Thursday, November 21, 2013

Dog Raincoats

Durango Dog Raincoats
Durango dog Raincoats

Manufacturer:
 Gabriella Handcrafted Collection
Product Description: Gabriella Handcrafted Collection offers Durango Dog Raincoats, available in black and kiwi colors and small to extra-large sizes. The top material is PVC bonded nylon for water tightness, attachments—such as conchos, beads and leather—create a stylish look, the lining is a comfortable soft fleece, and adjustable D-rings coat closures make for a perfect fit, the company states.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Monday, November 11, 2013

Tips on Sharing Your Wedding with your Pet

Tips on Sharing Your Wedding with your Pet
What better way to celebrate the union of two people in love than to include a cherished four-legged family member? Pets are often an integral part of a
couple's love story, and engaged couples are increasingly making their pooches part of the ceremony, with adorable and heartwarming results. If your dream wedding includes Fido, we have some tips on how best to have him there by your side on the most important day of your life.

Tip #1: Consider your dog's temperament
If your dog doesn't like crowds, becomes nervous in new situations, or is very energetic, he - and ultimately, you - may not have the best time at your wedding. You may be able to work around your dog's quirks if you find a venue that suits his needs, or only have him take part in the wedding for a brief time. But if his temperament really isn't suitable for your celebration, it may be best to honor him in other ways, like including him in a special wedding photo, or crafting some dog-themed wedding accessories with his name or
photo on them.

Tip #2: Choose the right venues
Make things easier on yourself by thoroughly researching your preferred ceremony and reception venues to make sure they are dog friendly, and suitable for your particular dog (a large or energetic dog in a small, enclosed space may be a problem, for example). Dogs are not legally allowed in restaurants due to health codes, and many other indoor places have a no-dog policy. Don't worry, though; there are plenty of indoor and outdoor venues that will welcome your pet - you just need to dig a little to find them.

Tip #3: Put a responsible person on dog duty
You will be quite busy on your special day. Enlist someone - possibly a dog-loving niece or nephew - to walk your dog before the wedding, walk him down the aisle if need be, and watch him to make sure he has plenty of water and isn't helping himself to tidbits from the dinner service, or being fed something he shouldn't eat by well-meaning guests. If your dog is only going to play a small role in the wedding, you may also need someone to shuttle your pooch back home.

Tip #4: Be flexible, and have fun!
Like small children, dogs are unpredictable. No matter how many precautions you take, there is no guarantee that your pooch won't try to mark something in the middle of the ceremony, become very interested in a guest's perfume, try to sneak a treat from the buffet table, or simply decide he'd rather sit stubbornly than bring the ring to the altar. Be prepared to roll with the punches, and - whether things go off without a hitch or Fido insists on jumping in Great Aunt Matilda's lap and knocking her drink over - know that your day will be more memorable and special because you included your dog.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Pet Friendly Restaurants

Pet Friendly Restaurants

On a trip far from home or just out for a long Sunday drive with your pet? You'll probably be dining out at some point to refuel and recharge. Search our directory of pet friendly restaurants that have outdoor seating and allow pets to accompany their humans while they eat. Well-mannered pets only, please
- Search for them at : http://www.tripswithpets.com/



Friday, November 1, 2013

Car Sickness in Puppies and Dogs

Car Sickness in Puppies and Dogs
Much like humans, dogs and puppies can also experience a feeling of illness while on car trips. This car sickness can make pet travel, whether short or long, quite an ordeal for dogs and their families. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your dog in the car.

The most common reasons for car sickness in puppies and dogs are:
  • The ear structures used for balance aren't fully developed in puppies. This can cause motion sickness. Fortunately, many dogs will outgrow car sickness.
  • Stress can also add to travel sickness. For example, if your dog has only been in the car to go to the vet, he may make himself sick from the worry and apprehension of seeing the vet.
  • If your dog has been nauseous the first few times traveling in the car as a puppy, he may have conditioned himself to see car travel as a time when he will get sick.
You can look for some common signs of car sickness in your pet, such as:
  • Inactivity
  • Restlessness
  • Excessive Yawning
  • Whining
  • Hyper Salivation (drooling)
  • Vomiting
Typically symptoms will go away shortly after the vehicle stops.

There are a number of treatment options available to help prevent car sickness for your puppy or dog. Physical comfort in the car, reconditioning, medication and holistic treatments can all help to make car traveling a lot easier on your dog.

1. Physical Comfort in Car: Try these options to help make the car ride as physically comfortable as possible for your dog.
  • Face your dog forward in moving vehicle - if your dog is facing forward he will see less movement. Looking out of the side windows causes objects to blur and that can cause or compound motion sickness.
  • Avoid letting your pet travel in the farthest backseat because this is where there is the most motion.
  • Opening the windows in the car a little bit may help reduce air pressure inside the vehicle and allow for better ventilation.
  • Don't give your puppy or dog any food for a few hours before getting in the car.
  • Try putting him in a travel crate. Sometimes, this helps to keep him from looking outside too much and helps to keep any sickness he may have in a confined space.
  • Keep it cool in the vehicle. A hot, stuffy ride can make car sickness worse for your dog.
  • Toys may help distract and entertain a high-strung dog.
  • Taking frequent potty breaks may also help.
  • Exercise before getting in the car to travel.
2. Reconditioning: Sometimes reconditioning will help your dog to relax in the car. Reconditioning is needed if your dog associates riding in the car with something bad, like getting sick or going to the vet. Reconditioning takes patience for both you and your dog. Here are some tips to help recondition your dog.
  • Try a different vehicle. He may associate your vehicle with unpleasant memories.
  • Take short car trips to places your dog enjoys.
  • Gradually build your dog's tolerance. Start by sitting in the car with your dog with the engine off. Do this over a few days. Then, when he seems comfortable, sit in the car with the car idling. After this, take a ride around the block. Now you can try a longer trip. By doing this slowly and over a period of time you are helping remove the stress of traveling from your dog.
  • Use treats to make the car a fun place for your dog.
  • Buy a special toy that they can only play with in the car.
3. Medication: There are times when medications are necessary to help your dog during pet travel. Some over-the-counter and prescribed medications are listed below.
  • Anti-nausea drugs - reduce vomiting.
  • Antihistamines - used to lessen motion sickness, reduce drooling, and help them to be calm.
  • Phenothiazine and related drugs - reduce vomiting and help to sedate.
Always discuss any medications with your veterinarian before using to make sure your dog is healthy, the dosage is correct, and that the medication won't harm your dog.

4. Holistic Approach: Holistic treatments are another option for a dog parents to try. Some common holistic choices are listed below.
  • Ginger can be used for nausea. Ginger snap cookies or ginger pills can be given at least 30 minutes before travel.
  • Peppermint, chamomile and horehound naturally help calm the stomach of your pup.
  • Massage helps to relax your pet before you travel.
Always discuss any holistic remedies with your veterinarian before using to make sure your dog is healthy, the dosage is correct, and that the treatment won't harm your dog.

Patience and training may help in preventing car sickness during pet travel. You may also need to stock up on certain medications or holistic remedies to help calm your dog if physical changes and reconditioning don't do the trick. Hopefully, with time and a little effort your dog will be able to ride safely and happily in your car!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Be Prepared With a Pet First Aid Kit

Pet Safety: Be Prepared With a Pet First Aid Kit
Dogs and cats are more than pets...they're family. They look to us to be cared for and protected. Just like people, accidents and emergencies can happen to animals, so being prepared could make a lifesaving difference.

Emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning. Knowing what to do in the initial moments can be critical to your pet's life. By having a pet first aid kit, pet owners can be equipped when the unthinkable happens. Every pet parent should have a first aid kit for their pet in his or her home and in their car. Pet first aid kits are available or a human first aid kit can be used and then supplemented with pet specific supplies.

Designed for animal care, a standard pet first aid kit contains:
  • Pet First Aid Book
  • Nylon leash
  • A muslin sling bandage
  • Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (as long as pet is not vomiting, choking, coughing, or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Bandages
  • Scissors
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Tongue depressor
  • Tweezers
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Alcohol prep pads
  • Latex gloves
  • Rectal thermometer
  • Eye wash solution
  • Instant cold pack
  • Rescue blanket
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. Vet must specify correct dosage for your pet's size.
  • List of emergency phone numbers including those for your pet's veterinarian, an after hour's emergency veterinary hospital, and the National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).
Once you have a pet first aid kit, it's a good idea to include for each pet:
  • Copies of their Vaccine Records
  • Copies of their Medical Records
  • Current Photos of your pet
Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their well-being. Make pet safety a priority.