Did you know that dogs don't have sweat glands like people have (except for a couple of glands on their feet)? This is the reason why dogs pant- it allows them to rid their body of heat. Unfortunately, when the temperatures spike during hot summer days, panting alone is not enough to keep their bodies cool.   Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe, happy, and comfortable in the summer heat:   ·         Lots of Water- The most important thing you can do for your pet is make there is plenty of fresh, cool water available to drink at all times.  Keep the dog bowl in a shady location and change the water frequently to keep it cool. Bring a portable dog water bottle with you when you're on-the-go.   ·         Find Shade- It's not uncommon for dogs to enjoy a little sunbathing, but it's important that you provide him or her with a shady place to cool down in-between prolonged exposure to the sun and heat.  A solar canopy can provide shade for your dog to prevent the harmful effects caused by excessive heat.   ·         Protect the Paws- While doggy paw pads may seem tough, they're also very sensitive to heat and burn while walking on hot surfaces such as pavement on a scorching summer day. Try to keep your pet on grass or dirt if possible and check their pads for redness. You can protect your dog's paws from hot surfaces using breathable dog boots, particularly useful for city goers who don't have the option of avoiding hot roads and sidewalks.   ·         Pool Time- Taking your dog swimming at a pool or lake is a great way that your dog can cool off. Another great option if you don't have a normal-sized pool available is to purchase a kiddy pool and keep it filled with water for your dog to soak in when he/she is feeling overheated.   ·         Car Safety- Never leave your dog in the car on hot days, even for a short period of time. Doing so can lead to heat stroke and irreversible organ damage. Keep a portable dog bowl filled with water to ensure your dog stays hydrated on road trips and utilize a pet carrier so that you can bring your dog with you wherever you go.    ·         Hot Weather Apparel- There is plenty of doggy gear to prevent and relieve your pet from overheating. Items to buy if your pet is spending a lot of time in the heat include dog cooling jackets, harnesses, and cooling collars. This amazing lightweight pet apparel can reduce a dog's temperature by up to 30%. You can also find doggy eyewear for protecting your pup's eyes from damaging sun rays.   ·         Cooling Bed- Dog beds are oftentimes too warm in the summer for your pet to enjoy, which is why you may frequently find them sprawled out on the tile floor instead on hot days. A cooling dog bed with gel-like material offers the comfort and softness of a traditional doggy bed but will keep your pooch cool and comfortable.     We know that you want your pet to enjoy the warm sunny weather just as much as you do. Taking certain precautions and preparing for the heat with the right gear and pet accessories will ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy all summer long!    

  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!  

Find the perfect dog clothing and outerwear from a wide selection of dog accessories, dog sweaters, raincoats, jackets, fleece, dog boots and costumes at Furry Travelers. 

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

The Day Tripper is a travel pack that pets can wear. Each pet travel pack features two zippered storage pouches that are connected by an adjustable center strip. Regularly from $29.99!   Available in two sizes.   A rugged travel pack for pets on the go   Adjusts to balance load and padded for comfort   Features a leash ring, top handle, and reflective strips   Medium 9" x 8 1/2" x 4" 24"-35" Large 11" x 10" x 4" 32"-44"      

Slings are the newest, easiest way to take your furry traveler with you.  The Susan Lanci Sport / Travel Sling is lightweight, breathable mesh, and so easy to use.  Just slip it on, tuck them inside and you're off!  Folds nicely for travel.  Available in Pink, Gold, Brown, Purple and Black.   Washable.  Made in USA.  REGULAR PRICE $50.00 **Please note, some colors are shipped from the manufacturer and can take 2 - 3 weeks for delivery.** Recommended for dogs up to 10 lbs. Measure yourself from top of your collar bone, across chest to your opposing hip bone. 23" = Medium or 25" = Large  

Made of luxurious, supple microfiber and cushioned with polyfill for comfort. Tough backing helps to protect upholstery from dirt and damage. Cargo Covers feature Velcro® strips on the bottom for a secure, adjustable fit. Sized to fit most vehicles. Quilted Microfiber Car Cargo Cover measures 59" x 47".  Available in Cappucino.  Matching bench seat covers are also available!       

Great for travel and for every day storage of all your pet's belongings.  Multiple outside pockets to easily find your important necessities (water bottle, leash, treats, etc.).  Roomy interior for everything else!  Available in two sizes.     Large Doggy Baggage: Black with white paw prints and red lining.  Measures 18”Wx12”Hx6”D with 1 signature pleated pocket with 2 flat pockets on front, 3 signature pleated pockets on back.   Small Doggy Baggage:  14”Wx9”Hx4”D  Available in Black with White Paws, Pink/Purple “bones and paws” pattern or Natural/Brown “Paws” pattern.  1 signature pleated pocket on each side and 2 flat pockets on each side.  The perfect day bag for short trips or a day at the beach. Pouch retail price is $19.99, on sale for $14.99!

The Cruising Companion All Season Cargo Cover fits the cargo areas of trucks, SUVs and station wagons.  Two-sided design gives you water-resistant DuPont Teflon-coated nylon for easy cleaning.  The opposite side has a warm polyester fleece for the colder weather.  Color:  Waterproof side is black, fleece side is charcoal gray and unzips for easy cleaning.   Material:  Nylon Side: 100% Nylon fabric treated fabric protector. Fleece Side is 100% Polyester Size: Covers measure 59"L x 47"W Care: Nylon Side: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Fleece Side: Unzip and remove from car seat cover. Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry. Instructions:   Fit the two loops over the headrests on the back seat of your vehicle. Spread the cover out to protect the cargo area. Cover can be used with the fleece or nylon side facing up.

The Kurgo Collaps-a-bowl is a clever dog travel bowl designed for dogs and owners on the go. This handy bowl offers a thirst quenching solution after a long hike, a lake side stroll or a gentle walk around the neighborhood.  The pop-it design lets the bowl collapse down for compact storage in your glove box or day pack. The bowls gently angled sides allow easy access for Fido and the stay put ridged bottom offers a sturdy base to avoid spills.  Now available in TWO colors - Orange and Blue.  Reg. Price 9.99   Benefits: • Dishwasher safe • Holds 24 fl oz • Collapses to a slim .875 x 6 inches • Expanded to 3.5 x 6 inches