Dog Outdoor Gear Outdoor accessories for all types of weather and outdoor activities.  Whatever the season, Furry Travelers has the products to keep your pet safe and comfortable!

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.  

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    

I recently started using the Guardian Gear Collapsible Crate at the suggestion of a dog trainer I met at a pet expo.  I mentioned to her that I travel with at least one dog, Cookie, regularly and while she is almost always with me, there are instances where she might need to be left in the room for a while.  Cookie does not like being left behind and is very vocal about that, to say the least.  Because I don't need to crate her at home anymore, I never thought about doing it when I travel.    Good idea!  Now Cookie feels like she is in her own den rather than a strange hotel room, and I don't have to worry about her being stressed out or barking while I'm away.     I love this travel crate for several reasons.  First of all, it folds to just 2 - 3 inches wide so it is easy to store when I'm not using it.  It is also very light weight at just over 7 pounds, making it convenient to carry.  It is also easy to assemble.  You just unfold the sides, unzip the top and slip in two poles into the frame and you are done!  It is just as easy to fold up again, with clips to hold it all together and a convenient pouch to store the bars on the bottom.   As it turns out, we now leave the crate in our family room all the time.  Our 15 year old dog, Sammy, likes to go in there on days she's not feeling well.  I also use it in the car when driving anywhere with Sammy, as she has turned into a nervous traveler in her old age and she is also safer in the crate.   A few tips:  Let your dog get used to the crate before using on a trip.  Leave the crate in a favorite room at home first and put your pet's food or treats in the crate, letting him/her roam in and out at leisure so the crate is associated with good things.  The bars can be a little difficult to install the first time you use it, so try it at home first and leave the bars in at least overnight to allow the fabric to stretch a bit.  After the first or second use, it will be much easier to assemble.  This crate is not for use with puppies or chronic chewers. Click here for more information or to place order.

  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!  

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    

Does your dog LOVE playing fetch? Most dogs do! Don't let an achy arm and slobbery ball stand between you and your dog's favorite pastime!  The Flik-It™ arm pivots to increase throwing power and accuracy, extending range while reducing joint and muscle strain. In short, it helps you send the ball soaring without getting sore. The Gravity-lock™ slider naturally falls into place to secure the arm for easy, slobber-free ball pickup. During this game of fetch, your dog will tire out long before you do! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/8499--dog-games-flik-it-launch-a-ball.html

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.     

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/