There are many times when we like to take our dogs along with us when we travel. It saves the expense and anxiety associated with boarding your pet. Many hotels are “pet-friendly” and will do their best to help your pet’s stay be comfortable. The following are some tips to make your travel time a fun time.
– Keep a collar with necessary identification on your dog at all times. Keep the leash handy as well.
– To make the experience a positive one, plan ahead and take your dog for frequent car rides that end up in a positive place, such as the dog park. It is especially helpful if your dog’s only car rides are associated with disliked places such as the vets or dog groomers.
– Plan rest stops every 2 hours for stretch breaks, walks to use up pent energy, drinks of water and to allow your pet to relieve himself. Keep a supply of plastic bags for waste removal.
– Make a list of several veterinary hospitals that are easily accessible along your route and at your destination. Have your dog’s medical records and health certificate with you as well.
– Provide your pet with favorite toys, dog chews, dog bed, water and food bowls and any medications your pet takes. Having new toys may help to keep your dog occupied and interested along the way. Use dog treats sparingly as these may cause stomach upset with the motion of the car.
– Feed your dog a few hours before the trip to avoid possible car sickness.
– Have a pet kennel or crate to carry your pet if needed and to have at your destination.
– A window boot or dog safety seat will add to your dog’s comfort and safety should you turn or stop suddenly.
– Ask your vet about motion sickness medications or those that can calm a hyperactive dog.
If you follow these suggestions, you and your dog will have a safe and comfortable trip. Happy motoring!
Summer is here and our pets are enjoying romps in the yard and long naps on the grass. It is a time for feeding and weeding the yard to obtain that lush green look. However, we need to be careful about what we put on our grass. Some lawn fertilizers are generally low in toxic additives. But some contain toxic ingredients like high concentrations of iron, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. Cocoa mulch contains the compound theobromine which is enticing to pets but quite toxic. Certain types of organic products can be just as poisonous. These include blood meal, bone meal or fish meal. They are designed to increase nitrogen content in our lawns and gardens but can be very palatable to dogs and cats. Meal based fertilizers can create bowel obstructions or severe inflammation of the pancreas. Even small ingestions of these many products can result in stomach upset or even bladder cancer.
After a walk or romp in the grass, watch your pet for signs of poisoning. These include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or muddy colored gums. Remember that dogs and cats like to lick their fur and that can lead to ingestion of unwanted substances. Call your vet if you suspect poisoning.
Take care that your pet does his business in an area away from a recently fertilized lawn or garden. If you use fertilizers, be sure to put a sign on your lawn to let other neighbors know to keep their pets away from the area. After treating an area with fertilizers or pesticides, wait until the substance dries or, if recommended, water the lawn after fertilizing to allow the chemicals to wash into the grass.
The best rule of thumb is to look for pet-friendly fertilizers that keep your lawn and pets healthy!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
