New Year, New You...For your Pet Too!

The countdown to the new year has begun, and its the perfect time to get motivated for 2016! This year, try including your pet in your New Year's Resolutions. Get inspired to try new things and accomplish your goals with your best friend by your side!

Get Healthy

 

This is a resolution we've heard time and time again. If you've been unsuccessful in making healthy changes in years past, consider having your dog join in on your journey to get healthy in 2016. As your dog improves their overall health, you'll feel motivated to meet your own goals. A perfect way to get your pup started is by signing them up for our Canine Cleanse in January 2016. The event includes canine cardio sessions, doggie detox drinks, and daily spa treatments! 

Try Something New

The new year is also a great chance to try something brand new. For you, it could be learning to kayak, playing softball with friends or taking an art class. For your pet, Morris Animal Inn has tons of new activities for them to try out in 2016. Test out the waters with a Splish Splash Session in our indoor pool or become an artist with our Pi-Cat-So iPad game! 

Get a New Look

Encourage yourself to take risks in the new year. Get an edgy hair cut or freshen up your wardrobe. Include your pet in this transformation at Morris Animal Inn's grooming salon. Try out a new hair style or simply treat them to a blueberry facial! 

Learn a New Skill

Whether its learning a language or taking up photography, challenge yourself to learn a new skill in 2016. Your pup can sharpen their skills right along with you by focusing on basic obedience training with the trainers at Morris Animal Inn. 

Visit the Doctor

Your overall health, as well as your pet's, is definitely a resolution that should be on your list. The start of a new year is a perfect reminder to contact your local veterinarian and schedule an annual check up. 

We wish you a year of happiness, health and fun for both you and your beloved pets!

Why Morris Animal Inn Guests Love the Holidays

Are you having as much fun as your pet is having at Morris Animal Inn this Christmas? Here's what our guests will be up to during the holiday...

Getting fit and having fun on our canine cardio treadmill. 

Video: Watch Weller go for his morning speed walk!

Being silly and playing games with friends. 

Video: Watch Tess jump for joy!

Letting out their creative kitty side. 

Video: Watch Steamboat Willie create a piece of art
with our Pi-Cat-So game!

Getting a spa experience at our grooming salon to return home clean, happy and healthy.

Video: Watch some pampered pets get the royal treatment!

We hope your holiday is filled with fun and family! 
As for your furry family members, they will be enjoying all of the love and luxury that Morris Animal Inn has to offer this Christmas! 

The Perfect Present for Your Pet

After you've checked all of your family and friends off your gift list, don't forget to treat your furry family member this holiday. Here's 7 reasons why Morris Animal Inn is the perfect present for your pet!

1. Every doggie deserves a spa day.
Give your dog a spa day at Morris Animal Inn this holiday. They can enjoy a blueberry facial, brush out with scented shampoo, and a brand new hairdo for the new year!


2. Pups can sharpen their skills with a training session.
Our trainers use positive reward-based training, which is proven to produce happy dogs who are willing to work and learn new behaviors. 


3. Doggie daycare is a chance to see old friends and make new ones. 
Morris Animal Inn offers both private and group daycare. Your dog can come in for the day to get one on one love and attention from our staff, or enjoy some fun and games with dogs of similar size and play style. We cater your dog's daycare activities to what they like best!


5. Pool parties at Morris Animal Inn are year-round.
Treat your pup to a Splish Splash Session in our indoor pool. Play poolside or go for a dip. Each session also includes a post-swim blow dry, so your pooch stays comfy and warm after their pool party.


6. A Canine Cardio session is a great way to start 2016 off right.
Customize a workout for your furry family member with a Canine Cardio session. Going for a jog on our treadmill is a great way to get your pup feeling fit and refreshed. Ask about our Canine Cleanse, a week long health and wellness getaway in January 2016! 


7. Show your kitty some love! 
Give your kitty the gift of luxury this holiday. Our feline guests can hang out in their luxury suite and watch TV, climb and scratch in our kitty play room, or play and pounce during a curious kitty chaser game. 

A Morris Animal Inn Gift Card is the perfect holiday gift for all of the dogs and cats on your list! Call 973-539-0377 to find out more. 

Double Coated Dogs: The Great Shave Debate

There has been much debate over shaving your dog’s coat during the hot summer months.  After doing some research of our own, the answer to the great shave debate is...it really depends!  No matter what type of coat, it is important to consistently keep your dog brushed and bathed in order to maintain a healthy coat that will protect your dog’s skin from the harsh sun.  For dogs with single layer coats, shaving might be a great option to keep your dog cool.  For dogs with double layer coats, summer grooming is slightly more complicated.

Not sure if your dog has a double coat?  See if his or her breed made the list. 

What you might not know about double coats:

• The undercoat grows on a different cycle than the primary hairs
• The secondary hairs are on a shorter growth cycle
• Primary hairs do not shed as often and can take years to regrow 
• If shaved, the coat may never come back in the same
• Repeated shaving can permanently change the ratio of secondary to primary hairs, resulting in either:
• A fuzzy thicker coat that is more difficult to maintain
• A sparse, patchy coat

Natural Adaptation. A properly maintained double coat can insulate your pet from heat. When double-coated breeds undergo normal seasonal shedding, which is triggered by longer daylight hours, they drop much of their undercoat.  If this shedding coat is properly maintained and removed by brushing, bathing, and drying, what is left is a small to moderate amount of undercoat and the long, glossy hairs.  This longer but reduced coat, helps to defend the pet from hot air, overexposure to the sun, and even from biting insects.

Natural Protection. A pet's coat protects against sunburn and skin cancer. Thinner coats, or white or light-colored coats are especially vulnerable to sun damage. You dog's coat helps prevent bug bites, and as you know bugs are quite common in the summer! The bites can be quite painful and may potentially cause allergic reactions, hot spots and irritation.

Always exceptions. According to the ASPCA, there are better alternatives to shaving, such as trimming and brushing your pet's coat, especially during warm weather, but of course, there are also exceptions. If your dog has hot spots, you might need to shave the area to help it dry out and heal properly. If your dog's coat is full of mats, you may also want a groomer to shave the coat so to prevent irritations. Your vet may also recommend shaving to help treat medical conditions of the skin. Dogs with long hair around their back end, may also benefit from a trim back there to keep the area clean.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is best for your dog.  The more you know about your pet's coat, the better you are able to give them the best care.  Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask your groomer if you have any questions on how to properly trim your pet to beat the heat!  They are the experts, and will be sure to give you the necessary information to make the best decision possible.

Source: ASPCA, PetAge