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Do you have two or more pups who like to share your bed with you? When you have more than one pooch, things can get a little crowded! The Portable Bunk Bed for Dogs could be great for you! This bed has separate sleeping areas for each pooch, designed especially for pet parents with multiple pups! It provides a comfortable separate area that's within reach, allowing you more sleeping space. This product can accommodate small and large dogs, and is even great for cats! Check it out! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/100102--bunk-bed-for-dogs.html
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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!
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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:
If you feel cold, chances are your dog does, too!
Keep outside visits short during very cold temperatures.
Keep your dog away from snow clearing machinery so they do not get injured.
Put your dog's sweater in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up before putting it on.
A hot water bottle can be tucked under a dog's bed to warm it up quickly.
Never keep an indoor dog outdoors suddenly during winter.
Never leave your dog outside for a long time in freezing temperatures.
Never leave your dog inside a cold car.
We hope some of these tips and reminders help you and your pet stay warm and healthy in the remaining cold months.
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Do you enjoy long relaxing bike rides? I'm sure your pup would enjoy them too! Check out our Snoozer Pet Bicycle Basket! This patented bike basket provides a safe and comfortable place for your pet to enjoy the company of their owner while biking. Plus, a mesh water bottle pocket gives pet owners a perfect place to store some water for long rides! Now you can enjoy your favorite hobby together! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/10011--snoozer-sporty-bike-basket.html
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The following information was taken from the FDA Veterinarian Newsletter
With the summer months rapidly approaching, vacation season will soon be here. We all need a little time away from the monotony of an everyday routine, so as you get ready to retreat, it's important to know how to care for your four-legged friends traveling with you. Most of us travel by car or plane, but each option brings certain drawbacks for pets.
Car Travel
Car travel is usually less stressful on pets because it allows Freckles and Champ to be close to you, so you can monitor their well-being and come to their aid when needed. If you choose to drive to your destination, here are a few helpful hints to make the trip more enjoyable.
Motion sickness: It's common for pets to experience motion sickness while traveling in a car. To help avoid an upset stomach, don't feed your pet a large meal before travel. Cracking a window to allow fresh air to circulate through your vehicle also helps. If Champ is prone to motion sickness or if Freckles' sensitive stomach acts up again, you may want to put them in the front seat next to you. Riding up front helps because less motion is felt in the front of the vehicle.
Bathroom breaks: While Champ may snooze for the majority of the trip, it's still important to give him frequent bathroom breaks. Traffic is unpredictable, so if it has been more than a couple of hours, stop and give your dog a chance to relieve himself and stretch his legs.
Sedatives: While sedatives may make your pet seem less stressed during car trips, these medications also have a tendency to dull the senses and lessen your pet's ability to react to the environment, which can be dangerous in an emergency. When traveling by car or by plane, avoid giving your pet any type of sedative. If you think Champ or Freckles really needs a sedative to travel, talk to your pet's veterinarian before your trip.
Air Travel
For people, flying is often quicker and easier than driving, but flying can be a more stressful experience for your pet. If you decide to travel by air, it's important to keep a few things in mind.
Cargo travel: While you're snacking, reading, and sleeping in relative comfort up in economy seating, Champ is usually traveling in the cargo area below, subjected to temperature fluctuations and loud noises. A cat or small dog may be allowed to travel in the plane's cabin, as long as the pet is kept in a crate and the crate fits underneath the seat. Check with specific airlines for more information about cabin travel for your pet.
Check on your pet: Make sure to tell the plane's Captain or flight attendant that you have a pet on board. If the flight staff knows about Champ in cargo, they are better able to check on him for you, especially if an unusual situation occurs, such as an unscheduled landing, extended taxi time, or long layover.
Walk your dog: If you and Champ have a connecting flight, try to walk him before that connecting flight departs. Many airports provide dog parks just outside the terminal. A bathroom break and a short walk will help Champ relax and stay calm during the remainder of his journey.
Crate your pet: During flights, most pets are housed in pet crates provided by their owners. It's important to prepare your pet's crate with safety in mind. Pet crates should provide ample space for your pet to move around and should also meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA).
When your pet is crated, remember to include:
A bowl of dry food;
A bowl or other container of frozen water that will melt over the course of the trip, giving your pet constant access to cold water;
Appropriate bedding, such as a soft towel or blanket, or shredded newspaper or wood chips if the traveling pet is a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig; and
A label on the outside of the crate that is clearly marked with your pet's name and your contact information. You should include both your home contact information and your destination contact information.
Be Prepared: If you plan to stay in a hotel while traveling, contact the hotel ahead of time to make sure it is pet friendly.
Before your trip, research veterinary hospitals in the city or town of your destination in case of a pet emergency during the vacation.
Hawaii and Abroad: Traveling outside the continental United States with your pet requires advanced planning. For international travel, contact the appropriate country's embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks before your trip. Different countries may require different documentation for your pet's entry. The state of Hawaii also has entry requirements for arriving pets.
For more information about traveling with your pets, please check the following Web sites:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/
http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/TravelingPets.html
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/travelingwithpet-faq.asp
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.asp
http://www.avma.org/services/vprc/travel.asp
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For those cats and dogs who like to take a quick snooze on their way to the vet, the multiple award winning Sleepypod is the safest and the most comfortable environment to be in. This Pod is created so that you are able to transport it wherever you like, and builds a positive association for your pet due to your ability to bring it anywhere. When traveling, your pets will feel at home no matter where they go! The Sleepypod is easy to adjust in your car, just wrap your car's seatbelt around the outer shell and through the top handle to secure your Sleepypod like a car seat! With the Sleep Pod, there's no more need for pets to be anxious and restless during drives!
http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3066--sleepypod-mini-and-standard.html
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PET PRODUCTS NOW ON SALE!
Save on a variety of popular pet items. Check back often as items are changed regularly!
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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.
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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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Are you thinking of dressing up your pooch this Halloween? Instead of spending money on an elaborate pet costume, why not do it yourself! Check out these simple and easy pet costumes for this year's Halloween festivities! http://www.care.com/pet-care-easy-diy-halloween-costumes-for-pets-p1017-q20675665.html
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