The Best Dog for Your Lifestyle

Getting a dog is a life long commitment,so it's important to do as much research as possible before bringing a new addition into your family. Consider the following factors to help you make the best decision when opening your heart and home to a dog.

The amount of space you have

Take into consideration how much space your new dog will need. If you have an apartment, adopting a small dog like a Chihuahua may be the right choice. However, if you live in a large home with a fenced-in yard, a bigger dog like a Golden Retriever could be a great fit! 

The amount of time you have

If you work long hours, or have limited time to spend with your new pet, avoid getting a dog that requires a lot of activity. If you enjoy going on hikes or jogging with your pup, a high energy dog would be perfect for your lifestyle. 

The dog's grooming needs

A dog's coat and grooming needs should be a relevant factor when choosing the right dog for you. All dogs should be groomed regularly. However, some breeds require more intensive or specific grooming. For example, a long haired breed, like a Shih Tzu, would need consistent brushing. Other breeds require less maintenance. Whether it be a simple bath for your Lab or a detailed haircut for your Poodle, visit Morris Animal Inn's grooming salon to keep your pet's coat healthy and clean!

The dog's temperament

Are you looking for a dog who is friendly with strangers, or a protective dog that is loyal only to his owners? Do you require a dog that is good around kids, or do you have a cat or another dog that your new pup needs to get along with? Answer these questions to make sure you are choosing a dog with personality traits and temperament that fit your lifestyle.

The dog's age

Although it might be tempting to become overwhelmed by a puppy's cuteness, you should consider the level of commitment that goes into raising a puppy before getting one. Puppies have a lot of energy and need consistent interaction. Raising a puppy also means house training and obedience training, which require plenty of patience and time. Consider adopting an adult dog if you do not have the lifestyle that is necessary for raising a puppy. Adult dogs are often house trained and can be much calmer than a puppy. 

The wonderful thing about dogs is that they come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. So, take the time to do research before finding your new best friend to ensure a happy future for you and your pet!

Take this quiz to find out which dog breed is best for you. 

Source: HumaneSociety.org, akc.org, Banfield.com

Good Health Grooming - Why a salon visit is good for your pet

For humans, grooming is a daily process. We scrub our hands, wash our faces and take frequent showers to keep ourselves clean. Although many pets, especially cats, are known for their ability to clean themselves, professional grooming for dogs and cats is essential to helping them stay squeaky clean. Grooming is about much more than just making your pet look pretty; it can also help prevent unpleasant issues from arising with their hygiene and health.

This is especially true with long-haired pets. While a dog or cat with long, luxurious fur can be beautiful, it also requires a lot of maintenance. In the December/January 2014 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine, an article on grooming by professional groomer Toni Brightman explained the pain and potential illness associated with pets whose hair gets tangled and matted.

“If you’re a woman, imagine hot rollers wound too tightly to your head,” Brightman wrote, explaining how a matted fur coat feels to your pet. The twists and tangles in their fur are much more than unpleasant to the eye; they could actually be hampering circulation, causing skin sores and infections or hiding other ailments.

Does this mean that if you have a short-haired dog or cat, you are free to let them groom themselves? Actually, there are many additional benefits to a professional groom that will help pets of all sizes and coat types:

Hygiene – keeping an animal’s back-end clean and mat-free is important to allow them to eliminate properly.

Eyes – tearing of the eyes can lead to residue build up on your pet’s face, which can pull at their
fur and become gummy and difficult to clean. Regular grooming can prevent this buildup.

Nails – Nail care is essential for any pet, even cats who may have a scratching post or other means of filing their claws. If nails grow too long, they can actually curl and begin to grow into the pads of your pet’s feet. This is extremely painful and can cause strain on joins.

Feet – Mats of fur can grow hard and become tangled and between your pet’s pads. Imagine pebbles stuck between your toes! A groomer will keep this hair short and clean.

Ears – Ear cleaning in many breeds also requires trimming the hair that can grow inside the ear canal. A regular groom will include maintenance of this fur to prevent overgrowth and infections.

Long hair or short, cat or dog, a clean and well-groomed coat will help you pet stay healthy and happy. At Morris Animal Inn, a day at our Grooming Salon and Spa means relaxation and attention from our experienced staff. Your pet will come home looking and feeling their best! Watch the video below for a taste of what your dog or cat can expect from a grooming appointment at Morris Animal Inn: