CARING FOR YOUR SENIOR PET

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month in November, we would like to share some tips to help you take care of your special senior through the golden years of their life. 

Food

Ask your vet about the proper food your elderly dog should eat in order to meet all of their health needs and requirements. Avoid economy or low-cost foods for pets that have fewer nutrients. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps so he or she does not pack on unnecessary pounds. If you like giving your dog snacks or treats in between meals for training or just for their enjoyment, switch to low-calorie treats or try something healthy like carrot sticks, apple slices or green beans.

Weight Management

As a dog ages, they start to slow down like humans. Their walks and daily exercise regime become shortened, if not halted completely. However, even though your dog is maturing in age, it is still important to maintain a daily fitness routine. Older dogs have a tendency to become obese because their owners stop exercising them. Obesity in dogs leads to a multitude of other health issues including arthritis. Because your dog is carrying around extra pounds, it puts pressure on their joints. Continue to walk Fido, even if it is only a short walk around the block. If you are concerned about the stress of the pavement on your dog’s aging paws and joints, try a swim session at Morris Animal Inn if your dog likes water or a canine treadmill that has softer impact. This way your old friend can manage their weight and keep their bodies trim and healthy.

Regular Check-Ups

In the golden years of a dog or cat’s life, it is extremely important to maintain a consistent routine of regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will advise you how many times a year it is necessary for your pet to come in for a check-up depending on their health issues and age. Health problems can crop up faster in old pets. If you think your dog or cat is suffering from a health related concern, don’t hesitate to visit your vet, even if it’s before your regular check-up. The longer you delay, the worse the problem could become.

Dental Hygiene

The older your pet, the worse their teeth get if you never took care of them. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly; it is never too late to start. You can use a cotton swab with special canine or feline toothpaste to massage your pet’s teeth and gums. If your pet detests having something foreign forced in their mouth, you can try the Fresh Breath Water Additive which helps to promote healthy gums. At Morris Animal Inn, we carry Tropiclean’s line of Fresh Breath products. However, you should discuss which product is best for your pet’s dental hygiene with your veterinarian.

Superior Seniors

Though senior pets require special care, it is not much different from the care you would provide a pet of any age. Don’t let their maturity deter you from adopting an older dog or cat that could wind up being the love of your life. No dog or cat wants to spend the last years of their life in an animal shelter. Give them the warm home they deserve and prove to these aged creatures that they are never too old to be loved, kissed and cuddled unconditionally. And honestly, who can resist a grizzled, grey muzzle?

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.

NEED SOMETHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND?!

Don't spend this Sunday indoors twiddling your thumbs and watching another re-runs on TV! We have a much more exciting idea! Come to our sister company's fall festival: Tips, Tricks and Tails this Sunday, October 23 from 12PM - 4PM.

Morris K9 Campus is pulling out the pumpkins and the cider and celebrating fall in style! Both indoor and outdoor, the event will happen rain or shine. Enjoy fun activities like interactive agility, flying disc demonstrations, an "Ask the Trainer" Q and A session, doggie dancing demos, and Canine Good Citizen testing. 

Photo Courtesy of istolethetv

Fido is more than welcome! Small dog and large dog play groups will be set up in the daycare room so you can watch how your dog plays and interacts with other furry friends. If you want your dog to benefit from more exercise, try the Canine Treadmill for a quick and easy fitness session. If your dog enjoys prancing around in outfits, make sure to dress Fido up in costume so he or she can participate in the Wags to Witches K9 Costume Parade scheduled for 2:30PM. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes in various categories like best owner and pet ensemble so bring your get-up as well! However, all costume parade participants will be awarded a colorful bandana for their dog!

Fun features like face painting, a photo station, the Morris Animal Inn Boutique, and food, including hot dogs and Rita's Italian Ice with Mango, Cherry, and Pumpkin flavors, will round out the day! Local animal shelters, Noah's Ark, Eleventh Hour Rescue and The Randolph Animal Pound will be present with adoptable cats and dogs. Though the event is FREE, guests are encouraged to bring a can of unopened dog or cat food as a donation for the shelters.


If you haven't already received a special key from Morris K9 Campus to bring on the day of the event, go to the Morris K9 Campus facility to pick one up. If your key unlocks the "Haunted Treasure Chest," you can win one of three prizes:
-Grand Prize: Pampering You and Your Pet Package
This includes a $100 gift certificate for a shopping spree, $100 gift certificate for any daycare or agility service, and a Morris K9 Campus gift basket of $50 value.
-Second Prize: Two Month Levels Pet Training Membership at Morris K9 Campus valued at $199.
-Third Prize: Amazon Kindle valued at $139.

The first 50 guests will receive a Morris K9 Campus Goody Bag so arrive early before they are all taken!! If you've never visited our sister company, now is the time to do it. It is guaranteed to be a wonderful way to spend your fall afternoon!