structures. Here are 10 pets who wish these snow creations would melt already.

1. The dog who is not so amused by his hat

2. The cat as the hat who is over this snow

3. The dog who is trying to tell the snowman to go away, while also snacking on his nose

4. The cat who is mid-tackle

5. The puppy who wishes this snow person would stop following him

6. The dog who doesn't see the resemblance.

7. The dog who wants her scarf back.

8. The cat who wishes the snow person outside would stop staring.

9.The dog who also doesn't see the resemblance.

10. Finally, the dog who tells it like it is.

So laugh, stay warm and take advantage of the last real days of winter before we all start complaining that it is too hot! We will soon see the grass again, although looking out the window right now we can't promise anything! 

Should Your Dog Wear Winter Boots?

We can all agree that a pup in winter booties is just too cute!  While they are an adorable fashion accessory, did you know they can also help keep your dog’s paws safe and healthy during the cold winter months? 

Just like our skin, the winter can also wreak havoc on your dog’s paws. Between the effects of cold, snow, ice and salt, there are many reasons that a fresh new pair of winter boots may not be a bad idea for your dog!

Cold. Dogs out in the cold for long periods of times could be at risk for frostbite on their paws and hypothermia. Be sure to monitor how long your dog spends outside during the day, especially when the temperatures drop below freezing!

Snow and Ice.  A common cause of sore and cracked paws during the cold winter months are the ice balls which form between the pads and toes of dogs with furry feet. To reduce the risk of ice balls, keep inter-pad hair trimmed neatly and short during the winter months. Not only can fur on the feet contribute to the development of ice balls, paw hair can retain a lot of those nasty deicing salts from the sidewalks and roads. If your dog's feet are on the furry side, consider getting them trimmed them throughout the winter months.

Salt. One of the biggest threats to healthy paw pads is the salt used to melt ice on driveways, roads and sidewalks. Prolonged contact can lead to chemical burns on your dog's paws! If your dog is limping by end of a walk, these salts may be hurting their feet. If you dog does not have boots, try to keep them off the salty sidewalk or road in the grass or snow whenever possible.

Another threat comes from de-icers if your dog licks their paws or your boots, and ingests them. These salts are toxic! To prevent this from happening, keep a shallow bowl of warm water and a cloth near the entryway to your home so that you can wipe your boots and your dog’s paws when coming back inside.

If boots just aren't for your dog, gently washing your dog's paws after each trip outside can help keep them healthy. You can also help prevent cracked and bleeding paw pads by applying petroleum jelly or paw wax before your dog goes outside.  

Paw wax is another great alternative and is applied to the pads of the feet before a walk, forming a protective barrier between the paw and the salty sidewalk or pavement.

Whether or not your dog should wear booties is all up to you!  Some dogs may not feel comfortable in them in the backyard, while others spend most of their time outside walking on pavement and may need a little extra protection. Either way, please be aware of potential risks when it comes to snow, ice, and salt, and contact your veterinarian if your dog is limping or seems to have hurt paws after being outside. We hope you have a great, warm, and safe winter!

Sources: PetFinder & Vetstreet

Winter Exercise with your Pet

Even our pets get the winter blues. As we move into March and are feeling ready for spring, the continuing winter weather has many of us, and our pets, holing up at home. Dogs need exercise now just as much as during the warmer months, when running outside is a breeze. But while our pets’ paws still sink into the snow, our friends at Golden Woofs have come up with a list of alternate ways for you and your pet to get some exercise.

Play mental games. Winter is a great time to work with your dog on training and tricks, things that can be practiced indoors. Have you always wanted your dog to learn to roll over, or beg? Now’s the time to teach them. Treat puzzle games are also a good way to exercise your dog’s mental skills.

Take your dog swimming. Cold temperatures may have you dreaming of the sun and surf, so why not let your pet experience a bit of summer with a swim session? At Morris Animal Inn, our indoor pool offers a warm and fun escape from the chilly outdoors. All first time swimmers wear life vests for safety and are closely monitored by our experienced staff, who help pets get a great conditioning workout paddling in the pool. We also have a state-of-the-art aqua massage for a warm, muscle-relaxing soak after a swim.

Find dog-friendly trips. Need to run to the pet supply store, or maybe even your neighborhood garden center? Many of these places do allow pets to pace the aisles with you. Find out in advance if pets are allowed – if not, consider dropping them off at Morris Animal Inn for a day of daycare fun while you run your errands!

Try agility. Racing through tunnels and jumping over hurdles is a solid workout for any dog! Our sister company, Morris K9 Campus, offers indoor beginner agility courses that any pet-owner team can try. Agility burns lots of energy and also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Visit their website for more information about upcoming classes.

Enjoy winter! Embracing the cold and snow may feel like the last thing you want to do, but a brisk walk around your neighborhood can be rejuvenating for both you and your pet. Bundle up for a quick walk, the pace will keep you both warm, and follow it up with a cuddle in front of the fire. You’ve earned it!

From Freezing to Frostbite: Recognize the symptoms in your pet

An expanding polar vortex may be to blame for this January’s frigidly cold temperatures, but to your pet, the only thing that matters is getting in and out of the cold quickly. These below zero degree days have us on the watch for signs of cold or discomfort in our pets. Just like we turn up the thermostat or search for an extra blanket when we’re cold, dogs act in certain recognizable ways when they are trying hard to keep warm. Watch for these signs, courtesy of the Dog House blog, to know when your dog is feeling the chill.

Hunched up in a ball. A dog who is looking to stay warm will curl up with their head, tail and feet tucked under and around their body. This action allows them to better conserve body heat. Try a coat for the times when your pet must be outdoors in order to help them to conserve heat.

Three-legged dance. If you notice your dog standing with one foot in the air, and then shifting their weight to raise another foot, then the ground your dog is walking on is too cold for them. Try dog boots when you take your dog outside. These often takes some getting used to for pets, so allow them to wear the boots indoors for a while first.

Shivering and shaking. Although trembling can also indicate excitement in dogs, shaking that occurs while outside in the cold is usually an involuntary movement showing that their body is trying to generate more heat. A shivering pup needs a nice, warm cuddle indoors!

Lack of stretching. If your dog emerges from a sleeping or curled up position in the morning and does not stretch, they are still feeling a chill. Make sure your dog has a cozy sleeping arrangement on cold winter nights.

With temperatures this low, do not leave your dog outside for extended periods of time. Even with the proper coat and booties, your dog’s shivers could graduate to a much more dangerous kind of cold: frostbite. VCA Animal Hospitals explain how to recognize and treat this kind of tissue damage from the cold.

The parts of your dog most susceptible to frostbite are the areas of their body farthest from the heart: the ears, paws, and tail. After extended exposure to cold, check for the clinical signs of frostbite, which include discoloration, coldness or brittleness of the skin, pain or swelling of the area or blisters of any kind.

Frostbite is a serious condition that should be treated immediately. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has been overexposed to cold, and take immediate steps to warm them. DO NOT rub or massage the infected area OR use dry heat such as a heating pad or hairdryer. Instead, wrap your dog in warm, dry towels or blankets. You may begin to slowly thaw the frostbitten areas with a warm (NOT HOT) water compress. Be sure to thoroughly dry the area before exposing them again to any cold temperatures.

For more information about recognizing and treating frostbite, please visit the VCA Animal Hospitals website. The very best thing you can do, however, is prevent your dog from overexposure to cold. Limit their time outside and dress them appropriately if they show signs of extreme cold. As always, give your dog plenty of cuddle time to stay warm and dry indoors on these cold winter days!

Great Holiday Gifts for Pets

The holidays are upon us… which means celebrations, get-togethers and presents for the whole family. When that family includes a pet, our four-legged friends deserve some holiday cheer, too! Wondering how best to celebrate your pet this season? We’ve scoured the internet and picked out some of our favorite toys, treats and products to give your cat or dog. Whether you want to watch your pup unwrap a new toy or hang a kitty stocking above the fireplace, there are plenty of smart, fun options for pet owners this holiday.

Dog Overalls – For the dog who loves the outdoors year round, Hurtta Pet Collection has released a line of outdoor dog overalls. This waterproof and breathable outfit is specifically designed for long-haired dogs to protect their coat and skin from all types of weather (and to prevent the need for extra baths after playtime outside)!

DART DUO – The Frolicat™ DART DUO™ is an automatic rotating laser toy for dogs and cats. With speed and rotation variations, this double-laser spinning toy is perfect for frisky pets who love to pounce. You can even set a timer for 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute play sessions to keep your pet active long after you leave the room. This is a particular favorite in our Kitty Playroom at Morris Animal Inn!

PuppyTweets – Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you are away? Mattel’s Puppy Tweets can give you a look at your pet’s activities by sending you text messages throughout the day. A device attached to your pet’s collar can tell when your pet is napping, playing or barking, and will send messages to your cell phone “from your pet.” As silly as this gift may sound, it is also a great way to see how your pet behaves while they are left alone.

Soggy Doggy – Winter weather means leaving your snow boots at the door for humans, but for our pets, it’s not that easy. A dog who races inside from the rain or snow is likely to leave a lovely paw print trail throughout the house. A gift to you AND your pet, then, is the Soggy Doggy Doormat, a dual-service towel and mat for cleaning pets’ muddy paws. Small microfiber “noodles” make up this super-absorbent cloth, which helps to make drying your dog faster and easier.

Fishbowl Cat Feeder – Put your smart kitty to the test with the PetSafe® Fishbowl! This feeding toy allows cats to see, smell and even touch their treats, but they must solve the puzzle to get them out. The toy wobbles and rolls, turning eating into a game for your curious cat. The Fishbowl feeder is available in our lobby for a perfect last-minute holiday gift, along with plenty of other toys and treats for dogs and cats!

This is just a start to the many ways to spoil your pets this holiday! What will YOU be purchasing for your pet?

Pet Safety Around the Fireplace

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” may be the soundtrack to your holiday season, when nothing sounds better than cuddling up with your pet in front of a crackling fireplace. This warm winter staple can be all too intriguing for pets, especially those who may not have seen a fire before. Our fellow bloggers at Two Little Cavaliers offer tips on keeping your pet safe around the fireplace. With a few precautions, you, your pet and your favorite hot cocoa recipe can curl up together and enjoy the warmth of a fire this season.

Always use a fireplace screen. This is the easiest way to protect yourself and your pets from the flames but still enjoy their warmth. Invest in a nice screen that can also serve as a decorative piece!

Never leave a fire unsupervised. Not only should you not leave your pet alone near a fire, but an unattended fire period is potentially unsafe. Only set a fire when you know you have time to be home to enjoy it and monitor your pet and any embers that could jump out of the fire.

Keep your pet’s possessions far away. If your pet’s bed, favorite blanket or toys are located close to the flames, this may invite them to get extra close to the fire. Although it’s tempting to set up a cozy bed for your pet in front of the warmth, they can still appreciate the heat from a distance where their tail couldn’t accidentally wag into the embers. As a rule of thumb, your pet should sit as close to the fire as you do.

Remove fireplace tools. These sharp, heavy objects can invite injury to an excited pet who gets too close. Keep these tools in a closet or in a high, nearby place where your pet could not accidentally bump into them.

Resist pretty (smelling) mantelpiece decorations. Although garlands and other drapery might look pretty against the backdrop of a roaring fire, they may be tempting playthings for your pet. Keep decorations taught and high out of pets’ reach.

With a few simple precautions, you and your pet can enjoy this winter weather tradition safely and comfortably. What other wintertime traditions do you have with your pet?

Winterize Your Pet

As we welcome a new year with the changing of the calendar, New Jersey residents once again prepare for the worst of the winter season. In addition to watching our heating bill rise, shovels and rock salt are selling off the shelves and the once busy streets are now quiet as people elect to stay indoors when the temperatures dip to dangerous lows.  But as you and your family avoid the blistering cold and cozy up in the living room with the fireplace burning, a problem arises: Your pet has to go out, and he can’t hold it any longer!

Taking the right precautions for your pet during the winter season is vital to keeping your dog or cat safe and healthy. Here are a few cold weather tips to help you and your pet through a successful winter.

1.      Keep your dog on leash while walking in the snow or ice. Dogs can lose their scent when the ground is heavily covered in snow which can lead to them getting lost. Always make sure you have a firm grip on the leash, just in case your dog decides to dart after another furry animal without warning.

2.      Dress your dog in a sweater or coat, especially for the shorter-haired breeds. Despite being covered with hair, your dog can be just as cold as you are when the temperature drops. By adding another layer you will help your dog stay comfortable on your daily walks.

3.      Try your best to avoid rock salt, as it can hurt or irritate your dog’s sensitive paws. As an alternative use sand or cat litter on the ice around your home to better suit your four legged friend.

4.      Be watchful of your dog’s diet, as many become less active in the winter season. Your dog may pack on some pounds in the winter due to over-feeding and less outdoor activity. If your dog understandably spends less time running around outside due to the cold weather, remember to be careful of how much you are feeding him.

5.      Bring your outdoor cat inside for the winter. If your cat normally spends a lot of time roaming around outside your home, it may be wise to have him come indoors when the weather gets really cold. Although they may not enjoy staying indoors all day, it will be better for their health in the long run.

6.      And finally, make sure to provide your pet with a warm cozy place to sleep. A comfy bed with blankets is sure to keep your pet warm and happy as we wait for the warm weather to return.


Sources:
The Salem News - Make Sure Your Pets Have a Warm Safe Winter:
http://www.salemnews.com/lifestyle/x1525003981/Make-sure-your-pets-have-a-warm-safe-winter

ASPCA - Cold Weather Tips:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx

We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.

Fitness For Fluffy, Too!

Resting up for the hunt.

When we think of cats, many of us think of lounging and snoozing. But despite this reputation, cats both desire and require regular physical activity.

It is estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of cats seen by U.S. vets are overweight or obese, hindering their quality of life and overall health. For example, an overweight cat might not be able to jump to his or her favorite spots or play as much as they'd like. Obesity in cats is also associated with a variety of medical problems, including arthritis, ligament damage, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing and liver problems, and urinary tract disease. Reducing food intake is part of combating obesity, but adding daily exercise to your cat’s regimen is equally helpful.

As predators, cats instinctually do a lot of sleeping interspersed with frequent bursts of activity. (Think sprinters rather than marathon runners.) In the winter months, it’s hard for both indoor and outdoor cats to get sufficient exercise, but you certainly shouldn't run out and buy them a treadmill! Morris Animal Inn offers lots of great ways to give cats the exercise and interaction they need, no matter how long their stay with us. Here are just a few examples.

Bingley explores our Kitty Play Room.

1. Our kitty playroom has a cat tree in addition to a variety of climbing, perching and scratching posts. These items encourage our feline guests to jump, reach, stretch and file down those sharp claws!
2. Our staff have become masters at the kitty teaser session, which involves any number of engaging toys such as feather wands, laser teasers and “fishing poles”.
3. Pampered pet sessions are great for getting cats up and out of their lodging and exploring. Cats have the opportunity to interact with our staff, look at our fish tank, get a view of our lobby or just stretch or scratch.
4. The option of lodging your cats together (if they get along at home) is an automatic way to ensure activity. Just the presence of another cat causes greater awareness, incites play and makes for a more social lodging experience.
5. Cat videos, included in some of our luxury cat suites, provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Google enjoying the Fish Tank view.

In addition to helping cats stay fit and healthy, exercise provides mental stimulation that prevents possible destruction of your belongings and makes for more fulfilled felines. To put it simply, a well-exercised cat is a happy cat.

Sources: 

healthypetu.com

pets.webmd.com

Holiday Hazards

Holiday pet hazards lurk around the Christmas tree and dangle from the dinner table. Fortunately, keeping your furry friends out of the poinsettias and away from chocolate just takes a few simple strategies.

Decorate with pets in mind.

Dangerous decor is a big holiday season concern.

Greenery: Holiday plants like poinsettias, holly and mistletoe should be kept out of reach from your pets because they can cause upset stomachs, gastrointestinal distress and other problems. But even fake plants can hurt your pet. Surprising culprits for tummy troubles are loose needles from artificial Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands.

Speaking of Christmas trees, remember to avoid using additives, such as fertilizers or home remedies like aspirin, in the water of a live tree’s base because they are often poisonous to your dog or cat if they choose to drink from it.

Climbing and chewing: Many pets instinctually get into trouble in a home decorated for the holidays. To prevent kitty from climbing up the Christmas tree, try placing aluminum foil around the tree base and under the tree. The texture and sound tin foil makes is unpleasant to cats, so they tend to stay away from it.

To discourage gnawing on electrical cords, use protective devices made for computer cables, like rubber or plastic cord ducts. Or, you could spray any bitter tasting pet products on cords to deter noshing.

Christmas ribbon can be a less obvious but attractive hazard to pets. Although beautiful and fun to play with, ribbon, tinsel and icicles can create an intestinal obstruction in dogs and cats.

At home or on the road: Don’t forget to secure your pet(s) during travel with a pet seatbelt or carrier. Slick roads can put an unrestrained pet (and human passengers) at risk. Also, using a crate can keep the family dog from nipping because of the stress of having guests in the house.

You should also be sure your pet has current identification tags as well, in case he or she should run out the door as you welcome guests inside.

Food Abounds.

Food is often a favorite part of holiday decor, from gingerbread houses to candy canes to oranges flanked with cloves. But some holiday treats can pose an immediate threat to animals. Chocolate for instance, is toxic to both cats and dogs, so take extra care when baking.

And rather than feeding Fido or Whiskers your holiday leftovers, plan ahead and put out pet-friendly treats. Lots of treats of a variety of festive shapes and colors are available at your local pet store. …and remember, moderation is the key!

Happy Holidays!

Source: metrowestdailynews.com

Cold Weather Grooming

We sometimes find clients fall behind on their grooming regimen the winter months. Many times people think grooming is not necessary because their pet may not be as active...but here are just a few reasons to keep it up:

1) Long coats require extra care. Just because your pet has a built-in sweater doesn't mean you shouldn't watch for matting or tangles during winter months. If you let his or her coat grow out in the winter, you're probably not in the habit of brushing it several times a week to keep it in tip-top shape. To avoid a complete shave-down in the spring, continue regular brushing and/or bring your pet to us every few weeks from November-March. Your pet (cats, too!) will be much more comfortable and less prone to sores and infections.

2) Short coats continue to shed. Colder air makes your pet's skin drier, making short-coated pets' fur tend to shed even more in the winter months. To avoid the furry furniture collection, you should plan to brush a short-haired animal's coat five to six times a week. You might also consider our Shed-Less Treatments. This will also keep your pet's coat shiny, clean and healthy, not to mention giving your pet some precious one-on-one time.

3) Skin gets itchy. As previously mentioned, cold air means dry skin, and dry skin means scratching. Excessive scratching can translate into a dull coat and unsightly lesions. To combat this, consider using a moisturizing shampoo (we use Oxy-Med Medicated Conditioner in our grooming salon), and adding a tablespoon full of flax, olive or canola oil to your dog's meal or about a half tablespoon for a cat.

4) Baths are still needed! If you prefer to bathe your pet at home, continue to do so, but make sure NOT to let him or her go outside in the cold while wet. This will just magnify the itching, matting and shedding. Instead, make sure to blow your pet's coat completely dry on a cool or low setting, and keep the dryer at least six inches from his or her skin to avoid burning.

5) Clothing helps protect skin and fur from the elements. Pet sweaters, coats and booties aren't just for making a statement. They can really help protect your outdoor pet from fur-tangling wind, matting ice and frostbitten toes.

If you need help or simply don't have the time to groom your pet as he or she requires, please give us a call and we will gladly take on the responsibility. Happy almost winter!