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

Create the Best Backyard for Your Dog

No matter the size of your backyard, there are plenty of ways to transform your space into a doggy paradise. With the help of Tails Magazine, here are a few necessities for backyard your dog will drool over.

Fences. If at all possible fence in your space—both to keep your dog inside, and to keep other animals out. Make sure it’s high enough that your pup can’t jump over it, and if necessary, install protection underneath to keep your dog from digging his or her way out. If your dog is a barker, consider fencing that isn't see through.

Keep it Cool. Most dogs love lying in the sun on a warm summer day, but dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are all risks during the warmer months. If you don’t have any naturally occurring shady spots, invest in an umbrella or something similar to create a place where your dog can go to escape the sun’s rays. A doghouse is another great option. Does your dog like water? Fill up a kiddie pool with ice and water and let your dog cool off in a perfect sized watering hole.

Pet-Friendly Plants. Dogs can certainly appreciate flowers and plants, but be cautious about what you plant that your dog has access to. Many common flowers are potentially toxic to your furry friend. Check out our previous blog post on how to build a pet-friendly garden.

Potty Spot. A designated spot for "calls of nature" allow your yard to be kept clean easily. Mark off a specific area and encourage your dog to only go potty there. Try partitioning it off with a mini fence, large rocks, or some shrubbery. You can even put in a fake red fire hydrant to make the spot extra enticing!

Dig Zone. Dogs will be dogs, and dogs love to dig...which can be bad news for your lawn. Consider setting up a specific spot where your pup can dig to his or her heart’s content. Think of it as a doggy sand box, filling it with sand or soft soil, and let the hole to the center of the earth begin! If you have a determined digger who just won’t stick to one area, try sprinkling a natural deterrent such as cayenne pepper on the areas you want your dog to stay away from.

Toys. What’s a dog’s dream backyard without the perfect toys? Fun and interactive toys are a great way for your dog to burn some physical and mental energy while off-leash in the back yard. Try keeping some toys specifically for outdoors to make the backyard more special!

Time spent outdoors is enriching for your dog and gives ample opportunities to sniff, discover, and explore. Remember not to leave your dog outdoors unattended, and be cautious of the amount of time spent outside during the hot summer months. Your backyard can be a great place for you and your dog to enjoy quality time together. Take advantage!

Source: Tails Magazine

Hot Weather Tips for Your Pets

Summertime calls for more outdoors fun with your pet, but the hot weather must be handled with caution. Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA and Animal Care & Control of NYC experts, to have a safe and enjoyable summer for you and your pet.

Visit the Vet. An early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.

Made in the Shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun. Keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Know the Warning Signs. Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.

These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. If your pet shows signs of heat distress, cool him down slowly with a cool rag. Do not submerge him in water. Take your dog immediately to a veterinarian for follow up care.

 

No Parking! Never leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Make a Safe Splash. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool -- not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Screen Test. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. It is possible for pets to fall out of windows or to escape!

Summer Style. Feel free to trim longer hair.  The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on dogs or cats.  A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your dog or cat well groomed. Consult with your groomer or veterinarian to determine whether your pet would be more comfortable with a shorter haircut for the summer. If he has a heavy coat, shaving your dog’s hair to a 1-inch length will help prevent overheating.

Street Smarts. When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. If you can’t hold your hand long on the surface, it’s probably too hot for your pet as well.

Avoid Chemicals. Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal’s death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.

Party Animals. Remember that the food and drink offered to party guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic. Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Source: Animal Care & Control of NYC, ASPCA

Healthy Hound – Summer Tips and Trips for a Healthy Pet

It’s not uncommon to find humans hitting the gym this time of year to “get fit” for the summer season. Though they may not be strolling down the beach in a bathing suit any time soon, you should also think about your pet’s health and fitness this time of year. Morris Animal Inn and our sister organization, Morris K9 Campus, are pleased to provide events, trip ideas and tips to help you look out for your furry friend this summer.

Buy healthy food for your pet. Fresh produce is an easy find this time of year, but what about healthy alternatives for your dog? Morris Animal Inn will be coming together with local vendors at the Morristown Farmer’s Market this summer to provide healthy treats, like dog granola, for your pets. Stop by the market at the Morristown Parking Authority public parking lot on Saturday, June 15 between 8:30 am – 2:00 pm to find healthy foods for you and your pet all in one place.

Get all your training and pet behavior questions answered. Our sister facility Morris K9 Campus in Randolph is pleased to have Dr. Ian Dunbar visiting on June 15^th and 16^th. The celebrated Veterinarian, Animal Behaviorist and author will be hosting a Fun and Games Dog Training Workshop both days, during which he will teach participants many ways to keep dogs active. For pet owners who may have questions for Dr. Dunbar about their pet’s behavior, he will also be hosting a Q&A session on Saturday, June 15 from 7 – 9:30 pm. For more information on both sessions, visit www.MorrisK9Campus.com.

Keep your pet active. A pet that is left to their own devices all summer long may experience loss of energy or worse, take out pent-up energy on your couch cushions. Morris Animal Inn offers day care and lodging services to keep your pet busy while you’re working, away on vacation or just looking to venture out for the day. By offering group and private play sessions outside, indoor pool swims, treadmill sessions and healthy treats, we work to keep your pet active, healthy and happy. These activities will help provide both mental and physical stimulation for your dog; just what they need to stay fit this season. 

To schedule your pet a stay at Morris Animal Inn, or to learn more about our upcoming events, call us at 973-539-0377. We look forward to seeing you and your pet this summer!

Tips to Prepare your Pet for Warm Weather

Warmer weather for humans means new clothes, new haircuts, spring cleaning and some sniffing and sneezing. But what does it mean for your pet? Petside.com published a list of the top 9 tips for preparing you pet for warm weather and you might be surprised; a lot of pet tips sound just like human ones!

Read on for the list, and check off as you prepare your pet for the months ahead:

1. Visit your Vet – Bi-annual exams are important for your pet’s general health. This time of year is good for updating vaccinations, getting tested for heartworm, and doing an overall health check.

2. Visit the Salon – While you might get a haircut or wear lighter clothes to keep cool, your pet’s fur coat will trap in heat all year round. Get your pet groomed to help them stay cool as the weather heats up. Morris Animal Inn offers full grooming services to keep your pet fresh, clean, and cool.

3. Protect from Fleas and Ticks – You have bug spray and citronella candles, your pet has flea and tick treatment. Look to your vet, a superstore, local pharmacy or pet care facility (check our lobby!) to save money on this important part of your pet’s preventive health.

4. Get a Green Thumb – Pet-proofing your yard after a long winter can protect your pet from insects, other animals, and injury. Make sure your fence is secure, mulch any garden areas, plant flowers and other plants, and secure any pool areas or other open spaces.

5. Spring Cleaning Safety – As you clean your home, remember to use non-toxic pet-friendly products to create a healthy environment for you, your family and your furry friend.

6. Stop Sniffling and Sneezing – Your pet can suffer from seasonal allergies just like you can. Spend time with your pet outside in the early morning and late evening when pollen counts are down to alleviate symptoms, and speak with your vet about additional treatments. For more tips on fighting pet allergies, read our blog post “Itch They Can’t Scratch?” from last month.

7. Get Moving – After a winter of resting indoors, your pet needs exercise! Get outside with your pet for walks and playtime that can help you burn off some calories as well. For extra fitness, schedule your dog a spot in our upcoming daycare fit camp: A Week at the Races!

8. Fight the Fur – Once spring starts, pets begin shedding their winter coats, leaving hair and fur balls spread around your freshly-cleaned house. Do what you can to lessen shedding by getting your pet bathed and groomed regularly and asking your vet about supplements for a shiny coat. Morris Animal Inn also offers a shed-less treatment for pets prone to shedding that helps to remove excess fur. Ask about it when scheduling your next grooming appointment!

9. Update their Wardrobe – With the promise of more outdoor activity, spring is the perfect time to purchase your four-legged friend a new collar, harness and leash, especially ones that have become worn out over time. Stop by our lobby for the latest selection of gear. Also make sure you update your pet’s ID tags for safety in case they get lost.

For more tips, to schedule and appointment, or to inquire about any of the above purchases, give Morris Animal Inn a call at 973-539-0377. We’re gearing up our staff and guests for warmer weather, and would love to help you and your pet do the same!

Does Your Dog Like to Swim?

Did you introduce your dog to water and he or she absolutely loves the water? Or maybe the opposite...you introduced them to water and your dog just does not want anything to do with it.

Animal Planet writes that when it comes to swimming, canines generally fall into one of three categories. There are those that can swim, those that can be taught to swim and those that should steer clear of all aqueous environments.

Animal Planet explains that the low and lovable sturdy breeds like bulldogs, dachshunds and boxers do not have enough thrust from their short legs to keep them afloat in aquatic environments. Breeds that have short faces, such as the pug, also have a very hard time swimming since they fatigue easily. Small dogs such as the Maltese and Chihuahua are sometimes good swimmers, but may become easily chilled or frightened in the water, which can increase the risk of drowning.

Dogtime lists 10 dog breeds that love the water. 

Here are some ideas on how to try to make your dog like water.

Here are a few tips on how to teach your dog how to swim.

Does your dog like to swim and they are missing from the list of 10 dog breeds that love the water? I know some Jack Russell Terriers that can't get enough of the water. Tell us about others that are missing.

The Thundershirt Experiment: Does it Really Work?

http://www.thundershirt.com/

My dog Cassie had always been a curious and fearless explorer. She spent many vacations hiking with me, trailblazing new doggie paths off the beaten path through brambles and thickets. At the beach she would taunt the sea by racing in to meet the waves and then fly back at the last minute with sand and salt flying in the ocean breeze, her mouth agape in a mischievous smile, knowing she had just evaded Mother Nature.



Though I expected her physical strength to wane over the years, I was not prepared for the noise anxiety she gradually developed over time. The two boogiemen in her life became the oven with its high pitched chirping alarm and worst of all, a rainy thunderstorm that’s loud claps sent her running, tail between her legs behind my bed or to the bathroom where she would shake in fear.

Photo Courtesy of Bayasaa

A Season of Fireworks and Thunder

With summer under way and the threat of thunderstorms and fireworks in the picture, I thought it was time to give the Thundershirt™ a try. I’d heard about the phenomenon, but because it was just a shirt, I was skeptical. My dog tends to freeze in place and become as immobile as a statute when I put her raincoat or winter sweater on. However, since Temple Grandin, a doctor of animal science and an animal behavior expert, has touted the calming benefits of pressure for anxious animals, I was somewhat convinced of the methodology behind the seemingly simple concept. Much like you swaddle a baby in a blanket to calm it, theThundershirt™ fits snuggly over your dog, exerting soft pressure on your dog's body which soothes your pup and their anxiety. Not only does the shirt claim to help with your dog's noise phobia, but it's also helpful for pooches with separation anxiety.

Cassie in her Thundershirt

Week 1

With July 4 approaching, I attempted to suit her up in preparation for the big day. As suggested, I put the shirt on her at night during her treat and trick time, which happens to be her favorite part of the day. I wanted her to associate the shirt with pleasurable experiences and become accustomed to wearing it at non-threatening times. As per usual, after I finally managed to Velcro her in the shirt in all the right places by following the diagram, she froze in place. Once I got her interested in her treats, she loosened up and performed her repertoire of tricks with ease. Later, she lay down and fell peacefully asleep.

Week 2

After putting the Thundershirt on her every night for 10 to 20 minutes at times when she was eating, I noticed her grow comfortable in it. Often times she would simply fall asleep. Finally, the night of July 4th arrived, every dog’s nightmare. I swaddled her in her shirt and sat down with pen and paper in hand to observe her reactions to the loud pop, sizzle, and boom of the fireworks. Though her expression was fearful, and she kept to the corner of the bathroom, I noticed that for once, she did not shake incessantly. This was a huge step!

Cassie and Briana

Conclusion

Though it took longer for her to adjust to the shirt than I had originally suspected and putting the shirt on correctly can be a little bit confusing, in the end she was calmer than I had ever seen her during a thunderstorm or fireworks episode! In my opinion, the Thundershirt™ is worth it, but in the beginning you must be patient. Morris Animal Inn carries Thundershirts™  so stop by to test one out on your dog before the summer is over!

Written by Briana Falco

Morris Animal Inn Employee and proud mother of Cassie

Have you ever used the Thundershirt on your dog?
If so, what have your results been?

Tips for the Dog Days of Summer

Photo Courtesy of jared

Summertime and the livin’ is easy. While you may be ready to fire up the barbeque, fill up the pool, and bring out the popsicles, some extra safety precautions should be taken into consideration regarding your dog in the warmer months. Enjoy the sudden change in temperatures and the rise in sunny days but keep Fido safe and cool. Read on for some quick and easy tips to get the most out of this summer with your dog.

Beat the Heat

Avoid possible heat stroke by keeping your dog cool during the hottest parts of the day. Move your walks from the middle of the day to early morning or early evening when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. Both you and your pooch will be happier for it. Before taking your dog for a walk, try this tip from Andrea Arden, pet expert. Soak a bandanna in water and freeze it then wrap it around your dog’s neck before taking him or her on a walk. It is also important to remember that you should never, ever leave your dog alone in the car. Even cracking a window is not sufficient. In the summer, even cars that are parked in the shade can quickly rise in 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.

Paw Protection
You know what it feels like when you run barefoot across hot pavement or sand? It hurts, right? If it’s uncomfortable for you, chances are it will bother your dog’s paws too. Be conscious of your canine’s paw-pads and walk at the coolest times of day or invest in a pair of dog booties to protect their little feet.

Lifeguard on Duty

A great way to ensure your furry friend stays cool is to fill a baby wading pool with water in your backyard. This way, when Fido marches out into the heat of your backyard, a cool-off is only a few feet away. All of these aquatic activities are part of what makes summer truly wonderful, but remember to always keep an eye on your pal no matter how good a swimmer he or she is and no matter how deep the water is. If you have an in-ground pool that your dog loves to jump in, consider putting a lifejacket on your dog when frolicking outside or purchase a pet ramp to make it easy for them to get out.

Hydrate

Don’t let your dog get parched this summer. Provide fun, refreshing treats like ice cubes, keep cool fresh water on hand at all times, and try this trick from Dogster.com: freeze canned dog food in a Kong to introduce more moisture into their diet.

Don't forget, Morris Animal Inn is an excellent place for dogs in the summer! With an indoor pool, outdoor wading pools, air conditioning, fun, and lots of fresh water for your pup, what more could you want?

Here comes the sun! Armed with these tips, you and your dog are ready to face anything the summer brings your way!

Sources: Dogster.com

Summer Break

It’s that time of year again! The days are longer and the nights are shorter. Flip flops become required footwear, hammocks become beds, and the kids and the dog are at summer camp. Wait, the dog? Yup, that’s right! Summer camp has long since surpassed the domain of sun-burned pre-teens. In fact, it is becoming more and more mainstream to see the furriest member of your family enjoying summer camp and all its benefits the same way your kids do. Your dog doesn't want to spend the whole summer cooped up inside watching the warm weather slip by any more than children home from school do. If your pup wants to have a wild and crazy summer, then Morris Animal Inn is the place to be.
With eight weeks of fun-filled summer camps lined up, there is a lot for you and your wet-nosed family member to choose from. We'll break it down for you!

Fit and Fun

This is the first official week of the Morris Animal Inn Summer Camps and it started off with leaps and bounds. With furry muscles marching on, our dogs of summer are moving it and shaking it in an effort to stay in top form and achieve their healthiest weight possible. Daily field trips to the outdoor lawns with engaging activities like "Mighty Dog Obstacle Course" and "Fido's Freestyle Fun" keep the exercise going, while aquatic workouts in our indoor pool and treadmill trots on our canine treadmill ensure your dog enjoys a day of fat busting activity. A healthy snack of fruity granola parfait keeps hunger at bay without packing on the pounds. If your dog missed the first round of the Fit and Fun camp, never fear! This camp returns on 7/18-7/21!

Circus Camp
Dogs love to clown around and we like giving them an excuse to do so! Back by popular demand, our Circus Camp will occur from 6/27-6/30 and 7/25-7/28. This camp includes specially designed outdoor activities that incorporate "Ball Juggling, Clown Relays, and Hound Hurdles" to name a few. Circus style fun in the pool keeps things far from monotonous with “Ringmaster Ring Toss and High Diving Horses”! Top each day of the week off with a Frozen Fruity Sno-Cone for a delectable cool-down.

Cowboy Camp
Howdy partner! It’s time to saddle up for our rodeo style camp that proves our Northeastern dogs can get Western when they want. From 7/11-7/14 and 8/8-8/11, our line-up of rodeo themed activities will have your dogs moving and having fun. From “Barrel Racing” to our “Cattle Drive to the OK Corral” in our spacious front yard, your dogs will be ready to giddy-up! No day of camp is complete without some splish splashing in the ole’ watering hole. Pool fun includes “Rodeo Relays and Diving to Dodge.” A light snack around the "campfire" peacefully ends each fun-packed day.

Jersey Shore
While Snooki will not appear as a surprise guest, our camp makes sure to celebrate Jersey Pride and all that our sandy beaches and miles of boardwalk offer! This camp occurs from 7/5-7/8 and 8/1-8/4.

Don’t let your dog spend the summer in a hot house! Provide them with weeks of fun outdoor activities and pool sessions. Our air-conditioned suites, indoor pool, outdoor kiddie pools, and bowls of fresh water with an afternoon snack will ensure your dog is cool and content. This summer, send all your kids to camp, including your furry ones!

What themed camps would you love to see for next year?

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Memorial Day weekend will soon be  upon us ushering in the ensuing summer months of popsicles, sunburn, and bathing suits worn like second-skins, so get ready! But before the festivities begin, take time to dog proof your house and backyard to ensure your Memorial Day Celebrations run smoothly for both you and your furry guests.

SCOOP THE YARD
If your celebration is outdoors in the backyard, make sure to mow the lawn and scoop any of your dog’s eliminations so no one steps onto a smelly surprise in your backyard. Have pooper scoopers available throughout the day to prevent this from happening.

THE AQUATIC LIFE
If your pool is open for the summer, make sure there is always a lifeguard on duty to watch youngsters and water-loving dogs. Some dogs can be excellent swimmers but can have trouble finding their way out of the pool or may wear themselves out. Investing in doggie life-jackets is always a safe and an excellent idea.

GUARD FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Make sure that alcoholic beverages are not lying on the ground or the edges of picnic tables within easy reach of your curious canine. Any type of alcoholic beverage is potentially poisonous to pets. Other foods you should never let your canine ingest are grapes, chocolate, and onions all of which can be poisonous to dogs. Since your grill will most likely be fired up and an abundance of meat will be floating around, protect the food from prying wet noses and flies with mesh food tents that open up like an umbrella to fit over wide platters of food. Tell guests to keep food scrap feeding to a minimum so that your dog does not get sick from too much grub and indulgent food that he or she is not accustomed to eating on a regular basis.

MOSQUITO PREVENTION
The later your party runs, the more likely mosquitoes will show up as extra guests you did not bargain for. Preventative measures such as citronella candles and bug spray can be used, but must be monitored. You do not want your dog to get anywhere near these substances as they can be toxic for Fido.

SAFEGUARD THE EXITS
With family and friends coming and going, it is likely that a door or gate might be left open. Keep a vigilant eye on the exits to prevent this from happening and tell all of your guests to do the same. Make sure that your pet has identification on, like a collar with identification tags.

BACK-UP PLAN
If the thought of keeping an eye on your dog, let alone cooking and cleaning for a large group of guests stresses you out, or your travel plans are taking you far from home, you can always bring your pup to Morris Animal Inn where we can help Fido or Fluffy celebrate the federal holiday in safety and style!

 

Let's Get Physical!

While we humans may grumble and moan at the thought of getting off the couch to exercise, many dogs will jump at the mere suggestion of physical activity. This is fortunate since canine fitness is essential to the health of our wet-nosed friends. Dogs that exercise are more likely to maintain good body weight, less likely to develop heart problems, arthritis or diabetes, and often stave off boredom and depression associated with a sedentary lifestyle. If your playful pooch could use some more activity, read on about Morris Animal Inn's fitness offerings.

                                        

Fido’s Fit and Spaw Retreat

After the turkey scraps have been gobbled up and the eggnog has been licked off the floor, Morris Animal Inn starts your dog’s new year off right by nudging them back into shape. A week of nature hikes on our pastoral trail, daily swim sessions in our aqua center, treadmill walks and runs, and “doga” and “pawlates” in our play suites all work to stretch your dog’s ligaments and burn calories.

Although the fit retreat focused on activities and exercise, the group overall averaged a weight loss of 2% of their overall body weight in just one week! This is pretty impressive considering the fact that Weight Watchers encourages its customers to lose 10% of their body weight over the course of several months.

Take a look at this video clip of Fido's Fit & Spaw Retreat:

Summertime 'Fit and Fun' 

Due to the success of this year's Fit and Spaw Retreat and the growing demand for canine fitness programs in light of growing pet obesity, Morris Animal Inn will hold 2 weeks of 'Fit and Fun Camp' (June 20-25 and July 18-22) as part of our annual Summer Camps series!

These two weeks will be specifically tailored to canine fitness, all while having fun in the sun! Our canine companions can splash in the pool, walk on our shaded trails, burn calories on the treadmill, and race around our fenced in outdoor play yards with their other fuzzy friends! There will even be some fun sports-themed activities. Summer’s just around the corner and while your dog may not be losing weight to fit in a teeny weenie bikini, their overall health will benefit from the exercise and their minds will love the activity. Who wants to spend summer sitting in an air conditioned room anyway? Allow your pooch to get out and play!

Even if your pet can't make it to our fitness programs, or you have a cat who prefers working out solo, you can always add any of our canine or feline activities to your pet's lodging reservation with us. Join us in helping to keep our pets fit and healthy all year long!

Sources: vetinfo.com