HOW TO CURE YOUR DOG'S CAR SICKNESS

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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.



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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.

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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. 

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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!

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.

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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.

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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!