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!

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

Puppy Proofing 101

Puppies.

Cue the JAWS theme music…

There comes a stage in every growing puppy’s life when they are basically land sharks. Those tiny little teeth not only feel like needles or razor blades digging into your skin, but they can do an outstanding amount of damage around the home as well.

Let’s get right into it. Puppy proofing your home from mini daggers of pain.

Puppies are short. Their line of sight is much different than ours. Get down to their level and check out your home. Is there anything down there that looks like it may intrigue a puppy? Most likely, everything will intrigue a pup, so let’s conquer this room by room.

Remember, you can keep certain rooms “off limits” while your pup is learning the ways.

Living Room/Bedroom/Office:

Wires- Puppy teeth can easily sever a wire. Not only is this destructive but it’s very dangerous to your pup. Make sure electrical cords, phone/computer chargers and video game cords are out of your puppy’s reach.

Remotes- For some reason, a lot puppies find remotes irresistible. Place those up high and out of sight.

Pillows/Blankets- Pillows are really fun to rip apart. Keep an eye on your pup if you dare to leave pillows and blankets in a room alone with them.

Shoes/Socks- These are really fun to gnaw on and also hide. It’s best to keep shoes and socks up and out of reach or tucked away in a closet.

Clothes/undies- It’s best to keep tidy when a puppy is around. Some dogs especially love the dirty clothes pile. Invest in a secure hamper so you don’t have to invest in a zipper surgery from an intestinal obstruction.

Kitchen/Bathroom:

Cleaners- It seems like common sense, but we are here to give you a friendly reminder. Keep cleaners out of your pet’s reach. Sometimes, pups learn to nudge open cabinets. You’ve been warned.

The cooktop- Depending on the size of your pup, if pups can put their paws on the counter, they can turn an oven knob. We have seen this first hand. If you block your pup in your kitchen make sure your dog cannot reach the oven knobs.

Gum/Candy/Food- From a possible choking hazard to a poisonous ingredient, many humans foods are dangerous to dogs. Common sweeteners like xylitol can be fatal. Xylitol is commonly found in gum and can be found in some peanut butters.

Medications- This is a friendly reminder to keep your meds in a cabinet when you have a puppy or counter surfing dog around.

Garbage can/compost bin- Make sure you have a garbage can that cannot be easily knocked down or nudged open.

Plants- My dog loves plants. By love, I mean, he enjoys biting their leaves as he zooms by. Click the button below to get a poisonous plant list from the ASPCA, it’s been bookmarked in our home.

By puppy proofing your home, you’ll keep belongings in tact and most importantly, you’ll keep your land shark safe and healthy.

Here’s to overwhelming puppy breath and a happy and healthy home.

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!

Put Your Pup to the Test!

Do you have a Heinz 57 dog? If so, you've probably wondered which breeds are mixed into your pup? Discovering your best friend's background is fun, easy, and less expensive than you might think. There are several companies that do canine DNA testing. 

Many of these companies also offer health testing for an additional cost, and this information could keep your mutt healthy. Some breeds are more prone to certain ailments. For example, some Dobermans have a genetic blood condition, and Dalmations tend to get kidney stones. Another example is the MDR1 gene, which is often found in herding breeds. MDR1 carriers have a genetic predisposition for adverse reactions to many common veterinary drugs. Knowing what breeds make up your pooch can help you and your vet with their care.

These tests are easy to take. You swab the inside of your dog's cheek and mail it off in the container they provide. The company will test your dog's DNA with its database of breeds and come up with an ingredient list of dog types that make up your canine companion.

So, how accurate are these tests in predicting your dogs breeding? The answer is reasonably accurate. It's best to pick a company that uses a large database. The two largest companies are Embark and Wisdom. Wisdom tests for over 350 breeds and 150 genetic conditions. Embark tests for 250 breeds and checks for over 170 canine health conditions.

Keep in mind that looks can be very deceiving. Just because you're dog resembles a Lab.... doesn't mean he is! Sometimes these tests are eye-opening! However, if you don't fully understand Fido's test results, both companies are very responsive and are happy to go over your dog's findings with you. Other companies may be less expensive, but they also have a smaller breed database.

Is there a downside to DNA testing? If you happen to be a worrier, then finding out what health issues your dog could develop might result in a few sleepless nights. Remember, these tests can't tell you that your dog will develop these health issues just that they have a higher risk of them.

Of course, we love our pups no matter what breed they might be, but finding out the ingredients that make your dog unique is fun! Not only does it explain your dog's looks, but it may help explain their behavior, size, and energy level.

Fun Facts on Cats!

Cats: Facts Not Fiction!

Here is a collection of "facts" about our beloved felines. How many do you know?

• The Turkish Angora often wades or goes swimming. American Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Bobtails are breeds that enjoy the water too.

• Just like dogs, chocolate will make your cat sick.

• Most calico cats are female; the coloration gene is on the female (x) chromosome.

• Your kitty can't taste anything sweet (it's a genetic thing).

• Cats sweat through their paws! They also pant just like dogs.

• Cats spend about 70% of their lives catnapping! Regular siestas are entirely natural!

• Cats don't have collarbones; this allows a big cat to fit in a small space.

• Do you know the proper terms for a group of cats or kittens? A group of cats is called a clowder. A group of kittens is called a kindle. (who knew?)

• Your kitty’s nose print is as individual as human fingerprints.

• Most cats love catnip; this includes lions and tigers (oh my!).

• Who is the world's most wealthy cat? Japan's Hello Kitty has earned over 1 billion dollars in sales and royalties.

• Cats have a dominant paw. Is your kitty right-pawed or left-pawed?

• Believe it or not, a cat has been a mayor of an American town. The folks of Talkeetna, Alaska chose Stubbs the cat as their mayor in 1997. Ok, his job was an honorary one, but 30 - 40 people a day came by to visit Stubbs!

• Australia, Japan, and the U.K. all consider black cats to be lucky charms!

• Cats have 230 bones in their bodies - humans have 206.

• Purring is useful! A cat's purr is in a frequency range of 25 - 150 Hertz.

• This sound range can promote healing and increase bone density!

• When your cat isn't snoozing, they spend half of their time grooming.

• Humans shake hands when we meet another person; cats greet each other by touching noses.

• There are about 73 million cats in North American homes and only 63 million dogs!

Help! My Dog is Destroying My Home!

Sooner or later most dog owners will return home and find something ruined by their beloved pooch. Here is what you need to know: chewing is a natural behavior for puppies and dogs. It helps relieve teething pain in puppies, it's how Fido explores his environment (he doesn't have hands after all), it's a lot of fun, and it keeps their teeth healthy. Your dog needs to chew; it's up to you to teach them the difference between good chewing and bad chewing.

First, you need to figure out why your dog is chewing. Are they lonely, under-exercised, teething, or have separation anxiety? Knowing why will help you figure out how to stop it.

Here are some places to start:

Every dog, regardless of their age, needs toys. A lot of toys and with great variety. Be sure the toys don't look like household items. Buying a puppy a toy that looks like a shoe (and they are out there) and then being angry when the pup chews a real shoe is your fault. Get puzzle toys, chew toys, soft toys, Kongs, balls, and tug toys. However, if there are tons of toys lying around, they may get bored with them. Take all away except 3 or 4 and rotate them out every few days to keep life interesting. Be sure they are size appropriate and if your dog is a strong chewer that they are tough toys to withstand their chompers.

If your pooch is a chewer, you'll need to chew-proof your home. Put shoes away, put books on a shelf, don't leave your eyeglasses on the coffee table, and tuck electrical cords behind furniture. When your dog picks something inappropriate to chew, don't punish them, instead redirect your best friend to a toy they can chew. Some people say "no" or make a buzzer sound like "ehh" to tell their dog he has chewed the wrong thing. This is a good strategy as long as you give your pooch something acceptable to chew and say "good dog" when they chew that toy. If you're consistent, it won't take long for Fido to get the hang of the rules. You might want to try a taste deterrent like Bitter Apple to help him learn. When you can't supervise your chewer, put them in a crate or a gated safe room, so they don't get into trouble.

Other things that help with chewing: plenty of mental and physical exercise, a lot of people time, and playtime with other dogs. Another strategy is to feed them their meals in puzzle type toys because this builds a toy obsession, so hopefully, they choose the toy over your new leather purse.

If your dog has other reasons for chewing, like separation anxiety, fear, or boredom, you will have to solve those issues to resolve the chewing problem. It might be best to talk to your vet, a trainer, or a dog behaviorist to come up with strategies to combat inappropriate chewing. We are happy to help with underexercised or bored dogs!

Keeping your stuff safe is just a matter of teaching your pooch good habits, and doing this will strengthen your bond with your dog.

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.

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.