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“Pawsome Ways to Beat the Heat”
by Christina Fontaine

The sun this summer has been downright brutal at times. And to quote the famous TikTok sound that’s been stuck in my head for the past several weeks, we’re in the thick of it. With records indicating an average 3° temperature increase compared to previous years ¹ , it’s safe to assume that this August will be a scorcher. And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to lower your AC a few degrees, it’s about to be hurricane season, which inevitably means: prepare for frizzy hair days. That’s right guys, Mug City. With all that heat and humidity in the air, what does that mean for our furry friends/family?

As the air continues to get warmer, so does the ground. Concrete or asphalt walkways retain the heat and may even become too hot to walk on without proper foot/paw protection. To make sure your pup’s paws are properly protected during walks, The Farmer’s Almanac recommends testing the pavement by placing your hand on the ground. If you can’t keep it there for at least five seconds, then it’s likely too hot for your dog too. In these cases, you can either walk your dog in the grass, find a spot with some shade, or pop on a pair of doggie boots to keep those paws from blistering in the sun. ²

It’s always a good idea to keep fresh water on hand during walks, as dogs can overheat much quicker during these months. Note: pups with flat faces are particularly sensitive to heat stroke since they are unable to pant as efficiently. Be sure to keep a closer eye on panting behaviors if you have a pug or bulldog. Frozen blueberries or treats on hand are great ways to reinforce positive training, as well as help, keep them cool. And when it comes to that summer fur cut, The ASPCA recommends trimming a dog’s coat as opposed to outright shaving it. Believe it or not, but your dog’s fur will actually protect their skin against burning and overheating, whereas if they’re fully shaved they lose that protection.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. If it’s going to be so hot, how can I make sure my dog enjoys the summer safely? With many beaches and boardwalks across the state banning dogs, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find public spaces that allow our furry companions some time to relax. Luckily, Green Leaf Pet Resort has the solution.

They understand the importance of keeping our dogs active in a secure, supervised environment. With their state-of-the-art indoor aquatic center, your pup will have over 3,000 square feet of temperature-controlled fun. Not only is swimming a recreational activity, but it’s also great for exercise as well! Swimming is known to: improve muscular strength and tone without stressing bones and joints, work cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as improve your pet’s mental wellbeing. Even if your dog isn’t a born swimmer, Green Leaf Pet Resort offers “Doggie Paddle Lessons” from their specially trained professionals.

So give us a howl at (844) LUVDOGS and book your pet’s first swim today! Your dog
will thank you.

¹https://www.njweather.org/monthly-summaries
² https://www.farmersalmanac.com/15-ways-to-keep-your-dog-safe-happy-hydrated-this-summer-21706

Dear Green Leaf Clients,

As the official Monmouth County Emergency Pet Facility, we have an obligation to implement protocols above and beyond the baseline. Green Leaf Pet Resort will be temporarily closing the daycare facility at our Oakhurst location from Friday September 11, 2020 through Monday September 14, 2020. It is vital for us to offer an environment in which our clients feel safe. During this closing, our daycare facility will be undergoing important upgrades to our HVAC and receiving an extensive cleaning. As always, our highest priority has always been the safety and health of our clients and staff. 

The most proactive approach to preventing the spread of Canine Cough is through education, vaccinations and employing the best protocols for disinfection and sanitation.

Dogs, like humans, may catch a cold when playing with other dogs.  A cold is an upper airway infection caused by a bacteria or a virus.  This is referred to as Canine Cough or Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis.  Symptoms most often involve a cough and/or some gagging with the possibility of spitting up some white phlegm.  Sometimes there may be some mucus dripping from their nose. Less frequently you may see some eye discharge, tiredness and lack of appetite. In a very small number of cases, a lower respiratory infection may develop such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Most often canine cough is a self-limited course and usually resolves within 10 to 14 days.  Your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic.  If your dog(s) experiences any of these potential symptoms please contact your veterinarian.  

The health and well-being of your dog(s) is our number one priority.  The Green Leaf has several systems within our HVAC system to combat microbes, such as ultra-violet lights and electrostatic sanitizing systems as well our extensive hands on cleanings protocols and disinfecting fogging protocol.

There is no developed anti-infective system that can combat airborne microbes 100%.  

Other disinfecting procedures we are following include having all employees , washing hands in between the handling of dogs, and disinfecting their shoes, and changing their clothes daily.

We want you, our dog’s parents, to be informed. Please feel free to reach out for more information on Canine Cough. We are always available for any concerns or questions you may have.

We love your dogs and only want the best for them.

Thank you,

Rachel Silverstein, General Manager at GLPR Oakhurst
Matthew Alteria, General Manager at GLPR Oakhurst

 

GLPR Oakhurst Daycare  Q+A

• What do I do if I need to drop my dog off due to scheduling purposes? Are you offering any alternatives? Yes! Any dog that comes for daycare during the time when the daycare service is unavailable, will receive a special day-stay in lieu of daycare. This service is a private suite for your pup(s) where they will receive private one-on-one playtime with our staff.
• What happens if my dog(s) is already boarding and is scheduled to have the daycare playtime? Any dog staying with us will spend their time having private one-one-one playtime with our staff! These playtimes involve a very active, curated experience for dogs to offer maximum play!
• Will any other services be scheduled to close? As of right now, no. The changes that are being made to our HVAC daycare facility require us to close for a short period of time. These changes are being made only to improve the quality of your pet’s experience!
• What if I purchased a daycare package? Can I use those? Yes!  We can redeem one of your daycare package credits for the alternative day-stay.
• What if I purchased a boarding package? Any daycare that is included with our boarding packages will be subbed out for private plays at no additional cost!
• What does this service cost? Is it the same price as daycare? Just like daycare, this special day stay service will be split into a half-day charge (for less than 5 hours)  or a full-day charge (for five hours or more).
  

An open love letter to all dog-lovers:

I have witnessed many people saying I love you. Not to me or any other human. But unconditionally saying these 3 wonderful words to a dog. Yes, that’s correct; a furry, slobbery kisser on 4 legs with a tail who poops outside.

What is so compelling that when we don’t even know this creature, we immediately want to love him or her?This is a true natural wonder – wouldn’t you agree?

I am so guilty of this emotion with dogs. They all immediately steal my heart, but I am not alone.

I have come to the conclusion that there is no emotional equivalent in this world to the amazing relationship between a person and a dog(s).This bond is so immense that even when they cross over the rainbow bridge, our hurt and grief only drives us to another four-legged relationship.

Why I ask?

Is it just the release of our happy hormones and neurotransmitters? Or is it more than just a physical, if not, spiritual as well? It is from our hearts that we feel this desire, .The heart has emotions. In Hebrew the word for dog is “kelev” which means complete heart (need I say more?).

No one can ever dispute my observations. I see it each and every day at Green Leaf. Our clients love their dogs beyond belief. Our staff immediately welcomes them into their loving arms. We then get to know them on a more intimate level and its not just a job – but a loving bonding until like no other.

Aren’t we the luckiest?!

Love,

Donna Leibowitz, PharmD
Co-Owner, Green Leaf Pet Resort

1. Anxious dogs pant! Make sure you fill up a water bowl and make it readily available for your pup.
2. Once the fireworks start, your dog might be too anxious to eat. Try to move their feeding schedule up before the show starts.
3. Make your dog a safe space to retreat to once the fireworks start. This can be a crate with a blanket or a safe space in your room. Make sure to provide their favorite toys, blankets or treats for comfort.
4. Close the curtains, blinds and windows. Blocking loud noises and bright lights can help reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Get in a heavy play session before the fireworks start! Physical activity can work out anxiety and a tired pup will rest easier.
6. Act normal! Your dog can pick up on your behavior. By remaining calm, happy and cheerful it will send positive signals to your dog that things are ok.
7. Reward calm behavior with positive reinforcement through treats, affection and playing.
8. If your dog retreats into a safe space, let them! It can be confusing to coax your dog our of their safe space and cause more anxiety.
9. Keep all doors and gates closed! If you need to open the front door, make sure your dog is in a secure and safe environment.
10. Be there for your dog. Comfort and love can go a long way!

An open letter to our clients,

We feel privilege to serve you and your dogs. We are very passionate about our four-legged guests, your best friends, and we would like you to know that serving your dog is not a job but a true loving passion.

Thank you for believing in us.

Together, we can prepare for the unexpected and the unknown. We are committed to navigating these uncharted waters together, continuing to be a resource for services and exploring new avenues to provide care and support. You and your dog(s) are part of our Green Leaf family.

Please remember our doors are open 365 days a year for you and your dog(s) and be certain we will always provide a loving and safe home away from home for your dog(s) 24/7.

Stay safe, healthy and know we miss our time together.

Sincerely,
Shelly and Donna Leibowitz

To all our guests, past and future:

We pride ourselves on our commitment to the health and safety of our guests and employees. As news unfolds regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to let you know what we’re doing to keep our pets, guests, and personnel safe and healthy. As the official Monmouth County Emergency Pet Facility, we have an obligation to implement protocols above and beyond the baseline. Below is an overview:

Green Leaf COVID 19 Protocols

• The World Health Organization maintains “there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19” to humans or other animals. There has been one case, in Hong Kong, of a 17 year old Pomeranian testing positive for the virus without any symptoms or indication of contagiousness. We are monitoring the situation closely.

 

• Here is a regularly updated fact sheet for pet owners from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Current guidance is to take the same precautions we take for humans with our pets, and that’s exactly what our team is doing.

 

• Both of our facilities are equipped with a state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filtration system designed to catch airborne pathogens. This system is being supported by an increased cleaning schedule utilizing naturally-based, highly-effective antibacterial cleaning solutions, both within designated dog areas as well as the places humans congregate including our employee break rooms, lobbies, and restrooms.

 

• In addition to cleaning our facilities more deeply and frequently, all staff are implementing robust handwashing and sanitization protocols whether they’re interacting with our canine guests, the public, or one another. 

 

• It is vital for us to offer an environment in which our clients feel safe. We are now offering curb-side assistance for check-ins such as: daycare, training, and grooming at both our Millstone and Oakhurst locations. We encourage you to take advantage of this convenient service by calling ahead 5-10 minutes prior to arrival at one of our facilities. A trained Green Leaf staff member will be on standby waiting to assist you right at your car.

 

• We are continuing to follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and are in regular contact with local health officials.  Keeping our employees informed and giving them the tools that they need to keep themselves and our environment safe is of utmost importance.

 

• Our leadership teams are meeting daily to monitor the situation and we pledge to continue communicating with you and keeping you updated should anything change, especially as it pertains to best practices for canine safety.

 

• We are actively working on a way to help support pick-up and drop off for the many households that will have to Work from Home and therefore need a place for their dog to safely socialize, exercise, play, and be groomed. Look out for a separate email on this matter in the near future.

 

With all our efforts and support of our workforce, we feel confident that we are doing everything we can to provide a safe place for you and your dog to visit. Our staff is on-site at all hours, fulfilling our 24/7 Promise to provide excellent care and comfort to each of our guests. 

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team. As always, we are here as a resource to help!

Sincerely,

Shelly & the Green Leaf Team

There’s no better feeling than giving a pup a brand new, loving home. So this Adopt a Dog Month, we encourage you to do just that. Once you welcome in your new furry friend, we’ll be here to guide you through your new dog-parenting journey. We specialize in training dogs that come from all backgrounds and making sure they have a smooth adjustment into their new life. Additionally, we’ll be here for all of your grooming and boarding needs to make sure each and every newly adopted pup feels the love. So what are you waiting for? Get adopting!