As the end of the summer nears and early fall approaches, regulation of pets on the beach are eased and beautiful early fall weather beseech you to take your furry friend outdoors to the nearest body of water to play. Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe around water.
1) While some dogs live to swim, others may be unable to or simply hate being in the water. Be conscious and considerate of your dog's preferences and skills. Don't try to force him or her to swim if your dog seems afraid or averse; many dogs will never feel comfortable in the water.
2) If you're taking your dog swimming for the first time, help coax him into the water by starting off in a shallow area. Try calling his name and creating a fun environment by using dog toys and/or treats to play with.
3) Swimming is very hard work, making it easy for your dog to overexert himself- especially dogs that are drawn to the water. Keep track of the time and evaluate your dog's level of effort to keep your dog from overdoing it.
4) Never throw your dog into the water. Doing so may cause your dog to feel anxious or fearful of going into the water in the future. Also, since some dogs have large bodies and short legs, they are not built to swim for enjoyment and therefore may be traumatized by the act.
5) If taking your dog swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides. Never let your dog swim far enough out to be swept away by the current. Use a doggy life jacket as a safety precaution.
6) Moisture in a dog's ear can cause nasty infections if not cleaned properly after swimming. Ask your vet or local pet store for the proper supplies and a demonstration to make sure you are thoroughly ridding his or her ears of the nasty bacteria found in ocean and lake water.
7) Never leave your dog unattended in water. If you have a pool, make sure to invest in adequate safety products, such as a baby fence or pool alarm to alert you if your dog falls in. Train your dog to know how to exit the pool by teaching him/her to locate the steps or ramp, and providing a refresher course on exiting at the beginning of each swimming session.
8) Be careful of taking your dog swimming at night. Dogs' vision dramatically decreases after nightfall as well as with age, so swimming in the dark may be extremely scary for dogs, even those who normally love to be in the water.
9) Just like humans, dogs are equally susceptible to getting hypothermia in cold water. Unfortunately, they may not understand that the water is what's causing them to feel cold, making it easier for an accident to occur. If the water is cold enough to prompt you to get out, it is safe to say your dog is at risk to getting cold as well and should be brought out of the water to regain warmth.
1 Never let your dog drink the pool water, which is filled with chlorine and chemicals that can make your dog sick. Salt water from the ocean and bacteria found in lakes can also be harmful. To prevent ingestion of contaminated water, keep a clean water bowl nearby for your dog to drink from.
Se
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!
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.
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
With summertime fast-approaching, most of us are busy trying to plan our vacation before all of the beachside resorts and condos book up for the season! Unfortunately, finding accommodations that allow pets can be a headache, and finding a vacation with activities for you and your furry friend to enjoy together is even harder to come by. To simplify your trip planning this year, we have searched far and wide to bring you the best pet-friendly vacations for you and your cuddly creature to go on this summer!
For the Vineyard/ Winery Vacation-Goer: Frenchie Winery, Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA
Finally- you don't have to choose between your Cabernet and your canine! Frenchie Winery located in Napa Valley, California, comes fully-equipped with ornate canine portraits, wine barrel dog beds, and an expansive outdoor play area. One of the very first dog-friendly wine-tasting rooms to open, this vacation destination is dedicated to dapper dogs and their sophisticated owners. You and your pooch will certainly have a hard time finding anything to “wine” about at this Napa Valley vineyard.
For the Event Enthusiast: The Dog Bowl festival at the Cotton Bowl stadium, Dallas, TX
For one day the historic Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, Texas, is transformed into a dog park complete with splash pools, a pet/owner look-alike contest, and all sorts of doggie activities aimed to maximize fun for pets and owners alike. Free and open to the public, owners can let their pets off the leash to run around freely and enjoy all the many fun pet-lover entertainment provided at the Dog Bowl, including giveaways, exhibits, and fabulous pooch portraits.
For the Laid-back, Outdoorsy Type: The Paw House Inn, West Rutland, VT
The Paw House Inn encompasses a historic retreat of dog-friendly hiking trails, swimming spots, farmers markets, and an outdoor theater, along with numerous adventures for you and your pet. During the spring and summer, the Paw House Park and doggie agility course provide your pet with the perfect place to run around outside in the fresh mountain air.
For a Relaxing Spa Vacation: Ritz-Carlton of Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, CO
The Ritz-Carlton at Bachelor Gulch offers relaxation and rejuvenation for you and your pet with its animal-catered hikes, paw-approved massages, and tranquil surroundings. Pets even receive their own plush bed complete with a liver treat turn-down service.
For the Ritzy/Pampered Vacation-Goer: Hotel Monaco in Portland, OR
Pets are treated as glamorously as their humans at the Hotel Monaco located in downtown Portland. The hotel does not have pet size or weight restrictions, and it offers exceptional pet amenities such as a personal pet welcoming (complete with a personalized sign and treats); food & water bowls and a dog bed delivered to your room; and spring water, treats, and eco-friendly cleanup bags, all available free of charge. Owners can indulge during dog-friendly wine hours, while their pets sip on a special microbrew made for canines. Furthermore, the hotel offers pet- sitting, grooming, and walking services, as well as sessions with pet psychic Bridget Pilloud of Pets Are Talking.
For the Active/Sporty Vacation-Goer (warning: must love water sports): Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, CA
The host of its annual Loews Surf Dog Competition, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers some of the most unique pet amenities for its visitors travelling with their furry friend. Every dog and cat receives a welcome package with a name tag, food/water bowl, and special treats upon arrival, and applicable rooms are supplied with a pet bed, litter box, and a gourmet room service pet menu, developed by the hotel's in-house chefs alongside a licensed veterinarian. Loews Coronado Bay Resort also provides dog-walking routes, a pet-sitting and walking service, and a list of local pet-friendly restaurants for owners to dine at during their stay.
After a long winter, it is finally time for warmer weather and getting outdoors with your Furry Traveler! Here is our list of this year's top 10 pet supply items for spring:
1) Dog Safety Harnesses Whether used to keep hyper dogs from interfering with the driver, risking the safety of the vehicle's passengers, or to secure a dog for its own protection, dog harnesses are perfect for transporting pets on the road. We offer several harnesses with differing sizes, fit, and durability, so you can select the right harness for your furry friend.
2) Snoozer Sporty Bike Basket The Snoozer Sporty is a doggy bike carrier with durable microfiber, removable inner padding, and a comfortable chin rest for a pooch to enjoy a relaxing bike ride as much as its owner. With two side pockets for water bottles and a removable rain cover, this item is perfect for a spring cruise in the park, be it rain or shine.
3) Kurgo Winga™ The Kurgo Winga is an ingenious outdoor toy that allows owners to engage with their pet during playtime. With a durable rubber disc that can be launched up to 200 feet in the air, this is the perfect item for energetic pups to play with alongside their owners at the park on a sunny afternoon.
4) Car Seat Covers With more time for muddy adventures and trips to the closest lake, river, or beach, a seat cover or cargo cover is a must! These items are invaluable for springtime activities by providing car seats with protection from muddy paws, dog hair, and unfavorable odors.
5) Raincoat for spring showers Doggy raincoats are a must-have item to prepare one's pooch for heavy spring showers. Some dogs may love splashing in puddles, but this rain gear will keep pets from getting completely soaked on walks throughout the spring. Plus, this accessory is just too adorable not to own and provides any owner with a great prop for a priceless doggy photo shoot.
6) Dog Water Bottle The Handi-Drink is a compact, portable water bottle for pets on-the-go that has a patented rubber flow-control valve in the cap to prevent leaks, spills, and backwash contamination. It is available in three different sizes and includes a dispenser tray, belt clip and carrying strap for convenient transportation.
7) Doggy Backpack The Day Tripper Backpack is a travel pack for pets to wear that features two zippered pouches that can be used to store dog supplies and toys in. Structured to adjust for balance load and padded for extra comfort, this rugged travel pack is perfect for hikes, camping, and other fun outdoor activities.
8) Dog strollers Furry Travelers knows that pet owners on-the-go are often left missing out for their pets or troubled by having to leave their dogs home alone for public events, festivals, and gatherings. We have dog strollers to fit every type of dog and activity so owners can now bring their furry friends along without the worry. This picture is from a trade show we brought Cookie and Katie to. It came in very handy!
9) Dog Carrier-Backpack The SHERPA Back Pack is the perfect hybrid of a backpack and a dog carrier, used to transport pets from place-to-place, be it around town or the globe. It can be used as a handbag or shoulder bag, and fits comfortably under airline cabin seats.
10) Hands-Free Leash Finally, a solution for active pet owners who enjoy taking their dog along for a run or brisk walk but hate having their hands in a bind. The Patento Pet Hands Free Leash wraps securely around the wrist, allowing owners to free up both hands so that they can jog with a more natural posture.
TO GO BOWL
Of course, we must also mention our own To Go Bowl! Remember to take it along while out and about with your pooch and you won't need to share your drink or make a special stop at the drive through for water.
Have a Happy Spring!
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:
We hope some of these tips and reminders help you and your pet stay warm and healthy in the remaining cold months.
We just added a new product to our website - the Slo-Bowl Slow Feeder Bowl.
We have used the Slow Feeder Bowl for our youngest dog for years because she gobbles up her food like she hasn't eaten for weeks. And then can't keep it down. Our vet recommended the Slow Feeder Bowl for us at the time and it has worked perfectly for us.
Now, feeding time can become a fun game for your dog with the Slo-Bowl. The new bowl design is bigger and the ridges deeper to make it more challenging to "hunt" for food. Your dog will love it!
If your dog has digestive problems due to eating too fast, there are many bowls on the market designed to slow down its eating. You might as well make it fun, too with one of these unique designs.
The Slo-Bowl is BPA-Free and Dishwasher safe.
Furry Travelers is based in Southeast Florida, so while we complain that we are cold, we know we have it so easy compared to the rest of the nation.
Many pet owners think that since their dog has fur, they are warm in any climate. In extreme cases, however, even the thickest fur coat may not be enough to keep your dog warm. And for dogs with shorter fur, it is even more important to give them a little extra protection.
To help keep dogs warm this season, we have put many of our winter items including dog coats and dog boots on sale as much as 50% off. Most items are very easy to put on your dog with Velcro closures.
And for the more glamourous pup, we have Susan Lanci faux fur dog coats!
There is just one more week to go before Santa arrives! Here are some ideas for the pet or pet lover on your shopping list that we can send USPS Priority Mail so you get them in time:
Organic Dog Treats
Cain and Able Lavender Travel Set
Leash Luggage
Charming Pet Collars
Susan Lanci Sling, Wizzer Bands or Stainless Steel Water bowl set (for smaller dogs)
To Go Bowl
Pet Ego Messenger Soft Pouch
We know this is a busy time of year for everyone. If we can help you in any wayn help you in any way, please email us or call us at 866-55-FURRY (866-553-8779).
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!
