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.  

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!  

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.

  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 get lots of calls and orders for carriers that are approved for in-flight use.  As every airline has their own requirements and restrictions, we always recommend checking with your specific airline.  If you are planning a trip, I just came across a website that lists all the airlines and their restrictions:  http://www.petflight.com/airlines Safe travels! -Nancy