Pets, Purrs & Playtime: The Ultimate Post-Election Stress Relief

If there’s one thing we can all agree on after election season, it’s that we need a breather. The debates, the news cycles, and the endless social media scroll can leave anyone feeling maxed out. But here’s some good news—whether you’ve got a playful pup, a mellow cat, or any furry friend in between, spending time with your pet might be the best medicine for those post-election jitters.

Studies show that interacting with pets​ can reduce stress and improve our mental health. Here’s how a little pet time can help you unwind, along with some ideas to make the most of that quality time with your favorite animals!

1. Petting Time = Lower Stress Hormones

Did you know that just a few minutes of petting your dog or cat can reduce cortisol levels (that’s your body’s main stress hormone)? Research has shown that this simple act not only lowers stress but can increase oxytocin, the so-called “cuddle hormone.” So whether your cat is curled up on your lap, purring away, or your dog is sprawled out next to you, take a few extra moments to pet them.

Tip: Focus on gentle, rhythmic strokes and breathe deeply. Think of it as a mini-meditation with your pet!

2. Go for a Walk (Yes, Even if You Have a Cat!)

Many dogs—and even some cats!—enjoy the fresh air and stimulation of a walk. Getting outside, even for just 10-15 minutes, has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. If your dog loves a good stroll, find a scenic path and take a relaxed pace. And if you’re a cat person, why not try a little backyard exploration? Many cats can be trained to walk on a leash, or you can create a safe, enclosed outdoor area where they can explore.

Tip: Leave the phone at home and focus on the sounds, sights, and smells around you for a true mental reset.

3. Make Time for Play

Playtime is fun for everyone, but it’s also a natural stress reliever. The focus on a game—whether it’s tug-of-war, fetch, or a feather toy—shifts our minds into the present. Plus, our pets release pent-up energy, making them more likely to settle into a calm, cuddly state afterward.

Cats Love Play Too: Use a wand toy or a laser pointer to get your cat moving. The thrill of the chase will bring out their inner tiger, while you enjoy the endorphin boost that comes from laughing and engaging with them.

4. Snuggle and Relax

If you’re feeling worn out, a cozy snuggle with your pet may be just what you need. Snuggling is a form of touch therapy, which studies show can reduce blood pressure and promote a sense of calm. While your dog or cat snoozes on your lap or by your side, feel free to indulge in a good book or an old favorite show. You’ll both feel the stress melt away.

For Dogs: Use a big, soft blanket that they can “claim” as their space next to you.

For Cats: Many cats will enjoy snuggling if they’re approached on their terms. Let them choose the spot, and they’ll settle into relaxation mode in no time.

5. Practice Mindfulness with Your Pet

Pets live in the moment, making them wonderful mindfulness teachers. Find a quiet place, sit with your pet, and simply be present. Notice how your dog breathes slowly or how your cat purrs when they’re content. Let go of everything else and take in the small moments—they can help bring you back to a calm, centered state.

Try This: Gently stroke your pet in time with your breathing. This steady, repetitive action can have a calming effect on both of you.​ Here's a 5 minute video guiding you through a meditation with your pet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y55Ar2i0O3M&feature=youtu.be

6. Capture the Fun: Pet Photo Shoot!

Pets have a way of reminding us not to take life too seriously, so why not do a silly pet photo shoot? Get creative with pet-safe props or just capture some candid shots of your furry friend’s personality. Plus, looking at adorable pet photos has been shown to improve our mood—science says so!

Whether it’s a soothing snuggle, a playful chase, or a quiet moment of mindfulness, your pet is the ultimate stress-busting companion. So, take a deep breath, unplug from the noise, and give your pet some extra love—they’ll be thrilled to help you unwind.

Safeguarding Your Furry Friends: The Importance of Microchipping

As we celebrate Chip Your Pet Month, it's the perfect time to talk about a tiny device that can make a monumental difference in your pet's safety and well-being: the microchip.

Why Microchipping Matters

Imagine this scenario: Your beloved furry friend dashes out the door during a moment of excitement or curiosity. Despite your frantic search efforts, they seem to have vanished without a trace. This nightmare is a reality for many pet owners, but microchipping can turn the tide.

1. **A Lifesaver in Lost Pet Situations**: Microchips are a permanent form of identification that can't be lost or removed like collars or tags. When a lost pet is scanned, their unique ID number links back to your contact information, increasing the chances of a happy reunion.

2. **Security Against Theft**: Sadly, pet theft is a reality, especially for certain breeds or valuable animals. A microchip adds an extra layer of security, deterring thieves and providing a means of proving ownership if needed.

3. **Complementing Collars and Tags**: While collars and tags are essential, they can fall off or be removed. A microchip acts as a reliable backup, ensuring your pet's identity is always accessible.

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The Microchipping Process

Many pet owners are curious about the microchipping procedure. Here's what you need to know:

- **Quick and Painless**: Microchipping is a simple process, often done during a regular vet visit. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin between your pet's shoulder blades.

- **Universal Scanning**: Nearly all shelters and veterinary clinics have microchip scanners. This universal compatibility means that wherever your pet ends up, their chip can be read, leading them back to you.

At Viva La Pet, we prioritize the safety and well-being of every furry friend. This Chip Your Pet Month, we kindly remind you to make sure your pets are microchipped and verify their chip info is up to date. You can verify the chip info by having your vet give your pet a quick scan.

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Good to note: In celebration or Chip Your Pet Month, many vets offer discounted microchipping all throughout the month of May.

Remember, a tiny chip can lead to immense peace of mind. Let's chip in for our pets' safety!

**Stay Connected:**
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*Disclaimer: Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on microchipping and pet care.*

Celebrate Active Dog Month with us! Sign Up Your Pup for Daily Adventures!

Welcome to April, aptly deemed "Active Dog Month”, where we celebrate the boundless energy and joyful spirit of our furry friends! As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to get your dog moving and grooving with daily adventures. And what better way to do that than by signing up with to be a member of our VIP #VLPgang?

Here at Viva La Pet, we understand the importance of keeping your dog active and happy. Dogs are not just pets; they are beloved members of our families who deserve the best care and attention. That's why your dogs have been our forefront since 2004! We’re dedicated to providing top-notch dog walking services that cater to your dog's unique needs and preferences which helps to keep them healthy and thriving in countless ways.

Why should you consider daily dog walking for your furry companion? Let's dive into the benefits:

Physical Exercise: Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and fit. Daily walks help them burn off excess energy, maintain a healthy weight, and improve cardiovascular health.

Mental Stimulation: A variety of sights, sounds, and smells during walks can stimulate your dog's mind and prevent boredom. This mental stimulation is crucial for their overall well-being and can reduce destructive behaviors at home.

Socialization Opportunities: Dog walks provide valuable socialization opportunities with the world outside of their yard, humans and the environment. It helps in building your dog's confidence, reducing anxiety, and promoting positive behavior around others.

Bonding Time: Daily walks strengthen the bond between human and dog. It's a special time for quality interactions, training reinforcement, and mutual enjoyment of the outdoors.

Health Monitoring: Our experienced dog walkers keep an eye on your dog's health during walks. Any unusual behaviors, limping, or signs of discomfort are noted and communicated to you promptly.

By signing up as a Viva La Pet VIP member, you're not just ensuring your dog gets the exercise they need—you're also investing in their overall well-being and happiness. Our team is passionate about dogs and treats every furry client with love, care, and respect.

How can you get started?

It's simple:Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our variety of dog walking services.

Watch your dog thrive with daily adventures, exercise, and companionship!

This “Active Dog Month”, let's make a commitment to keep our dogs healthy, happy, and active. Join us in celebrating the joy of dog walking and give your furry friend the gift of daily adventures they deserve! Viva La Pet is here to make every step of your dog's journey a tail-wagging success. Sign up today and let the adventures begin!

All Natural Flea & Tick Preventatives

With the recent circulating article regarding a popular flea and tick collar causing over 1,000 pet deaths, we’ve decided to do a round up of our favorite natural flea and tick products. Just in time for Spring!

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Please note, we cannot attest to these working 100% of the time and we ALWAYS suggest you give your pets a once over to check for ticks and fleas after spending time outdoors.

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Our two personal favorites:

Bug Zone (formally known as Shoo Tags)

https://0bugzone.com 

These are tags with a magnetic strip that create a bug barrier for up to three months. The science behind this is quantum physics-based. We have tried these and they really work! They are 100% chemical-free.

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Wondercide

https://www.wondercide.com/collections/dogs-flea-tick-spray

These are sprays made with all-natural and plant-based ingredients. We personally love the rosemary flea and tick spray. Wondercide also offers a spray for your yard, which we have also used and given a thumbs up. 

Natural products we have not tried:

Kin & Kind

Another spray made with all natural ingredients. 

https://kin-kind.com/collections/flea-tick-prevention-treatment

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Natural Chemistry

A powder you can put directly onto your dog’s fur.

https://miraclecorp.com/collections/natural-chemistry/products/deflea-dog-powder

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Only Natural Pet

A natural flea and tick collar.

https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/collections/flea-tick-control-for-dogs/products/only-natural-pet-easydefense-non-toxic-flea-tick-collar-for-dogs?variant=29918847893568

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As always, be sure to read all instructions and safety guidelines for any products you will use on your pets. Check for age requirements and any usage restrictions. Last, never combine multiple flea and tick products on one animal.

Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Take a moment and look at your pet. Do they have a waist? Compare them to a photo from January of last year… Does it look like they’ve packed on some “covid LB’s”?

Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, Viva La Pet, like many business, took a huge hit. Six months and some weeks into the pandemic, as businesses reopen, we at VLP are still experiencing hard times. With most of our clientele working from home, our daily walk services have dropped by a number that’s a bit too daunting to type out and publish in a blog post.

As people begin to venture out a bit more, we have gotten calls from those in our beloved #VLPfam to visit some pets we haven’t seen in months. We’ve been ecstatic to see those wagging tales again! But, (there’s always a but, isn’t there?) we’ve noticed a little change in some pets… their weight.

October 14th is Pet Obesity Awareness Day, so this is a great time to address the “number one health threat that pets face”. We know all pet owners want to provide their pets with their best life, especially our #VLPfam. We’re also learning that working from home doesn't always allow us to give our dogs the 30-120 minutes of daily exercise they require or provide our cats with the 20-60 minutes of daily exercise they need.

Viva La Pet is here to ensure your pets are living their best lives. Contact us today for a customizable exercise visit. We guarantee, with a regular schedule of exercise visits from us, your pets will lose that extra weight and gain more happy years with you.

7 Intentions Your Pets Want You to Make

Like clockwork, it’s that time of year again - when we set new goals and try to improve our lives. If you're like us, your efforts to keep those resolutions are often less than stellar. So, we are dropping the term resolution and all the weight that comes along with it and taking some time to set intentions instead. Since Viva La Pet is For Pets & Their People, we’re sharing some of our pet-related intentions for the new year.

Here are some easy intentions that will improve your pet's health, happiness, and relationship with you. We guarantee many will benefit you as well!

Do a diet audit. Is your pet food high quality? Are the treats healthy and low calorie? Is your pet overweight? Is the portion size appropriate? Make 2020 the year of mindful consumption for both you and your pets.

Go for a brain workout - learn something new! Your pet's mental health should be a top priority, and learning helps keep their brains sharp. Join a training class, set aside 5 minutes for training every day, or teach them a fun trick. Wipe off your paws after a snowy walk, perhaps? Mental exercise will also keep your relationship strong. There are many facebook groups just for canine enrichment. The members share great ideas, most of which do not cost a penny!

FYI: January is National Train Your Dog Month!

Play more! Most of our pets would prefer tugs (playtime) over hugs. Buy them a fun, new toy and play with them. Toss a ball, laugh, and have fun - you'll both be glad you did. When we can’t get out to our favorite, local & independent pet store, we hit up Homegoods for inexpensive toys (which are on the “okay to destroy within 5 minutes” list because we only spent $2.99).

Treat your dog to an extra walk each day. January is also - Walk Your Pet Month - so let's try and get in one more walk - even if it's just a short potty break with a little sniff time. Or, vow to clean the litter box a bit more often. Viva La Pet can help you accomplish both!

Build your tribe by making a few new canine and people friends this year, it will be good for both of you. Visit a local park, walking or bike trails, training classes, or call friends and neighbors to schedule a cup of tea and a doggie playdate. On those frigid days, stroll through a pet store with your pup. Click the box below to see Viva La Pet’s e-book, Exploring Morris County With Your Pets! We have some pet-friendly, hidden gems listed there!

Schedule a wellness visit. Have your vet take a look at your pet every year; it's an essential step to staying healthy.

Last, and an extremely important step to take, create an emergency plan and an emergency fund. We never know when an emergency will arise. Having a plan in place as well a fund will make a stressful situation a little less overbearing. Viva La Pet is always happy to be listed as one of our client’s emergency contacts.

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” We wish you and your pets the best in 2020!

ZOOMIES

Zoomies!

Most dog owners know exactly what the zoomies are. One minute your dog is standing next to you nice and quietly; the next Fido is running crazily back and forth at top speed. They may go in circles, jump over things, run into furniture, or chase their tails; and all the while looking as happy as can be.

Zoomies, or what we call them in our home, “pigging”, actually have a formal name Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAP). So why do zoomies happen and could they be dangerous?

Many dogs get zoomies after hopping out of the tub, if they've been inside too long, or when they want to play. However, sometimes they happen when a dog is a bit confused or slightly stressed, and they need to burn off excess nervous energy.

Zoomies are considered normal canine activity and watching our pups get the zoomies is doggone fun! They happen more in puppies or younger dogs, but many dogs keep zooming all their lives. If your dog has zoomies all the time, you might want to consider how much exercise your best friend is getting every day. If you feel your dog is zooming due to stress, try and remove the stressor.

That being said, zoomies are not a dangerous activity as long as they take place in a safe spot. Inside a dog could slip on a rug, fall down stairs, or knock over kids or elderly people. Outside it's imperative that your dog is in a fenced-in area away from traffic dangers. If they happen and your dog is unleashed in an open area, don't chase them, that makes them keep zooming. Stay calm and call them (hopefully you are consistently training them to come). Offer them a toy or treat to distract them so you can get them to a safe place to zoom.

Next time your dog gets that explosion of crazy energy, the zoomies, enjoy them, your dog is having a healthy and exhilarating moment.

See a video of “pigging” or more commonly referred to as the “zoomies” below.

30 Seconds to a Safer Dog Walk

If you use a traditional tongue buckle closure collar for your dog, I'm going to show you how to make your dog walks significantly safer by following this 30 second procedure.

First, let's go over leash and collar anatomy. Nowadays, leashes and collars are made with many different closures. In this post, I will be referring to a leash with a "bolt snap" hook and a collar with a "tongue buckle" closure.

Dog collar with a traditional tongue buckle and a D-ring for leash attachment.

Leash with a bolt snap hook.

First, be sure your dog's collar is properly fit. It should be snug, but have enough room for you to fit your finger under it without feeling a lot of pressure.  Second, make sure you are connecting the leash hook to the collar's D-ring, not the ID tag ring. Here's the 30 second procedure that will make your dog walks significantly safer. Make sure the excess end of your pup's collar is tucked under the D-ring. Finally, hook your leash, gently tug to make sure all is set and head off for your walk. 

Happy walkies!

It's a little difficult to see in this photo. But, when you do not tuck the excess bit of your pup's collar under the D-ring, you run the risk of the collar pressing up against the leash bolt snap hook and opening it. Leaving this part of the collar untucked is a recipe for a loose dog.

This photo shows the excess collar tucked under the D-ring. This method leaves no opportunity for the material to rub against the bolt snap hook on the leash.

Scratch and Sniff

Summer; the season of outdoor living. From hikes, walks and swims with your best friend, there's no better time than now to talk about poison ivy, poison oak and all of those plants that can give you a horribly uncomfortable rash.

Education: Poison oak, ivy and sumac have a sap that contains the oil that causes that red, itchy and bumpy rash. The oil, urushiol, is found everywhere on the plants, which makes it VERY easy for your cat or dog to brush up against a plant and spread it to you by way of direct contact or contact with your couch, your sheets, your rugs.... EEK!

Identify: By learning to identify the plants, you can keep your pets and yourself away from them and live itch-free for the rest of the season. "Leaves of three, let them be". Let that be your mantra as you trek through the summer months with your pup. Poison ivy, oak and sumac are clusters of shrubs or vines with groups of three green leaflets on the vines. Often, you'll see them as a ground cover or a fuzzy vine growing up a tree. Avoid all of that or pay the itchy price. (Some people are not affected by the oil!)

Treatment: What to do if your pet comes in contact with the plants? Tubby time! Wearing gloves, wash your pup using a mild dog shampoo, rinse and repeat. Be sure to throw the drying towels into the wash on a hot water cycle.

Extra: Yes, your dog and cats can get the itchy rash, but it's very unlikely. Their fur protects their skin from being exposed to the oil. The rash on your pet will look much like it does on humans and it's treated similarly. If you suspect that your dog or cat has the rash, please see your vet.

Finisher: Remember, "Leaves of three, let them be". If you cannot avoid the plants, wash, rinse and repeat. Last, if your pet gets the rash, don't panic and visit your vet.

Have a happy summer!

A mutt butt and poison ivy, next to harmless green ivy, growing up a tree.

See that fuzzy vine? That's a poison ivy vine!

Leaves of three, let them be. That's a ground cover of an itchy mess.