Keep Your Dog Busy

Have your dogs started to get antsy for green grass and the warmer weather? Thanks to the folks at Gizmodo we are able to provide you with the 6 best toys to keep your dog really busy. This will keep them out of your hair for a little while just in time for it to get nice out! Preview the article below or read the full article here.

"The 6 Best Toys to Keep Your Dog Really Busy"

BY: ANNA JANE GROSSMAN

The Kong

The granddaddy of all work-to-eat toys, the Kong is a chew toy made of nearly indestructible rubber. It was originally based on a part of a Volkswagen bus' suspension device that the creator's German Shepherd found particularly irresistible. Kongs can be stuffed with a wide variety of yummies. Kong sells especially shaped treats and different things you can squeeze inside, but you can stuff it with whatever your dogs' weakness might be: cream cheese, Cheez Whiz, wet dog food, peanut butter, liverwurst, frozen blueberries, hamburger meat. Yummers.

There used to be a great product that operated on a timer and dispensed Kongs at intervals, so you could stuff four of them and then leave for the day and your dog would get them doled out at neat intervals. The product was discontinued a few years ago, but you can occasionally find a used one on Ebay, and they're well worth the $100 or so that they usually sell for. Search the ‘Bay for Dogopolis KongTime Automatic Dog Toy Dispenser.

Find the rest of the toys here.

Keep Pets Safe in the Extreme Cold

Don't take your dog out into the elements without being educated! Read these 6 tips for the extreme cold and how to keep your friends safe as we move towards the end of winter. Read full article here or begin below.

"6 Pet Safety Tips for the Extreme Cold"

By: Joanna Prisco

As much of the country continue to endure snow, sleet and ice, it's important to remember that four-legged friends require special care when the temperature drops.

Dr. George Melillo, Northeast regional medical director for Banfield Pet Hospital, which operates 800 locations throughout the U.S., shared with ABC News his tips for taking care of pets in extreme cold.

Keep a Cap on Playtime Even if Fido loves running through the fluffy piles of snow, extended exposure to the cold can be damaging to a pet's health. "It is recommended not to leave pets outside when the temperature drops below freezing," said Melillo. "Pets that are left outside for too long can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite."

Not only that, but extremities, such as ear tips, paws and the end of the tail are particularly susceptible to cold injuries, he said. For this reason, limit the time your pet spends in the cold. To determine how long is too long, keep a close eye on your dog to make sure they look comfortable. "Some dogs can stay outside longer than others," said Melillo. "For example, breeds such as Malamutes fare much better in cold weather than Chihuahuas."

Don't Go Shaving "Dogs with longer coats will be warmer in winter, so it is advised not to shave a dog's coat down to the skin," Melillo told ABC News. So no matter now cute Buffy looks when freshly shorn, it's best to wait until spring.

Read full article here. 

Runners: The Dog Breeds For You

Do you live a active and healthy lifestyle? Thanks to our friends at Outside magazine we are able to get a better understanding of which kind of dog would be best for us. Read below to find out the best dog breeds for runners and ones that will be able to keep up. Read full article here or begin below.

"The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Runners"

10. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute has a thick coat and was bred to carry loads over long distances, so it is a great endurance runner and good for those who live in colder climates. With their hardy build and intelligence, Malamutes will gladly tough out less-than-ideal conditions by your side.

9. Dalmatian
Dalmatians can keep pace with horses. Which means they can keep pace with you. These large and lean dogs were classically employed to run ahead of firefighting carriages and clear the way, but they’re just as happy running through the park. Great if you’re looking for a more protective breed to accompany your long-distance jogs.

Read full article here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

This article focuses on winter weather tips from K-9 Resorts to pet parents and how to make sure they stay warm, safe and healthy during the cold months. Preview below or read full article here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

By: Alternative Press

With the cold weather and holiday season upon us, it’s important for all pet parents to know the best advice to take care of their furry family members. K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel would like to share some winter weather tips for you and your pets. For more information about K-9 Resorts in Fanwood, more tips for your pets or to find a location near you go to www.k9resorts.com, fanwood@k9resorts.com or call at (908) 490-0808. 

1. When you bring your pet in from outside, make sure to wipe its paws and underside to remove any ice balls that could cause frostbite. Check ears, tail, and paws for any signs of frostbite as well.


2. Make sure you check your house for plants that could potentially harm your pets. Poinsettias are extremely poisonous to dogs and are most commonly found during the holidays around the home.

Read full article here. 

Tips to Finding Your Dog a New Friend

Adding another dog to the house can be a great thing for your current dog. However, it’s important to realize that there are some adjustments that need to be made in order for this companionship to be successful. Thanks to our friends at the ASPCA we have some tips as to how to introduce a new dog into the home. Read the article here or begin below.

"Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog"

By: ASPCA

As of 2007–2008, there were nearly 75 million pet dogs in the United States, living in nearly 45 million U.S. homes. Although the majority of dog guardians (63%) own just one dog, 25% own two, and 12% own three or more. So if you’ve decided to get a second or third dog, you’re in good company!

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. However, it’s important to realize that your current dog, might feel similar to how you might feel if your parents picked your friends and then told you to share your toys with them. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

Maximizing the potential for a great relationship between your new dog and your current dog is a two-step process. It involves the actual introduction and then management of the new dog in your home. We’ll start with introductions and then give you guidelines for helping your dogs through the initial transition weeks of being together in your home.

Read full article here.

"Dog Lovers Start Luxury Hotel For Your Pooch."

K-9 Resorts was featured on CNBC Power Pitch in a segment titled, "Dog lovers start luxury hotel for your pooch." Watch full video segment and read article here or begin below.

"Dog Lovers Start Luxury Hotel For Your Pooch." 

By: Joanna Weinstein 

Brothers Steven and Jason Parker are on a mission to create the ultimate five-star hotel experience but their accommodations are very exclusive … only dogs can check in!

“We wanted to get into the luxury pet care business because there's two things in life we love and that is dogs and owning our own business,” K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel co-founder Steven Parker told CNBC.

We gave the Parker brothers just 60 seconds to pitch their award-winning pet care facility. Will their idea get five-star approval from our panelists? Watch the video and see if K-9 Resortshas what it takes to succeed in the dog-eat-dog start-up world.

More than just puppy love

The Parker brothers are not newcomers to the business world. At just 12 and 14 years old, instead of riding bikes after school, they were running a dog walking business.

“Jason and I always loved dogs growing up and our parents weren't really big dog people so we wanted to find a way to prove that we were responsible enough to care for dogs,” Steven Parker told CNBC.

Watch video and finish article here!

A Doggy Dog Halloween

Lions, tigers, bears, oh my! Looking for a cute Halloween costume for your dog this year? Check out these 15 easy DIY ideas from the folks at Spoonful. Give it your own personal touch or follow the step by step tutorials.

Click here for some great ideas!

Separation Anxiety

It's sad to think the pets that bring us so much happiness could ever feel blue. 

However, Veterinarian clinics report that approximately 14% of dogs seen are suspected to suffer from separation anxiety. Since canines are naturally social animals, it's no surprise that many develop increased attachment behavior to their human family members.The onset of these problems often coincide when there is a dramatic change in the amount of time the owner spends with a pet. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include increased activities like restlessness, pacing, and whining when the owner is not present. Depression and physiological changes such as panting or even vomiting can occur. But short of never leaving your pet's side, how can you avoid increased anxieties in your furry friend?

Professionals report that medications should only be used in extreme cases, and there are many things owners can do to avoid serious situations. Ignoring attention seeking behaviors such as whining and nudging during training is important. Certain departure cues such as picking up keys and purses, or putting on coats and shoes should also be kept as low key as possible or even done in a different room until a pet is desensitized to these cues. Creating a big to-do when leaving a dog at home is common in humans, but this can increase the likeliness of anxieties in pets. 

Upon returning, you of course want to play with your dog immediately, but it can be very helpful to wait until your pet has calmed down a bit to begin playtime. 

K9 Resorts' Doggie Daycare is a “cage-free” environment, designed for dogs that are social with other dogs. Daycare provides an outlet to expend excess energy, socialize, exercise and remain active. Dogs are social animals that need exercise and stimulation, and Doggie Daycare is the best way to provide both! While it is just great fun, this exercise helps curb behavior problems like separation anxiety. Consider bringing your dog to our Doggie Daycare and see if it helps with those canine blues!

K-9 Resorts featured on Cesar's Way (blog)

Avoiding Back to School Doggie Blues

Kristina N. Lotz

As September approaches again, that means it’s back to school time for many households. With all the hustle and bustle of getting the kids ready and off for school, it can be easy to forget the dog. While back to school is usually an exciting, fun time for the humans in the home, for your dog it can mean loneliness and boredom.

All summer long, there was most likely someone home with your dog — the older students on break, or little ones with a babysitter. Now that everyone is back to their fall schedules, your dog may feel neglected and can even fall into depression.

Depression and Anxiety
According to veterinarians, dogs can suffer from depression just like us. Watch for symptoms such as listlessness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, hiding or cowering, and not wanting to play.

Other dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Unlike depression, separation anxiety manifests itself in erratic behavior, including excessive barking and whining, frantic clawing at doors, windows, or fences to get out, destructive chewing, and going to the bathroom in the house. Dogs with separation anxiety will be ecstatic when family members get home, whereas a depressed dog may not even get up from his bed.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, she is probably upset by the recent change in schedules.

This change can be particularly hard on your dog if your child is starting kindergarten and you are going back to work for the first time. At this crucial time, it is important to not disregard your dog’s feelings — he loves you and he will miss you when you are not around.

(Read More)

K-9 Resorts featured in Middletown Patch

K-9 Resorts was recently featured in the Middletown Patch in an article titled, "Doggie Daycare and Resort to Open in Middletown." The article discusses Dan and Lisa Cody's love for animals as well as some features of the facility. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Doggie Daycare and Resort to Open in Middletown
K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotel will open at 889 Route 35 in Middletown offering a luxury resort stay for dogs.

A new resort will soon be opening on Route 35 but this one is for the dogs.

K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotel will open its doors later this year offering cage-free spaces and a clean environment equipped with flooring systems with Microban built in and an air purification system that includes a specially designed ventilation system to kill airborne bacteria.

The K-9 Resorts franchise will open in Middletown at 889 Route 35 between the 7-11 and the old R&S Strauss, right across from Borough Hall under the ownership of Dan Cody.

(Read More)

Considering a Pet Sitter / Friend

Please choose your pet care carefully! K-9 Resorts offers the professional luxury care that your dog deserves.

K-9 Resorts realizes that there may be alternative options to licensed boarding facilities for pet owners. One of these options may be a neighbor, friend, leaving your dog at a strangers home, or a pet sitter that comes to check on your pet in your home. Please choose very carefully when making such an important decision in your dogs’ life. It may not seem that significant at first, but choosing who cares for your furry family member when you are away is very important for your pets’ well-being. Please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog.

Pet Sitter/Pet Caretaker Situation
Some dog owners choose pet sitters or other alternatives to a boarding facility because of cost. Owners should keep in mind that quality care is sometimes slightly higher priced as it is not easily found and maintained. One of the many reasons for the slight cost difference may be attributed to the fact that a boarding facility has staff monitoring and caring for your dog all day long, as opposed to a pet sitter who only stops in to check on your dog for a few short visits each day. Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for!” K-9 Resorts offers the highest premium care for your dog in our state-of-the-art facility and with our highly trained, ABKA Certified staff!

When Using a Pet Sitter/Friend:

• Most pets are only checked on a few short times during the day potentially leaving your pet alone for as many as 23 hours a day. Often, there is only a small amount of time spent on exercise, interaction, and observation – all of which are needed even more while pets are away from their owner. K-9 Resorts has trained and loving certified pet care technicians on staff to PROFESSIONALLY care for your pet.
• Pets can experience severe stress, separation anxiety, and boredom when left alone. As a result, stress-related behavior such as destroying the house, yard, and belongings can occur. K-9 Resorts helps alleviate stress by providing hands-on interaction and a variety of activities to keep pets busy and happy throughout the day.
• Pet sitters, friends, or neighbors often mean well, however they usually are not professionally trained in pet care. This lack of professional training unfortunately may result in the following:

1. Backing out of the commitment to care for your dog at the last minute, leaving you without pet care. Due to the fact that this often occurs at the last minute, it is often too late to find a boarding facility that has room for your pet as they are already booked. Pet owners that book reputable and licensed boarding facilities in the first place, are guaranteed their reservation for pet care and can travel at ease!
2. Forgetting to show up to check on your pet.
3. In emergencies, inclement weather, or unforeseen events, a pet sitter may not be able to get to your home.
4. Even if introduced previously, pets may act abnormally or unpredictably while their owner is not home. In an owner’s absence the dog may not welcome the pet sitter into the house as they are protecting their environment or may feel threatened by their presence.
5. Your pet may escape from the pet sitter or your friend and try to look for you. 
6. With someone coming in and out of your home there is always the possibility that they may forget to lock your door, leaving your home and pet susceptible to intruders. 
7. Even if normally not done, when left at home with no long-term human interaction, your pet may become destructive, chewing objects that they could choke on or having accidents that may damage your home.
8. In the event your pet needs medical attention, they may not know how to help or where to take your pet.

K-9 Resorts is the ultimate pet care facility. When you need the best of the best – to guarantee the utmost in your pets comfort and joy – you and your pet will find K-9 Resorts to be second to none. Not only do local veterinarians refer K-9 Resorts to their clients, a number find that our state-of-the-art pet care facility meets their discriminating needs for their own pets. We are very proud many local veterinarians board their own pets here at K-9 Resorts!

Again, please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog. Please call K-9 Resorts today to schedule a private tour of our facility and speak with one of our trained professionals. We are proud of our facility and would love to show you around and explain why K-9 Resorts is the best option for your pet. You will immediately realize that K-9 Resorts is one of the most innovative and well-equipped pet facilities in the nation. Come see, We’re better!

Giving Back to the Community

Giving back to our community is something that K-9 Resorts prides itself on and takes very seriously. At K-9 Resorts, community service isn’t about padding our resume; it is about building a stronger community. If there is something K-9 Resorts can do to help others in the community, we feel it is our obligation to do so. Asking why we incorporate community service into our business is like asking why we incorporate breathing into living.

K-9 Resorts is proud to not only participate in but also host several fundraisers each year that directly benefit our local community. We are honored that both of our company’s founders have each been awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding & invaluable service to the community! Being recognized by the United States Congress is a tremendous honor and is something we are enormously proud of!