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Although “Cash for Clunkers” has hit the road, pet people everywhere are still picking out their new wheels. Naturally, their pet’s safety and comfort are top priority. But the research is overwhelming. Does the new ride offer a pet restraint system? Check. Tri-climate control? Check. Fold-flat rear seats? Check. Treat holders? Check.
Fortunately, Edmunds.com and the pet-travel safety group, Bark Buckle Up narrow down the selection with their Top 10 Pet-Safe Vehicles for 2009. Look what made the list (in alphabetical order): Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Borrego, Mazda 5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC70. Get your paws on them and get rolling! Read more about the Top 10 here. Woof Report is a free weekday email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products & more! Sign up at www.woofreport.com or become a Facebook Fan. |
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With the warm weather beckoning, bonding with your best friend is as close as your backyard. Here are a few fun ideas for celebrating the sunshine together.
1. Hit the Trail. What better way to stay fit and bond with your dog than hiking together? Go to hikewithyourdog.com to find a trail near you. 2. Visit a Vineyard! Many wineries welcome dogs on their grassy grounds and we’re sure your dog would enjoy a picnic there with you. 3. Catch the Show. Find outdoor concerts or movie night in the park in your area. Pack a blanket, some snacks and sit back and enjoy! 4. Hit the Open Road. Pick your destination and get out of town with your pup. Search for pet-friendly hotels at petswelcome.com or pet-friendly vacation rentals at VRBO.com. Woof Report is a free weekday email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products & more! Sign up at www.woofreport.com or become a Facebook Fan. |
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The dog days of summer are upon us. When the weather heats up, so do the efforts to keep America’s dogs out of parked cars. Every year, beloved family dogs die waiting in sweltering parked cars for their people to return. And it’s no wonder. The inside of a car heats up very quickly and even more stunning is this result: a cracked car window barely slows the temperature rise at all.
There’s something we all can do to help pup passengers everywhere. Share the free resources from www.MyDogIsCool.com. See how outside temperatures compare with the inside temperatures of an automobile in varying temperature and download “Don’t Leave Me in Here, It’s Hot! Fliers” to have on hand if you spot a doggie in a parked car. Woof Report is a free weekday email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products & more! Sign up at www.woofreport.com or become a Facebook Fan. |
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When booking your dog for an airplane ride (whether your dog is booked in cabin or as cargo) make sure you get a locator number for your dog that is associated with your seat and your name. That way you and your companion are officially tied together for the flight.
It’s always safest to take the time to dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s” when booking your dog on flights. You will find the peace of mind worth the extra three minutes in case any irregularities should occur. Also, jot down the locator number for a friend who is not traveling with you for extra security. Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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For a hungry pet that has waited it out to eat or drink over a long flight, waiting to get to the hotel or vacation home after a flight can prolong his or her hunger for even more hours and can lead toward low blood sugar and fatigue. Remember, you got snacks on the plane, but your dog did not.
How about stopping at the closest quickie mart as you drive from the airport to pick up a couple of jars of toddler food meat sticks (such as Gerber Graduates or any other brand)? They’re low salt, pure food approved for babies, and they taste like little hot dogs to your hungry traveler. And don t forget a bottle of water to wash it down. Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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When you have your dog secured in his or her airline travel bag or crate, be sure to keep the collar and tags simple. A collar with leash attached or a jingly collar with many pendants could get tangled in transport or caught up in the bag, causing your pet serious distress. So simplify that collar or switch to a harness that does not constrict the neck for transport in the air.
Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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For dogs that are not crated during the day, a nice way to double-use your airline carrier soft-sided bag or crate is to set it up open in the house at all times as a security den. Put a toy inside on the soft padded bottom mat and assist your dog to go in (door left open) whenever he or she is feeling nervous – when fireworks are booming, when a storm is brewing, etc. Dogs come from wolves and wolves shelter in dens. This practice also makes it even more comfortable for your dog to travel in the carrier, a portable den, in unfamiliar areas. |
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If you plan to take your dog on plane rides, do not wait until the last minute to begin training for a successful flight. Buy an airline approved carrier – either a soft-sided one for pets less than 15 lbs traveling in cabin or a hard sided crate for pets traveling in cargo. Introduce your pet to travel in the carrier only for trips that are pleasurable. Want to go to the park? Well, hop in your carrier for the ride and we’ll go. Want to go to doggy play group? You hop in and we’re off. And make sure you include a soft blanket and a toy to make the ride comfortable and fun. (When training for air travel, avoid giving a treat in the carrier since a treat is not advisable in the air.) |
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The Canvas Tote Travel Bowl by Wagware runs about $50 and does double duty – it’s a travel water bowl for Fido and sassy tote bag for mom! Great for the car, the beach, a back yard BBQ at a friend’s – you name it! Very stylish and made from a durable canvas. You can easily stash a few bottles of water in the bag then crack them open when thirst kicks in.
Holds 18 oz. of water. 7″x4″x5″ Colors: navy, red, chocolate, Kelly green, tangerine or powder blue. |
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The Tote Dog Bed, which runs about $100, is disguised as a bag and actually unfolds into a beautiful travel bed where ever you go. This is perfect for the beach, grandma’s house, car, camping – you name it. It’s made from Sunbrella fabric which is waterproof, fade-resistant and easy to clean. There’s even a handy side pocket for stashing important vet records, snacks, toys and meds. Remove the inside pillow and toss it in the wash and you’re good to go! Also, made here in the USA – and that’s the coolest part of all!
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