SPRING CLEANING WITH YOUR DOG IN MIND

With the unseasonably warm weather we've had this winter, you may have started your spring cleaning early. However, if you waited for the actual first day of spring, you're in luck because we have some smart tips that will help you clean your house until it sparkles, but will keep the safety of your pet in mind.

Occupy Fido
While you are busy cleaning, scrubbing and vacuuming, you don't want Fido getting underfoot, putting you both at risk for injury. Keep in mind that every year about 80,000 trips and falls are caused by pets alone. To avoid a tumble, set your fuzzball up in another room far from the cleaning action with his or her favorite toy or a Kong filled with treats. Even better, bring your pooch to doggie daycare so that he or she can run and play which will relieve all of their pent-up energy and save you the time of having to walk your dog later. After a day of cleaning, you probably just want to sit with your feet propped up on an ottoman with a drink in hand anyway!

Go Green!
Avoid ammonia, bleach and strong cleaning products loaded with chemicals. Opt instead for green products that are natural and less gag-inducing. Even with the windows open, the toxins in cleaning products tend to linger and are not safe for you or your dog to breath in. Since green products can be pricey, you can experiment by making your own, natural cleaning products. Mother Nature Network lists a few recipes for DIY cleaning solutions that can be made using natural ingredients like borax, salt, lemon juice, water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. One example suggests using a mixture of 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a cup of water that is then boiled. You can use the mixture to scrub the insides of your fridge and microwave. Steer clear of toxic cleaning products and both you and your dog will be happier.

Safe-Keeping
Whatever cleaning solutions you wind up using, ensure that they are not left around in any area that your dog can reach. If you mop your floors, rinse with water before you are done in case your dog licks the floor. For eliminating smells in your house, steer clear of odor neutralizing gels that your pup may try to nibble on, which could make him or her very sick.

Clean House, Clean Dog
Once your house is spic and span, bathe your dog! There's no sense in having a clean house if Fido is just going to dirty it up again! At Morris K9 Campus, we're making this easy for you by offering a choice of any specialty scented shampoo with every bath booked from now until April 30, 2012! Choose from the following scented shampoos: Cupcake Kiss, Lucky Duck, Lemongrass, Blueberry, Snickerdoodle, Canine Cabana, April Showers and May Flowers. Check them out and sniff all of our scents which will be conveniently located at the front desk in our lobby. Additional grooming services that Morris K9 Campus also provides are nail trims, brushing and teeth brushing.

SAFE-PROOF YOUR YARD FOR FIDO

Spring is right around the corner which means you are probably readying your yard for the coming months so that you can enjoy a lush, verdant lawn and vibrant colorful flowers! Your yard is your own beautiful slice of nature that you can landscape and grow how you like. As you prepare your yard for warmer weather, keep in mind the following tips so that your yard is not only visually appealing but also safe for the furriest member of your family.

Fence In Your Yard

Dogs are natural born explorers with little regard for a map or compass, relying solely on their olfactory senses and stellar hearing capabilities. They can hear and smell interesting stimuli that are outside the perimeter of your yard. Unfortunately, these senses may not always be enough to lead them back to home sweet home. Because there is nothing more upsetting than a lost dog, it is highly important your yard is fully fenced in to prevent this from happening. If your dog is a jumper or a large breed dog, make sure to install a tall fence that is sturdy, strong, and can resist the repeated pressure of your dog jumping against it. If your dog likes to dig, it is crucial to reinforce the fence in order to deter your pooch from recreating a scene out of The Great Escape and tunneling to the other side. Make sure the fence is placed deep in the ground so this scenario cannot happen. Do not place objects like garbage cans near a fence that your canine can jump on and use as a trampoline to hop over the fence. Remember, if you are an owner that leaves your dog chained to a tree in the yard, it is not the safest option if you are not there to monitor and there is no fence. The rope or chain can easily break and your dog can get loose.

Lawn Maintenance

Before applying fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, remove any water bowls or dog toys from the yard. Wait until chemicals have completely dried up before returning them to the yard. Some sources suggest waiting up to four days before allowing your dog to go out in the yard. Consider applying the chemicals in shifts and monitor your pup when outside to ensure he or she steers clear of the infected area for the suggested time frame. Keep chemicals in its original packaging and store them in a spot your pet cannot access. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, cocoa mulch, if heavily ingested, can have a similar effect on dogs as chocolate causing vomiting and diarrhea, so steer clear of this mulch. The most poisonous pesticides for dogs are slug and snail bait, gopher and rat poison, fly bait and systemic insecticides. For the safety of your precious pooch, it is best to invest in natural, organic, and chemical-free lawn substances to avoid this situation all together.

Holes

The potholes that continue to plague your driveway every year after winter may make you crazy but turn your attention to the divets and holes dotting your grassy yard as well. If your dog takes off after a squirrel or rabbit and their paw happens to land in a hole, your pooch is liable to strain a muscle or sprain an ankle. Patch up holes with topsoil and replant grass in these areas. Enlist the help of a landscaper if lawn maintenance is not your specialty. 

Letting your dog out in the backyard should be an easy way for your pooch to enjoy the outdoors. If you follow these simple steps to safeguard your yard for Fido, it can be a walk in the park.

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?