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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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We lost our dog Sammy earlier this year. We had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep. She had been suffering for years from serious back problems related to major surgery she had 10 years earlier. She also had recurring eye problems caused by a paralyzed facial nerve.
We did all we could to make her life happy over the years. This included building homemade ramps for 4 rooms of the house so she could sit and sleep with us, taking her for walks in a stroller so she could get fresh air, putting carpet runners throughout our tiled house so her little paws wouldn't slip out from under her while she walked. We gave her supplements, a radiant heat lamp, acupuncture treatments. She was truly a loved member of our family and we spared no expense or effort to make her happy and comfortable.
At 15 years of age, she was no longer our happy-go-lucky Sammy. She seemed uncomfortable and the only excitement she showed was at mealtime. Other than that, she didn't wag her tail or even want to be in the same room with us. Given her health history, we discussed that we would not put her through another surgery, should that need arise.
When she developed another serious eye problem requiring surgery, we discussed the situation with her doctor. Our wonderful vet assured us that these were all signs she was ready to move on. She was no longer enjoying her life. I heard another vet once say that it is better to end a dogs life too soon than to risk ending it an hour too late.
While this made our decision easier, it did not make the loss easier. For all but the last few months of her life, she was the happiest, friendliest dog we had ever known.
(This blog entry started out to be about a pet product and I'm not sure what got me on the subject of Sammy, but I am going to leave it in case someone out there is needing to make a similar decision about their beloved dog. Talk to your vet. They can help you decide what is best.)
The loss of a pet is tremendous and the sadness sometimes overwhelming, but it does get easier with time. Let yourself be sad, cry, go through the grieving process. They are members of your family and most likely loved as much as your two legged family members.
Finally, don't be afraid to eventually get another pet! I have spoken to so many people whose dog passed away years earlier. When I ask why they haven't gotten a new one, they say because they don't want to ever go through that type of loss again.
I can't imagine being a dog lover and choosing to be alone rather than have a dog bring you love, companionship and joy for so many years. Don't be afraid! It can help you overcome the grief and bring you years of happiness.
Just be careful not to expect your new pet to "replace" the old. Dogs, as people, are all different. One thing that stays the same, is the unconditional love and wet kisses you only get from a dog.
Our little Sammy
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Who's going on a road trip this summer? It's just about time to start making some summer travel plans. Whether you're driving cross country or just to the next town, having a pet carrier is crucial! Our Pet Gear Auto Carrier is the perfect way to take your pet securely in your car. The Auto Carrier is perfect for small dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds and other small domesticated animals. When you're traveling, having your pet with you is important! We want to assure that your travel trips are safe and comfortable for the pets you love! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/5799--pet-gear-auto-carrier-car-seat-kennel.html
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Going on any fun vacations for Spring Break? Don't forget to bring your pets along for the fun! There are an increasing number of pet friendly hotels, resorts, attractions and more nationwide. Just don't forget to be prepared! Our signature To Go Bowl is GREAT for road trips- short or long. The design includes a splash guard and lid to prevent spilling, and fits perfectly in your car's cup holder! Available in 8 great colors, this is one must-have pet travel accessory you'll love! Learn more here- http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/1001--to-go-bowl-by-furry-travelers.html
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Product Review - Bark Stix Organic Dog Treats
FurryTravelers.com was started to help pet owners travel with their pets safely and easily by offering the best pet travel products. Once in a while, however, we come across non-travel related pet products we think are so great that we add them to our product line-up.
I don't recall how we originally found Bark Stix (maybe they found us), but after speaking with the owner a few years ago and hearing about the company, I knew I needed to test them on my own dogs, Cookie and Katie. They loved every type of treat I gave them! What I love about them is that they are 100% organic, nutritious, and made in the United States.
Here are three of our favorites:
Sweetie Pies
Sweet Potatoes are considered by nutrition experts to be one of the 10 healthiest foods one can eat. That goes for dogs, too. Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. And dogs LOVE them!
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, chicken liver, potato flour, honey and sea salt.
Sadie's Big Stix and Lucy's Short Stix
These fun, nutritious stix are shaped like a bread stick and measure 9-10 inches for Sadie's and about 5 inches for Lucy's - a best seller.
Fart Busters
This all meat chicken treat is made from whole Free Range chicken with a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those 'aromatic' moments that come between dog and guardian. Like all of our treats they are manufactured in our facility in Northern California. The chickens are locally sourced from small farmers and raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.
There are several varieties of Bark Stix dog treats. To see all Bark Stix Treats, click here.
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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!
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The holiday's are almost here! And for a lot of people that means traveling. If you plan on flying with your pet this year, here's a list of 5 most pet-friendly airlines of 2009. You're pet will thank you!
Continental
The airline's PetSafe program has a 24-hour Live Animal Help Desk that tracks your pet from origin to destination. It's more expensive than other airlines, but your pet will travel in climate-controlled vehicles for connections and you'll earn extra miles. The airline also allows small pets to be carried in the cabin on most domestic flights for $125 each way.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue launched JetPaws last summer, providing passengerspet carrier bag tag, two TrueBlue points each way, a welcome e-mail and pet-travel guide, all for no additional cost. But like almost every other airline, they have raised their in-cabin pet charge. One-way fees range from $75-$100.
Airtran
Airtran is currently the least expensive airline to fly with your small pet: just $69 each way. They only allow small pets that can travel the cabin, so if you have a larger breed that needs to be checked-in, this airline isn't for you.
American Airlines
The airline has assisted transporting animals from popular zoos in cargo. Although they allow a limited number of pets in the cabin, they ask passengers traveling with pets to make special notes for their animals flying in cargo and promise to abide by all requests.
United Airlines
They accept small cats, dogs and birds in the cabin; rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage and other animals including parrots, cockatiels and ferrets in United Cargo. Shipping by cargo is for items, like some pets, that you can't check as baggage.
For more information about these airlines and their pet policies, click on the airline name above.
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It's the holiday season and chances are you will be taking your dog for a car ride.
We assume all dogs love to go for rides in the car, but there are many that become very anxious while traveling. Whatever the cause may be, there are some steps you can take to ease your furry friend's stress.
If your have have an older dog, try sitting in the car with the engine off for a short period of time. Reward with a treat. When this is no longer challenging, sit in the car with the engine on and reward with a treat. The next step is a quick car ride and then hopefully you will soon have a nice, calm Furry Traveler.
If these steps don't work, there are all-natural stress relievers such as Rescue Remedy for Pets you can try. These work by gently calming your dog's nerves. You can administer directly or put a few drops in the water bowl.
If your dog is used to a crate, traveling in the crate can be comforting as well as safe. Put a familiar blanket or toy in the crate and secure it from sliding around while you drive.
Make sure you bring plenty of water to keep your pet properly hydrated.
Of course, NEVER leave your pet in an unattended vehicle.
You can find some great travel items at www.furrytravelers.com/11.html!
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I came across an aritcle recently (from Cars.com) that listed the pet friendliest cars on the market and thought I would share the information. A few of these brands will soon no longer be manufactured, but can be a useful if you are looking for a pre-owned car.
As a pet owner, we want to keep our pets as safe and comfortable as we are. Volvo was found to do the best job of offering products for pet owners, however many automakers offer features and options that are pet-friendly, even though not all of them were specifically designed for pets.
Volvo:
Nets that span the space between the ceiling and the backrests of the front or rear seats to keep pets in their own area.
A collection of metal dividers for wagons and SUV's.
A Vertical grate that divides the cargo area into halves, separating a dog from cargo or another dog.
Saab:
The 9-3 SportCombi and 9-5 SportCombi (wagon) include a cargo space divider, cargo mat, cargo apron and cargo guard in the back; the 9-5 SportCombi also has a trunk tray.
Saturn:
The Vue has a cargo management system.
Volkswagen:
The Jetta and Passat wagons offer cargo partitions, while driver accessories include a VW Beetle squeaky toy, air freshener and squishy pillow. Other VW gear includes heavy-duty floor mats and cargo liners.
Nissan:
A Pet Guard Divider accessory that helps keep pets secure while in a vehicle's cargo area.
Other features that can make traveling with pets easier, and a few cars that have them, include:
Fold-up backseat cushions, which allow a larger area on the floor for pets to lie down. (Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota)
Fold-flat second row seats, which open up the cargo area for more pet space. (Most wagions/SUV's/Minivans.
Fold-flat front passenger seat, which opens up the cargo area for even more pet space. (Toyota Tacoma, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent
Hard-coated and scratch-resistant load floor/folding seatbacks, making for easy cleanup. (Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Toyota Yaris hatchback, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Honda Element, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V)
Washable/stain-resistant upholstery. (Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler ('07), Honda Element, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring ('07), Dodge Nitro, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab, Jeep Patriot)
(Sources: Cars.com)
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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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