The first time I ever saw a decorative crate cover was a few years ago at a trade show.  A young woman explained that she had a small apartment and crated her dog while she was at work.  Having little space to work with, she thought it would be convenient to be able to use the crate as a coffee table, so she designed a cover for it to coordinate with the rest of her decor.  What a great idea!   Many companies are now designing crate covers and Furry Travelers recently added a few to our product line - with matching crate pads.  So cute!  The best part of a crate cover is the benefit to your dog.  Dogs are den dewlling animals by instinct.  A crate that is covered provides the dog with a den-like atmosphere.  This is very useful when you are away from home, whether or not you bring your pooch with you.   If you keep the crate in an area that can become drafty or cold, the cover will help keep your pet warm.  In the summer months, the cover can provide shade.   Crating Tips: Think of the crate as a good thing. In time, your dog will too. Let your dog out often enough so that it is not forced to soil the crate. Let the dog out if it whines because it needs to eliminate. If you know it doesn't have to eliminate, correct it for whining or barking. Clean the crate regularly, especially if you've put in a pad or pillow, or if you have flea problems. Forgive your dog if it soils the crate. It probably just couldn't wait any longer. Don't use the crate as a punishment. Don't leave the dog in the crate for a long time after letting it eat and drink a lot. (Your dog will be uncomfortable and may have to eliminate in the crate.) Keep your dog's crate time at a minimum. Dogs sleep and rest a lot, but not all the time. They need play time and exercise. When you are at home, they should not be in the crate (except at night when they are still very young puppies). If necessary, put a leash on your pup and tie it around your waist while you're at home. Continue to use the crate, even after your puppy is housebroken.  Occasionally using the crate will make traveling and special situations that require crating easier. Most dogs like cooler temperatures than their human companions and prefer to stretch out on a hard, cool surface.  If your dog prefers tile to carpet, you may want to skip the pad - or leave a portion of the crate floor bare.  If you use a pad or pillow, clean frequently.  Our 5 month old puppy, Katie, is the first puppy we did not crate-train.  Now that I work at home, we thought it was easier not to.  This was a mistake.  Our little Katie had emergency surgery on Friday and we are taking her home tonight.  The vet told us we must keep her in a crate so she doesn't hurt herself (and to prevent her from roughhousing with our other dog).  So, we now have to hope that her few days in a cage at the hospital will be enough to make her happy to be in a crate at home.   We will be using the ProSelect 2-Piece Crate Cover and Bed Set!  

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.  

Dog Safety Harnesses Keep your dog safely in place while on the road with one of these safety harnesses. Safety harnesses for your dog can save its life.  Furry Travelers sells all types of safety harnesses to make riding with your dog safe and fun.

Dog Leashes Furry Travelers has a large assortment of dog leashes including hands-free leashes, 5 in 1 leashes, retractable leashes and short leashes.  

Dog Backpacks These dog backpacks are comfortable for your dog and makes it easy for you to carry the dogs food and water!   

Dog Crates Ensure your pet's safety and comfort when traveling with thse dog crates, dog bedding and crate covers.  Choose from wire crates, canvas crates, crate covers and dog beddit, too!    

Dog Car Seats and Boosters   Keep those little dogs safe and let them see out the window with these dog booster seats and dog car seats.  

The Snoozer Roll Around 4 in 1 Pet Carrier is an approved airline* dog, cat, and pet carrier that makes traveling with your pet easy.  Perfect for traveling, this carrier converts into a backpack, car seat, and pet bed, enabling pet owners to bring their dog or cat just about anywhere.  Available in three sizes for dogs up to 30 pounds, and two colors.  *Always check with your airline carrier to confirm approved carrier sizes and rules.   Roll Around Dog Carrier Backpack Features: 4-in-1 Versatility: Use as a dog backpack, carrier, dog car seat, and pet bed Breathable: Mesh on three sides for pet comfort and visibility Safety: Includes internal harness clip for keeping pet secured Colors: Available in red or black Warranty: One Year Warranty Shipping: Free shipping in contiguous USA Roll Around Dog Carrier Backpack Sizes: Medium: Width: 14 inches Height: 20 inches Depth: 11 inches For dogs up to 15 lbs* Large: Width: 15.5 inches Height: 23 inches Depth: 12.25 For dogs up to 30 lbs  

To Go Bowl is the perfect multi-purpose travel water bowl.  The patented and award winning design fits conveniently into your car's 3 to 4 inch cup holder in either the front or back seat, and even many side door cup holders.  It also includes a splash guard and lid to prevent spilling!    You can also use To Go Bowl as a regular dog bowl.  When the cup portion is removed, it easily transitions from the car to the hotel room, dog park or home.  The cup can also be used to store your pet's favorite treats and comes with its own lid to keep treats fresh!    To Go Bowl is an ideal and necessary pet travel accessory: Your dog will stay well-hydrated throughout the trip without the frequent stops you previously required.    For the smallest to largest breeds.  Also works great in boats, golf carts and RV's!    Made of BPA-FREE, FDA approved, durable Polypropylene.  Dishwasher safe.  Proudly made in the USA.   *If not fully satisfied, return your To Go Bowl within 60 days for full refund of purchase price.    Don't leave home without your To Go Bowl!     BUY MORE AND SAVE!      

Pet Travel Bags Stay organized for your travels with these pet travel bags and organizers.  Travel bags with handy pockets to easily find your pet's bowls, food, brushes, etc. Includes seat organizers and cargo organizers.