Health and Nutrition of Your Canine

With February being Responsible Pet Owner Month, this week the focus will be the health and nutrition of your four-legged friend.

When a dog is overweight it poses a serious health risk for the pooch. Not only are they more susceptible to seriously health problems, it can vastly cut your dog’s life short. These problems can be greatly reduced if you focus on your dogs health and nutrition. This way you improve their quality of life and possibly increase their life span.

Dogs aren’t able to control what they are eating themselves, so it is the responsibility of the pet owner to make those decisions for them. It is crucial that they are eating something that is nutritious, healthy and beneficial to them. Just remember that spending an extra few dollars on a high quality dog food can save you hundreds of dollars in medical bills. According to PetMd.com, a recent survey indicates over 50 percent of America's pet population is overweight or obese. Just like people, overweight dogs can face a litany of health issues. The potentially devastating consequences of obesity include:

• Trouble breathing

• Greater risk for heat stroke

• Pancreatitis

• Diabetes

• Orthopedic concerns

• Compromised immune system

• Reduction in life span

• Mammary tumors (particularly in un-spayed females)

• Skin conditions

• Heart problems

• High blood pressure

If you are feeding your dog dry food, The Whole Dog Journal recently published a list of their “approved dry dog foods of 2013.” Their list this year of dry food has expanded to what you can find at your local pet store, instead of having to only go to a pet specialty store. The Whole Dog Journal sites the reason for the change is due to consumer demand. Dog owners want better dog food and the pet food industry listened. Visit our lobby to ask for your copy of the approved list of food.

Treats can be a great reward for your dog, but remember that,” treat” implies that a dog doesn’t get it regularly. Treats should be used in great moderation, and if you are rewarding your dog every day, make sure that the treats that you are giving your dog are healthy and falls appropriately in their diet.

Just like humans, it is important for your dog to get the appropriate amount of exercise, in order to maintain a well balanced and healthy lifestyle. Whether you take your dog on a brisk walk, or taking a specialty class with your dog, exercise can be extremely beneficial to your dog.

Keep your dog on a well balanced diet and having a good exercise plan. It is up to you to keep them on the right track. Once again, if you would like to see the Whole Dog Journal’s approved Dog Food List for 2013, please visit our Lobby so we can give you a copy! Check back next week as we continue to look at how you can be a responsible pet owner.


Sources:
- http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_2/features/Top-Quality-Dry-Dog-Food-Review-2013_20688-1.html

- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets?page=3

Get into shape for the New Year!

With the New Year right around the corner, people are already thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions. What better time than now to get a jump start on them? Health and fitness is not only important for you but also for your dog. Morris K9 Campus wants to help you achieve those goals by offering a variety of fitness classes for - not just you - but also for your pooch in the New Year.

There are a variety of different ways to keep your dog in shape: agility, having an active day in daycare and special dog fitness classes. According to petmd.com, 53% of dogs are considered overweight and obese, and an obese dog is more at risk for life threatening diseases. Getting and keeping your dog active is important, so why not try the doggie treadmill or bring them to daycare or agility class? We want your furry family member to stay active and have a long happy and healthy life.

If you are looking to get in shape for the New Year, Morris K9 Campus is offering a variety of programs. In the New Year, there will be classes ranging from Doga, with certified Yoga instructor Karin Stoetzer, to classes improving your agility fitness handling skills with Certified Personal trainer Rick Scarpulla.

So don’t wait until the New Year to start thinking about your resolutions, sign up for classes today and get a head start on your health for the upcoming year.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO ADD TO YOUR DOG'S ROUTINE

It is a well-known fact  -  dog’s breath doesn’t smell the greatest. We accept their bad breath the same way we accept their shedding hair. But what most pet owner’s don’t realize is that your dog’s bad breath could be a warning sign of a dental health problem. According to Dr. Jon from PetPlace, the number one most common disease in dogs is periodontal disease. Since February is Pet Dental Health Month, we’ve provided some simple tips to help you care for your dogs pearly whites.

TEETH TROUBLE
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, “more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop periodontal disease by age 3.” Signs of gum disease are brown and yellow tarter build-up, red or inflamed gums, and stinky breath. Regular dental exams with your veterinarian are vital for maintaining proper dental health. In addition, it is important to invest in your own canine dental regime.

PLAQUE PREVENTION
Introduce your pet to the taste of toothpaste by allowing them to lick it off your finger. Pets have their own specially formulated toothpaste since human toothpaste can upset their stomachs. When your dog accepts the toothpaste, put it on a small toothbrush or piece of gauze and scrub gently on each side of their mouth for 30 seconds. This should become a daily habit. If your pet resists your efforts, don’t despair. Other options include anti-plaque water additives, oral hygiene gels and dental chew toys that all help to prevent plaque build-up. Morris Animal Inn has a full supply of dental products for your pet so stop by to stock up.

START TODAY, DON'T DELAY
A dog with pearly whites is a healthy dog indeed. Before your pet’s dental health deteriorates, commit to a plan that will keep everyone smiling.

Check out this informative video from the American Veterinary Medical Association for more information about pet dental health.

HOLIDAY PET SAFETY

It's December and with your to-do-list a mile long, your lucky if you even have time to put your feet up and enjoy some egg nog. The last thing you need on your list is a trip to the vet office and a huge bill to pay. Avoid the following holiday hazards this season in order to keep your dog safe and healthy. This way you will have one less thing to worry about!

Photo Courtesy of Paul Miller

Poisonous Plants

While your house certainly looks festive and cheerful decked with boughs of holly, sprigs of mistletoe and potted poinsettias, these plants can be dangerous if ingested by your dog. According to the ASPCA, holly can cause vomiting and diarrhea and mistletoe can cause digestive and cardiovascular problems. The toxicity of poinsettias however, has been greatly exaggerated through the years and is actually less hazardous to your dog than holly or mistletoe. No one likes a fake, but when it comes to plants and your dog’s safety, imitation is always better.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

While you should certainly enjoy the cheese platters and keep the mulled wine pouring (if you're not driving), Fido should steer clear of these holiday treats. Alcohol will upset your dog’s stomach as will too many scraps of the rich food we eat around the holidays. Avoid feeding your dog the fatty parts of poultry skin and/or the bones which can splinter and break and cause a choking hazard. Keep your dog happy and occupied in another room away from the partying with a Kong stuffed with kibble or an antler chew toy which is fun to chew on, safe and can last for up to a month.

O’ Tannenbaum

Small children and dogs are less coordinated. Walking or running through the house is sometimes all it takes for them to leave a small path of destruction. Putting a tree in your house for a couple weeks of the year can be a difficult task if you expect it to remain upright for the whole duration. Make sure your tree is properly placed in the tree stand so it doesn’t tip over and for safety’s sake you may not want to buy the largest tree you find. During this time of year you want to yell “Happy Holidays!” not “Timber!” Furthermore, make sure Fido does not sip the water from the Christmas tree stand as it may contain fertilizers that could upset your dog’s stomach. If you have a cat, do not use tinsel on your tree. Cats are attracted to this shiny, twirling decoration but if they accidentally eat it, tinsel can cause damage to their intestinal tract.

Photo Courtesy of alex_lee2001

The Lights are Turned Way Down Low...

The ambiance of the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without the soft glow of lit candles, holiday lights or the warmth of a roaring fire. While you can still enjoy these holiday mood setters, monitor your pets while near them. If you leave the room, blow out the candle or close the door so your dog does not accidentally burn themselves or start a fire. Make sure your pet cannot reach the electrical wire of your holiday lights or they may bite the cord and electrocute themself.

Follow these helpful holiday tips and you and your dog can spend the season being merry and bright!

INSURANCE FOR FIDO?

September is national Pet Insurance Month! In light of that, here are your options as a pet owner.

If you're reading this, then your dog or cat is probably a beloved member of your family and you want the best for them so you might have considered providing your pet with high quality healthcare throughout his or her life. Since we can't buy pet health insurance for our dog or cat when we really need it most, in an emergency, now is the time to examine the options to see if it can save us hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

YOUR OPTIONS
There are more and more pet health insurance options available to consumers each day. And like human health insurance, pet insurance coverage can vary widely. Classic pet health insurance is said to cover expensive, unplanned events. There are monthly premiums and a variety of deductible choices, different coverage levels, co-pays and caps that limit the total yearly or lifelong payouts. These policies may exclude older dogs, certain breeds, genetic conditions and pre-existing conditions. In addition, there are often discounts for covering multiple pets from the same household.

Basic types of pet health insurance include:
• Wellness (preventative services like vaccines, check-ups, blood tests at set fee)

• Prescription drug

• Cancer treatment

• Alternative therapies

• Accidental death.

There is also a wide range of variations on these basic coverage types. From dental care and catastrophic care to acupuncture and lost pet recovery, pet health insurance options are out there for the taking. Of course, the costs for these plans vary significantly.

Veterinarian Tim Banker believes that although pet healthcare can effectively mitigate high-tech veterinary expenses, it is underutilized. One possible reason is the persistence of stories about insurance companies that fail to provide expected coverage. The minutia of paperwork involved in properly filing claims can result in missing payments. The good news is that vet offices are becoming more adept at properly filing these claims on their clients' behalf.

Here are recommendations for finding the right care for your pet:

1. Consider your pet's health, age, predisposition to accidents and risk of inherited diseases to help determine what level of coverage you need.

2. Get price quotes from each company that appears to offer the coverage your pet requires. Here are a few companies to consider: AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance, Pet Assure Corporation, PetFirst Healthcare, PetHealth, Inc., Petplan USA, Pets Best Insurance, PurinaCare, Trupanion Pet Insurance,Veterinary Pet Insurance.

3. Ask your veterinarian which pet health insurance s/he recommends.

4. If your dog is diagnosed with a condition, make sure to renew coverage on time each year so it isn't excluded as a pre-existing condition.

With some careful pet health insurance research and planning, you and your pet can decide on the right choice.

THE SECRET TO GOOD HEALTH IS OWNING A DOG

After an extremely rough week thanks to Mother Nature, it is time for uplifting news. As pet owners, we have much to be thankful for ranging from the presence of a constant snuggle buddy to the personal welcome home party we receive when we return home from our daily outings. Our pets light up our lives in our darkest moments and can turn our frown upside down with one floppy-eared glance.

It’s true that our pets are an investment. We spend much of our savings on them from squeaky toys to premium food. In our eyes, they deserve the best of the best and more often than not we are willing to give it to them. With the undivided attention and affection they give us and those eyes that never judge and only love, it is an investment that has always proven to be well worth it. But this is not the only benefit we can reap from our fuzzy companions. Studies have proven time and again the health advantages of owning a pet. Both mentally and physically our health can flourish with the addition of a furry, wet-nosed, whiskered friend in our lives.

Physical Health Benefits
As Dr. Oz has pointed out,“Petting your animal has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure and increase serotonin, a hormone that helps to elevate your mood.” Research has shown that petting a dog lowers blood pressure and increases serotonin. In the PBS NOVA documentary, Dogs Decoded it was discovered that pet owners that have a heart attack are three times more likely to survive the heart attack if they own a pet. Let’s not forget that dog owners especially exercise more often since they must take their dog on a walk and engage their canine in physical activity at least once a day.

Mental Health Benefits

Having a dog is an easy solution for fighting depression and lifting your mood. It is nearly impossible to stay mad or sad when your dog looks at you with those puppy dog eyes or licks your face with a special blend of tender yet fierce love, not caring how you look or what mistakes you've made that day. Pets' love is a constant and unyielding force that staves off loneliness. They will never leave you if you never leave them. You can tell them secrets and unload your problems on their fuzzy shoulders and they will never falter from the pressure. Though they can't offer you advice, they will always lend you an ear to whisper in, a paw to hold and a shoulder to lean on.

Though pets may leave a little dent in our wallets and a few spots on the oriental rug, the happiness, well-being and joy they bring to our lives are simply priceless.

Sources: http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/mehmet-oz-md/benefiting-and-your-pet

PET PROOF YOUR HOUSE

By now, as a responsible pet parent, you know there are some basic foods you shouldn’t feed your canine because they are toxic to your dog’s digestive system like grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions to name a few. But what about non-edible substances that Fido can’t seem to resist crunching on? You would think every item in your house had been doused in chicken scented perfume by your canine’s enthusiasm for objects ranging from socks to your child’s Barbie dolls. Though all dogs are capable of this behavior, Lab owners and puppy parents are far too familiar with this scenario. What can you do to prevent this curious and potentially hazardous habit?

Anticipation

Just as you baby-proof a house when you are expecting, it is crucial to dog-proof your house as well, especially if you have a puppy or a dog that is prone to nibbling foreign objects. If it’s easily accessible, your dog will find it. If you leave your nice leather shoes lying on the living room floor, chances are Fido will find it and view it as a chewy appetizer. Look over all the rooms you allow your dog in and view them as though you were wearing special K9 goggles. Notice objects lying around that are easy to get at and what could cause a potential hazard to your dog if eaten or swallowed. If you have kids, don’t allow them to leave their toys and playthings on the floor. Teach your children to pick up after themselves while simultaneously keeping your dog safe.

Engage
A bored dog can be a mischievous dog who will likely engage in unfavorable activities. These activities can include chewing household objects whether edible or not. Keep your dog happy and busy. Provide rubbery chew toys for your canine to nibble on that are large enough so that they can't be swallowed. Make sure to take time out of your day to play with your pup. Daily walks and exercise sessions are a perfect outlet for your dog. If your time is limited, simply drop your dog off at Morris K9 Campus for daycare and a day of fun and play. Register your dog for a treadmill session while at daycare for extra exercise and attention. Training will challenge your dog and provide him or her with mental stimulation. Morris K9 Campus offers training classes through a membership program that allows you to choose your schedule and move through the various levels at your own speed.
How Much Will It Cost?
If you’ve ever wondered what the cost of removing certain objects from your pet’s stomach would be based on the item, the American Kennel Club pet healthcare provider, Pet Partners Inc. has outlined the price of such expenditures. The following is a list of some of the objects dogs have eaten and the removal cost of each.                                                     

Toy $669                                                   

Sock $1,173

Snail Bait $146

Golf Balls $1,844

Dental Floss $3,590

Sources: Wyn and Mary Baruch, Ph.D Citizen Canine

What unusual objects has your dog eaten?

DOGS AND THE CARNUNDRUM

You know the drill. It’s Saturday morning. You are headed to the dog park, an agility match or Morris K9 Campus with Fido in tow. Since it’s the weekend, you decide to celebrate and treat yourself a little by stopping at your local coffee joint 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, Fido 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 Fido 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 K9 Campus for daycare. Your dog will enjoy the cool comfort of our fully air conditioned facility, hydrating water breaks, and best of all, constant play and attention from our staff and other daycare doggie friends!

Sources: National Weather Service Heat Safety

TREADMILLS: FIDO'S NEW FITNESS ROUTINE?

Treadmills: you may hate them with the wrath of Achilles or simply use them to hang clothes on, but there's now an even better use for them! Stop avoiding your treadmill and utilize it for your dog--you won't even have to break a sweat (only Fido will)! Read on for tips to help your fuzzy friend transition to the treadmill.

The Professional

Why the Treadmill?

Why the treadmill you ask? Aside from the snow, rain and heat, juggling poop bags, holding an umbrella or toting boots isn't always ideal. But with a treadmill, your precious pooch never has to miss out on his or her daily walk! In addition, dogs that could stand to lose a few pounds are easier to get onto a treadmill than dragging them out into the elements. Just ask your veterinarian to provide you with some fitness or weight loss goals based on your pet's current fitness level, age and breed before beginning any serious exercise regimen.

The Little Engine That Could

Treadmills are a wonderful fitness resource for high-energy dogs. They provide an extra outlet of activity and allow you to push your spunky pal to the next level by simply increasing the treadmill speed. If your dog gets bored at home and begins to adopt unfavorable habits, it might be time to offer more engaging options for your canine and a treadmill might be just the ticket! For athletic dogs that participate or compete in agility, the treadmill is an excellent addition to your dog's already active lifestyle and will ensure your dog in stays in tip top shape for agility practice and events.

The Treadmill at Morris K9 Campus

Morris K9 Campus is thrilled about our treadmill from Fit Fur Life. Designed with your pet's safety in mind, the Professional, has wire meshing on the sides to ensure your dog stays on track and the added feature of a harness, which attaches to the mesh sides, will keep any dog upright and safe. Fitness at Morris K9 Campus has never been better! Watch for more details in the next coming days!


Let us know how you think your dog would do on the treadmill!

The Hunt for the Best Dog Toy

A long time ago, in far simpler times, the question of which toy(s) to purchase your dog never plagued the human population. There was either a bone or a stick from the backyard. But experience and common sense has shown that sticks and bones aren’t the safest playthings for your pup. More popular today are rawhides and chewing sticks, but even these pose some risks to your dog’s health. Because of this, efforts have been made to produce better, safer toys that produce a variety of squeaks, moos, and even songs. The sky’s the limit! And while having an array of options is great, it can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to decide where to put your money in the canine toy arena, we can help! The following is our “Pick of the Litter” of dog toys, and methods of deciding which is best for your particular pooch.

Chew Style

What type of chewer is your dog? Does your pal rip all toys to shreds, or gently nibble? If your dog tends to settle down with a toy and really go at it, it’s best to purchase playthings that are made of durable rubber like Kongs made by the Kong Company®. Kongs have been known to withstand the roughest chewers. When the rubber begins to crack and tear, its time to throw it out and buy another.

If your dog has a softer approach to playing, or loves toys that squeak and squeal, consider sewn plush toys. Canvas toys are a terrific option for rough chewers that are fans of the squeak. Semi-aggressive chompers can also enjoy rope toys which break apart less easily and are wonderful for your pet’s dental health.

Planet Dog has even devised a system to aid consumers in the purchase of dog toys called the Chew-o-Meter. Their system takes into account the chewing style of your pup compared to the durability of their products to help you make the best purchase possible. Furthermore, 2% of your purchase is used to fund the training of service dogs. 

Know Your Material

It is important to be aware of the materials used to make your dog’s toy because they spend a lot of time in your canine’s mouth where harmful substances can be easily absorbed. Be careful; the Consumer Product Safety Commission only deems pet toys harmful if they put the owner at risk! As mentioned previously, Kongs® and Nylabones® are safe products that are made without harmful toxins but if you are unsure, check the label.

Safety First

Instead of smaller toys that may be a choking risk, stick to Frisbees and large balls that can’t reach the back of your dog’s mouth. A reader of The Bark recommends lacrosse balls which are large and come in a variety of fun colors. In addition, regularly check all toys for cracks or holes so that your dog’s mouth stays in tip-top shape.

Forward Thinking Pet Companies

Companies like Kong®, Tough by Nature, and Planet Dog are innovative toy producers that keep the safety of your pet in mind. They constantly take our pets’ needs and health concerns to heart and consistently provide new modes of fun and recreation.

The dog toy frontier is also pioneered by designers who wish to actively and mentally engage dogs with puzzle-like toys that require your pet to move pieces in order to reveal hidden treats. Nina Ottosson has a line a of dog toys that seek to work the canine brain by encouraging them to discover concealed treats using their nose and paws. Some of Ottosson’s products are made from particle board and should not be eaten or chewed, so it is important to watch your dog while playing with them. Another great option is the Buster Cube, which comes in different size cubes that must be rolled around in order to dispense the treats inside. Resembling a gumball machine, the Yuppy Puppy Food and Treat Machine has a large bone handle that when pressed down by your pup’s paw, dispenses treats! However, if you have any hesitations about whether your dog will chew off pieces of these brain teasers toys, opt to only use them when you can monitor your dog.

To keep the good times rolling for you and your best friend, consider your dog’s safety and well-being when selecting from the large range of toy options on the pet market today. Ready, set, play!

Sources: Sheila Pell The Bark.com
The Happy Dog Spot

The Treat Dilemma

Simply put, treat rewards are a fail-proof method for teaching your dog to do a number of tricks and obey commands. They are an essential part of training. Unfortunately, if your cuddly canine is only motivated by food as a reward for good behavior you run the risk of creating a treat-reliant pup or a somewhat obese dog. If you need to wean your dog off their dependency on treats, but still want them to listen and comply with your instructions, try these techniques.

-Discover what else motivates your dog besides food. Perhaps a scratch behind the ears or a game of ball. Start to incorporate these rewards into your training by providing other means of compensation. For every other trick your dog successfully completes, throw a favorite chew toy or wrap your arms around your dog, providing lots of love and cuddles.

-If your dog tends to favor healthier snacks like carrots, take advantage of that and substitute them for treats.

-Portion control is essential. Break the treats into smaller pieces.  If your dog eats kibble at meals, use one piece of kibble per obeyed trick and reduce that amount from what you normally feed at mealtime.

-In the summertime why not try ice cubes which are crunchy, hydrating, and can keep Fido occupied? 

There are an overwhelming number of dog treats, biscuits, cookies, and chewy bones available for our beloved pets, and with their enthusiasm for this special reward, it can be downright difficult to navigate the shoulds and should nots of our dog's delicacies. Treats are vital for training but also a main culprit of dog obesity. So apply the same rules you do to your own weight loss goals such as moderation, healthy when possible and experiential rewards (petting and praise) over food, and both you and your dog will want to wag your tails!

Source: woofreport.com

Six Resolutions for Dog Owners

There's no doubting the talk of the town at the beginning of every new year is health and fitness. After ignoring our stress levels and indulging ourselves over the holidays, we suddenly realize that something must be done! But what about your dog? Doesn't he or she deserve to be healthy, too?

The staff at Morris K9 Campus know how important the well-being of our clients' dogs is, so we decided to share some tips for getting your dog back into shape and feeling their best in 2011.

1. Explore Your Options. This is the time to lock in good pet care resources before you actually need them. Take the time now to visit highly-recommended facilities like Morris K9 Campus and Morris Animal Inn to find the perfect fit for your dog.

2. Make Time for Exercise. Walking your pup at least three times a day will burn off extra calories, release pent-up energy and keep your dog healthy. He or she will love it, and it’s good for your health, too. You might also consider taking a refresher training, agility or Canine Good Citizen class. And of course, there is always time for a good game of fetch.

3. Spend Quality Time Together. You can engage your dog in mental exercise with activities like puzzle toys and games of hide-and-seek. Vow to teach your dog of any age a new trick on a regular basis. Agility and pet training is also time well spent with your dog.

4. Visit the Vet. Dogs should visit the vet at least once a year, so schedule your dog’s 2011 appointment now to make sure he or she is fit as a fiddle! While there, be sure to inquire about your pup’s vaccinations, and maintain a regular schedule of heartworm, flea and tick preventives throughout the year.

5. Provide Nutritious Foods. You can ask your veterinarian to recommend the best foods and treats for your dog’s age, size breed and any health conditions. Nutritional treats can be good motivators!

6. Get Your Groom On. Take time in 2011 to maintain a good grooming schedule for your dog. Regularly scheduled brushing, bathing, nail clipping and teeth brushing wards off health problems, provides comfort and keeps dogs looking good!

We can't wait to make 2011 the best year ever at 
Morris K9 Campus...see you soon!

Plants to Avoid this Holiday Season

As you decorate your home for the holidays and accept gifts from family and friends, keep in mind that festive plants can be potentially toxic when eaten by your pets.

Here is a list of common winter holiday plants and the signs our canine and feline companions can exhibit post-ingestion.

Amaryllis

While beautiful and elegant, the Amaryllis contains Lycorine and other noxious substances, which can cause increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain, lethargy, and tremors in both cats and dogs. The bulb of the plant is reputed to be more toxic than the flowers and stalk. Be aware that Amaryllis can be called the Belladonna or Saint Joseph Lily, the Cape Belladonna, and the Naked Lady.

Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus is a great year-round plant which is often introduced into the home at Christmas time. If your pet consumes Christmas Cactus, the fibrous plant material can cause irritation to the stomach and intestine, potentially leading to vomiting or diarrhea. 

Holly

Your pet’s Christmas will not be so “holly-jolly” if he consumes the leaves or berries of this plant. Holly’s toxicity “stems from” soap-like chemicals known as glycosides. In dogs and cats, consumption of Holly can cause gastrointestinal signs (decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea) and lethargy.

Pine

There are a variety of pine trees potentially causing toxicity to dogs and cats, including the Australian, Norfolk, and Norfolk Island Pine. Unlike the other plants in this list, the what makes these plants toxic is unknown. Ingestion of pine needles can cause gastrointestinal signs and lethargy.

But it's the water that nourishes our Christmas trees that can be even more potentially toxic. Standing water can harbor bacteria, molds, or other agents like fertilizers that can cause your pet to become extremely sick with just a few sips.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe contains multiple substances toxic to both dogs and cats, including Lectins, and Phoratoxins. Consumption of mistletoe berries or leaves can cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and neurologic signs.

Poinsettia

Veterinarians tell us that the ubiquitous Christmas plant, the Poinsettia, has an unnecessarily bad reputation for toxicity. Toxicology studies have not confirmed the public’s perception of the poinsettia’s exceedingly harmful effects, but it is still best that your pet does not eat any part of the plant, as the poinsettia contains a latex-like sap that can cause local irritation to the mouth and vomiting.

Prevention

The best method of preventing inappropriate ingestion of a toxic plant by your pet is to keep these plants out of your home. Alternatively, you can obstruct your pet’s access to plants.

If your pet shows signs of illness it is best to contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, their page on toxic plants or your veterinarian to determine the best treatment.

Keep these guidelines in mind over the course of the next few weeks and you and your pet(s) will have a very happy holiday! 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Sources: Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Dogtime.com

Welcome Workouts

We all know that pent up canine energy can lead to destructive household behaviors, but how much exercise is right for your pooch? As with most canine issues, the subject of exercise depends a lot on your dog's age, size, breed and health. Some retrieving breeds may be happy with long games of fetch or a 5 mile run, while puppies and smaller breeds are content to engage in training or thinking games. Older dogs' workout routines should be modified to their mobility and energy levels. Before starting any exercise program, be sure to keep these things in mind...

Puppy Play
For puppies, we recommend about 5 minutes of structured on-leash exercise for every month old he or she is. Of course, you'll need to gage your puppy's energy level: if he's four months old and seems pooped after fifteen minutes of focused exercise, you shouldn't hesitate to cut the session short. Good sources of puppy play include play in the garden with toys, thinking games and problem solving games. Puppies need to spend most of their time growing and sleeping. 

Active Adults
For full-grown dogs, a leashed walk around the block generally isn't going to cut it; most need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Active breeds need a minimum of 30 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week.
• Many toy/small breeds can't get enough exercise just moving around the house.
• Extremely hot or cold weather is unsafe for your dog. You can teach your dog tricks to engage his mind, throw toys or run up and down stairs inside where it's safe.
• Good exercise uses both mental and physical muscles.
• Live by the philosophy that a tired dog is a happy, good dog. 

For dogs of all ages, we recommend asking your veterinarian for his or her advice on the best exercise(s). 

Workout Wonders
There are plenty of ways to give your puppy the workout he needs! Regular walks around the neighborhood, or visits to dog parks or doggie day care are some of the best places to develop a canine exercise routine, but as we mentioned earlier, there are things you can do in your own home. For some dogs, agility is another great source of exercise. There's also obedience training, fetch games and swimming. Just be sure to mix things up if your dog appears to be tiring of any one activity. Just like us, your dog will love having a variety of play/exercise options to choose from!

The Costs of Insufficient Exercise

Inactive dogs are often overweight, which can mean health risks. Obesity significantly contributes to a dog's risk of diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease. It can also exacerbate hip dysplasia and arthritis, and stress joints, ligaments, and tendons. Geriatric dogs often have a hard enough time getting up without the added problem of lifting excess pounds. 

So hop to it! Once you've determined the right type and amount of physical activity for your pup, go enjoy tiring him (and yourself) out!

Source: ASPCA