Sick and tired of leashes that are uncomfortable and in many cases uncomfortable to your pup? Now you've got an earth-friendly no-pull option! The Easy Walk Harness is offered in limited sizes, these harnesses look and feel hot without contributing to global warming. Traditional harnesses can actually encourage dogs to pull harder because of the "opposition reflex." That's the reflex that makes sled dogs do what they do. The Easy Walk Harness's unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across your dog's chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side, redirecting his attention back towards you. The Easy Walk Harness won't cause coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone, not on the delicate tracheal area. Surprise your dog with a leash that both you and him can appreciate! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/31284--eco-easy-walk-harness-and-leash.html

Many of us will be taking our furry ones on road trips this Thanksgiving.  Here are some ideas for vehicle accessories that make traveling with pets easier.   It is so important to keep your pet's safety in mind while on the road.  While many like to have them on their lap or see them enjoying the breeze in their face, this can be very dangerous in the event of an abrupt stop or accident.   To keep your pet secure, we recommend a safety harness or, for smaller dogs, a booster seat with a tether to attach to their harness.  Some pet carriers such as the Sleepypod can be secured in place with your car's seat belt.  These items will prevent your pooch from jumping around the car and keep them in place in the event of a sudden stop.     Car seat covers and hammocks are a worthwhile investment as they protect seats from water, snow and muddy paws.  They come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles and are very easy to install.     Proper hydration while on the road is important to your dog's health and comfort.  The To Go Bowl is a water bowl that is designed to fit into a car's cup holder - in the front or back seat - and allows your dog to drink whenever he wants without stopping the car. Stay organized by using a seat back organizer or cargo organizer for your pet's toys, leashes, treats, etc. If your dog gets anxious in the car, try a calming remedy or anxiety wrap.  We have heard from many happy customers, including one of our own Furry Travelers, that they really do work! Just for fun, you can personalize your vehicle with a cute magnet or license plate cover.   See all Furry Travelers automotive accessories here.   Wishing you and your Furry Travelers safe travels! (Look for more travel tips from Furry Travelers during the holiday season.)    

There are many back seat hammocks, but in my opinion, the Kurgo Back Seat Hammocks are by far the best on the market.   Made of durable, washable, waterproof canvas, this hammock fits most back seats by attaching around your head rests.  It is a great and easy way to keep your seats free of dirt and damage.   Unlike most other hammocks, the Kurgo Back Seat Hammock can also accomodate a passenger as well as a car seat, along with your dog.  Just unzip the the zipper in the middle of the hammock and you have legroom!  And of course, there are openings for your seat belt and dog's safety harness.   While we do recommend you buckle up your pet for safety, in the event you do not, the hammock can prevent your dog from sliding off the seat onto the floor and possibly being injured by a sudden stop.   The Back Seat Hammock is available in Khaki or Black and comes with its own carrying case and water bottle.      Retail price $59.99.  Buy here!

  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!  

This is the first of many products that I will be reviewing for Furry Travelers.  The reviews will be posted weekly, so please check back with us.  If there is a specific product you would like us to review, please let us know!   I chose the Wander Carrier because it is one of the travel products I use most, and absolutely love.  I travel quite a bit with my little Bichon Frise, Cookie (below), and we have found this carrier to be very sturdy, versatile, convenient and comfortable.      Sturdy:  The Wander Carrier is made of luggage grade fabric with a solid top, waterproof bottom, and the sides are reinforced with a steel rods.  You definitely feel your pooch is protected in this carrier.    Versatile:  Of course I have used the Wander Carrier to carry Cookie from place to place, but I have also used it as a crate for short periods when I had to leave her alone in a new location such as a hotel room.  Having this familiar carrier helps Cookie feel at home wherever we may be.  Finally, and maybe the best safety feature, is that you can strap the Wander Carrier into your car by putting the seat belt through the handle and around the carrier.  What a great design!   Convenient:  While there are many carriers around, this is the only one that I know of that is both sturdy and also folds down to approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches for easy storage.  There is an interior tether to attach to your dog's harness and even a side pocket to keep a dog leash, car keys, cell phone...   Comfortable:  What good is a carrier if your Furry Traveler isn't going to be comfortable?  The Wander Carrier comes with a washable soft fabric pad and the adjustable carrying strap is padded, too.   I have used my carrier for over a year and it still looks good enough for me to use as a display item when I have a booth at a Pet Expo or Dog Show.    The Wander Carrier holds dogs up to 18 pounds and is 17" long by 11" high.  See more details or order yours by clicking here.

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    

Dog Harnesses Furry Travelers has a large selection of comfortable, safe and stylish dog harnesses.     

It's been hot all summer and it doesn't look like it is going to end any time soon for many areas of the country.  I think it is always smart to brush up on the signs of heat stroke in dogs.   The ASPCA offers the following warning signs for recognizing when your dog might be overheated. According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.   Summer Safety Tip: Dogs and Cars - Don't leave them alone! Even on a relatively cool day, temperatures can escalate quickly and in the Summer, can become a furnace in no time—even with the windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke.     

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          

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!