A Dog's Good Outlook on Life

Sometimes, we like to pamper ourselves. Whether it’s a regular appointment or a weekend away at a spa, we like to get our hair and nails done. It helps us feel relaxed and gives us a good outlook on life.

We look and feel better when we care for ourselves, and the same goes for our dogs.

Our pets need regular grooming in order to not only keep them looking good, but to keep them healthy too.

Some of the common, regular grooming that dogs should have are: trimmed toenails, taking care of matted fur, cleaning their ears, regular bathing and teeth brushing.

Because our pets can’t talk to us to communicate, keeping them groomed well can help us to identify any problems they may have and prevent problems as well. For example, ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections, and a good blow dry can prevent matted fur, which helps more air get to the dog’s skin. You’ll also be able to be aware of any skin abnormalities if your dog’s fur is groomed well. Regular teeth brushing can not only help with bad breath, but can help to prevent future problems with a dog’s heart and kidneys that can occur if infections are not found and treated.

While these are just a few of the ways grooming can be beneficial to a dog’s health, it’s important to learn more about how to keep your dog healthy. Ask your vet or pet groomer if there’s anything specific to your breed or size of dog that you should consider.

At Morris Animal Inn, we can assist with your regular grooming needs for your dog. Reach out to us so we could help maintain your dog's good outlook on life. 

Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month - a  campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association that aims to bring awareness to regular pet wellness checks. Here are a few ways you can give your dog or cat a happier and healthier life.

Twice-A-Year Exams

Wellness Exams enhance the quality of life for your pet and minimize the possibility of illness or disease. Pets age at a faster rate, so they need check-ups more often. Certain breeds are at a higher risk of  medical conditions, so take the time to learn about your pet's specific needs. Speak to your veterinarian about what you can do to keep your pet as healthy as possible. 

Dental Hygiene

Your pet's dental hygiene is very important to his or her overall health, Dental problems can cause more serious health issues, such as heart, kidney or joint problems. Avoid dental diseases by promoting oral health, and talk to your vet about ways to keep your pet's teeth healthy and clean. 

Spay/Neuter

If you haven't done so already, spay/neuter your pet. This has many health benefits, including making your pet less susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Female pets have a higher chance of getting uterine infections and breast cancer if they are not spayed, according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA also suggests neutering male pets before they are 6 months old, in order to protect against testicular cancer. 

Your Pet's food 

The quality of your pet's food is essential to their overall health. Take a look at your pet's food label. Avoid cheap fillers like protein "meal", which provide no nutrition. Incorporate foods like chicken and eggs, which are highly digestible protein that help build muscle. Check with your veterinarian to determine the healthiest food for your pet. Aim to create a high standard of nutrition for your pet, because as we all know, "You are what you eat".

Exercise

 The foundation of your pet's health is diet and exercise. Exercise will keep your pet's muscles and bones strong and keep them happy and healthy. As we approach the cold winter season, there are also ways to get your dog or cat some exercise indoors. Your dog can burn some calories by running up and down stairs or going for a jog on a canine treadmill, like the one used in Morris Animal Inn's canine cardio sessions. Cat's sleep approximately 22 hours a day, but they can enjoy a workout routine as well. Here at Morris Animal Inn we like to use laser lights and teaser toys in our teaser play sessions to help your kitty burn some calories and stay healthy. Your pet should get exercise on a daily basis. Remember: A tired dog is a happy dog! 

Morris Animal Inn is excited to support Pet Wellness Month, and we make the wellness of your pets a priority. You can take steps towards giving your pet a long and healthy life by incorporating more activity into your pet's life, creating a pet wellness plan, and bringing your pet to Morris Animal Inn for daily activities and healthy treats. Call us at 973-539-0377 or visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com. 

Source: PetMD.com Wondercide.com, SynergyLabs.com, Petcentric.com

Cats & Water: Is Your Cat Getting Enough?

Historically, cats and water have been seen as a bad combination. Although your kitty might not be too keen on bath time, water is still an important part of your cat’s health. How can you make sure your cat is getting enough to drink?

First, it’s important to learn how much water your cat needs to intake. According to the ASPCA, cat should digest approximately the same amount of water and food by volume each day. Your cat’s food, especially canned food, can have a fairly high water content. Dry food contains between 7-12 percent water, while canned food can measure as high as 80 percent. Regardless, your cat should have access to a clean bowl of water to supplement their meal.

The next question, then, is how to encourage your cat to drink. While dogs will head straight for the water bowl after a vigorous walk or play session, cats are less likely to lap up water frequently. You can include more water in your cat’s diet by sprinkling some water on top of their daily food. Catster also recommends using glass or stainless steel water bowls, as plastic may cause water to taste funny. Refreshing the water bowl regularly can help, as can using filtered water instead of water straight from the tap. Tap water can be heavily chlorinated or have an overly high mineral concentration.

Once you’ve done all you can to lead your cat to water, how can you tell if they are truly getting enough? Signs of good hydration include a shiny coat without dry flakes and good skin elasticity, meaning your cat’s scruff springs back quickly if you gently pull at the skin and release. A cat that shows normal levels of physical activity and is urinating two to three times a day is likely getting all the water they need.

If you are concerned that your cat may be dehydrated, consult with your vet immediately. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry mouth, decreased skin elasticity and panting. A dehydrated cat will also show signs of lethargy, an elevated heart rate and a loss of appetite. Your vet will be able to administer fluids to re-hydrate your cat, and to run tests to determine if there is any underlying problem that could have caused their dehydration.

Wondering if your cat is prone to dehydration? Any cat that is ill runs a higher risk. Some cats, however, seem to enjoy water as more than just a beverage. Check out Cattime’s list of the Top 10 Cats Who Love Water! Is your cat’s breed on the list?

National Pet Dental Health Month - FREE Teeth Brushing

For most humans, we have a set routine each day for our mornings and evenings. We change our clothes, wash our face and brush our teeth for fresh breath and a healthy smile. But how many of us can say we have a similar teeth brushing routine for our dog or cat?

“Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets,” according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), who says that the disease affects 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats by age three. This widespread pet health problem means that recognizing February as National Pet Dental Health Month is more important than ever.

Problems with your pet’s teeth start with plaque buildup, which then can become covered by tartar. As more plaque builds on top of the tartar, the teeth themselves become weak and can potentially fall out. Bacteria that build up underneath this plaque and tartar can also affect your pet’s kidney, liver and heart heath, along with causing them significant pain while eating.

So how do you know if your pet’s tooth health is on the decline? “The easiest way is to take a whiff of the breath,” says Dr. Jan Bellows, president of the American Veterinary Dental Society. If your dog or cat has consistently bad breath, this is a primary indicator that something is going on. Other signs include frequent pawing or rubbing at their face or mouth, a reluctance to eat hard foods, red swollen gums or brown teeth.

The best and most effective “treatment” for oral disease, however, is prevention. Regular teeth brushings and dental checks will help prevent your pet from exhibiting any of these symptoms and keep them healthy and happy.

In recognition of National Pet Dental Health Month, we are offering a FREE teeth brushing with any Lodging, Grooming or Daycare appointment at Morris Animal Inn. Redeem your free coupon offer in our February newsletter, here.

Good Health Grooming - Why a salon visit is good for your pet

For humans, grooming is a daily process. We scrub our hands, wash our faces and take frequent showers to keep ourselves clean. Although many pets, especially cats, are known for their ability to clean themselves, professional grooming for dogs and cats is essential to helping them stay squeaky clean. Grooming is about much more than just making your pet look pretty; it can also help prevent unpleasant issues from arising with their hygiene and health.

This is especially true with long-haired pets. While a dog or cat with long, luxurious fur can be beautiful, it also requires a lot of maintenance. In the December/January 2014 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine, an article on grooming by professional groomer Toni Brightman explained the pain and potential illness associated with pets whose hair gets tangled and matted.

“If you’re a woman, imagine hot rollers wound too tightly to your head,” Brightman wrote, explaining how a matted fur coat feels to your pet. The twists and tangles in their fur are much more than unpleasant to the eye; they could actually be hampering circulation, causing skin sores and infections or hiding other ailments.

Does this mean that if you have a short-haired dog or cat, you are free to let them groom themselves? Actually, there are many additional benefits to a professional groom that will help pets of all sizes and coat types:

Hygiene – keeping an animal’s back-end clean and mat-free is important to allow them to eliminate properly.

Eyes – tearing of the eyes can lead to residue build up on your pet’s face, which can pull at their
fur and become gummy and difficult to clean. Regular grooming can prevent this buildup.

Nails – Nail care is essential for any pet, even cats who may have a scratching post or other means of filing their claws. If nails grow too long, they can actually curl and begin to grow into the pads of your pet’s feet. This is extremely painful and can cause strain on joins.

Feet – Mats of fur can grow hard and become tangled and between your pet’s pads. Imagine pebbles stuck between your toes! A groomer will keep this hair short and clean.

Ears – Ear cleaning in many breeds also requires trimming the hair that can grow inside the ear canal. A regular groom will include maintenance of this fur to prevent overgrowth and infections.

Long hair or short, cat or dog, a clean and well-groomed coat will help you pet stay healthy and happy. At Morris Animal Inn, a day at our Grooming Salon and Spa means relaxation and attention from our experienced staff. Your pet will come home looking and feeling their best! Watch the video below for a taste of what your dog or cat can expect from a grooming appointment at Morris Animal Inn:

Fit & Spa Retreat: A New Year's Resolution for Pets

Losing weight and getting in shape are popular New Year’s resolutions for humans, but what about for your pet? With pet obesity rates on the rise in the United States, at Morris Animal Inn we believe now is as good a time as any to get your pet active and moving. Help your dog start 2014 off right with our Canine Cardio Fit & Spa Retreat!

From January 13-17, your dog can join us for a day, a few days or a week of fun, fitness and healthy eating. From treadmill trots to nature trail hikes, our fit camp is designed to help promote active lifestyles, plus a bit of relaxation.

After a swim in our indoor pool or a run on the “stair-muttster” with our staff, pets will participate in Doga, or dog yoga, sessions to stretch out tired muscles. We will also offer group and private playtimes, agility courses, canine massage sessions, healthy homemade treats and much more to kickstart 2014 as a happy, healthy year.

Our fit camps are specifically tailored to each and every pet participant. We make it our goal to help pets who might need to lose a few pounds on their way to a healthier weight by offering fun activities to get them motivated and moving.

Each day participants will be sent home with a healthy snack recipe and fitness-themed gift so owners can continue the healthy routine at home. Pets who attend all five days of fit camp will receive a full report card at the end of the week with starting weight, ending weight and other statistics about their week of fitness and fun.

Whether you have a pudgy pooch or your pet is fit and full of energy, this year’s Canine Cardio Fit & Spa Retreat is a can’t miss event for 2014. Call us at 973-539-0377 to reserve a spot for your furry friend today.

October is National Pet Wellness Month

October may be filled with fall festivities and Halloween costumes, but this month also celebrates pets with more than just the image of a dog howling at the moon. As National Pet Wellness Month, October is a time for reevaluating your pet’s health and preventing disease. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers tips for considering your pet’s wellness this month in order to keep them healthy all year round.

Make sure your home is safe for your pet. Pet-proofing your home is important whether you have a new pet or have had pets for years. There are many everyday objects (medicines, pesticides and some household plants) that can prove poisonous to our pets. Go through your home to be sure that all potentially harmful objects are out of your pet’s reach.

Schedule a veterinary check-up. Just like with humans, it’s important that you pet visit the vet more than just when they are ill or injured. Having a regular physical can help ward of diseases by getting routine vaccinations and allowing your vet to look for any signs of potential health problems.

Consider your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Dog and cat obesity can lead to extensive health problems as your pet ages. Speak with your vet about what specific foods and physical activities are best for your pet to help extend and increase the quality of their life.

We are excited to encourage pet wellness this month at Morris Animal Inn, where the wellness of our pets is a priority every month! You can take steps towards giving your pet a long and healthy life by taking these safety precautions and bringing your pet to Morris Animal Inn for daily activities and healthy treats. Our Canine Fitness Program, which was recently featured in The New York Times, offers healthy snack options like yogurt and vegetable parfaits and high levels of physical activity like dog treadmills, swimming sessions and stair climbs. Call us at 973-539-0377 to join us in recognizing National Pet Wellness Month today!

Taking the Stress out of Vet Visits

Just as we may sometimes be nervous about visiting the doctor, your pet may feel a little apprehensive about a visit to the vet’s office. In choosing a vet that you are comfortable with, you can feel confident in your pet’s comfort, too. When it comes time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, there are additional steps you can take to help make the experience a positive one right from the start.

The first step to an easy vet visit is to make your pet comfortable before going anywhere near the office. Animal Planet’s Pets 101 blog suggests developing a calm pre-vet routine, which includes regular at-home check ups to get them used to being handled, practice trips in the car or carrier and plenty of love and affection.

The journey itself can be stressful especially for cats, who often see the car as an unpredictable and unfamiliar place. Try taking them out for short drives around the block, and work your way up to longer trips or even an unscheduled visit to your vet just to say hello to some staff. As the anxiety of uncertainty lessens, so will your cat’s overall concern for car trips.

For dogs, the car trip may be a piece of cake… that is until you pull into the vet’s parking lot. So why not make the vet a place where your dog can have some fun? Pet Trainer Victoria Stilwell of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog suggests that you spend some time playing with your pet upon arrival, perhaps outside the building, so they can come to associate the vet’s office as a place where fun things happen, too!

Once you’ve entered the lobby, you and your pet might encounter other pets and their waiting humans. It’s important first for you to remain calm, as your pet will feed off your emotions. Although it is impossible to predict who or what you will encounter in a waiting area, you can request to schedule an appointment at your vet’s least busy times to help minimize exposure. While you’re waiting, talk to your pet in a calm voice to help keep them relaxed and focused on you. For a dog, you might also consider bringing a small towel or yoga mat from home for them to sit on, so they have their own familiar-smelling space in which to wait.

Remember, most vets will take the time to break the ice a bit with your pet once the visit begins. A few minutes of casual interaction will make your pet more at ease, as will the continued presence of a towel or toy that they are familiar with. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for additional recommendations if you feel concerned for your cat or dog’s comfort. Preparation and open communication can lead to a healthy, happy relationship between you, your vet, and your pet.

August is Senior Pets Month - Caring for your Aging Pet

There’s just something about a puppy. That “new puppy smell”, their cute miniature features and their high energy can leave us swooning. But whether you start with a puppy or adopt an older pet, there comes a time for all pet owners when it becomes important to learn how best to care for a senior pet.

Blogpaws, a pet-focused social media company, has declared August as Senior Pet Month in honor of our oldest furry friends. They offer tips for helping your pet age into their golden years, and ideas for how best to care for them once they get there.

The first step to helping your pet have a graceful and healthy transition into old age is to know any health issues that could arise. Research your pet’s breed to know what to prepare for, as everything from joints and muscles to skin, fur and teeth can age differently from pet to pet.

One of the most important ways you can protect your pet as they age is to keep them healthy and fit. Feeding your pet an appropriate diet is a must for a dog or cat of any age. The type and amount of food you give them should be influenced by their size, breed and activity level. Talk with your vet about your pet’s specific needs, and be sure to read the labels on bags of pet food to know exactly what you are feeding your pet. Protein is an important element in your aging pet’s diet, as it supports muscle mass.

A healthy diet plus regular exercise can help ward off obesity, which is crucial to your pet’s long-term health. Extra weight can put more pressure on aging joints and muscles, a strain that can be prevented by keeping your pet active as they age. If your pet starts to become less active, you may want to reconsider the amount and type of food that they eat on a daily basis.

Any changes in your pet’s behavior or diet should always be discussed with your vet. Regular veterinary visits as your pet ages can help to prevent potential illness and weakness, keeping your pet happy and healthy into their senior years. 

Healthy Hound – Summer Tips and Trips for a Healthy Pet

It’s not uncommon to find humans hitting the gym this time of year to “get fit” for the summer season. Though they may not be strolling down the beach in a bathing suit any time soon, you should also think about your pet’s health and fitness this time of year. Morris Animal Inn and our sister organization, Morris K9 Campus, are pleased to provide events, trip ideas and tips to help you look out for your furry friend this summer.

Buy healthy food for your pet. Fresh produce is an easy find this time of year, but what about healthy alternatives for your dog? Morris Animal Inn will be coming together with local vendors at the Morristown Farmer’s Market this summer to provide healthy treats, like dog granola, for your pets. Stop by the market at the Morristown Parking Authority public parking lot on Saturday, June 15 between 8:30 am – 2:00 pm to find healthy foods for you and your pet all in one place.

Get all your training and pet behavior questions answered. Our sister facility Morris K9 Campus in Randolph is pleased to have Dr. Ian Dunbar visiting on June 15^th and 16^th. The celebrated Veterinarian, Animal Behaviorist and author will be hosting a Fun and Games Dog Training Workshop both days, during which he will teach participants many ways to keep dogs active. For pet owners who may have questions for Dr. Dunbar about their pet’s behavior, he will also be hosting a Q&A session on Saturday, June 15 from 7 – 9:30 pm. For more information on both sessions, visit www.MorrisK9Campus.com.

Keep your pet active. A pet that is left to their own devices all summer long may experience loss of energy or worse, take out pent-up energy on your couch cushions. Morris Animal Inn offers day care and lodging services to keep your pet busy while you’re working, away on vacation or just looking to venture out for the day. By offering group and private play sessions outside, indoor pool swims, treadmill sessions and healthy treats, we work to keep your pet active, healthy and happy. These activities will help provide both mental and physical stimulation for your dog; just what they need to stay fit this season. 

To schedule your pet a stay at Morris Animal Inn, or to learn more about our upcoming events, call us at 973-539-0377. We look forward to seeing you and your pet this summer!