Prepare Your Dog for July 4th

Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Potato chips. Cold drinks. Red, white and blue décor. You’ve been busy getting ready for a long 4^th of July weekend, but in all the food and event planning, you may have forgotten one thing: your dog.

While we humans love seeing fireworks explode in the sky and their bright colors trickle down, our pets are not always so happy about them. While there may be the occasional dog who tries to chase after them, many dogs are fearful of fireworks.

As much as we treat our dogs like family, they are not human after all, and don’t have the understanding that we do about the temporary nature of fireworks. Some people think it’s just like a thunderstorm to dogs, that’s not actually the case. There are weather changes prior to a storm that can clue a dog in that something different is happening. With fireworks, it’s very sudden and sporadic.

If you haven’t acclimated your dog to loud noises when he or she was a puppy, not all is lost. There are a few things you can try in order to keep your dog comfortable during fireworks:   

• Play loud noises in the days and weeks leading up to the fireworks.

• Act normal with them when they are afraid to show them they don’t have to stay afraid.

• Keep the dog inside with the TV on to minimize outside noise.

• Play with your dog during the fireworks.

• Let them go to an area of your home where they already feel safe and secure.

• Bring them to Morris Animal Inn for lodging.

Whichever you choose, have a safe and happy fourth of July!

Sweet Dreams

We all hope our pets will be in good hands when we have to leave them --- especially overnight. How can we be sure? Asking the right important questions will assure our pet is receiving the best care!

1) Does your veterinarian recommend this pet care provider? 

2) Do they require vaccines to protect all the pets in their care?

3) Is there a veterinarian on call at all times?

4) How many years have they been in the pet care business? 

5) Are the people you are leaving your pets with knowledgeable, experienced and trained animal professionals?

6) Are cat accommodations separate from the dogs?

7) Each pet has different needs. Do you have the option to customize your pet's stay? 

8) Are you able to select private or group play depending on your dog's preference?

9) Is the location specifically designed for your pet's safety? Clean, safe and free of odor?

10) Did you check for well-maintained fencing and security? 

We would ask similar questions for our children. Pet professionals expect and are prepared to answer these questions as well as provide facility tours. Look for a home away from home to leave your lovable furry family member. At Morris Animal Inn we have over 50 years experience. We invite you to tour our facility. We take special pride in our quality staff. Give us a call and ask us these questions at 973-539-0377 and anything else that is on your mind. We welcome your thoughts and look forward to putting you and your pet's mind at ease so everyone has sweet dreams. We understand every pet is unique and has different needs.

Would you like Tap or Filtered Water?

Did you know that water is essential for almost every function an animal's body performs?

Water carries nutrients in and out of the body, aids in digestion, maintains body temperature and even cushions joints to make movement easier.

The recommended daily amounts of water required will vary based on the size of the animal and health on environmental factors, but a good rule of thumb is to provide water for your pet at all times. If your pet needs encouragement, some pet suppliers offer special dispensers and fountains to entice drinking.

Morris Animal Inn has recently added a water filtration system to provide an even higher quality of water for our pet guests. 

Morris Animal Inn also utilizes pet-friendly shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergents and cleaning products. Providing the water filtration system was an easy decision to always have the best available for our guests!

Source: http://www.peteducation.com, http://www.allaboutwater.org,  http://www.nrdc.org, WaterFilters.net, https://www.usdaa.com, http://animalhealings.com

COME. SIT. STAY. Does Your Dog Listen?

Some of us give up on our dogs when they develop or continue a bad habit... This outcome can be a better one if we provide our pups the proper training. 

Morris Animal Inn's Trainer Nancy works with 3-month-old Newfoundland Little Four.

With today's busy schedules, sometimes we need a little help to get the training started or to keep our dog on the right track. When we choose to be a dog owner, we owe it to our lovable furry family members be well behaved and have great manners. 

It's National Train Your Dog Month, so start the New Year off right  with a Canine Training Camp.

For more information on our dog training at Morris Animal Inn click here or give us a call at 973-539-0377. 

5 Reasons Why Dogs Chase Their Tails

Dogs are playful creatures by nature, and most of us have watched a pup run around in circles chasing his tail. What may just seem like an amusing quirk could actually be a behavior that is worth looking into. Here are a few explanations for why your cute canine is chasing his tail.

Boredom

It is not uncommon to see a puppy spend minutes spinning in circles to try and catch its own tail. This entertaining habit is normal for puppies, who are naturally very playful. Tail chasing usually happens when a puppy is bored, which can be often for an energetic puppy! As the puppies get older, this usually fades away. 

Breed

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to tail chasing and other compulsive behaviors. For breeds like German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Dobermans, tail chasing is not so much a silly game as it is a hereditary tendency.

 Fleas or Worms

If an older dog is consistently chasing his or her tail, its a good idea to go for a check up at your veterinarian. Tail chasing is not always all fun and games. It could actually be a sign that they have fleas or worms. So check with your local vet to make sure your dog is healthy. 

Attention Seeking

Dogs crave attention from humans, and they may do something as silly as chasing their tail to get it. Getting your dog active attention from humans is important. Simple things like a good belly rub or a Frisbee toss will make your dog happy and less likely to come up with his own ways to be entertained. 

Excessive Energy

If you have a high energy dog, they will need plenty of physical activity. Without it, they may resort to exerting energy by tail chasing. To avoid this behavior, consider increasing your dog's daily activity level. 

Is your dog chasing its tail? Bring them to Morris Animal Inn! We have plenty of activities to keep them active and entertained, including pampered pet sessions for dogs seeking some extra TLC, canine cardio sessions for high energy dogs, and more! To find out more about the activities we offer, visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com or call 973-539-0377. 

Source: wonderopolis.org, petful.com, vetwest.com, dognotebook.com

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

Man's Best Friend

Dogs have long been referred to as "man's best friend," and rightfully so. They love us unconditionally, follow us without question, and are loyal without fault. Their ability to be companions, listeners, cuddlers, and kissers when we need them most has given them this very fitting title. 

Josh Billings, a 19th century writer, says it simply: "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." 

                     How dogs became our best friends

Dogs have been our companions since being domesticated thousands of years ago. They are said to have been descended from wolves. Early humans would discard leftover food, and these wolves would boldly scavenge for their scraps.Over many generations they become closer and less weary of the people that fed them, thus creating a bond and trust between human and canine. 

History isn't the only factor that connects us to our dogs. Scientists have found that dog owners experience a rush of oxytocin when they gaze into their pet's eyes, and the animals mirror this as well. Oxytocin is a hormone that is also seen in mothers when they look into their children's eyes. It is what drives mothers to be maternal and bond with their babies. This release of oxytocin in pet owners help strengthen the bond they have with their dogs. 

Why a dog is a perfect companion

There are many benefits to the companionship that comes with owning a dog. Some of the physical benefits include lower cholesterol levels, decrease in blood pressure and stress, and an increase in physical activity. 

Dogs also enhance our lives emotionally. Pet owners feel safer and less anxious. Dogs also help us relax and decrease feelings of loneliness. Dogs provide us with consistency. Owning a pet allows us to feel needed, and gives us something to look forward to every day. 

How to be a better friend to your dog 

It's important to make the effort to be as good of a friend to your dog as they are to you. Dogs bring so much joy and love to our lives, and its only right that we celebrate them as much as we can. 

One way to say thank you to your best friend is by giving them treats that they love. Offering up a favorite food as a special surprise will make your dog extra happy. Just make sure that treats are no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and do your best to provide treats with only healthy ingredients. 

Another way to bond with your buddy is to snuggle. Not only will this be therapeutic for you, but it will also bring comfort to your pup. Canines crave contact, so cuddle with your dog every chance you get to increase your bond. 

Being groomed and brushed is actually a very enjoyable thing for most dogs. Brushing is not only a way to keep your dog's coat healthy, it acts as a sensory treat to your dog's skin, allowing them to relax and relieve stress. Much like we enjoy a long massage at the spa, your dog would love to get pampered at our grooming salon.  

Socializing your dog with other dogs is a great way to keep your companion happy. Provide your pup with opportunities to run and play with other dogs. Dogs are very social creatures, so encourage fun and healthy interactions.

There is no other bond quite like the one we have with "man's best friend." Morris Animal Inn knows the important role that our dogs play in our lives. Our facility is staffed with animal lovers, and we go above and beyond to give your pet the best care possible .We offer private and group daycare. We also provide a variety of pet services in our grooming salon, including nail trims, baths, hair cuts, and even facials because we only want the best for your pets. We provide luxury lodging accommodations and offer pampered pet sessions that give your pet the kind of special love and attention your pet deserves. 

Visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com or call 973-539-0377 for more information. 

Source: Tails Pet Magazine, The Guardian, Doctors Foster and Smith

Is Your Dog Guilty?

You come home from a nice evening out on the town and it hits you as you enter the house. The unmistakable odor of your dog’s elimination drifts into your nasal passages as you turn on the light. There it is, on the expensive living room floor. As your dog races in excitedly to greet you, your angry voice meets their sensitive ears and they slink back to where they came from. With the tail between the legs, eyes droopy and forlorn, they play the perfect part of the guilty party. Certain your dog’s behavior is an expression of guilt, you think good, they know that eliminating in the house is wrong. However, the canine world is much simpler than that and a dog's brain does not work the way our mind works.

Catch Them in the Act
We can learn many things from our dogs but perhaps the most zen-like of their qualities is the fact that they are experts at living in the present moment. In fact, they know no other way of living. So when you come home to a torn up shoe and scold your pet, it will be to no avail. Your dog will simply think that whatever he or she was doing when you came home was wrong. Your dog cannot correlate the torn up shoe from hours ago with your reprimands, even if you wave the shoe in front of his or her face. Only if you catch your dog in the act of the particular crime can you correct them. 

“The Look”
Where does that guilty look come from? When you scream or yell at your dog it scares them. That guilty look is your pup’s response to your behavior and can be credited to stress signals and appeasement behavior. When you stiffen your body stance, wave a reprimanding finger in their face and address them in an angry, stern tone, your dog reacts to your body language and knows they are in trouble but do not understand why. To neutralize your perceived "aggressive" behavior, your dog may exhibit signs of submission. This can include their tail between the legs, squinted or downcast eyes, rolling over, a thumping tail, or even showing teeth. For a perfect example of how a dog reacts to a scolding owner, watch the infamous video of Denver the Guilty Dog.

When you return home to those inevitable messes and chewed up signs that come with the territory of being a dog owner, take a deep breath and suppress your anger. Do not attempt to discipline your pooch unless you catch them in the act. Otherwise, you are simply wasting your breath and causing your dog undue stress.  

Back to School: Training Tips that will help you and your pup get an A+

It’s that time of year again – smiles and waves as we drop our little ones off at the bus stop, and tearful goodbyes as we send our teenagers off to college. Amidst all the excitement and chaos of a brand new school year, don’t forget that your furry little one has some learning to do as well! After all the backpacks and binders, dorm rooms and textbooks, take some time to focus on obedience training with your dog. Here are a few fun and helpful tips to get you and your four legged student a perfect score!


Positive reinforcement
Just like kids in school, dogs should be rewarded when they do a good job. In elementary school it may be a gold star for the right answer or a smiley face sticker on a quiz well done. For our scruffy scholars, food is the best way to reinforce positive behavior when training. Does your dog have a favorite treat? Does he wag his tail at the sight of a jar of peanut butter? Does he slobber at the sound of bacon cooking? Make sure you have a stash of the most scrumptious food you can find, so your pup has something to look forward to when he does his best work. When he sits as soon as he hears the command...A yummy sausage link! When he comes when called...A chewy piece of cheese! The more your dog receives a positive reward, the better he will perform. 

                                                               Repetition 

How many times have you told your child, after they struggle with an assignment or can’t seem to figure out a difficult math problem, “Practice makes perfect"? In order to succeed, we have to give our full attention and greatest efforts, no matter how many times it takes to get it right. The more we practice, the better we get. Well, the same applies to obedience training with your dog! The more you practice a command with them, the more familiar those words will become to your dog. Try spending 5-10 minutes at a time focusing on one command. If you tell your dog “down”, and he doesn’t respond the first time, TRY TRY TRY AGAIN. Don’t give up. He may not get it at first, but after a few repetitions your dog should be able to respond correctly to the command. Much like children would spend time practicing their multiplication tables, repetition helps our dogs learn and remember what we teach them.

 

                                                                      Recess

Do your best to make learning fun for your dog. In a school setting, recess is used to break up the monotony of the day. Recess allows kids to get some fresh air and play some of their favorite games. Apply the same concept to training with your dog. Take a break and spend some time outside, allowing your pup to release some energy. Play fetch with his favorite toy or go for a quick walk. This gives both you and your dog a chance to let loose and have some fun. Utilizing recess will break up your dog’s learning time and ensure that obedience training is something your dog enjoys and actually looks forward to!

 Attendance is Mandatory

In order to make obedience training a successful endeavor, both you and your dog must want to be there. Your dog has a natural desire to please you. If you are excited to teach your dog, he will be happy to learn. So make sure to consistently train your dog, and enjoy it! Don’t just work inside your home. Be sure to change the environment every once in a while, so things don’t get boring. Have class in the park one day! Most importantly, this should be a bonding experience for you and your dog, so the more time you are able to spend training, the more you are able to spend with your loved one.

Bring your canine collegiate to Morris Animal Inn! We offer dog training programs designed to teach and reinforce basic obedience, and we provide detailed instructions for reinforcement at home. For more information click here.

Check out our Mini Canine Training Camps 

starting in September!

Owning a Dog is Good for Your Health

As pet owners, we have much to be thankful for from the presence of our pets. They light up our lives in our darkest moments and can turn our frown upside down.

It’s true that our pets are an investment. We spend much of our savings on them from squeaky toys to premium food. In our eyes, they deserve the best of the best and more often than not we are willing to give it to them. With the undivided attention and affection they give us and those eyes that never judge and only love, it is an investment that has always proven to be well worth it. But this is not the only benefit we can reap from our fuzzy companions. Studies have proven time and again the health advantages of owning a pet. Both mentally and physically our health can flourish with the addition of a furry, wet-nosed, whiskered friend in our lives.

Physical Health Benefits
As Dr. Oz has pointed out,“Petting your animal has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure and increase serotonin, a hormone that helps to elevate your mood.” Research has shown that petting a dog lowers blood pressure and increases serotonin. In the PBS NOVA documentary, Dogs Decoded it was discovered that pet owners that have a heart attack are three times more likely to survive the heart attack if they own a pet. Let’s not forget that dog owners especially exercise more often since they must take their dog on a walk and engage their canine in physical activity at least once a day.

Mental Health Benefits
Having a dog is an easy solution for fighting depression and lifting our mood. It is nearly impossible to stay mad or sad when our dog looks at us with those puppy dog eyes or licks our face with a special blend of tender yet fierce love, not caring how we look or what mistakes we've made that day. Pets' love is constant and unyielding . They will never leave us if we never leave them. We can tell them secrets and unload our problems on their fuzzy shoulders and they will never falter from the pressure. Though they can't offer us advice, they will always lend us an ear to whisper in, a paw to hold and a shoulder to lean on.

Though pets may leave a little dent in our wallets and a few spots on the oriental rug, the happiness, well-being and joy they bring to our lives are simply priceless.

Sources: http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/mehmet-oz-md/benefiting-and-your-pet

ROAD TRIP!

You know the drill. It’s Saturday morning. You are headed to the dog park or a friend's house with your doggie in tow. Since it’s the weekend, you decide to celebrate and treat yourself a little by stopping at your local coffee house for some java and a doughnut. You rush out of the car leaving your dog locked inside. Unfortunately, it turns out everyone within a 100 mile radius had the same Saturday morning idea. What should have been a 10 minute wait, quickly turns into a 30 or 40 minute wait of impatient foot-stamping, caffeine-deprived rage.

While you may be annoyed, your pooch is steaming - temperature wise. Leaving your dog in a parked car in the hot summer months is extremely dangerous. Most dog owners are aware of the cautions of such a habit, but not the extent. The temperature inside your car depends on the outside temperature. According to the Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, in a time lapse of 60 minutes, a parked car can reach up to 123 degrees Fahrenheit even if the temperature outside is only as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun’s shortwave radiation quickly heats dark objects like seats and the dashboard. These hot objects then warm the car’s internal air, creating a dangerous hotbox.

While it is unhealthy for anyone to be locked in an overheated parked car, dogs and children are most at risk for suffering hyperthermia because they overheat more rapidly than adults. Hyperthermia is, “an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate.” Even opening the car windows is not sufficient enough to counter the effects of the heat.

To avoid this unfortunate situation, a good idea is to invest in a Wireless Digital Thermometer that reads the inside temperature of your car. Clean Run has an excellent thermometer for car owners with dogs. The sensor accurately measures the temperature of your car and sends it to the wireless receiver. Temperature readings can be sent wirelessly up to 330 feet away. As long as you religiously monitor the temperature readings and make sure the car temp does not rise to an unhealthy degree, it is possible to stop for that Saturday morning caffeine fix.

However, whenever you are in a bind and don't want to leave your precious pup home alone or stuck suffering in the heat of your car while you run errands during the hot days of the week, bring your precious pooch to Morris Animal Inn for daycare. Your dog will enjoy the cool comfort of our fully air conditioned facility, hydrating water breaks, and best of all, play and attention from our staff !

Sources: National Weather Service Heat Safety

Which Toys Do You Let Your Dog Play With?

A long time ago, there was either a bone or a stick from the backyard for your dog. But experience has shown that sticks and bones aren't the safest playthings for your pup. More popular today are rawhides and chewing sticks. Even these pose some risks to your dog's health. Because of this, efforts have been made to produce better, safer toys that produce a variety of squeaks, moos and even songs. The sky's the limit! While having an array of options is great, it can be overwhelming. If you're struggling to decide where to put your money in the canine toy arena, we can help! The following are some suggestions of dog toys and methods of deciding which is best for your particular pooch. 

CHEW STYLE

What type of chewer is your dog? Does your pal rip all toys to shreds, or gently nibble? If your dog tends to settle down with a toy and really go at it, it’s best to purchase playthings that are made of durable rubber like Kongs made by the Kong Company®. Kongs have been known to withstand the roughest chewers. When the rubber begins to crack and tear, its time to throw it out and buy another.

If your dog has a softer approach to playing, or loves toys that squeak and squeal, consider sewn plush toys. Canvas toys are a terrific option for rough chewers that are fans of the squeak. Semi-aggressive chompers can also enjoy rope toys which break apart less easily and are wonderful for your pet’s dental health.

Planet Dog has even devised a system to aid consumers in the purchase of dog toys called the Chew-o-Meter. Their system takes into account the chewing style of your pup compared to the durability of their products to help you make the best purchase possible. Furthermore, 2% of your purchase is used to fund the training of service dogs. 

KNOW YOUR MATERIAL

It is important to be aware of the materials used to make your dog’s toy because they spend a lot of time in your canine’s mouth where harmful substances can be easily absorbed. Be careful; the Consumer Product Safety Commission only deems pet toys harmful if they put the owner at risk! As mentioned previously, Kongs® and Nylabones® are safe products that are made without harmful toxins but if you are unsure, check the label.

SAFETY FIRST

Instead of smaller toys that may be a choking risk, stick to Frisbees and large balls that can’t reach the back of your dog’s mouth. A reader of The Bark recommends lacrosse balls which are large and come in a variety of fun colors. In addition, regularly check all toys for cracks or holes so that your dog’s mouth stays in tip-top shape.

PET COMPANIES WITH PET SAFETY IN MIND

Companies like Kong®, Tough by Nature, and Planet Dog are innovative toy producers that keep the safety of your pet in mind. They constantly take our pets’ needs and health concerns to heart and consistently provide new modes of fun and recreation.

The dog toy frontier is also pioneered by designers who wish to actively and mentally engage dogs with puzzle-like toys that require your pet to move pieces in order to reveal hidden treats. Nina Ottosson has a line a of dog toys that seek to work the canine brain by encouraging them to discover concealed treats using their nose and paws. Some of Ottosson’s products are made from particle board and should not be eaten or chewed, so it is important to watch your dog while playing with them. Another great option is the Buster Cube, which comes in different size cubes that must be rolled around in order to dispense the treats inside. Resembling a gumball machine, the Yuppy Puppy Food and Treat Machine has a large bone handle that when pressed down by your pup’s paw, dispenses treats! However, if you have any hesitations about whether your dog will chew off pieces of these brain teasers toys, opt to only use them when you can monitor your dog.

To keep the good times rolling for you and your best friend, consider your dog’s safety and well-being when selecting from the large range of toy options on the pet market today. Ready, set, play!

Sources: 

Sheila Pell The Bark.com
The Happy Dog Spot