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The 4th of July can be a nightmare for some pets. Launching fireworks and loud parties often terrify our pets. Since there's no escaping celebration of the 4th of July, we suggest that you prepare early, and find a remedy that works best towards your pet's anxiety. The Rescue Remedy can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems. We want to help ensure that your pets 4th of July goes smoothly, and we believe that Rescue Remedy can truly help. Click here for a closer look at how Rescue Remedy works: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3145--rescue-remedy-for-pets.html
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Pet Anxiety
Summer heat, road trips, and backyard BBQs are starting to preoccupy your calendar, but have you thought about your four-legged companion? Loud noises and traveling are two common causes of anxiety in our pets. According to the Humane Society, our furry best friends are often afraid of thunder and other loud noises, like fireworks, and can develop even if your dog has had no traumatic experiences with the associated noise. Often, dogs or cats act out this anxiety through destruction or trying to escape however, these reactions can potentially harm your dog.
In the upcoming summer months as thunderstorms, firework shows, and traveling become more frequent, the Humane Society recommends doing these 3 things for your pup.
Create a safe place – observe where your dog likes to go when frightened, allow him to have access to that place when he is experiencing anxiety. This provides a safe place for your pet to escape.
Distract your dog – Encourage your pup to participate in an activity that will take her mind away from the cause of her anxiety. This will prevent her from behaving fearfully.
Behavior Modification – these techniques need to be implemented gradually, teaching your pup how to respond in non-fearful ways to the cause of her anxiety. However, you need to be careful if you choose to use behavior modification. If carried out improperly you could make the situation or fear much worse.
If you find yourself on the road or away from home, these 3 options above may not be your best choice. Here at Furry Travelers, we have a wide variety of products to ease your pet in a stressful situation.
SAVE 20% This month on the following calming aids!
Use Coupon Code CALM20 at checkout.
1. Rescue Remedy for Pets – This solution has an instant calming effect for any pet experiencing a stressful situation. It can be used in times of anxiety or a trip to the vet.
2. Thunder Treats – This treat was created to calm a pet, slowly releasing ingredients over time. These treats include two well-known calming ingredients; lavender and chamomile.
3. Total Pet Health Calming Chews – Developed by veterinarians, the chewable tablets are designed to calm upset or stressed dogs and cats. The tablets contain a balance of human-grade vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
4. PetzLife @Ease Calming Aid – Easily applied or mixed in with food or treats, this 100% natural calming remedy is uniquely formulated with L-Theanine. The stress and anxiety reliever should be taken 30 minutes before a stress-inducing event.
5. Thundershirt – The patent-pending design is a pressure wrap applying constant but gentle pressure on a dog's torso. 85% of dogs who wear the Thundershirt show significant improvement in anxiety symptoms. (Available for cats too!)
Mark these products on the must-have list for your four-legged companion when they could potentially experience a stress-inducing event!
For more information on Fear of Thunder and other loud noises please visit: humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html
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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!
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Pet toys always make the best gifts for pet parents. If you're considering getting another pet parent a toy this holiday season, we've got a great variety to choose from! Click here and see all of our fun pet toys! http://www.furrytravelers.com/11m7/toys.html?m7:nested=0
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Last week Furry Travelers exhibited at the largest pet trade show in the US - Global Pet Expo. We decided we would take Cookie and Katie with us. This would be Katie's first event and we were a little concerned how she would do. She's a bit more timid than our other dogs have been. Cookie was there though, the professional Furry Traveler and we hoped she would be a good influence on the younger pup.
Travel sickness: For years I have heard from customers with dogs that have motion sickness and as a result get sick when they travel. I have done my best to direct them to a solution, but until I experienced it first hand, didn't know how difficult that could be.
Our newest dog, Katie, has terrible motion sickness. It is so bad that she will vomit just going a few blocks! And when we do find a way to settle her stomach so she doesn't get sick, she drools so excessively from anxiety that we fear she will get dehydrated on a long trip. We were traveling about 3 hours so we figured this would be a good test. We finally found the right combination for her: Dramamine the night before and first thing in the morning, combined with Rescue Remedy to calm her anxiety.
Our Pet Zip Dog Stroller was another needed product for the trip. While we were setting up our booth, this kept them out of harms way and during the show, they spent most of their time in it, enjoying watching all the activity around them. During slower times, we took them out to stretch, get tummy rubs from our booth neighbors and treats from some of the other exhibitors. They even helped us get more traffic into the booth. Who can resist these cute faces?
On this trip I also tested a new product that we have carried for a few months now - Doggy Baggage.
What a great bag! I was able to keep all the girls stuff in one convenient place and stay organized, too. 6 outside pockets to keep important items handy (medication, brushes, water bottle, leash) and the bag itself is large enough to hold food, dishes, To Go Bowl, toys - everything else you need for a great trip.
And of course we had our To Go Bowl! This allowed the dogs to drink whenever they wanted while in the car and we just put it in our Doggy Baggage when we went into the hotel or trade show to then be used on the floor. Of course we stored the girls favorite treats in the removable cup, too!
The trip was a great success!
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Traveling with Your Pet During the Holidays
It is hard to believe that it is already the holiday season. Many of us with pets wouldn't think of spending the holidays without them. If your Furry Traveler is like mine, you are probably planning a road trip. The following tips and information will help your trip be a successful one.
Careful planning can make your trip go more smoothly, whatever your mode of transportation. If you are not staying with family or friends, more and more hotels now allow pets. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance as they can fill up quickly.
HOTELS:
5-Star hotels such as Trump Hotels, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton often include extra luxuries for your dog, including special bedding and spa treatments.
If 5-Stars don't fit in your budget, you will still want a nice, clean room. There are many hotel chains to choose from, most offer Rewards Memberships so you can accumulate points and get a free night once in a while. My personal favorite is LaQuinta, www.LQ.com. Many are brand new hotels or newly remodeled with large rooms and all have free internet and even breakfast! There are no extra pet fees (unless there are damages, of course). Their website allows you to check for hotels along your driving route, which helps you decide what city to stop in if your trip takes you longer than one day to reach your final destination.
Many of the Intercontinental Hotels (www.ihg.com) also allow pets but you may have to pay a pet fee.
WEATHER:
Here is something to think about if you are changing climates. On a recent trip up north, we found it pretty chilly and my Florida dog ended up needing to wear a coat – good thing I was there selling dog products! If your dog has sensitive paws and is not used to the cold, boots might be appreciated. Just because they have fur coats, doesn't mean they will always be warm enough.
TRAVELING BY CAR:
Buckling up is an important safety precaution for pets. Many states and provinces now require that pets be restrained while in a moving vehicle and restraints have several advantages. They help protect pets in case of a collision and they keep pets from running loose and distracting the driver. They also keep pets from escaping the car through an open window or door.
Cats and smaller dogs are often most comfortable in pet carriers and crates. Carriers give many animals a sense of security and familiar surroundings and can be secured to the car seat with a seat belt or a specially designed carrier restraint (like a child's seat).
There are also pet restraints available that can be used without carriers, including harnesses, seat belt attachments, specially designed pet car seats, as well as vehicle barriers, and restraint systems.
Absolutely do not leave your pet in the car unattended. Even with windows cracked, and even on a seemingly nice day, temperatures in a car can quickly escalate and kill your pet. If you will have to leave the pet, the pet shouldn't have come along for that trip.
Keep your pet hydrated. On a trip, it's tempting to skimp on the food and water to avoid pit stops. While you do want to cut back a little, just for your pet's comfort while on the go, be sure your pet gets enough to drink and eat. The To Go Bowl allows your pet to drink while traveling and the removable cup can store dog treats for your rest breaks. If you are driving with a pet, plan for plenty of stops to walk you pet, and give the pet food and water.
Your dog should always wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your cell phone number so you can easily be contacted if needed. Allowing your pet to have his own travel bag will help you keep things organized. Some things to remember in the bag are an extra leash, medications, Hairbrush, food, bowls.
There are so many other great travel products available now than there were just a few years ago. You will be amazed how much easier traveling is when you use some of them. Websites such as www.FurryTravelers.com specialize in pet travel products and are a great one-stop shopping place for your pet travel supplies.
Pet Travel Statistics from Bark Buckle UP:
In an accident, an unrestrained animal is dangerous to the human passengers as well. Even in an accident of only 30 mph, a 15-pound child can cause an impact of more than 675 pounds. A 60-pound dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, a windshield, or another passenger. Even if the animal survives, it can impede the progress of rescue workers for whom every moment is precious.
Unrestrained pets can also distract the driver, and cause an accident. Even pets that are normally well behaved could be frightened by something unusual and dive for the driver's feet or lap. Following a car accident, an unrestrained pet could escape and be hit by another vehicle or cause another collision. A frightened dog may attack strangers who are trying to help.
Bark Buckle UP utilized the Travel Safety Evaluation Booklet used by police agencies nationwide and concluded that 98% of pets do not travel properly restrained, which means that only 2% of pets travel safe in vehicles. Bark Buckle UP, the pet safety national awareness program, works with Police and Fire Chiefs nationwide to communicate to the public the necessities of, "Why Buckle" for your pets safety, passengers, driver and our first responders.
Be one of the 2% that buckles up your pet!
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The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is having their 2nd Annual APPA National Children's Pet Poetry Contest through their public awareness campaign, Pets Add Life (PAL).
Third, fourth and fifth grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV 89503. The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2010 at 5:00pm EST.
Two students from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a "by-line" in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students' classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.
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For those cats and dogs who like to take a quick snooze on their way to the vet, the multiple award winning Sleepypod is the safest and the most comfortable environment to be in. This Pod is created so that you are able to transport it wherever you like, and builds a positive association for your pet due to your ability to bring it anywhere. When traveling, your pets will feel at home no matter where they go! The Sleepypod is easy to adjust in your car, just wrap your car's seatbelt around the outer shell and through the top handle to secure your Sleepypod like a car seat! With the Sleep Pod, there's no more need for pets to be anxious and restless during drives!
http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3066--sleepypod-mini-and-standard.html
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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
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The holiday's are almost here! And for a lot of people that means traveling. If you plan on flying with your pet this year, here's a list of 5 most pet-friendly airlines of 2009. You're pet will thank you!
Continental
The airline's PetSafe program has a 24-hour Live Animal Help Desk that tracks your pet from origin to destination. It's more expensive than other airlines, but your pet will travel in climate-controlled vehicles for connections and you'll earn extra miles. The airline also allows small pets to be carried in the cabin on most domestic flights for $125 each way.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue launched JetPaws last summer, providing passengerspet carrier bag tag, two TrueBlue points each way, a welcome e-mail and pet-travel guide, all for no additional cost. But like almost every other airline, they have raised their in-cabin pet charge. One-way fees range from $75-$100.
Airtran
Airtran is currently the least expensive airline to fly with your small pet: just $69 each way. They only allow small pets that can travel the cabin, so if you have a larger breed that needs to be checked-in, this airline isn't for you.
American Airlines
The airline has assisted transporting animals from popular zoos in cargo. Although they allow a limited number of pets in the cabin, they ask passengers traveling with pets to make special notes for their animals flying in cargo and promise to abide by all requests.
United Airlines
They accept small cats, dogs and birds in the cabin; rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage and other animals including parrots, cockatiels and ferrets in United Cargo. Shipping by cargo is for items, like some pets, that you can't check as baggage.
For more information about these airlines and their pet policies, click on the airline name above.
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