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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!
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A mother's love, patience, and hard work should be acknowledged and appreciated all the time, but especially on Mother's Day!!! Make sure your weekend is extra special and show her how much you truly care!
Wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day,
Furry Travelers
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This Valentine's Day, treat your special pooch to a homemade heart shaped treat! We've found a great recipe that happens to be perfect for the upcoming holiday! It's time to share the love, so let's not forget our pups! http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/947199/homemade-heart-shaped-mini-dog-cakes
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Source: Adapted from the ASPCA
Is chewing a destructive behavior? Here's the simplest answer: Only if he's chewing on the wrong thing. So give him something that's okay to chew.
Puppy chewing is an important part of the teething process. As adults, dogs often chew for fun, or to relieve boredom. Chewing or tearing things up (like paper) can also be a displacement behavior, a way to release pent-up energy or stress.
Redirecting destructive chewing
Puppy- and dog-proof your house. As with any type of behavior you wish to change, one of the most important things to do is manage the environment. We are all familiar with "puppy proofing" our houses - we learn to put shoes in the closet, and put pups in the crate when we are not actively supervising them. But we often forget that many adult dogs need the same type of management to keep them out of trouble.
Give him a chew toy instead. If your dog attempts to chew on an inappropriate item while in your presence, simply interrupt the behavior and re-direct him to an appropriate chew toy. It can be helpful to have a stuffed Kong toy in a Ziploc bag in your freezer - so you can quickly produce it when needed. Many pups have certain times of day when they are more likely to chew, so you can head this behavior off at the pass if you choose this time of day to give the dog an approved chewie.
Use bad-tasting repellants and sprays. You can keep puppies and adult dogs away from some items by using impersonal correction, preferably where the "environment" does the correcting. For example, spray items with Bitter Apple spray or Boundary dog repellant, or use a Scat Mat at the edge of a countertop, to stop counter surfers. This type of training operates on the same principle as a child touching a hot stove - if something is particularly unpleasant, most likely the child or the dog will make the decision not to repeat that behavior.
Give him plenty of exercise. Exercise is vitally important for dogs prone to inappropriate chewing or other destructive behaviors. A tired pup will be less likely to get into things. Exercise also produces endorphins, which have a calming effect. In fact, it is these endorphins that are stimulated by chewing, so if your dog is not getting enough exercise, he may unconsciously be seeking to replace needed endorphins by releasing pent-up energy through chewing.
Make sure it's not separation anxiety. Occasionally chewing or tearing things up is a symptom of a more serious problem, such as separation anxiety. If you suspect separation anxiety, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Be gentle! A few training books are still on the market that advocate inhumane methods for stopping destructive behaviors, such as putting duct tape around a pet's mouth or physically hitting a dog. Needless to say, there is no excuse for such corrections. Not only are they extremely unfair, they're ineffective. The use of proper management (for instance, cratung a dog when he is not under your direct supervision), along with proper exercise, takes care of 99 percent of destructive behavior problems.
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Cookie and I just got back from the AKC Dog Show in Atlanta. It has been a few months since we traveled together and it reminded me how important it is to have proper pet travel accessories. These are some of our favorites:
Safety First!
The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat keeps smaller dogs safely buckled, while allowing them to see out the window - something a simple safety harness can make difficult.
The Skybox adjusts to any height and holds up to 30 pounds. I often put both of our dogs in it! You simply strap them to their own harness, or a safety harness. When it is not in use, just unclasp the seat strap and flip it over the head rest. It is lightweight and collapses to just a few inches when not in use.
Note:
All dogs should be safely buckled up, just like you and the rest of your family. There are many styles of safety harnesses to choose from at many price ranges. You might be surprised to find how quickly your dog adjusts to a safety harness. Even the most active dogs can feel more secure when they are restrained in the car. And everyone will be safer in case of a sudden stop or accident.
The To Go Bowl by Furry Travelers is a must have travel accessory for all road trips. Cookie was able to drink whenever she wanted without having to stop the car or worry about splashing. We also used the bowl in our hotel and at the dog show by removing the cup portion (which of course carried her treats).
The patented, award winning To Go Bowl fits cup holders between 3 - 4 inches and can be used for dogs of all sizes.
We never take a trip without Cookie's own bag, the EBD Carry All Travel Bag. This bag is the greatest! It has so many interior pockets that staying organized is a piece of cake. Cookie had to look her best while working at the dog show, so we had pockets for her hair brush, dental spray, tear wipes, extra harness and leash, a coat (it was cold there!) and still had room for some of my own things. The EBD Carry All Bag even comes with its own fleece blanket.
NEW FAVORITE: I picked up the Kurgo Quantum Leash at the trade show this month. It is a leash that can be used 6 different ways (see details)! I didn't really see a benefit to using this type of leash, especially for a small dog like Cookie. While setting up our booth at the show, I thought I would give it a try. Cookie likes to be with me all the time, especially when in a new environment. I often keep her in her Susan Lanci Travel Sling, but she can still be in the way and gets kind of heavy after a while. Anyway, I hooked the Quantum Leash to her harness and hooked it across my shoulder. What a problem solver! She was with me everywhere I went, without me having to carry her.
Finally, the big seller of the show and perhaps my all time favorite product (next to the To Go Bowl, of course), is the Susan Lanci Travel Sling. Cookie "hung around" all day, every day at the show and really started a trend with the other small dog owners in Atlanta. The sling is ideal for smaller dogs (under 10 pounds) and comfortable for both you and your pup. It is lightweight, breathable, and folds up so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse!
Traveling with your dog can be fun and easy! There are many, many great travel accessories for pets. Furry Travelers goal is to carry the newest and most unique pet travel products on the market. We are constantly adding great new items, so check our website often!
To see all our pet travel accessories, click here.
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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!
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January 2nd is National Pet Travel Safety Day, founded by Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Advocate and former Paramedic, Colleen Paige to highlight the dangers of unsecured pets in vehicles and educate the public about how to make vehicle travel safer for people and the pets they love.
Driver distraction is the number one cause of car accidents, and an unrestrained pet can easily be a distraction which could cause an unfortunate accident. Even an abrupt stop can cause serious injury to your pet.
We don't think twice when it comes to buckling up for safety for adults or children, but do we remember our furry family members? An unrestrained pet can be seriously injured in the event of even a minor accident. A 60-pound unrestrained dog becomes a 2,700 pound projectile at just 35 mph. An unrestrained pet can also cause a driving distraction that poses a danger to the driver, passengers, and other drivers on the road, as well as to bystanders.
There are many different types and styles of safety harnesses for dogs of all sizes to make it an easy step to take to keep everyone safe. After a few uses, it will become habit where you don't even have to think about it. You will also find your trips to be more enjoyable, knowing everyone is safe and having fewer distractions.
In addition to safety harnesses, dog booster seats and dog crates are additional ways to keep your pet safe and secure while traveling.
So make a commitment to keeping everyone safe on the road by ensuring that every traveler is buckled up, even your Furry Travelers.
Safe Travels!
Nancy Cribb
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Run out of fun summer activities to do with your pooch? Make the most of this
summer and take you pup on some adventures! Here's a list of 10 great ideas to
get you inspired! http://kendalldog.com/2011/06/14/10-fun-things-to-do-with-your-pup-during-the-dog-days-of-summer/
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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
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Furry Traveler Road Tips
If you plan on taking your pet along on your next trip, you'll need to pack some additional items to make sure they're safe, entertained and happy. Here's a list of things you might need:
• A carrier or crate, complete with identification.
• A blanket or cushion from your pet's home bedding.
• Your pet's food and water dish, as well as a portable water dish for traveling to your destination.
• Veterinarian documents for your pet.
• Treats!
• An extra collar and leash
• Any grooming supplies, like a brush or a comb, a lint remover for hotel furniture, tweezers, etc.
• Your pet's favorite chew toys.
• A restraint device if traveling by car.
• A container of your pet's normal food.
• Carpet stain and odor remover, just in case…
• Trash bags and waste removal bags.
• Flashlight, for walking after dark.
• Extra old towels.
• Photos of your pet in case he or she gets lost.
• Contact information of your at-home vet clinic and a few local clinics.
If you're traveling by car, make sure to check the air conditioning before hand and that you use it while driving. Don't roll down the windows and let your pet hang his or her head out the window. Safety first, ya know.
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