Search Results
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Are you planning on doing a lot of walking this Halloween? Walking on the pavement can commonly be irritating for you pup's paws, especially if it's really cold out! Our Guardian Gear Boots keep paws safe from heat, cold, ice, salt, stones, and abrasive surfaces. These boots have bold new colors and a tough new non-skid sole for all-weather use. Guardian Gear Boots are a great accessory to have for your trick-or-treating extravaganza! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3097--guardian-gear-dog-boots.html
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
As the end of the summer nears and early fall approaches, regulation of pets on the beach are eased and beautiful early fall weather beseech you to take your furry friend outdoors to the nearest body of water to play. Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe around water.
1) While some dogs live to swim, others may be unable to or simply hate being in the water. Be conscious and considerate of your dog's preferences and skills. Don't try to force him or her to swim if your dog seems afraid or averse; many dogs will never feel comfortable in the water.
2) If you're taking your dog swimming for the first time, help coax him into the water by starting off in a shallow area. Try calling his name and creating a fun environment by using dog toys and/or treats to play with.
3) Swimming is very hard work, making it easy for your dog to overexert himself- especially dogs that are drawn to the water. Keep track of the time and evaluate your dog's level of effort to keep your dog from overdoing it.
4) Never throw your dog into the water. Doing so may cause your dog to feel anxious or fearful of going into the water in the future. Also, since some dogs have large bodies and short legs, they are not built to swim for enjoyment and therefore may be traumatized by the act.
5) If taking your dog swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides. Never let your dog swim far enough out to be swept away by the current. Use a doggy life jacket as a safety precaution.
6) Moisture in a dog's ear can cause nasty infections if not cleaned properly after swimming. Ask your vet or local pet store for the proper supplies and a demonstration to make sure you are thoroughly ridding his or her ears of the nasty bacteria found in ocean and lake water.
7) Never leave your dog unattended in water. If you have a pool, make sure to invest in adequate safety products, such as a baby fence or pool alarm to alert you if your dog falls in. Train your dog to know how to exit the pool by teaching him/her to locate the steps or ramp, and providing a refresher course on exiting at the beginning of each swimming session.
8) Be careful of taking your dog swimming at night. Dogs' vision dramatically decreases after nightfall as well as with age, so swimming in the dark may be extremely scary for dogs, even those who normally love to be in the water.
9) Just like humans, dogs are equally susceptible to getting hypothermia in cold water. Unfortunately, they may not understand that the water is what's causing them to feel cold, making it easier for an accident to occur. If the water is cold enough to prompt you to get out, it is safe to say your dog is at risk to getting cold as well and should be brought out of the water to regain warmth.
1 Never let your dog drink the pool water, which is filled with chlorine and chemicals that can make your dog sick. Salt water from the ocean and bacteria found in lakes can also be harmful. To prevent ingestion of contaminated water, keep a clean water bowl nearby for your dog to drink from.
Se
|
|
|
Dog Bike Carriers and Baskets
Take your pup for a bike ride with these convenient and fun bike baskets from PetZip, Kurgo and Snoozer.
|
|
|
Planning a hiking trip with your pooch? If you're the type who loves outdoor exploration with your dog, then you'll LOVE the KURGO Wander Pack! This hand pack will keep you prepared for those trail hikes and trips around town. The Kurgo Wander Pack is built strong to withstand rugged outdoor conditions yet functional for a day trip. It's a perfect solution for your travel essentials such as food, treats, toys, first-aid supplies and travel bowls. Just because our pups have paws instead of hands, doesn't mean they can't bring their own gear along! J
Check out this great product here: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3111--kurgo-wander-back-pack.html
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Many of us will be taking our furry ones on road trips this Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas for vehicle accessories that make traveling with pets easier.
It is so important to keep your pet's safety in mind while on the road. While many like to have them on their lap or see them enjoying the breeze in their face, this can be very dangerous in the event of an abrupt stop or accident.
To keep your pet secure, we recommend a safety harness or, for smaller dogs, a booster seat with a tether to attach to their harness. Some pet carriers such as the Sleepypod can be secured in place with your car's seat belt. These items will prevent your pooch from jumping around the car and keep them in place in the event of a sudden stop.
Car seat covers and hammocks are a worthwhile investment as they protect seats from water, snow and muddy paws. They come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles and are very easy to install.
Proper hydration while on the road is important to your dog's health and comfort. The To Go Bowl is a water bowl that is designed to fit into a car's cup holder - in the front or back seat - and allows your dog to drink whenever he wants without stopping the car.
Stay organized by using a seat back organizer or cargo organizer for your pet's toys, leashes, treats, etc.
If your dog gets anxious in the car, try a calming remedy or anxiety wrap. We have heard from many happy customers, including one of our own Furry Travelers, that they really do work!
Just for fun, you can personalize your vehicle with a cute magnet or license plate cover.
See all Furry Travelers automotive accessories here.
Wishing you and your Furry Travelers safe travels!
(Look for more travel tips from Furry Travelers during the holiday season.)
|
|
|
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 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
|
|
| |
|
|
|