Tips – Greenleaf Pet Resort

Precautions for a Safe Howl-O-Ween

by Christina Fontaine

Halloween is just around the corner (where did the time go), and with the upcoming commotion of families at your doorstep, we thought it would be useful to discuss some of the insurances you can establish to help manage your dog’s anxiety throughout the evening. Since last year’s Howl-o-ween didn’t get the celebration it deserved, we expect to have an influx of eager trick-or-treaters this October. And depending on your pooch’s mannerism, we have several different options to keep your sweet pup-kin happy and stress-free:

1. The first option will work well for a dog who’s semi-social, or at the very least used to interacting with others. Portion out some samples of your pooch’s favorite special treat. We recommend either chicken breast, carrots, cheese, peanut butter, or training treats. The type of treats you choose may vary based on how busy your neighborhood tends to be. If you expect a higher volume, something low calorie would be a better choice. When the doorbell rings, be sure to give your dog a treat each time you answer the door. This will help develop a positive association with the sound of the doorbell knowing.

2. If your dog is the type to bark loudly when visitors are out the door, you might consider simply leaving a bucket of candy at the door for people to take from as they please. For even better assurance, you can post a sign on your door asking people to not knock or ring the bell due to an anxious pet. Periodically check the candy basket throughout the night and refill as you see fit. When you’re out of candy, update your sign to say as much so any straggling guests will know to move to the next house.

3. If you don’t mind the sound of the bell (or if you don’t trust people to moderate candy-taking on their own), you could also create a safe, separate space in your home for your pup to spend the evening in. Turn on the tv to help mute any rings or knocks, and try to have this space be as far away from the front door as paw-sible. Keep your furry friend occupied with a chewing bone, toys, and specialized attention or playtime throughout the night.

4. While the first three methods may work for some canines, you might be thinking that none of those will work for you. If that’s the case, then this last suggestion will likely be your bet! Maybe your dog is highly anxious, or maybe you just have your own Halloween party to attend and don’t want to leave them home alone. Either way, Green Leaf Pet Resort has your answer. With half-day rates as low as $30, Green Leaf’s doggie daycare will provide your loved ones with all of the attention, care, and play they deserve at an affordable rate. To book you pup’s staycation, cal (844) LUV-DOGS today. But most importantly, have a spook-tacular day!

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Halloween Safety Tips

Stash the goodies! We all know that chocolate is dangerous to consume for dogs and cats, but other candies can be dangerous too. Some sweets contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which even in small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, subsequent loss of coordination, and seizures. Tinfoils and candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. (If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the SPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.)
Decorate, yet keep it safe! If you’re getting into the Halloween spirit, make sure to double-check your decore for safety hazards. Jack-O-Lanterns are a festive staple, but can easily be knocked over with an open flame or become a snack! Make sure all cords are out of reach or taped to the floor away from playful, teething puppies. Elevate candles from curious kids!
Keep calm and haunt on! Having a barrage of strangers knocking on the door can be confusing and stressful for some pets. Make sure they’re in a secure, safe environment away from stressful stimuli that may cause them to dark out of an open door. Never leave your pet unattended in the yard! If you’re looking for peace of mind, Green Leaf offers a stress-free alternative for pups at home during the holidays with daycare, day-stay, and boarding options.
Make sure they say yes to the dress! Halloween costumes can be a fun way to include your pet into your holiday plans, but make sure they enjoy it first! Wearing a costume can be very stressful for some dogs, sometimes even restricting their movement, breathing, hearing, or sight. Never leave your dog alone in costume. It’s important to know if your dog is comfortable and confident in their costume. Some dogs just prefer their birthday suit!
ID’s, please! In the unfortunate event that you and your pet are separated for any reason, it’s crucial to make sure they have ID! Use Halloween as a reminder to make sure your pet’s identification is up to date with the most current information. If for any reason you and your pet are separated, identification increases the chances that they will be returned to you.

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Your Perfect Match

This column by Green Leaf owner Shelly Leibowitz originally appeared in The Messenger-Press.
Welcoming a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. You’re giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of a loyal, wet-nosed companion for years to come. But you’re also taking on a big responsibility – and you owe it to yourself, and your future pet, to make sure you find the dog that’s the best fit for you. Here are a few tips for making the right decision:
Do your research
It’s very important that your puppy’s temperament suits your lifestyle. Be honest with yourself about how active you are. If relaxing on the couch and watching Netflix sounds like the perfect weekend to you, you won’t be happy with a highly energetic dog. And if you’re more on-the-go, you don’t want a dog that’s content sitting around. Don’t just go by how your friends’ dogs act, do some serious research on prospective breeds– not every puppy of that breed will have the same temperament.
Test your breeder
Once you’ve decided on the right breed, it’s time to find a breeder. Look for one who specializes in the breed you’re interested in. Avoid “puppy mills” (and pet shops, which usually get their animals from puppy mills). A lot of these places indiscriminately mate animals to turn a profit, neglecting their animals and piling them into cramped living conditions that often lead to health and social problems. Ask a breeder lots of questions—how long they’ve been breeding, what the bloodlines and vet records are for the pup you’re interested in, and if you can meet one or both of the pup’s parents.
Get to know the pup
If possible, bring the whole family to meet potential pets. You never want to choose a puppy that gets along really well with you but is aggressive toward your spouse or child. Get the puppy away from the litter to best evaluate their temperament. You want your dog to have an approachable but not overly exuberant demeanor – tail-wagging confidence is good.
Consider adoption
Shelter dogs can be just as loyal and loving as dogs that come from reputable breeders, and many are purebreds. Adoption saves money, and could be saving a dog’s life.
And remember
Once you’ve done the research and invested the time into finding your perfect match, selecting a canine companion should be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Remember that there is no one right breed for everyone, the most important thing is to be committed to finding the dog who will best enrich your life so you can return the favor.

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