We should be properly caring for our dog's teeth, just as we do our own! But, are we??? Since daily flossing is probably most out of the question for our canine friends, All Natural Flossies could be your answer! The Flossie is made from a delicious beef tendon. The unique design of this treat creates a natural chewing friction against the dog's teeth which helps to clean. We doubt your dog would turn this floss down! Take a look and learn more here:  http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/7905--all-natural-flossies.html

We recently found a company in California that bakes all natural dog treats in some very unique ways with healthy ingredients.    Here is the scoop:   Sweetie Pies are a healthy dog treat made of free range chicken and sweet potatoes.  Research has shown that sweet potatoes are one of the top 10 healthiest foods you can eat!  They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Even better, dogs love them! The chickens and sweet potatoes are both from small local farmers.  They are slow baked to preserve their goodness.  Dogs can't say no to these treats!  Break pieces off to use as training treats or as a nutritious low calorie snack. I had always heard of dogs that had a "tooting" problem, but this has become a recent issue with Cookie and I can't wait to try these!  We sold out of them too soon for me to try with our first order, but now that we have more, we won't waste any time getting her started on them!   Enzymes are the catalysts for every metabolic process in the body and the foundation for good digestion and overall health.  Better digestion means less gas.  Digestive enzymes are added to these treats so they are easily absorbed.  Fart Busters are made from pure whole free range chicken with a proprietary blend (human grade) of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those "aromatic" moments.  These are all meat treats, manufactured in California.  Chickens are from local farmers and are raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.   Cookie and Katie both have tried - and go crazy over - Bark Stix.  What a great idea - dog treats that look like bread sticks!  They are made with organic whole wheat flour, beef liver, water, rolled oats, carrots, bacon, parsley and baking powder.    I am very happy to be able to offer healthy treat options for your Furry Traveler.  Give one or all of them a try while they last!  

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!  

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!

The Cruising Companion All Season Cargo Cover fits the cargo areas of trucks, SUVs and station wagons.  Two-sided design gives you water-resistant DuPont Teflon-coated nylon for easy cleaning.  The opposite side has a warm polyester fleece for the colder weather.  Color:  Waterproof side is black, fleece side is charcoal gray and unzips for easy cleaning.   Material:  Nylon Side: 100% Nylon fabric treated fabric protector. Fleece Side is 100% Polyester Size: Covers measure 59"L x 47"W Care: Nylon Side: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Fleece Side: Unzip and remove from car seat cover. Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry. Instructions:   Fit the two loops over the headrests on the back seat of your vehicle. Spread the cover out to protect the cargo area. Cover can be used with the fleece or nylon side facing up.

  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!  

Running with your dog is great exercise, both for you and your pooch. But it can be extremely difficult to hold that leash while you run. The Patento Pet Hands Free Leash will solve your pet running problems forever! This leash wraps around your wrist to securely control your pet while providing you with the use of both hands. This makes it easier to jog with a more natural posture! Now you can take your pup on a run or brisk walk, without having your hands tied up!   http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/38290--patento-pet-hands-free-leash.html          

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

If you're planning on making a trip to the water this summer, keep in mind NOT ALL DOGS SWIM! Yes, contrary to what you might think, it's common that many dogs don't naturally know how to swim. If your pooch falls in this category of “canine non-swimmers” then you might want to consider making sure he's appropriately prepared with The Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket! The Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jackets provide ultimate buoyancy and high visibility to keep pets safe on the water. Constructed to provide buoyancy, along with a cozy secure fit, the Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jackets features an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which provides your dog more comfort and healthier conditions than traditional pet life jackets! So make sure that you grab a Paws Aboard Life Jacket and keep your pooch safe from the water! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/4103--paws-aboard-doggie-life-jacket.html