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Last-minute travel plans are stressful enough, but finding someone to tend to your pet can add another level of anxiety.
Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization or has solid references. Once you have made a list of trustworthy and reliable sitters in your area, the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone. Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles or veterinary experience. When calling an agency, find out how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire whether they charge extra during the holidays. And make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person. PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury. |
You are viewing entries tagged 'travel'.
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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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This handy little kit from Pet Travel Center has everything you need for a quick fix until you see your vet:
1 bottle Powder Stypic, 1 pair latex gloves, 1 1″ x 6 yd. sterile gauze bandage, 1 bottle of eye & skin wash, 1 Fl. Oz., 2 packages of triple antibiotic ointment, 1 gr., 2 packages of hydrocortisone cream 1 gr., 2 PVP iodine antiseptic wipes, 2 insect ting Wipes, 1 roll 1/2″ x 21/2 yd. adhesive tape, 2 packages 2″ x 2″ gauze pad, 2 packages 3″ x 3″ gauze pad, 1 pair scissors, 1 hand wipes, 2 antiseptic towelettes, 5 cotton swabs, 2 green soap towelettes, 1 pet care card, 1 pet emergency card, 1 pair plastic forceps |
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If you’re going to be taking a car trip with your dog, get a soft-sided collapsible crate. You can use it in the car for the safest method of car travel, and then you can use it to protect and confine your dog as needed in a hotel room or the house where you are visiting. |