FIDO'S FAVORITE FALL HIKING

Fall is one of the finest seasons! The air becomes brisk and cool, the humidity settles down (as does our hair) and nature has its last hurrah with a vibrant burst of warm colors before the muted tones of winter settle in. Now is the perfect time to view the earthy hues. You don’t need to travel far to experience it. Lace up your hiking boots and step into the wilderness of New Jersey (yes it exists) with Fido in tow.  Not only is this a wonderful way to pass a fall day, but it is a great form of exercise and will help you and your canine companion work up a healthy sweat. We’ve got the low-down on some of the best hiking trails for you and your dog in Northern Jersey. The following places allow canines as long as they are leashed.

Morristown National Historic Park, Morristown

Not only does this park contain beautiful glimpses of the fall foliage but you can enjoy a dose of history as well. The park is made up of three sites: Fort Nonsense, Jockey Hollow and the Ford Mansion (which dogs are not allowed in). This was where General George Washington and the Continental Army camped out during the grueling and bitter winter of 1779-1780. At Jockey Hollow, you can walk around and explore the huts the soldiers built. This spot was chosen because of its vantage point high on the hill, allowing the army to catch sight of the British if they tried a sneak attack. You can also walk around Tempe Wick’s house which is where General Arthur St. Clair stayed during the winter of 1779. Though your dog may not appreciate the historical aspects of this park, he or she will enjoy the park’s easy walking trails.

Photo Courtesy of OakleyOriginals



Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Boonton

This reservation has gorgeous scenery and interesting and unusual geological formations to see. For instance, the park is well known for Tripod Rock, a 160 ton boulder that rests atop three smaller rocks and has remained perfectly balanced for centuries. This rock is known as a glacial erratic because it was moved to this spot by the force of glaciers.

Hacklebarney State Park, Long Valley

The Black River runs through this park and is good for fishing at any time of year. Hemlock trees line the winding hilly trails that offer beautiful views of the river, its estuaries and small waterfalls. Wooden tables placed throughout the park make it easy for an impromptu picnic. These trails are more difficult than the trails at Jockey Hollow.

Watchung Reservation, Watchung

In total, there are 13 miles of marked trails to enjoy throughout this reservation. Sights to see are Lake Surprise, the Deserted Village or Feltsville which is great for a scary Halloween themed hike. You can also see Seeley’s Pond, and a large, beautiful pine forest that was planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The reservation meanders between the ridges of the Watchung Mountains. 

There is no better way to enjoy the fall season than by heading out to the woods for a hike with your dog. Just make sure to watch out for ticks. Thoroughly scan you and your dog’s body after your hike. Continue to use tick preventative products like Frontline, even in the colder months. Morris Animal Inn carries Frontline so stock up if you need to. Remember to keep your dog leashed at all times during your hikes as it is a requirement at these parks. With these tips in mind, you and Fido are set to head into nature with nothing but the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and the golden amber foliage above.

SAFETY TIPS FOR HOWL-O-WEEN

The pumpkins are carved; the seeds have been roasted; the candy bowls are full; the cobwebs strategically draped; the kids' costumes have been made or bought and you are just about to kick back with some witches brew... but wait! What about your own little Cujo? In all the double, double toil and trouble of your preparations, it's easy to overlook your pets at Halloween. For others, Fido and Fluffy take center stage this time of year in costumes that are more elaborate than those at Mardi Gras in Rio. Whichever way your dog factors into your Halloween plans, we have some important tips for you to keep in mind on this spooky day.

Trick or Treat!

The amount of candy we generally keep on hand for Halloween night is enough to send anyone into a sugar coma. Bowls line the coffee table in the living room awaiting the trick or treaters and within easy reach of your dog’s curious nose. It’s not only kids that can get sick from too many sweets. Your own pup can suffer as well, specifically if his or her wet nose happens to find the chocolate candy. Baking chocolate or dark chocolate with higher concentrations of cacao are more likely to harm your pet than sweeter varieties like milk chocolate. Since you are unlikely to be handing out baking chocolate to kids, you have less to worry about, but eating chocolate in any quantity is unhealthy for a dog. Small amounts of milk chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. For a 50 lb dog, a toxic amount of milk chocolate would be around 50 oz. Tell family members not to share any chocolate or candy with pets.  Another ingredient to watch out for is xylitol, a sweetener found in candy, mints, and gum. This artificial sweetener can be fatal if ingested or cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Because you can never be sure how much chocolate or candy your dog has consumed, always consult your veterinarian to be on the safe side.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble

Carved lit pumpkins look beautiful and eerie on a cold autumn night. Just make sure you keep your Jack-O-Lanterns outside in a location where Fido and Fluffy can’t run into them and potentially knock them over, creating a fire hazard. Another thing to be aware of is alcohol which tends to be on hand at Halloween parties. Keep your bubbly brew away from fuzzy friends.

Photo Courtesy of Hello Turkey Toe



Ding Dong

With the constant knocking on your door and ringing of your doorbell, it's enough to annoy any good-natured Halloween fan, but imagine the stress it causes your cat or dog who feels it's their duty to protect the house. In addition, the frightening costumes that trick or treaters wear can scare Fido. Even dogs that are generally well-behaved may react differently to strangers at the door dressed in monstrous outfits. Since the door will be continuously opened and closed, there is the chance your dog or cat may bolt. To avoid this situation, keep your pet contained in a crate or enclosed in another room. If it makes you feel safer, have them spend the night at Morris Animal Inn.

Canine Costumes

Your dog or cat does not care whether you choose to dress him or her as Lady Gaga or a bumblebee. As long as your pet gets to play the day away and enjoy some canine snacks, he or she will be content and happy. But if you have a pet that freezes in place or hides whenever you put a winter coat on them, dressing your buddy up may not be a good idea. Don’t force it simply for your own enjoyment; respect the comfort wishes of your canine companion. If your pet is willing to be dressed, make sure the costume is safe. Long parts that flow and can easily trip your pet or get stuck, can cause a hazardous situation. Avoid elaborate costumes with choking hazards or other unsafe attachments. If your dog likes getting dressed up or wants to play the day away, make sure to attend our MUTTster Mash on Friday, October 28th to enjoy all of our canine Halloween themed activities like our Costume Pet Parade. There will be pet portraits of your pup in costume that you can buy from our Shutterfly site.

If you keep these tips in mind, your Howl-O-Ween is sure to be spooktacular!

THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF GUIDE DOGS

Photo Courtesy of Adactio

As dog lovers, most of us have trouble containing our enthusiasm when a dog is in our vicinity, even for those of us who work with dogs on a daily basis. One would think we'd never seen a dog before or that we were obsessed with them, (oh yeah, that's right, we are.) Whether we are driving in the car, mowing the lawn or taking out the trash seeing a dog stops us in our tracks, generally making squeals and high-pitched tones we didn't know we could make, to erupt. This goes for men and women! Those of us with less self-control race over as though pulled by electromagnetic energy to introduce ourselves to the owner just so we can become best friends with their dog! There are some instances when this is not appropriate and that is when you come across a guide dog. Though it is the very tail end of September (pun definitely intended) it is still important to note that this month is National Guide Dog Month. In light of that, we would like to take some time to explain guide dog etiquette. Here are some helpful tips.

Photo Courtesy of midiman

-It is very crucial to keep your zealous doggie love under control. Guide dogs should not be touched or petted as it is distracting for them. Always remember they are on the job and need to maintain focus.

- Do not call out, whistle or direct other distracting noises at the guide dog. 

- Even when a guide dog is sitting or lying down, they are still working so do not approach the guide dog.

Photo Courtesy of WagsomeDog

- Always remember that a guide dog and their handler have the right of way!

- Do not feed a guide dog. According to Guide Dogs of America, "Diet and feeding times are strictly monitored to maintain good health and reliable relieving schedules."

- If you think a guide dog team needs help or assistance, ask the owner first. Don't grab the leash, harness or the person and start directing them without asking first, unless they are in immediate danger; doing so can disorient and frighten both the dog and handler.

- Fortunately, due to the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act and State Laws, guide dogs and their owners are allowed everywhere the general public is allowed.

- Some guide dog owners do not mind you petting their canine. However, you should always ask them first. If they decline, respect their request.

- If you have ever considered raising a guide dog puppy, it is a great way to give back to the community. Though this is a very popular way to get involved, it is not the only way. Volunteers are needed for a myriad of other jobs and activities. Visit the volunteer section of  The Seeing Eye organization, locally situated in Morristown, NJ to discover more ways to help.

Sources: Guide Dogs of America