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It's been hot all summer and it doesn't look like it is going to end any time soon for many areas of the country. I think it is always smart to brush up on the signs of heat stroke in dogs.
The ASPCA offers the following warning signs for recognizing when your dog might be overheated.
According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Summer Safety Tip:
Dogs and Cars - Don't leave them alone!
Even on a relatively cool day, temperatures can escalate quickly and in the Summer, can become a furnace in no time—even with the windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke.
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Run out of fun summer activities to do with your pooch? Make the most of this
summer and take you pup on some adventures! Here's a list of 10 great ideas to
get you inspired! http://kendalldog.com/2011/06/14/10-fun-things-to-do-with-your-pup-during-the-dog-days-of-summer/
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Need some help convincing your boss to let you bring your pet to work with you? Research has found that taking your dog to work has numerous benefits for the employees and work environment. Below are several noteworthy reasons you can offer your employer to sway their policy on pets.
1) Reduces stress. You may have heard that dogs and cats help reduce their owners' stress, but did you know that benefit can carry over into the workplace? In a study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, stress levels lowered amongst employees who had their dogs by their side throughout the workday in comparison to employees who left their pets at home as well as with non-owners. A study by the American Journal of Cardiology has found that people with pets had hearts that adapted to stress better than non-pet owners.
Stress is a major contributor to the degradation of employee morale and burnout. By buffering the impact of stress during the workday by having one's pet by their side, employees are more likely to be resilient, productive, and satisfied.
2) Promotes health. There have been numerous studies backed by the American Heart Association that have proven a connection between pet ownership and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, data shows that pet ownership plays a part in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In comparison to non-pet owners, people with heart issues that own a pet have a higher likelihood of surviving a heart attack.
3) Increase Camaraderie. Research indicates that having a dog present leads to more conversations with others and helps people feel socially connected. Therefore, bringing your pet to work can help strengthen work relationships and facilitate team-building in the office. Feedback from employees note that working amongst coworkers with their dogs helps increase cooperation in the group.
4) Increase Productivity. According to a study that incorporated both small and large companies, those that allowed pets in the workplace had employees who worked longer hours and had a lower rate of absentees. Without having to run home to be with one's pet, people are more likely to stay later to finish up their work.
If you do decide to bring your four-legged friend to work with you, remember to pack enough food and water to last them the entire day, and make sure you've pet-proofed your office space to ensure a healthy, safe environment for both your pet and fellow employees.
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Those in search of canine companionship without the commitment of fulltime ownership can reach a happy medium at the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's program Aspen, Colorado. The program offers travelers and citizens of Aspen the opportunity walk dogs and even take them on overnight trips. The program is the No-kill shelter's attempt to provide better quality of life and ultimately increase adoptions but can also serve as a fun activity for tourists.
Labeled a “dog paradise,” The community of Aspen is a prime location for the program. Whether its water bowls outside many retailers or a mailman equipped with dog treats for neighboring dogs, the program thrives in the dog-friendly atmosphere.
While walkers and caretakers get in their fix of canine companionship, the dogs become more socially acclimated and have a better chance at being adopted. Some walkers use the program to ease themselves into pet ownership and others use it as a way to meet the dogs prior to adoption. The flexible policy requires the dogs to be leashed for liability reasons. Temporary owners are able to take them on daily errands, home to their yards and even weekend hikes!
If you are in the Aspen area and miss your dog or want to hang out with one when you finished with a day at the slopes, consider the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's Program. Visit www.dogsaspen.com for more information.
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I never thought of myself as one that would use a dog stroller, but I have become a big fan. I use a dog stroller for two different reasons.
One, I have a 15 year old Bichon Frise (Sammy) with major back problems resulting in her inability to walk for any distance. Putting her in the stroller while I walk our other dog, Cookie, gives her the opportunity to be a part of the family, get some fresh air and sunshine. Once I started doing this on a regular basis, she seemed to become a happier little dog.
I also use a dog stroller for Cookie when I work at dog events. Cookie is my "assistant" at these shows and I have found the stroller to come in handy both when setting up and breaking down our booth because I can roll her around in it and not worry about her leash getting tangled as we set up, as well as throughout the day to give her a break from the activity.
And I'm sure everyone has seen dog strollers while shopping. While I haven't done this (yet), it is a great way to take your little one with you when you go to the mall.
We have two models that have been popular at Furry Travelers: The PetZip 3 in 1 Stroller, and the Pet Stroller XL. The images below are of the 3 in 1 Stroller (including Cookie at a trade show in Atlanta).
This 3-Way Stoller covers all your needs. Along with it being a dog stroller, it conveniently converts into a car seat as well as a carrier. Holds up to 30 pounds. Available in Red or Navy Blue.
The Pet Stroller XL is another great stroller and one I have used for almost 2 years now. This stroller has really worked hard for me and has held up just great! It also holds up to 30 pounds and it is long enough and tall enough to hold more than one dog, or taller dogs. It easily collapses to fit into your trunk. The colors are great, too. Tangerine and Lime.
So which stroller is for you? If you don't need the car seat, my vote is for the Pet Stroller XL. If you like the 3 in 1 concept, you can't go wrong there, either.
For more information on all our strollers, click here.
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We recently found a company in California that bakes all natural dog treats in some very unique ways with healthy ingredients.
Here is the scoop:
Sweetie Pies are a healthy dog treat made of free range chicken and sweet potatoes. Research has shown that sweet potatoes are one of the top 10 healthiest foods you can eat! They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Even better, dogs love them!
The chickens and sweet potatoes are both from small local farmers. They are slow baked to preserve their goodness. Dogs can't say no to these treats! Break pieces off to use as training treats or as a nutritious low calorie snack.
I had always heard of dogs that had a "tooting" problem, but this has become a recent issue with Cookie and I can't wait to try these! We sold out of them too soon for me to try with our first order, but now that we have more, we won't waste any time getting her started on them!
Enzymes are the catalysts for every metabolic process in the body and the foundation for good digestion and overall health. Better digestion means less gas. Digestive enzymes are added to these treats so they are easily absorbed.
Fart Busters are made from pure whole free range chicken with a proprietary blend (human grade) of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those "aromatic" moments. These are all meat treats, manufactured in California. Chickens are from local farmers and are raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.
Cookie and Katie both have tried - and go crazy over - Bark Stix. What a great idea - dog treats that look like bread sticks! They are made with organic whole wheat flour, beef liver, water, rolled oats, carrots, bacon, parsley and baking powder.
I am very happy to be able to offer healthy treat options for your Furry Traveler. Give one or all of them a try while they last!
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Did you just move to a new neighborhood, city, or even country? Well first things first! Your dog wants a dog park to play! We thought that we'd share this awesome new iPhone app to help you find dog parks near you! The Dog Park finder app displays local dog parks and search results! Park details include 5 star ratings, fenced and un-fenced markers, hours and days of operation and many other notes and features of the dog park. We highly suggest you check this out! Your dog with be SO happy! http://www.doggoes.com/dog-park-finder-iphone-app
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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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Furry Travelers is based in Southeast Florida, so while we complain that we are cold, we know we have it so easy compared to the rest of the nation.
Many pet owners think that since their dog has fur, they are warm in any climate. In extreme cases, however, even the thickest fur coat may not be enough to keep your dog warm. And for dogs with shorter fur, it is even more important to give them a little extra protection.
To help keep dogs warm this season, we have put many of our winter items including dog coats and dog boots on sale as much as 50% off. Most items are very easy to put on your dog with Velcro closures.
And for the more glamourous pup, we have Susan Lanci faux fur dog coats!
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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!
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