Search Results
|
|
I visited New York City for the first time last week. It was a business trip - a media event showing the latest unique pet products. (I will post pictures when they become available).
While it is quite a distance from SE Florida, I decided to drive so I could bring a variety of products to show at the event. Cookie came along for the ride and also to be our model.
The event was held at the New York Barclay Hotel in midtown Manhattan. They recently became pet friendly, and I must say, Cookie felt very welcome by everyone that worked there as well as other guests.
What we didn't realize, unfortunately, is that while New Yorkers love their dogs, unless your dog is a "city dog", you might have problems. Being a professional "Furry Traveler", I thought I was prepared for everything. There were a few items I had wished I brought, however.
Of course we took our To Go Bowl on the trip so Cookie could drink whenever she wanted while in the car. This bowl was then brought into the hotel and used on the floor for her water bowl. I had brought a folding travel bowl for her food, but this didn't work well for us. Since she is a small dog and I didn't need to put a lot of food in the bowl, it would start to fold down when she put her face into it. She didn't like that and I ended up hand feeding her. The Kurgo Collaps-a-bowl would have been better. It stays rigid until you manually collapse it. The Little Buddy Lunchbox would have been convenient, too. I could have stored her dog food in it, as well.
Then there was the "potty" issue. I knew NYC was not known for its lush landscaping, but I thought there would be grass somewhere. There was - Central Park - about a 20 minute walk from the hotel. Of course I have seen it on television, but it truly is a beautiful, gigantic park, with street vendors and performers, ball parks, outdoor (pet friendly) restaurants... We had a great time exploring the park and Cookie had blocks and blocks and blocks to find the perfect spot to go.
The next morning we tried a closer dog park, just a couple blocks away. While it didn't have a lot of grass, it was fenced and right on the Hudson River. A great place for dogs to run and have fun. We walked back on a different block that did have some grassy patches. I guess a city dog doesn't need grass and I'm sure Cookie would eventually adjust if necessary. Next time I will bring our Pup Head, though. This would have made things so much easier!
I took many of the products we sell to make the trip safer and more convenient. One necessity is the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness. It kept Cookie safe while driving and then when we stopped, I clipped her leash to it for a quick walk. It is padded, so nice and comfortable for Cookie, and easy for me, as it simply slips over her head and clips around her chest. Of course Leash Luggage, the Bow Wow Bag, waste bags, reflective collar are other items that made traveling more convenient.
We also took Cookie's stroller. This made it easy to maneuver in the crowds, get on the hotel elevator, eat at the cafe. It was hot in NYC last week so I think all the walking in the hot weather would have been too much for the little one.
And no trip is ever made without her EBD Carry-All bag. I love this bag! It has a pocket for everything so it is easy to stay organized. Cookie is our Furry Travelers model, so she her share of supplies we bring on each trip and needs her own bag in which to carry them.
I wish we had been able to stay in New York City longer and look forward to going back in the future!
For see all Furry Travelers products, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.
|
|
|
Pet toys always make the best gifts for pet parents. If you're considering getting another pet parent a toy this holiday season, we've got a great variety to choose from! Click here and see all of our fun pet toys! http://www.furrytravelers.com/11m7/toys.html?m7:nested=0
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
The Puplight is one of my favorite products. In fact, when selecting products to add to our website, this was one of the first I chose.
If you walk your dog while it is dark, you will love this product. The Puplight is an LED light attached to a comfortable elastic collar. It illuminates up to 200 feet ahead, allowing drivers to easily see your furry friend. Three AAA batteries last at least 150 hours and its unique design keeps the light out of your dog's eyes.
The elastic band fits neck sizes from 8" to 26" and can either be buckled on or slipped over the head. It can be worn along with your dog's own collar or the light can be attached to the existing collar. It only weighs 2 1/2 ounces, making it comfortable for the smallest dogs.
Keep your dog visibal at night - to both you and traffic - by using Puplight. You can find more information here.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
We are all in the habit of using our seatbelt whenever we drive. Most pet owners, however, do not think about using a safety harness for their pet. It is time we do!
According to the American Automobile Association, unrestrained pets cause more than 30,000 accidents annually. That's thousands of fatalities and injuries that could have been avoided with the use of a simple pet restraint, harness or crate.
Bark Buckle-UP founder, Christina Selter, warns that an unrestrained dog can be dangerous to everyone in the vehicle. "In a 30 MPH accident, a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of more than 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield or other passenger."
And let's face it, any one of us would be heart-broken if our dog was injured, or worse, killed in an accident because we were too rushed or lazy to buckle them into a safety harness. (Hint - leave the seat belt attachment in the car at all times so it is easy to snap onto your dog's harness. It will be one less thing to remember as you leave home, too!)
So...let's make a New Year's Resolution to buckle up our pet every time we go for a drive - no matter how short the distance. To make things easy, I am going to review a few of the travel harnesses we carry on our website:
1) Kurgo Tru-Fit Safety Harness: This is probably the easiest harness to put on your dog that I am aware of. Once adjusted for size, you simply slip it over your dog's head and then buckle the strap around its chest. That's it! It comes with a loop that you put your seat belt through and attach to the harness to keep your Furry Traveler in place while you drive. It is made of high-quality automotive seat belt materials and has a broad padded chest plate for extra protection and comfort. Good for dogs over 10 pounds. Price: $22.99 - $28.99.
2) The PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness provides protection in a standard vehicle by using the vehicle's seat belt, LATCH bar system or cargo area to securely restrain a harnessed dog. Just slip the seat belt through the web loop on the harness and buckle up. For dogs over 15 pounds. Crash tested for safety. Price: $49.99.
3) For the more fashion conscious, we offer a variety of comfortably padded safety harnesses in a variety of colors and patterns. Many of these styles snap right into your own car's seat belt buckle - very easy to use.
Whatever your choice may be, just remember that having your dog restrained is one less distraction for you and so much safer for your Furry Traveler!
To view all our safety harnesses, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.
Happy New Year from your friends at Furry Travelers!
|
|
|
Pet Anxiety
Summer heat, road trips, and backyard BBQs are starting to preoccupy your calendar, but have you thought about your four-legged companion? Loud noises and traveling are two common causes of anxiety in our pets. According to the Humane Society, our furry best friends are often afraid of thunder and other loud noises, like fireworks, and can develop even if your dog has had no traumatic experiences with the associated noise. Often, dogs or cats act out this anxiety through destruction or trying to escape however, these reactions can potentially harm your dog.
In the upcoming summer months as thunderstorms, firework shows, and traveling become more frequent, the Humane Society recommends doing these 3 things for your pup.
Create a safe place – observe where your dog likes to go when frightened, allow him to have access to that place when he is experiencing anxiety. This provides a safe place for your pet to escape.
Distract your dog – Encourage your pup to participate in an activity that will take her mind away from the cause of her anxiety. This will prevent her from behaving fearfully.
Behavior Modification – these techniques need to be implemented gradually, teaching your pup how to respond in non-fearful ways to the cause of her anxiety. However, you need to be careful if you choose to use behavior modification. If carried out improperly you could make the situation or fear much worse.
If you find yourself on the road or away from home, these 3 options above may not be your best choice. Here at Furry Travelers, we have a wide variety of products to ease your pet in a stressful situation.
SAVE 20% This month on the following calming aids!
Use Coupon Code CALM20 at checkout.
1. Rescue Remedy for Pets – This solution has an instant calming effect for any pet experiencing a stressful situation. It can be used in times of anxiety or a trip to the vet.
2. Thunder Treats – This treat was created to calm a pet, slowly releasing ingredients over time. These treats include two well-known calming ingredients; lavender and chamomile.
3. Total Pet Health Calming Chews – Developed by veterinarians, the chewable tablets are designed to calm upset or stressed dogs and cats. The tablets contain a balance of human-grade vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
4. PetzLife @Ease Calming Aid – Easily applied or mixed in with food or treats, this 100% natural calming remedy is uniquely formulated with L-Theanine. The stress and anxiety reliever should be taken 30 minutes before a stress-inducing event.
5. Thundershirt – The patent-pending design is a pressure wrap applying constant but gentle pressure on a dog's torso. 85% of dogs who wear the Thundershirt show significant improvement in anxiety symptoms. (Available for cats too!)
Mark these products on the must-have list for your four-legged companion when they could potentially experience a stress-inducing event!
For more information on Fear of Thunder and other loud noises please visit: humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html
|
|
|
Cat Travel Accessories
Furry Travelers now carries travel products for your cat! Find cat carriers, cat harnesses, calming products for cats, cat toys, and more!
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
This holiday season make sure your dog is extra warm, and extra fashionable! For all your holiday parties, your pooch is sure to make an impression if they're wearing the Susan Lanci Fur Coat! These fox trimmed coats come with an ultra-suede bow attached with a Swarovski crystal. The coats are also created with a warm chenille lining are accented with a “D” ring for attaching a leash, perfect for those cold winter walks! Make sure to grab this amazing coat for your pooch this winter! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3001985--susan-lanci-fur-coat.html
|
|
| |
|
|
|