How Dogs are Good for Your Health

We all feel better with our pets around. Nothing compares to a cuddle with your four-legged friend after a long day. The benefits of having a dog, however, may be more than just mental and emotional. Numerous studies have found that pets may have an impact on our physical well-being. Take a look at some of the recent research and give your pup an extra hug for all the good they bring you!

Dogs lower your blood pressure. Although your stress levels may rise if your pup gets into trouble, a recent University of Maryland study showed that dogs helped to lower their owners’ blood pressure during daily activities. Under normal living conditions, dog owners with regularly high blood pressure saw significantly lower levels with their pet around.

Dogs keep you in shape. Walking the dog may seem like it’s just for your pet’s benefit, but the physical activity that you get in return is good for you, too. Studies from the American Journal of Public Health and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that children with family dogs were more likely to spend time being active than those without pets. The studies also showed that adults with dogs walked almost twice as much as those without dogs.

Dogs protect your heart. A report from the American Heart Association released earlier this year stated that dogs may protect their humans from heart disease. While a key factor here is the amount of physical activity in dog owners, decreased stress due to the presence of their dog helps owners keep a low heart rate and lessens stress hormones in their bloodstream.

Dogs are like apples. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” so the saying goes, but could dogs also keep you out of your doctor’s office? With so many specific health benefits to owning a pet, dogs just might decrease the number of visits to your doctor. A national study out of Australia found that dog and cat owners made fewer annual doctor visits and had a lesser need for medical services altogether. 

So take your dog for a walk, relax on the couch or give your pet an extra pat on the head. It’ll be good for both of you!

Morris Animal Inn voted one of New Jersey's Best Places to Work

At Morris Animal Inn, we have always focused on treating our canine and feline guests with the best possible service. Now, our facility has been recognized for treating its people well, too! Morris Animal Inn has been named one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for 2013 by NJBIZ Magazine.

One of 62 small or medium-sized companies to make the top 100 list, Morris Animal Inn and our lodging, grooming and daycare services have been highlighted by NJBIZ Magazine. Check out an article about it from The Daily Record here.

It is such an honor to be recognized by NJBIZ, a distinction we owe to our enthusiastic staff and guests. Our employees are devoted to providing top quality pet care and love working with animals, a passion that really shows in their daily work. We all know how important our guests are to their families, and believe that our jobs include more than just keeping visiting cats and dogs healthy. When our suites are filled with happy pets, it makes us happy, too.

To our clients, thank you! Your support allows us to work in this fun and innovative environment, where your pets’ bright eyes and perky ears help make our days a little brighter.

Soothing Lovable Lexi: Week 2 of the Sentry Calming Collar Trial

It’s time for a follow up with Joanne Morris to see how Lexi is doing with her new Sentry Calming Collar. Let’s see how it is going so far…

We still don’t know what has caused Lexi to have separation anxiety. Maybe it was being lost and abandoned at a shelter or it could have been the long trip from Kentucky to Pennsylvania and then finally settling in NJ. Regardless, she has turned out to be a wonderful pet, and we are fortunate she can go to doggy daycare each day so she doesn't have to be left home alone. When our family is home and Lexi is not at daycare, we do our best to make arrangements for one of us to stay home with her or she comes along for a ride with us in the car.

Lexi seems more comfortable when she is in the car. This might be because she can easily watch for us through the windows. We are committed to her health and happiness and this is why we are happy to try the Sentry Calming Collar to see if we can help Lexi relax when things get tense.

It has only been a week and the instructions did indicate it could take some time before we see any difference. That seems to be the case with us so far, although we have left her for short periods of time with the new Sentry Calming Collar with little evidence of destruction. We give Lexi a puzzle treat to keep her occupied for those times when she is left alone for a little while. When we do arrive home she has eaten through it, seems very wound up, panting and stressed (this is not her normal behavior when we are home). In the past, she has scratched and dug at the door which doesn't seem to be the case this week. She did manage to find goodies on the counter to enjoy and ripped several papers but that is minimal compared to some of her past escapades.

As previously stated, the collar is a pretty color, matching her holiday themed collar and it has a pleasant somewhat fruity smell to it. We are committed to keep trying and looking forward to progress next week. 

Stay tuned for updates on how Lexi is doing!

Pet Wellness: Providing Pets with High Quality Care

Did you know that Morris Animal Inn has a Pet Wellness Department? Yes. That's right. Unlike other pet care options, Morris Animal Inn has dedicated staff just to monitor the overall health and well-being of your four-legged family member. Our Pet Wellness Department consists of trained pet care professionals who understand that different pets have different needs.

The comprehensive Pet Wellness Department allows your mind to be at ease knowing that Fido and Fluffy are receiving the care you've come to expect from Morris Animal Inn. You can be reassured that our staff has your pet's health and happiness in mind.

"We think it is important to pay attention to any possible concerns early and intervene to keep your pet happy and healthy," says Pet Wellness Assistant Jenna.

If your furry friend is lodging at Morris Animal Inn, our Pet Wellness Department establishes interaction and wellness checks for all guests from young to senior! For the care of your precious pet, their devotion and attention is incomparable.

Would you like to learn more about what makes Morris Animal Inn the right choice for your pet care needs? Please call 973-539-0377 with your questions!

DOGGIE DAYCARE: WHERE WE ARE AS CRAZY ABOUT DOGS AS YOU ARE

We know that you'd love to spend every moment of the day with your pet. Unfortunately, the ever-present occurence of your job seems to interfere with that wonderful dream. Where your pet will stay when you are not home is a problem faced by most pet owners at some point in time. There is a solution which benefits both your schedule and your pet's well-being -- DOGGIE DAYCARE! Whether you feel your dog needs extra playtime, exercise, attention or simply some fun, Morris Animal Inn is the place for your pet!

What makes Morris Animal Inn daycare unique is our variety of options for each dog:  1) Private Daycare - for the dog who prefers people, 2) Group Daycare - for the social, dog-friendly canine, 3) Manners - for basic lessons in obedience and 4) Poolside Group Daycare - for the water-loving pup, which is available everyday all year round. All of our daycare guests receive premium care, activities throughout the day, a snack and time to relax in a luxury suite. 

We believe that interaction and activity leads to a healthier and happier pet. The various activities offered at Morris Animal Inn are customized to fit each pet's individual needs. Each dog's temperament is unique, therefore each dog's daycare experience must be unique as well and we aim to place them in activities and groups (if group daycare is selected) with companions of similar spirit.

For those who choose private daycare, our Pampered Pet Sessions give special attention to your furry friend. It can include a game of catch, quiet cuddle & or a brisk walk on our nature trail. 

Indoor and outdoor play and exercise time is available along with toys and treats. Pups who are super swimmers or even just doggie paddlers will enjoy our poolside group daycare. Would you like to have a more polite pooch? Morris Animal Inn's professionally trained staff will teach and reinforce basic manners to your best friend during Manners Daycare. We make learning fun!

Group play can be a wonderful way to socialize your dog through supervised playtime. The average dog to counselor ratio at Morris Animal Inn is 5 to 1 and dogs are placed by size, similar play style and temperament to ensure a fun and safe environment.

Use this service once a month when your house cleaning service is scheduled, once a week when you know you’ll be working long hours or every day to keep your Best Friend active and content. Simplify your busy schedule by letting us occupy your dog! We invite you to call (973-539-0377) or come in for a tour of our facility with one of our experienced Client Care Specialists. They will provide you with comprehensive information and assist you in selecting appropriate activities for your furry friend.