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!

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Does Your Dog Need More Exercise?

“My dog won’t stop chewing on the furniture!”

“My dog can’t sleep through the night.”

“My dog goes crazywhen we let him outside.”

Any of these sound familiar? People whose pets are apparent troublemakers can become easily frustrated with these hyperactive habits. But before you go crazy trying to train your pooch, ask yourself one question: is your dog getting enough exercise? 

In a recent Petside.com blog, author Julie Seguss discusses the signs that could indicate that your dog needs more regular activity. It’s not just a dog being overweight, these signs include a lot of difficult behaviors like constant barking, destructive chewing, hyperactivity, lack of focus, leash pulling and trouble sleeping. Your dog may be doing more than intentionally causing trouble; he may be trying to tell you that he needs more exercise.

Although these behaviors are common in many dogs, especially puppies, if your dog exhibits one or more of these behaviors regularly, it may be because he is trying to get out excess energy. Try giving your dog some extra exercise and see if the behavior subsides.

The next question is: what kind of exercise? The answer depends on your dog’s regular activity. In most cases, leash walking is not enough to burn off your dog’s excess energy. Off-leash activities like playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard are more likely to satisfy your dog’s need to do something active. Training can also be an energy-expending activity, but your dog probably prefers to have some playtime as well. No one likes all work and no play!

Once your dog is tuckered out, you may look for him to fall asleep as a sign of a good workout. However, the most active times for dogs are dawn and dusk, so don’t be alarmed if your pup isn't ready for bed after an evening play session. Dogs are more inclined to nap during the afternoon; so alternatively, a pooch who seems tired at noon isn't necessarily getting enough exercise just because he is sleepy. If you get excited to play, he is sure to follow suit!  

Adding activity to your dog’s routine may help put a stop to those pesky behaviors, and help get your dog in shape for the spring season. From April 15 – 19, Morris Animal Inn is hosting a Spring Training Fit Camp for energetic dogs or even pooches looking to lose a few pounds. The week is complete with base running, aqua warm-ups, group play batting practice, treadmill training and homemade All-Star protein bars. Call 973-539-0377 to book your dog a spot in the line-up today!

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