Dog Leashes Furry Travelers has a large assortment of dog leashes including hands-free leashes, 5 in 1 leashes, retractable leashes and short leashes.  

The Fourth of July can be an exciting and festive time of the year for our families and friends, but that's not always the case when it comes to our pets. The loud and unfamiliar noises that dogs hear on the 4th can commonly upset and scare them. We want to make sure that all your pups have a safe and settling 4th of July this year. Here are some useful tips when preparing your pooch for the 4th!   1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day. 2. Keep your dog's inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship. If it's hot, make sure that the air conditioning or fan is running! 3. Provide a safe and familiar place inside for your dogs to retreat. 4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed (the less they see the better). 5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. (Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.) 6. Leave your dog something fun to do – like a new toy or bone. 7. We also recommend (and sell) the ThunderShirt- a proven effective, all-natural solution to pet anxiety and fear caused by things like fireworks, thunderstorms, separation, travel and more. You can learn more or buy the ThunderShirt here: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3095--thundershirt.html We hope these tips help, and that everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!  

  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!  

I came across an aritcle recently (from Cars.com) that listed the pet friendliest cars on the market and thought I would share the information.  A few of these brands will soon no longer be manufactured, but can be a useful if you are looking for a pre-owned car.   As a pet owner, we want to keep our pets as safe and comfortable as we are.  Volvo was found to do the best job of offering products for pet owners, however many automakers offer features and options that are pet-friendly, even though not all of them were specifically designed for pets.    Volvo: Nets that span the space between the ceiling and the backrests of the front or rear seats to keep pets in their own area. A collection of metal dividers for wagons and SUV's. A Vertical grate that divides the cargo area into halves, separating a dog from cargo or another dog. Saab:  The 9-3 SportCombi and 9-5 SportCombi (wagon) include a cargo space divider, cargo mat, cargo apron and cargo guard in the back; the 9-5 SportCombi also has a trunk tray.   Saturn: The Vue has a cargo management system.   Volkswagen: The Jetta and Passat wagons offer cargo partitions, while driver accessories include a VW Beetle squeaky toy, air freshener and squishy pillow. Other VW gear includes heavy-duty floor mats and cargo liners.   Nissan: A Pet Guard Divider accessory that helps keep pets secure while in a vehicle's cargo area.    Other features that can make traveling with pets easier, and a few cars that have them, include: Fold-up backseat cushions, which allow a larger area on the floor for pets to lie down. (Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota) Fold-flat second row seats, which open up the cargo area for more pet space. (Most wagions/SUV's/Minivans. Fold-flat front passenger seat, which opens up the cargo area for even more pet space.  (Toyota Tacoma, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent       Hard-coated and scratch-resistant load floor/folding seatbacks, making for easy cleanup. (Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Toyota Yaris hatchback, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Honda Element, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V) Washable/stain-resistant upholstery. (Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler ('07), Honda Element, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring ('07), Dodge Nitro, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab, Jeep Patriot)  (Sources:  Cars.com)

  Did you just move to a new neighborhood, city, or even country? Well first things first! Your dog wants a dog park to play! We thought that we'd share this awesome new iPhone app to help you find dog parks near you! The Dog Park finder app displays local dog parks and search results! Park details include 5 star ratings, fenced and un-fenced markers, hours and days of operation and many other notes and features of the dog park. We highly suggest you check this out! Your dog with be SO happy! http://www.doggoes.com/dog-park-finder-iphone-app

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!  

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.    

I am getting ready to go to Orlando for the International Auto Show so thought this week I would review another product I don't travel without:  The E.B.D. Carry All Bag (E.B.D. stands for Everything But the Dog).      This great bag has so many pockets you probably won't use them all, but it is nice to know you can if you need them (great for medications, waste bags, water bottles, cell phone, etc).     This bag also includes collapsable food and water bowls, 56" x 48" indoor/outdoor fleece blanket with nylon backing and a freezable gel pack Dimensions 12"h x 15"w x 5"d.    The E.B.D. Carryall Bag is available in Brown with fun printed interiors in Blue, Green and Pink.   Since my older dog Sammy is on many medications and both dogs have their own treats, food, toys, bones, this bag really helps keep me organized!   For more details, click here.

  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.

Product Review - Bark Stix Organic Dog Treats   FurryTravelers.com was started to help pet owners travel with their pets safely and easily by offering the best pet travel products.  Once in a while, however, we come across non-travel related pet products we think are so great that we add them to our product line-up.   I don't recall how we originally found Bark Stix (maybe they found us), but after speaking with the owner a few years ago and hearing about the company, I knew I needed to test them on my own dogs, Cookie and Katie.  They loved every type of treat I gave them!  What I love about them is that they are 100% organic, nutritious, and made in the United States.    Here are three of our favorites:    Sweetie Pies   Sweet Potatoes are considered by nutrition experts to be one of the 10 healthiest foods one can eat.  That goes for dogs, too.  Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  And dogs LOVE them!    Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, chicken liver, potato flour, honey and sea salt.   Sadie's Big Stix and Lucy's Short Stix These fun, nutritious stix are shaped like a bread stick and measure 9-10 inches for Sadie's and about 5 inches for Lucy's - a best seller.   Fart Busters This all meat chicken treat is made from whole Free Range chicken with a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those 'aromatic' moments that come between dog and guardian. Like all of our treats they are manufactured in our facility in Northern California. The chickens are locally sourced from small farmers and raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.   There are several varieties of Bark Stix dog treats.  To see all Bark Stix Treats, click here.