Social Kitty

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month, so if you have always wanted a spunky whiskered creature in your life, now is the perfect time to grant that wish! Cats are filling up shelters, but they all want their forever homes. If you already have a cat, are worried about socializing an older cat, or incorporating a new kitty into your life in general, read on for some tips to help seamlessly socialize your feline.

 Importance of Touch
All living things must be touched in order to feel loved, and in turn happy. This includes your iridescent eyed cat. However, it is important to remember that some cats love to be touched while others like it in small doses. Do not force it. Spend a little time each day, stroking and petting your cat in his or her favorite spots. Give kitty a little treat or some tuna after each petting session to reinforce it as a positive experience. If your cat lashes out, reprimand him or her by saying firmly, "No!"

Playtime and Activity
Cats are young at heart and love to engage in short bursts of activity. Nurture the spirited frisky side of your cat with a scheduled playtime several times a day, which can help strengthen your bond with your cat. If your cat is staying at Morris Animal Inn, we have numerous activities to choose from that will engage your cat. Our Pampered Pet Sessions provide your cat with the hands-on attention he or she receives at home with time for petting, lap time on a rocking chair, and opportunities to view our fish tank. Teaser Play Sessions are less hands on and are fun for any cat. Teaser sessions include teasing with a peacock feather, a mouse, laser light, and a variety of other toys. The Kitty Play Room is ideal for cats desiring more freedom. Allow your cat the chance to explore the fun of our play room that includes climbing and scratching posts, skylights with outside views, toys, catnip, and comfortable furniture.

Strangers=No Danger

Exposing your cat to visitors can be highly beneficial as it forces your feline to adjust to the concept of strange people moving in and around your house, i.e your cat's space. However, do not force people upon your cat. If Fluffy runs and hides that's ok. When your cat grows comfortable with the situation, he or she will eventually emerge to further investigate, which should be encouraged. Urge visitors to speak in low, soft voices and allow your cat to approach them first. Even a visit and overnight stay at Morris Animal Inn can aid in this process as your cat must adapt to new sights, smells, and people. Our staff members are trained to interact with cats and know how to make them comfortable in their new environs.

Though cats can be inherently anti-social, you can help shape your cat’s personality by the way you raise your special kitty!

Sources: Catster.com

The Truth About Treadmills



http://www.metaphoricalplatypus.com/ via flickr


Treadmills: you may hate them with the wrath of Achilles or simply use them to hang clothes on, but there's now an even better use for them! Stop avoiding your treadmill and utilize it for your dog--you won't even have to break a sweat (only Fido will)! Read on for tips to help your fuzzy friend transition to the treadmill.

Why the Treadmill?
Why the treadmill you ask? Aside from the snow, rain and heat, juggling poop bags, holding an umbrella or toting boots isn't always ideal. But with a treadmill, your precious pooch never has to miss out on his or her daily walk! In addition, dogs that could stand to lose a few pounds are easier to get onto a treadmill than dragging them out into the elements. Just ask your veterinarian to provide you with some fitness or weight loss goals based on your pet's current fitness level, age and breed before beginning any serious exercise regimen.

The Little Engine That Could
Treadmills are a wonderful fitness resource for high-energy dogs. They provide an extra outlet of activity and allow you to push your spunky pal to the next level by simply increasing the treadmill speed. If your dog gets bored at home and begins to adopt unfavorable habits, it might be time to offer more engaging options for your canine and a treadmill might be just the ticket!

The Professional

Ready, Set, Go!
Start by getting your dog to stand on the treadmill and then immediately provide a treat. Once your dog is interested in the treadmill, turn it on with your dog standing near the treadmill and then provide another treat. It is not unusual for dogs to initially be frightened by the whirring sound of the treadmill so have patience and space this adjustment period out over a couple days. Before your first treadmill session, make sure your dog's stomach is empty and provide a "potty break". When you're ready to roll, keep your dog on a leash and hold it in your hand as you start the treadmill at a slow speed. Lure your dog forward with a treat and reward with words of praise. Eventually, the praise should suffice for treats and your dog will be on his or her way to a great fitness routine!

The Treadmill at Morris Animal Inn

Morris Animal Inn is very excited about our treadmill from Fit Fur Life. Designed with your pet's safety in mind, the Professional, has wire meshing on the sides to ensure your dog stays on track and the added feature of a harness, which attaches to the mesh sides, will keep any dog upright and safe. Fitness at Morris Animal Inn has never been better!

Let us know how you think your dog would do on the treadmill!

Sources: Squidoo

Put Some Spring in That Paw!

Spring has sprung, leading many of us to turn our thoughts to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and home improvement projects. But the change of season can be precarious for curious pets or their unknowing owners. Before you launch into your decorating regimen, seasonal projects or outdoor ventures, take a moment to learn about the most common springtime hazards for your furry friend.

Easter Treats and Decorations

Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to dogs and cats, and lilies can be fatal if ingested. Kitties also love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to digestive woes.

                                         

                                         Window Screens

Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows, unknowingly put their pets at risk. This is especially true of cats, who are likely to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure your all of your screens are sturdy and safe before allowing your pets to take in the warm breezes.

Car Travel  

We all know dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, but the bed of a pick-up truck or the window of a moving-car is a dangerous spot for your pup. Flying debris and abrupt stops or turns can cause unwanted injury or infection. Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning can be a great way to get rid of some common household dangers like poisonous bugs and debris your pet could ingest, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of their reach. Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. Be sure to read and follow directions for proper use and storage of these products.

                                              Home Improvement

Paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets. Read all labels thoroughly to see if a product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards like nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It’s usually best to confine your dog or cat to a room during home improvement projects, just make sure they have plenty of food, water and stimulation to keep them happy!

Yard Work

Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for canine or feline consumption. Always store these products in inaccessible places and follow label instructions carefully. The ASPCA has a full list of garden tips.

Poisonous Plants

Growth is a sure sign of spring but beware, many popular springtime plants (Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas) are highly toxic to pets. The ASPCA also has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden.

Allergies

Pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens, too. Allergic symptoms in dogs and cats can range from sniffling and sneezing to serious reactions. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, make a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

                                                      Bugs

Showers bring flowers, but flowers bring bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication and a flea and tick control program to combat the dangers of insects. Your veterinarian can recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet, and Morris Animal Inn can assist with Frontline applications.

The Outdoors

Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and an increased risk of pet wandering. Make sure your dog or cat has been microchipped for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (not choke) collars and sturdy leashes with the ability to extend for your pet’s enjoyment, and reign in when necessary. Come take a look at the spring collection of UpCountry collars in our lobby boutique!

 

By following these tips and allowing us to care for your pet while you can't, you and your pet are sure to fully enjoy the spring season!

Source: www.aspca.org

Dogs Just Want to Have Fun!

It turns out we're not the only ones who benefit from social events and activities, so do dogs! Visiting a local dog park or attending a Morris Animal Inn dog daycare party provides a good opportunity for canines to meet and greet, a vital step in their social development.

At Morris Animal Inn, fun is one of our top priorities, and this is exactly where our doggie daycare events begin! Frequent parties allow your dog to engage in a variety of entertaining activities related to the theme of the day, whether they're marching in their own St. Patrick’s Day Parade or jumping over “Steal My Heart Hurdles”! Designed with your pup in mind, these events help dogs celebrate the special times of the year in their own unique way.

In addition to having fun, dogs enjoy running, playing, and socializing with other dogs, providing both physical and mental stimulation. Nap time and a delectable treat allow for rest and rejuvenation in between, but by the end of the day, your pooch will be happily tired from a full day of play. And to ensure you and your dog remember these special days, we diligently document all the canine antics via camera and video and post the very best on our Facebook and Shutterfly pages for you to see.

A few special times of the year, participation in Morris Animal Inn daycare events even allows dogs to make a difference in our community! For example, each May your dog is invited to attend our exciting Puppy Prom that supports a charitable cause. This May 4th, our Puppy Prom, “Pooches In Pink”, will benefit Susan G. Komen For the Cure of North Jersey. While the dogs party down, we will be busy assembling care packages for women in our area battling cancer and collecting donations that support Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

We hope your dog will attend our Pooches In Pink Prom event this May and the many other fun and innovative activities offered at Morris Animal Inn throughout the year.

We want to know...what's your dog's favorite Morris Animal Inn doggie daycare event?

Fitness For Fluffy, Too!

Resting up for the hunt.

When we think of cats, many of us think of lounging and snoozing. But despite this reputation, cats both desire and require regular physical activity.

It is estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of cats seen by U.S. vets are overweight or obese, hindering their quality of life and overall health. For example, an overweight cat might not be able to jump to his or her favorite spots or play as much as they'd like. Obesity in cats is also associated with a variety of medical problems, including arthritis, ligament damage, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing and liver problems, and urinary tract disease. Reducing food intake is part of combating obesity, but adding daily exercise to your cat’s regimen is equally helpful.

As predators, cats instinctually do a lot of sleeping interspersed with frequent bursts of activity. (Think sprinters rather than marathon runners.) In the winter months, it’s hard for both indoor and outdoor cats to get sufficient exercise, but you certainly shouldn't run out and buy them a treadmill! Morris Animal Inn offers lots of great ways to give cats the exercise and interaction they need, no matter how long their stay with us. Here are just a few examples.

Bingley explores our Kitty Play Room.

1. Our kitty playroom has a cat tree in addition to a variety of climbing, perching and scratching posts. These items encourage our feline guests to jump, reach, stretch and file down those sharp claws!
2. Our staff have become masters at the kitty teaser session, which involves any number of engaging toys such as feather wands, laser teasers and “fishing poles”.
3. Pampered pet sessions are great for getting cats up and out of their lodging and exploring. Cats have the opportunity to interact with our staff, look at our fish tank, get a view of our lobby or just stretch or scratch.
4. The option of lodging your cats together (if they get along at home) is an automatic way to ensure activity. Just the presence of another cat causes greater awareness, incites play and makes for a more social lodging experience.
5. Cat videos, included in some of our luxury cat suites, provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Google enjoying the Fish Tank view.

In addition to helping cats stay fit and healthy, exercise provides mental stimulation that prevents possible destruction of your belongings and makes for more fulfilled felines. To put it simply, a well-exercised cat is a happy cat.

Sources: 

healthypetu.com

pets.webmd.com

Safety Tips for Turkey Day

As if Aunt Edna’s giblet stuffing wasn’t enough to worry about on Thanksgiving…then there’s your dog or cat.

Dogs and some cats enjoy the revelry at least as much as we do, with bits of this and that dropping on the floor, and delectable smells wafting around the house. But Thanksgiving shouldn’t be a free-for-all. There are certain items your pets should really avoid.

According to a Petfinder article, veterinarians experience an increased number of office calls due to digestive problems after the holidays. We’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you and your pet get through Thanksgiving safely.

Stuff Your Turkey, Not Your Pet

It's easy to want to give your dog or cat a plate full of turkey, mashed potatoes, and whatever else you think they might enjoy. But that's a bad idea. Overindulging in fatty foods can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or pancreatitis. A few bites of skinless turkey on a healthy pet’s normal food is fine, but resist pleading for more.

Keep ‘Em Busy

For dogs, put a bit of his regular food in a Kong, and then stuff a little boneless, skinless turkey, sweet potatoes and gravy in the Kong (very similar to what we offer at Morris Animal Inn for Thanksgiving boarders!). It's not much food, but it will keep him occupied for a long time. For cats, you might consider offering some catnip in a safe, quiet room.

Tire ‘Em Out

A dog who has been on a big walk or fetched the ball a zillion times, or a cat who has played several sessions of bird or mouse catching will be much more likely to run out of energy during the feast than one who's been idle all day. The bottom line: a tired pet is a good pet on Thanksgiving.

No Bones About It

Cooked turkey bones are dangerous to your pets. They're potential choking or digestive hazards, so don't leave plates with bones lying around. Put plates in an unreachable area if you can't dispose of everything properly right away.

Sage Wisdom

Sage and some other herbs used on holidays like Thanksgiving have essential oils that can cause tummy upset and central nervous system depression if a pet eats them in large quantities. The average dog or cat isn't going to gobble down a fistful of sage, but keep herbs out of reach just in case.

Don't Cry Over Onions

Onions are toxic to dogs and cats. They can lead to a dangerous form of anemia that may not be detected for days. Make sure your pets stay away from the pearly whites, yellows, and reds.

Don't Give Her the Raw Deal

Unless your pet is already on a raw diet, we don’t recommend plopping a piece of raw turkey in her bowl (the change from her regular food might cause an upset stomach). But more importantly, keep your pets away from uncooked dough for bread, rolls or pastries. Once raw dough is ingested, it will rise in your pet’s stomach, potentially causing swelling, pain, vomiting and bloating—conditions that may send you and your pet to the ER.

Avoid Yappy Hour

Some pets actually seem to enjoy alcoholic drinks. Walk away from your drink that's set on the coffee table, and Lulu may get lit. Pets and booze are a bad mix. Your pet may not do anything embarrassing she'll regret in the morning, but she could become disoriented and quite ill. Too much alcohol can even lead to a coma and death, so watch where you – and others – put their drinks.

By following a few basic tips, your dog will enjoy a fun, safe Thanksgiving. Now if only you could avoid Aunt Edna's stuffing…

*Sources: Petfinder, Modern Dog Magazine

Dog Training 101

Is your dog perfect? Does he greet strangers politely, obey your every command and walk gracefully on a leash? If you thought, "Heck no!", then dog training might be worth considering.

Aside from gaining a manageable dog you can be proud of, dog training can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. By training a dog, you are giving him a job, and a dog with a job is a happy dog! It's instinctual to many breeds of dogs to expect and enjoy being asked to perform tasks...so kill two birds with one stone by taking the time to learn more about your training options.

Training philosophies run the gamut, but Morris Animal Inn is of the school of thought that training should be a fun and positive experience that a dog is happy to engage in. Training may be introduced at nearly any point in a dog's life (yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks!). It's important to remember, however, that your expectations for each dog should be different. A dog's age, breed, size, health and personality will dictate how they will respond to training, their strengths, and their challenges. As long as progress is being made and you and your dog enjoy the process, training is a worthwhile activity.

Some of the basic components of dog training include commands and leash manners. In any basic training program, such as Morris Animal Inn's Lodge & Learn program,  you can expect lessons on the come, sit, stay and heel commands, as well as walking nicely on a leash (more on this later). Mastery of these skills will take repetition, rewards and respect. (Mastery meaning your dog will sit patiently when guests come over or when other dogs are around, not just when in a quiet room with no distractions.) But by having the ability to control your dog's behavior, you will be much more at ease with your dog both inside and outside the home. If you and your dog enjoy training, you might want to consider more advanced options offered at training facilities like Morris K9 Campus.

Not sure if training is right for you or your dog? Start with Morris Animal Inn's Lodge & Learn program, a regimen for dogs whose owners want them to master the basics. Drop off your dog at the place you know and trust, and leave the rest to us! Each dog will receive a pre-training questionnaire, balanced training focused on positive reinforcement, recreation sessions, business walks, gourmet treat, certificate of completion and training equipment for use at home. For just $99/day plus boarding, you can't go wrong!

Please call us at 973.539.0377 if you'd like to book or for more information.

Converting the Outdoor Cat

More and more research has indicated that the overall health and general lifespan of cats can be greatly enhanced by keeping them indoors, particularly in the colder days of fall and winter. But for a cat that has enjoyed the freedom of the wild his whole life, the transition inside can be a tough one...for the cat, for you and your family, and for other household pets. Luckily, if a pet owner anticipates the potential problems associated with transitioning a fully outdoor, or indoor-outdoor cat to a strictly indoor one, these problems can be greatly minimized. 

Safety First

First and foremost, if the cat you plan to transition was previously stray, be absolutely sure to have him examined by a veterinarian, and discuss spaying or neutering before bringing him into your home. These cats should first be quarantined (with their own food, water, litter, resting areas and scratching post, etc.) from other pets in your home to avoid the potential spread of disease. This separation also helps acclimate the new cat to your home environment and to using a litter box. Your resident pets are dependent on your judgement and protection, so don't expose them to a new animal all of a sudden!


Prep Your Home
If you don't currently have other pets or are new to being a cat owner, you should take some time to kitty-proof your home before allowing him to explore beyond his private quarters. A good rule of thumb is that anything unsafe for a toddler is unsafe for a cat. This includes poisonous plants like lilies, small objects (choking hazards), breakables and valuables, window blind cords and electrical cords. Preparing your home for the new cat will make the transition much safer for the cat and easier on you!


Make Introductions

Once your cat has been given a clean bill of health and appears to be comfortable in his own quarters, you can SLOWLY introduce him to your other pets. This can be a very stressful time; other pets may feel threatened and your home can become chaotic. Start by feeding your pets on opposite sides of a door or a baby gate. If this goes well, you can increase their exposure to one another little by little during mealtimes. Finally, let them see and smell each other, rub each other's faces if desired, and test the waters with verbalization. Throughout this process, be sure that there are plenty of litter boxes, toys, food and water bowls, etc. so that there is no need to compete. And if any aggressive behavior erupts, be ready to separate the pets and try again another day.

After the animals have been introduced, invite the human members of the house to slowly approach the new cat. If you have young children, supervise all interaction and prohibit any rough petting, tail-pulling or teasing. Cats are independent creatures, so it is best to let them decide when to seek out human attention rather than the reverse. After time, most cats will get cozy with you, each in his own way. 


Keep It Interesting

The last step of the transition is to provide lots of opportunities for the former outdoors-kitty to be mentally and physically stimulated. After having free reign, hunting and chasing, he will probably find indoor life to be a bit boring, so schedule time for one-on-one and solitary play, puzzle-solving, food-searching and critter videos. 




Ease the Transition

If the process is a bumpy one, you can try sprinkling/rubbing some feline facial pheromones on the cat(s). This decreases anxiety and the tendency to "mark" territory. Although many cats have been successfully transitioned to the indoors, some cats will inevitably prefer the stimulation that only the outdoors can provide. But ideally, your efforts will be rewarded, with your previously outdoor kitty wondering what life was even like before he became a happy housecat.