It's really important for pet parents to take care of their doggies and kitties teeth. Just like humans, pets also have very sensitive teeth that need a lot of attention and care, even when you're on the go! Single-use toothbrushes make it easy to provide dental care for your pets, especially when you're traveling. Each disposable toothbrush contains a mint-flavored toothpaste that automatically dispenses through the bristles with a push of your thumb. The disposable toothbrush effectively distributes hydrogen peroxide gel that removes tartar build-up and fights bad breath! Now for your next trip, you'll have two toothbrushes not to forget! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3204--disposable-toothbrush-for-your-dog-or-cat.html

Furry Travelers is based in South Florida and it is easy for us to forget that most of the country is experiencing extremely cold temperatures this winter.  I found some tips and reminders online about keeping your pet warm in the winter months I thought I would share.   There are some breeds that are more prone to the cold than others.  Dogs that are great in the cold include Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Chow Chows and similar dogs.  Dogs that have more difficulty staying warm include Dobermans, Greyhounds, toy dogs, short hair or hairless dogs.  Any shaven or excessively clipped dog are in this category as well.   Avoid trimming, shaving or cutting your dog's hair excessively in the cold months, as a dog's full coat is what keeps him warm.  Maintaining a good grooming regime will reduce matted hair, which is less efficient at keeping out the snow and cold rain, and does not insulate as well.  Bathe your dog less often in the cold months and dry them quickly.   Taking shorter walks give enough exercise and relief breaks without causing your dog to become too cold.  If your dog shivers when outside, consider a sweater, dog jacket and/or boots.   To guard your dog against winter illnesses, keep him warm and dry to prevent respiratory infections.  Frostbite can affect ear and tail tips.  Frostbite appears white, red or gray and/or are dry and hard.  If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's extremities in blankets or towels to warm gradually and visit your vet immediately.   Your dog's arthritis can worsen with cold weather.  Talk to your vet about medication, treatment options and ways to keep your dog fit and warm through winter.   Keep toxic items away from dogs.  Anti-freeze tastes sweet to dogs and they may lick it.  It only takes a few teasopoons to kill a dog under 10 pounds.  If your dog (or cat) does get into antifreeze, see your vet immediately as treatment is needed within hours to save your dog's life.  The number for Poison Control help is (888) 426-4435.   Quick Tips: If you feel cold, chances are your dog does, too! Keep outside visits short during very cold temperatures. Keep your dog away from snow clearing machinery so they do not get injured. Put your dog's sweater in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up before putting it on. A hot water bottle can be tucked under a dog's bed to warm it up quickly. Never keep an indoor dog outdoors suddenly during winter. Never leave your dog outside for a long time in freezing temperatures. Never leave your dog inside a cold car. We hope some of these tips and reminders help you and your pet stay warm and healthy in the remaining cold months.  

  Did you know that dogs don't have sweat glands like people have (except for a couple of glands on their feet)? This is the reason why dogs pant- it allows them to rid their body of heat. Unfortunately, when the temperatures spike during hot summer days, panting alone is not enough to keep their bodies cool.   Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe, happy, and comfortable in the summer heat:   ·         Lots of Water- The most important thing you can do for your pet is make there is plenty of fresh, cool water available to drink at all times.  Keep the dog bowl in a shady location and change the water frequently to keep it cool. Bring a portable dog water bottle with you when you're on-the-go.   ·         Find Shade- It's not uncommon for dogs to enjoy a little sunbathing, but it's important that you provide him or her with a shady place to cool down in-between prolonged exposure to the sun and heat.  A solar canopy can provide shade for your dog to prevent the harmful effects caused by excessive heat.   ·         Protect the Paws- While doggy paw pads may seem tough, they're also very sensitive to heat and burn while walking on hot surfaces such as pavement on a scorching summer day. Try to keep your pet on grass or dirt if possible and check their pads for redness. You can protect your dog's paws from hot surfaces using breathable dog boots, particularly useful for city goers who don't have the option of avoiding hot roads and sidewalks.   ·         Pool Time- Taking your dog swimming at a pool or lake is a great way that your dog can cool off. Another great option if you don't have a normal-sized pool available is to purchase a kiddy pool and keep it filled with water for your dog to soak in when he/she is feeling overheated.   ·         Car Safety- Never leave your dog in the car on hot days, even for a short period of time. Doing so can lead to heat stroke and irreversible organ damage. Keep a portable dog bowl filled with water to ensure your dog stays hydrated on road trips and utilize a pet carrier so that you can bring your dog with you wherever you go.    ·         Hot Weather Apparel- There is plenty of doggy gear to prevent and relieve your pet from overheating. Items to buy if your pet is spending a lot of time in the heat include dog cooling jackets, harnesses, and cooling collars. This amazing lightweight pet apparel can reduce a dog's temperature by up to 30%. You can also find doggy eyewear for protecting your pup's eyes from damaging sun rays.   ·         Cooling Bed- Dog beds are oftentimes too warm in the summer for your pet to enjoy, which is why you may frequently find them sprawled out on the tile floor instead on hot days. A cooling dog bed with gel-like material offers the comfort and softness of a traditional doggy bed but will keep your pooch cool and comfortable.     We know that you want your pet to enjoy the warm sunny weather just as much as you do. Taking certain precautions and preparing for the heat with the right gear and pet accessories will ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy all summer long!    

  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!  

Dog Toys Unique and fun dog toys for your dog's play time - whether playing alone or with you!

Are you planning on doing a lot of walking this Halloween? Walking on the pavement can commonly be irritating for you pup's paws, especially if it's really cold out! Our Guardian Gear Boots keep paws safe from heat, cold, ice, salt, stones, and abrasive surfaces. These boots have bold new colors and a tough new non-skid sole for all-weather use. Guardian Gear Boots are a great accessory to have for your trick-or-treating extravaganza! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3097--guardian-gear-dog-boots.html    

Are you getting prepared for Halloween? Keep in mind that this holiday can be very stressful for your dogs and cats! The scary costumes, new activity around your neighborhood, frequent doorbell rings, being left home alone for trick-or-treating and more all cause extreme fear and anxiety in our dogs and cats.   Thankfully, ThunderShirt provides a safe, effective and simple solution for anxiety-ridden pets. With its patented design, the ThunderShirt's gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect that has already helped hundreds of thousands of dogs with anxiety problems.  The product is also used and recommended by thousands of vets and trainers worldwide. Anxiety experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system and may release calming hormones like endorphins or oxytocins. Now is the time to get your pet a ThunderShirt, so that they keep calm this Halloween! Check out the ThunderShirt here: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3095--thundershirt.html

  It's always a good reminder to review potential holiday hazards for your pets.  The following comes from my local vet's office:   COOKIES AND CANDY: Consumption of chocolate can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors, seizures and even death.   MACADAMIA NUTS AND WALNUTS: These nuts can cause severe lethargy, increased body temperature, vomiting, tremors, joint stiffness and the inability to walk.   HOLIDAY DECORATIONS:  Tinsel, ribbon and similar decorations can cut up the digestive tract and cause intestinal obstruction. Ornaments should be kept off low-lying Christmas tree branches.   ALCOHOLIC DRINKS may cause vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and seizures.   LIGHTS AND CANDLES:  If your pet can reach them, they may be a fire hazard if knocked over.   GRAPES, RAISINS, AVOCADOS, ONIONS AND GARLIC:  These can cause lethargy, lack of appetite and vomiting.   ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: Sugarless gum and artificially sweetened treats may cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.   FATTY TRIMMINGS AND BONES:  Fatty foods can also promote pancreatitis. Swallowed bones can cause stomach perforation and painful constipation.   HOLIDAY PLANTS:  Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias may cause irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmia in both cats and dogs.   ELECTRICAL CORDS:  if chewed, live electrical cords can cause burns in or around a pet's mouth, difficulty breathing, seizures and cardiac arrest.   FOR SUSPECTED POISONING, YOU CAN CONTACT THE ASPCA POISON CONTROL HOTLINE: (888) 426-4435.   OTHER PET HEALTH QUESTIONS?  Call your vet.   HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  

    Those in search of canine companionship without the commitment of fulltime ownership can reach a happy medium at the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's program Aspen, Colorado. The program offers travelers and citizens of Aspen the opportunity walk dogs and even take them on overnight trips. The program is the No-kill shelter's attempt to provide better quality of life and ultimately increase adoptions but can also serve as a fun activity for tourists.   Labeled a “dog paradise,” The community of Aspen is a prime location for the program. Whether its water bowls outside many retailers or a mailman equipped with dog treats for neighboring dogs, the program thrives in the dog-friendly atmosphere.   While walkers and caretakers get in their fix of canine companionship, the dogs become more socially acclimated and have a better chance at being adopted. Some walkers use the program to ease themselves into pet ownership and others use it as a way to meet the dogs prior to adoption. The flexible policy requires the dogs to be leashed for liability reasons. Temporary owners are able to take them on daily errands, home to their yards and even weekend hikes! If you are in the Aspen area and miss your dog or want to hang out with one when you finished with a day at the slopes, consider the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's Program. Visit www.dogsaspen.com for more information.  

Dog Backpacks These dog backpacks are comfortable for your dog and makes it easy for you to carry the dogs food and water!