Dog Crates Ensure your pet's safety and comfort when traveling with thse dog crates, dog bedding and crate covers.  Choose from wire crates, canvas crates, crate covers and dog beddit, too!    

The first time I ever saw a decorative crate cover was a few years ago at a trade show.  A young woman explained that she had a small apartment and crated her dog while she was at work.  Having little space to work with, she thought it would be convenient to be able to use the crate as a coffee table, so she designed a cover for it to coordinate with the rest of her decor.  What a great idea!   Many companies are now designing crate covers and Furry Travelers recently added a few to our product line - with matching crate pads.  So cute!  The best part of a crate cover is the benefit to your dog.  Dogs are den dewlling animals by instinct.  A crate that is covered provides the dog with a den-like atmosphere.  This is very useful when you are away from home, whether or not you bring your pooch with you.   If you keep the crate in an area that can become drafty or cold, the cover will help keep your pet warm.  In the summer months, the cover can provide shade.   Crating Tips: Think of the crate as a good thing. In time, your dog will too. Let your dog out often enough so that it is not forced to soil the crate. Let the dog out if it whines because it needs to eliminate. If you know it doesn't have to eliminate, correct it for whining or barking. Clean the crate regularly, especially if you've put in a pad or pillow, or if you have flea problems. Forgive your dog if it soils the crate. It probably just couldn't wait any longer. Don't use the crate as a punishment. Don't leave the dog in the crate for a long time after letting it eat and drink a lot. (Your dog will be uncomfortable and may have to eliminate in the crate.) Keep your dog's crate time at a minimum. Dogs sleep and rest a lot, but not all the time. They need play time and exercise. When you are at home, they should not be in the crate (except at night when they are still very young puppies). If necessary, put a leash on your pup and tie it around your waist while you're at home. Continue to use the crate, even after your puppy is housebroken.  Occasionally using the crate will make traveling and special situations that require crating easier. Most dogs like cooler temperatures than their human companions and prefer to stretch out on a hard, cool surface.  If your dog prefers tile to carpet, you may want to skip the pad - or leave a portion of the crate floor bare.  If you use a pad or pillow, clean frequently.  Our 5 month old puppy, Katie, is the first puppy we did not crate-train.  Now that I work at home, we thought it was easier not to.  This was a mistake.  Our little Katie had emergency surgery on Friday and we are taking her home tonight.  The vet told us we must keep her in a crate so she doesn't hurt herself (and to prevent her from roughhousing with our other dog).  So, we now have to hope that her few days in a cage at the hospital will be enough to make her happy to be in a crate at home.   We will be using the ProSelect 2-Piece Crate Cover and Bed Set!  

All-cotton Crate Cover ties neatly to the top and bottom corners of the crate for a tailored and finished look, while creating a soothing canopy that acts a great calmer and stress reducer for pets. The coordinating polyfilled Bed is soft and cozy, with decorative quilted stitching. Sized to fit our small and medium ProSelect crates, but see demensions below for sizing to other crates.  Crate not included. ON SALE - Regular price from $44.99 Small Cover measures 24"L x 17"W x 20"H --Bed measures 24"L x 17"W x 2"H Medium Cover measures 30"L x 19"W x 22"H --Bed measures 30"L x 19"W x 2"H

Dog Bedding Help your dog get a good night's sleep whether on the road or at home with one of these comfortable dog beds or crate mats.   

The following information was taken from the FDA Veterinarian Newsletter With the summer months rapidly approaching, vacation season will soon be here. We all need a little time away from the monotony of an everyday routine, so as you get ready to retreat, it's important to know how to care for your four-legged friends traveling with you. Most of us travel by car or plane, but each option brings certain drawbacks for pets. Car Travel Car travel is usually less stressful on pets because it allows Freckles and Champ to be close to you, so you can monitor their well-being and come to their aid when needed.  If you choose to drive to your destination, here are a few helpful hints to make the trip more enjoyable. Motion sickness: It's common for pets to experience motion sickness while traveling in a car. To help avoid an upset stomach, don't feed your pet a large meal before travel. Cracking a window to allow fresh air to circulate through your vehicle also helps. If Champ is prone to motion sickness or if Freckles' sensitive stomach acts up again, you may want to put them in the front seat next to you.  Riding up front helps because less motion is felt in the front of the vehicle.  Bathroom breaks: While Champ may snooze for the majority of the trip, it's still important to give him frequent bathroom breaks. Traffic is unpredictable, so if it has been more than a couple of hours, stop and give your dog a chance to relieve himself and stretch his legs. Sedatives: While sedatives may make your pet seem less stressed during car trips, these medications also have a tendency to dull the senses and lessen your pet's ability to react to the environment, which can be dangerous in an emergency. When traveling by car or by plane, avoid giving your pet any type of sedative.  If you think Champ or Freckles really needs a sedative to travel, talk to your pet's veterinarian before your trip. Air Travel For people, flying is often quicker and easier than driving, but flying can be a more stressful experience for your pet. If you decide to travel by air, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Cargo travel:  While you're snacking, reading, and sleeping in relative comfort up in economy seating, Champ is usually traveling in the cargo area below, subjected to temperature fluctuations and loud noises. A cat or small dog may be allowed to travel in the plane's cabin, as long as the pet is kept in a crate and the crate fits underneath the seat.  Check with specific airlines for more information about cabin travel for your pet.  Check on your pet: Make sure to tell the plane's Captain or flight attendant that you have a pet on board. If the flight staff knows about Champ in cargo, they are better able to check on him for you, especially if an unusual situation occurs, such as an unscheduled landing, extended taxi time, or long layover. Walk your dog: If you and Champ have a connecting flight, try to walk him before that connecting flight departs. Many airports provide dog parks just outside the terminal. A bathroom break and a short walk will help Champ relax and stay calm during the remainder of his journey. Crate your pet: During flights, most pets are housed in pet crates provided by their owners. It's important to prepare your pet's crate with safety in mind.  Pet crates should provide ample space for your pet to move around and should also meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA).  When your pet is crated, remember to include: A bowl of dry food; A bowl or other container of frozen water that will melt over the course of the trip, giving your pet constant access to cold water; Appropriate bedding, such as a soft towel or blanket, or shredded newspaper or wood chips if the traveling pet is a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig; and A label on the outside of the crate that is clearly marked with your pet's name and your contact information.  You should include both your home contact information and your destination contact information. Be Prepared: If you plan to stay in a hotel while traveling, contact the hotel ahead of time to make sure it is pet friendly. Before your trip, research veterinary hospitals in the city or town of your destination in case of a pet emergency during the vacation. Hawaii and Abroad: Traveling outside the continental United States with your pet requires advanced planning.  For international travel, contact the appropriate country's embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks before your trip.  Different countries may require different documentation for your pet's entry. The state of Hawaii also has entry requirements for arriving pets.  For more information about traveling with your pets, please check the following Web sites:  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/ http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/TravelingPets.html http://www.avma.org/animal_health/travelingwithpet-faq.asp http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.asp http://www.avma.org/services/vprc/travel.asp  

  I hope there aren't too many dogs living outside this cold and snowy winter.  Whether your dog lives inside or out, knowing how to kekep your dog warm is important.  Here are a few tips we found online along with a few of our own. If your dog is small, has short hair, or is older, consider purchasing a jacket to help keep him warm. In some climates, it is appropriate to choose a sweater for the fall months and a heavier jacket for the colder winter months. When choosing outerwear for your dog choose something simple that is easy for you to put on. (Jackets carried by Furry Travelers are all very convenient to use and clean.)  If your dog is not used to wearing clothing, simply put the coat on for short periods each day making sure to give lots of good treats. Your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with yummy treats making it much easier for you to dress him. Choose a coat made from durable materials that are easy to care for. Just because it's cute doesn't necessarily mean that it is appropriate. Also, if snow is a concern, look for water resistant materials. Make sure to know your dog's measurements and follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit. Dogs that walk a lot, work outside, or are older, may also need to wear boots. Dog boots are available from many manufacturers and help keep feet protected from ice, snow, and salt. As with coats, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit. If you choose not to purchase boots for your dog, make sure to remove ice and snow from between his pads when he comes inside. This will help keep him warm as well as help prevent dry, cracked, irritated pads. During the winter, it is just as important to keep your dog properly groomed as it is during the summer. Your dog's coat provides natural insulation against the elements. It is important to keep your dog's coat brushed and free of mats and burrs. The hair between the foot pads needs to be trimmed up to help prevent ice balls from forming. Regular grooming will help ensure proper body temperature during the winter months. Some dogs, especially those kept outside, will require extra food during the winter months. It is important to discuss these nutritional needs with your veterinarian or pet professional. If your dog is kept outside, it is also very important to make sure that he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Snow and ice are not appropriate for hydration. Be careful to make sure that his water has not frozen over. If your dog lives primarily outside, make sure you get him a good quality shelter of some sort. Many pet supply stores and manufacturers make great quality dog houses in a variety of styles for every budget. Get one that will help keep wind, rain, and snow away from your dog. Make sure that the opening to the dog house does not face the wind. You will also want to make sure that you lay down straw or provide a bed or several blankets to help protect your dog from the frozen ground. Make sure to change the straw and/or bedding periodically. Blankets and beds can get wet and straw, when wet, can get moldy. Moldy straw can lead to upper respiratory and skin infections. Some people like to provide heat to their outside dog houses. It is not a good idea to do this with heating pads or space heaters with electrical cords. Your dog can chew through these cords causing a hazardous accident. If you choose to provide heat to your outdoor dog, it is best to have this done professionally. Some pet stores offer heated beds that contain a disc that can be heated in the microwave or with hot water periodically. There are many things you can do to ensure that your dog stays warm and safe during the winter months. If you have further questions about how to do this, please ask your veterinary staff or pet professionals.   Warm holiday wishes to you and your Furry Traveler!  

Do you have two or more pups who like to share your bed with you? When you have more than one pooch, things can get a little crowded! The Portable Bunk Bed for Dogs could be great for you!  This bed has separate sleeping areas for each pooch, designed especially for pet parents with multiple pups! It provides a comfortable separate area that's within reach, allowing you more sleeping space. This product can accommodate small and large dogs, and is even great for cats! Check it out! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/100102--bunk-bed-for-dogs.html

It's the holiday season and chances are you will be taking your dog for a car ride.   We assume all dogs love to go for rides in the car, but there are many that become very anxious while traveling.  Whatever the cause may be, there are some steps you can take to ease your furry friend's stress. If your have have an older dog, try sitting in the car with the engine off for a short period of time.  Reward with a treat.  When this is no longer challenging, sit in the car with the engine on and reward with a treat.  The next step is a quick car ride and then hopefully you will soon have a nice, calm Furry Traveler.   If these steps don't work, there are all-natural stress relievers such as Rescue Remedy for Pets you can try.  These work by gently calming your dog's nerves.  You can administer directly or put a few drops in the water bowl.   If your dog is used to a crate, traveling in the crate can be comforting as well as safe.  Put a familiar blanket or toy in the crate and secure it from sliding around while you drive.   Make sure you bring plenty of water to keep your pet properly hydrated.     Of course, NEVER leave your pet in an unattended vehicle.   You can find some great travel items at www.furrytravelers.com/11.html!

I recently started using the Guardian Gear Collapsible Crate at the suggestion of a dog trainer I met at a pet expo.  I mentioned to her that I travel with at least one dog, Cookie, regularly and while she is almost always with me, there are instances where she might need to be left in the room for a while.  Cookie does not like being left behind and is very vocal about that, to say the least.  Because I don't need to crate her at home anymore, I never thought about doing it when I travel.    Good idea!  Now Cookie feels like she is in her own den rather than a strange hotel room, and I don't have to worry about her being stressed out or barking while I'm away.     I love this travel crate for several reasons.  First of all, it folds to just 2 - 3 inches wide so it is easy to store when I'm not using it.  It is also very light weight at just over 7 pounds, making it convenient to carry.  It is also easy to assemble.  You just unfold the sides, unzip the top and slip in two poles into the frame and you are done!  It is just as easy to fold up again, with clips to hold it all together and a convenient pouch to store the bars on the bottom.   As it turns out, we now leave the crate in our family room all the time.  Our 15 year old dog, Sammy, likes to go in there on days she's not feeling well.  I also use it in the car when driving anywhere with Sammy, as she has turned into a nervous traveler in her old age and she is also safer in the crate.   A few tips:  Let your dog get used to the crate before using on a trip.  Leave the crate in a favorite room at home first and put your pet's food or treats in the crate, letting him/her roam in and out at leisure so the crate is associated with good things.  The bars can be a little difficult to install the first time you use it, so try it at home first and leave the bars in at least overnight to allow the fabric to stretch a bit.  After the first or second use, it will be much easier to assemble.  This crate is not for use with puppies or chronic chewers. Click here for more information or to place order.

This is the first of many products that I will be reviewing for Furry Travelers.  The reviews will be posted weekly, so please check back with us.  If there is a specific product you would like us to review, please let us know!   I chose the Wander Carrier because it is one of the travel products I use most, and absolutely love.  I travel quite a bit with my little Bichon Frise, Cookie (below), and we have found this carrier to be very sturdy, versatile, convenient and comfortable.      Sturdy:  The Wander Carrier is made of luggage grade fabric with a solid top, waterproof bottom, and the sides are reinforced with a steel rods.  You definitely feel your pooch is protected in this carrier.    Versatile:  Of course I have used the Wander Carrier to carry Cookie from place to place, but I have also used it as a crate for short periods when I had to leave her alone in a new location such as a hotel room.  Having this familiar carrier helps Cookie feel at home wherever we may be.  Finally, and maybe the best safety feature, is that you can strap the Wander Carrier into your car by putting the seat belt through the handle and around the carrier.  What a great design!   Convenient:  While there are many carriers around, this is the only one that I know of that is both sturdy and also folds down to approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches for easy storage.  There is an interior tether to attach to your dog's harness and even a side pocket to keep a dog leash, car keys, cell phone...   Comfortable:  What good is a carrier if your Furry Traveler isn't going to be comfortable?  The Wander Carrier comes with a washable soft fabric pad and the adjustable carrying strap is padded, too.   I have used my carrier for over a year and it still looks good enough for me to use as a display item when I have a booth at a Pet Expo or Dog Show.    The Wander Carrier holds dogs up to 18 pounds and is 17" long by 11" high.  See more details or order yours by clicking here.