tidy cats coupon: Holidays

Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Great Holiday Gifts for Pets

The holidays are upon us… which means celebrations, get-togethers and presents for the whole family. When that family includes a pet, our four-legged friends deserve some holiday cheer, too! Wondering how best to celebrate your pet this season? We’ve scoured the internet and picked out some of our favorite toys, treats and products to give your cat or dog. Whether you want to watch your pup unwrap a new toy or hang a kitty stocking above the fireplace, there are plenty of smart, fun options for pet owners this holiday.

Dog Overalls– For the dog who loves the outdoors year round, Hurtta Pet Collection has released a line of outdoor dog overalls. This waterproof and breathable outfit is specifically designed for long-haired dogs to protect their coat and skin from all types of weather (and to prevent the need for extra baths after playtime outside)!

DART DUO – The Frolicat™ DART DUO™ is an automatic rotating laser toy for dogs and cats. With speed and rotation variations, this double-laser spinning toy is perfect for frisky pets who love to pounce. You can even set a timer for 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute play sessions to keep your pet active long after you leave the room. This is a particular favorite in our Kitty Playroom at Morris Animal Inn!

PuppyTweets – Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you are away? Mattel’s Puppy Tweets can give you a look at your pet’s activities by sending you text messages throughout the day. A device attached to your pet’s collar can tell when your pet is napping, playing or barking, and will send messages to your cell phone “from your pet.” As silly as this gift may sound, it is also a great way to see how your pet behaves while they are left alone.

Soggy Doggy – Winter weather means leaving your snow boots at the door for humans, but for our pets, it’s not that easy. A dog who races inside from the rain or snow is likely to leave a lovely pawprint trail throughout the house. A gift to you AND your pet, then, is the Soggy Doggy Doormat, a dual-service towel and mat for cleaning pets’ muddy paws. Small microfiber “noodles” make up this super-absorbent cloth, which helps to make drying your dog faster and easier.

Fishbowl Cat Feeder – Put your smart kitty to the test with the PetSafe® Fishbowl! This feeding toy allows cats to see, smell and even touch their treats, but they must solve the puzzle to get them out. The toy wobbles and rolls, turning eating into a game for your curious cat. The Fishbowl feeder is available in our lobby for a perfect last-minute holiday gift, along with plenty of other toys and treats for dogs and cats!

This is just a start to the many ways to spoil your pets this holiday! What will YOU be purchasing for your pet?

Pet Safety Around the Fireplace

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” may be the soundtrack to your holiday season, when nothing sounds better than cuddling up with your pet in front of a crackling fireplace. This warm winter staple can be all too intriguing for pets, especially those who may not have seen a fire before. Our fellow bloggers at Two Little Cavaliers offer tips on keeping your pet safe around the fireplace. With a few precautions, you, your pet and your favorite hot cocoa recipe can curl up together and enjoy the warmth of a fire this season.

Always use a fireplace screen. This is the easiest way to protect yourself and your pets from the flames but still enjoy their warmth. Invest in a nice screen that can also serve as a decorative piece!

Never leave a fire unsupervised. Not only should you not leave your pet alone near a fire, but an unattended fire period is potentially unsafe. Only set a fire when you know you have time to be home to enjoy it and monitor your pet and any embers that could jump out of the fire.

Keep your pet’s possessions far away. If your pet’s bed, favorite blanket or toys are located close to the flames, this may invite them to get extra close to the fire. Although it’s tempting to set up a cozy bed for your pet in front of the warmth, they can still appreciate the heat from a distance where their tail couldn’t accidentally wag into the embers. As a rule of thumb, your pet should sit as close to the fire as you do.

Remove fireplace tools. These sharp, heavy objects can invite injury to an excited pet who gets too close. Keep these tools in a closet or in a high, nearby place where your pet could not accidentally bump into them.

Resist pretty (smelling) mantelpiece decorations. Although garlands and other drapery might look pretty against the backdrop of a roaring fire, they may be tempting playthings for your pet. Keep decorations taught and high out of pets’ reach.

With a few simple precautions, you and your pet can enjoy this winter weather tradition safely and comfortably. What other wintertime traditions do you have with your pet?

Pet Photos with Santa – Our Annual Holiday Photo Shoot!

The holidays are creeping closer and closer, and Morris Animal Inn is getting ready to celebrate! We’re kicking off the season with our annual holiday photo shoot on Saturday, November 16.

You can get your holiday cards ready early this year with a festive professional photograph of your pet. We offer a choice between two different settings, a winter scene and a classic photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Choose from a variety of costumes for your pet if you wish, or jump in the photo yourself with your family.

We love to make a day of this event by inviting our clients to join us for hot cider and snacks in the lobby and receive a tour of our facility as you wait for your photos. A portion of proceeds will go towards the Make-A-Wish foundation New Jersey Chapter.

The festivities begin at 10 am on Saturday, November 16. Call 973-539-0377 to sign up today for one of two time slots, 10am – 12pm or 12pm – 2pm. Cost is $15 per sitting and includes a free 5x7 print of one of your photos. Professional photographer Hugo Juarez will be offering participants a link for downloading and purchasing additional prints and products, like holiday cards, mousepads, key chains, calendars and more.

We will also be collecting men’s, women’s and children’s coats in our lobby for the annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. Bring your gently used jackets with you to the photo shoot to help keep New Jersey warm this holiday season!

Don’t miss out on making your pet the star of a holiday portrait your friends and family will love! Call 973-539-0377 today!

Give Back this Season: Jersey Cares Coat Drive

Our four-legged visitors always look warm and cozy in their fur this time of year, but our human friends are not always so lucky. In an effort to give back to those New Jersey residents who might be feeling the cold this holiday season, Morris Animal Inn is participating in the Jersey Cares Coat Drive again this year!

From November 1 through December 20, we will be collecting clean and gently used coats for men, women and children in our lobby. At the end of the collection period, coats will be distributed to New Jersey residents in need. Last year, thanks to your generosity, our collection far exceeded our expectations and we were able to make a sizable donation to Jersey Cares. We are proud to have contributed to the over 400,000 coats that the organization has distributed over the past seventeen years!

This year, Jersey Cares is partnering with the 2014 New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee, Wal-Mart and New York Cares to create what they call "The Super Community Coat Drive." Jersey Cares says that this will be "the largest Coat Drive ever held in the tri-state area -- and likely the largest Coat Drive in history."

Please consider making a contribution to this worthy organization, and help us keep New Jersey residents as comfy and warm as our guests this holiday season! Our lobby is open for donations Monday - Friday 7 AM - 7 PM, Saturday 8 AM - 4 PM and Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM.

Fourth of July Pet Safety

While you may be counting down to fireworks and barbeques on the Fourth of July, these exciting activities can be scary or even dangerous for your pet. As tempting as it may be to bring your pet along to celebrate this summer holiday, the American Kennel Club(AKC) advises against exposing pets to the rockets’ red glare.

In order to help your pet stay safe and calm during your Independence Day festivities, AKC suggests keeping your dog at home rather than bringing them along to your neighborhood party. The noise and reverberation from fireworks can be frightening to dogs, not to mention painful for their sensitive ears. Keeping your pet indoors will help dull the noise. Leave the television or radio on for calm sounds to help drown out the outdoor bangs and booms.

You can help stem the visual stimulation as well by lowering blinds and curtains and, if your pet is crate trained, keeping them in their crate and covering it with a blanket to help them feel more secure. The biggest security blanket, however, is you! If your pet seems nervous, spend some time relaxing with them. Your lack of fear and calm voice will help assure pups that they can feel comfortable.

If you are hosting the celebrations or do decide to bring your pet along, do your best to keep their environment as normal as possible. Avoid feeding your dog any BBQ scraps. Although it may be tempting to give in to a mooching pooch, any change in their diet can lead to an upset stomach and more stress.

Don’t let your pet ingest any out of the ordinary substances. Human bug spray and sunscreen can be dangerous for pets, as can other celebratory products like matches and lighter fluid.

As a final safety precaution, having your dog microchipped with a permanent ID can help you find your pet should they get nervous and hide or run away. Talk with your vet about preparing for this situation and any specific concerns you may have during this busy holiday.

Santa's New Reindeer

Merry Christmas from two of Santa's
newest reindeer!

love
Peggy, Brooks and Kelly

Soothing Lovable Lexi: Week 3 - A Holiday Hobby

Lexi resting during group play.

Lexi's second week wearing the Sentry Calming Collar has proven to be an interesting one! She is receiving many compliments on how she and her stylish new collar smell terrific! She's even been showing off her collar during group play at Morris Animal Inn. Lexi seems to enjoy wearing the Sentry Calming Collar and has made no effort to take it off.

This lovely Lab has shown some progress this week with her anxiety. Joanne was able to leave Lexi at the house this past weekend while she did some Christmas shopping. When she arrived home three hours later, she found no damage from scratching, digging or urinating. This is a great step for Lexi because in the past, she usually does some type of destruction when she is left alone.

Lexi has a new hobby – redecorating the house. The items she moves range from small portable lamps to empty shopping bags but the destination never changes; they end up on Joanne’s bed. Maybe she is so excited for the holiday season that she’s presenting her gifts early! Her favorite items to ‘gift’ are her toys: a rubber ducky, Kong and rope toy... OR… Perhaps she’s hoping for some extra playtime by making her toys easily accessible!

Stay tuned next week for our conclusions on Lexi and the Sentry Calming Collar!

Dogtime Media has a special offer to share! At the end of this trial, if you believe in this product, feel free to spread the word about the Sentry Calming Collar and one lucky reader will win a $50.00 donation from DogTime Media to the non-profit 501c3 shelter or rescue of your choice.

There are three ways to qualify:

1) Adding a comment to your blog post on the Sentry Calming Collar that tells you of any experience they've had with the calming collar or why they would want to try this product

2) Tweet about this blog post and leave the URL to that Tweet in a comment on your post

3) Blog about your blog post and leave the URL to their post in a comment on your post

If any of these three ways of spreading the word takes place, we will announce a winner on our blog at the end of the experiment which will be December 24.

Holiday Gifts for Fido

While making your holiday gift list this year, don't leave out your precious pets! With the love your pets provide you all year long, they deserve a new treat this holiday season. To relieve some gift giving stress, we've put together some helpful gift ideas for your giving pleasure!

1. PetHub Pet Tags

These unique and technologically advanced pet tags come equipped with a QR code on the back of each tag which links to a profile with information such as contacts, medical information and much more. Some services included with the PetHub Pet Tag are access to a 24/7 Found Pet Hotline number and Email Notification with GPS Mapping.

2. Thundershirt

Available in the Morris Animal Inn Lobby, the Thundershirt provides calming, gentle pressure to ease anxiety in pets. Between guests, parties and general holiday mayhem, the Thundershirt can provide your pet with the comfort they need.

3. Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are a great way for your pet to work for their treat while also exercising both mind and body.

4. Holiday-Themed Toys and Accessories

Why not treat your furry friends to a new chew toy, leash or collar for the winter season? Many companies tailor designs specifically for the holidays. These fancy accessories are available for purchase in the Morris Animal Inn Lobby.

5. Pet Electronics

Pet electronics are on the rise this year. Some examples of these items include electronic doggie doors and pet pedometers with up-to-the-minute updates on weight, temperature and more. Treat your four-legged family member like the king or queen they are with these luxury pet electronics.

6. Fashion for your Furry Friend

You want to look your best for the holidays, so why not deck out your pet as well. Keep your canine looking chic with unique styles for winter! A festive bow tie or a charming scarf can be an accessory to remember for holiday pictures. A cheerful hat, cute hair bows or cozy sweater are some other fun pet styles to try. For pet coats, look no further than the Morris Animal Inn Lobby.

7. Soggy Doggy Doormat

This super-absorbent mat is perfect those pets who track their wet and dirty paws inside. It is fast-drying, comes in a variety of colors and sizes and absorbs five times more water than an ordinary doormat.

8. Udder Tugs

Looking for a toy for your canine companion to play with that will actually be intact this holiday season? Look no farther than Udder Tugs! Whether your dog loves to fetch or tug, this durable toy is designed with a special handgrip for hours of fun and exercise.

Have a great idea for a pet gift? Share it with us!

Disclaimer: Suggestions are based upon the product description. Morris Animal Inn is not endorsing these products.

References:

Blogpaws. "Holiday gift Guide 2012." Blogpaws.com. High paw Media. Web. 4 Dec 2012. <http://promotions.blogpaws.com/files/BlogPaws-HolidayGiftGuide2012-FINAL.pdf>.

Your Pet & the Holidays

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, most days are filled with thoughts of recipes, parades and all of the guests we’ll be having for dinner. While this is an enjoyable time for us to see friends and family, remember that for our four-legged friends, this may be a disruption to their otherwise perfect routine.

Cats may show signs of being anxious or stressed during the holidays by hiding, loss of appetite, excessive vocalizing and pacing. Dogs can feel overwhelmed as well. They may feel they need to protect their owners from strangers and visitors. Some signs that your dog is feeling like the festivities are too much may include panting, shaking, loss of appetite and hiding.

Dogs and cats tend to be creatures of habit and a joyous holiday can be far from their routine. You can find yourself with one anxious furry friend for the holidays. To aid in making it enjoyable for the whole family, we've compiled some tips for you and your pet this holiday season:

· Prior to guests’ arrival, place your pet in a separate and quiet room where they can relax. Make the room attractive to them by providing food/water, a favorite item and a place to snuggle during your soiree. Soft music can be calming for your prized pooch and fabulous feline as well.

· Providing extra activity to your pet before guests arrive can be beneficial as well. Better to wear out Fido and Fluffy and enjoy some activity before the party begins.

· Keep your pet’s feeding and exercise routine the same before and during the holidays.

· If your pet will be attending the party, be mindful of frequently open doors from arriving and departing guests. Your doggy and kitty may see an opportunity for adventure from that door swinging open.

· Separate your feline and canine companions from any presents, food and decorations for their safety and your peace of mind

Keeping these tips in mind will ensure a fabulous holiday for all!

Sources:

http://www.petside.com/article/thanksgiving-stress-management-pets

http://www.petplace.com/cats/stress-and-the-holidays/page1.aspx

http://www.ehow.com/how_4525116_reduce-holiday-stress-dog.html

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1383

Holiday Photos for Fido and Fluffy!

It's time to think about those holiday greeting cards, calendars and other gift ideas for your friends!

Why not bring your furry friend for a holiday photo at

Morris Animal Inn while supporting a worthy cause?

The cost of the sitting fee is $15 and includes the first 5x7 photo. A portion of the proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish New Jersey.

Call to reserve your spot at 973-539-0377. Choose either the 10am - 12pm session or opt for the afternoon session, which is 12pm-2pm. Limited space is available so call today.

You can purchase more than just photos! Many unique items will be available to order including keychains, mugs, blankets and much more! The very talented Hugo Juarez will be photographing your furry friend! To view some of his amazing work, please visit his website here.

Complete your holiday shopping early with personalized gifts of your favorite furry friend!

Six Ways to Help Shelter Dogs this Holiday

Kelly sends luv to all shelter dogs and cats.

1. Adopt, if the time and circumstances are right for you.

2. Give a shelter dog or cat as a gift, if the recipient is in on the decision and the time and circumstances are right.

3. Foster a shelter pet. There's no place like a home for the holidays.

4. Volunteer to cuddle, play with and walk shelter dogs.

5. Donate food to a local shelter.

6. Donate toys to a shelter. Wouldn't those dogs love a new toy to play with, to brighten their holiday?

10 REASONS WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR PETS

Photo Courtesy of mikebaird

Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to reflect on what you are most thankful for in your life. For pet owners, there is no doubt that your furry friend easily comes to mind. At Morris Animal Inn we made a list of ten things we are most thankful for when it comes to our wonderful cats and dogs.

1. After a tough day at work, there is nothing better than coming home to a wagging tail and slobbery kisses. No matter what you look like, or what mistakes you've made that day, your dog is always happy to see you, even if you were only gone for 5 minutes.

2. Good morning kisses make it much easier to get up. The added bonus is that your pet doesn’t care if you have morning breath because their breath is probably worse than yours!

3. Snuggle time! There is no better snuggler than a soft warm cat or dog.

4. Early morning walks with your furry pal when the sun is rising, the day is new, and it’s just you two!

5. Evening walks as the sun is setting, you take to the road with Fido, clear your head, and relish an easy way to get some quality exercise and bonding time with your buddy.

6. Cats and dogs are like children that never grow up. Though your kids will mature and move out of the house, your pets never will. They will always need and depend on you and it is truly a wonderful feeling, to be needed.

7. It is hard to feel lonely when you have a pet because you are never really alone. Your pet is your loyal shadow that you can tell your problems. They won't judge, or tell you something you don't want to hear.

8. Your pet can make you feel young again! Playing fetch or getting down on all fours to play with a squeaky chew toy can be just as fun for you as it is for your furry friend.

9. It’s nice to have an automatic vacuum cleaner around whenever you drop crumbs on the floor.

10. It is amazing how consistently cute and irresistible cats and dogs are without even trying. It is impossible not to smile or feel your heart melt when you look at that special furball!

What are you most thankful for about the pets in your life?

THE HOWLIDAYS ARE HERE!!

We know what you're thinking. The turkey has yet to be bought for Thanksgiving and for some of us the Halloween decorations still need to be put away. This period of time before Thanksgiving and Christmas is the calm before the storm. So while your weekends are not yet packed with holiday shopping, tree trimmings and parties galore, stop by Morris Animal Inn for our annual Holiday Pet Photo Shoot on Saturday, November 19, 2011! There are sitting times available from 12:00PM-2:00PM. The sitting fee is $10 and includes one 5x7 photo. Additional photos will be available for purchase from our professional photographer's website after Sunday, December 6. The $10 sitting fee and 10% of all purchases from our holiday boutique will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. Call 973-537-0377 to reserve a time.

This year, personalize your holiday cards with an irresistibly cute photo of your cat, dog, or even the whole family! Here are some holiday photo samples from previous years!

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 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!

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