No one wants to leave their four-legged friend behind however, it is important to take necessary steps to ensure safe pet travel. Jumping in the car and heading to your destination without a little careful thought and a plan could ultimately lead to disaster, especially if you are traveling a long distance. At the same time, many assume that they don’t have to put too much thought into safety if they are only driving a few miles, this is absolutely not true!

Preparation

If you are taking a long journey, you should get your dog used to traveling longer distances in the car. Most people are aware of their vacation plans well in advance which allows for plenty of time to squeeze in a few long rides. If you will be driving at night, take your dog for a few night rides. Most pets only have the opportunity to have daytime car rides when they are actually going somewhere.

If you have a smaller dog, a crate can help with safe pet travel. Even if they don’t stay in their crate the entire time, at least they will have a den to go to when they want to sleep or feel safe. Of course, your dog should be used to the crate long before you attempt to use it for traveling.

Do and Don’t

• Do make a list. You have a ton of things to do before you leave. You cannot be expected to remember your dog’s favorite toy, bug repellent and toothbrush too. Creating a list will help make sure that you bring everything your friend needs to be comfortable away from home.

• Don’t feed your pet in the car. A light meal should be given about three hours before you leave. An extended car ride could lead to an upset stomach, especially if they are stressed.

• Do pack a traveling kit. To ensure safe pet travel, there are essentials that you need, other than treats. Their food, bowl and leash are all easy to remember. You also need a first aid kit, medication or supplements they are taking, brush, toothbrush, waste bags and vaccination papers.

• Don’t leave your dog in the vehicle. If you are traveling with a dog, expect to go through a drive-thru or pack snacks to eat in the car. You cannot go into a restaurant or stop and shop along the way. Not only is it unfair to the dog, it can be deadly. A car acts like a refrigerator in the winter and an oven in the summer. A dog can freeze or die of heatstroke in a short time. Not to mention, dogs are stolen out of vehicles every day; don’t think it can’t happen to you!

• Do make your dog wear tags. Hopefully your dog is micro-chipped but that should not replace wearing a collar and an identification tag. People are more likely to approach a lost dog with tags than they are one they think may be a stray, this is especially true with large breeds.

• Don’t allow your dog to ride with his head out the window. Fair enough, you are saying that your dog always rides with his head out the window, right? This may be fine for while you are in the city but definitely not on the highway where they can be hit with flying objects at fast speeds. Keep in mind, there are plenty of careless drivers throwing trash and cigarette butts out the window.

You don’t have to be overwhelmed by the thought of safe pet travel. Simply follow these tips to make your trip both safe and enjoyable for you and your dog. If you happen to be traveling with a Pit bull, be sure you are aware of any Breed Specific Legislation laws where you are driving through or to; you may need to plan a different route or destination.

This article was authored by Alan Horton, he regularly authors Internet travel articles.

Finding adequate holiday accommodation can be a challenge for any family, but for those bringing along their four-legged family members as well, it can be even tougher. By reading through this guide on how to find pet friendly holiday cottages, bungalows or even cabins, you can ensure that your vacation is enjoyable for everyone, including the family dog.

Outdoor Space: Most dogs need to spend at least part of their day outside. While you are on vacation, you will have more time than ever to include the dog on long walks, playing catch in an available space or just roaming freely and having fun. Be sure that any accommodation you choose has ample space for a dog to play outside. Some hotels or city dwellings don’t have private land for the dog to roam, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an option. Simply find out if there is space nearby, such as a dog park or green space for animals to be let off their leashes.

Understanding Owners: When you consider renting from private owners, such as in the case of many vacation homes and cottages, try to find owners who understand about the needs of a dog. Whenever possible, try to find an owner who has a pet themselves. Not only will they be more tolerant of having a dog in the house, but they can help give you detailed information about where it is safest to bring the dog along, and comfortable places for him to sleep.

An example is provided below of a property advertised as dog/pet friendly. This holiday cabin is in Snowdon, Gwynedd, Wales and costs from £235 per week.

Flooring Choices: The flooring in a rental home should be a big factor in whether or not you decide to bring along your pet on a vacation. A cottage with white carpets or softer vinyl floors will likely end up scratched or stained by your dog, even when you pay close attention. The best choice is to stay in a home with hardwood floors or even tile. While the floors might get dirty, you can simply wipe them down upon leaving. Not only will this protect any deposit you have, but the owners will remember your stay fondly and allow you to return in future years. Before you set out on vacation, consider filing down your dog’s nails to protect the floor further.

Adequate Indoor Space: When choosing a dog-friendly holiday rental accommodation, be sure to locate somewhere with enough space for your own dog. A small, cramped location might save you money, but will be unpleasant for a pet to stay in, especially if the family plans on leaving for daytime outings alone. Whenever possible, opt for a space larger than what the dog is used to. Anything smaller might be frustrating, especially for a larger dog.

Be Specific: In both hotels and private rentals, even pet-friendly owners might ask for specifics about your pet before allowing them to stay. Be completely honest in these cases about what type of pet you have. It is better to be turned away months in advance than have owners or staff upset that you were dishonest about the size or type of dog brought along.

If you can find a dog friendly holiday rental that meets all of your needs, you can be sure to have a wonderful vacation with all of the family.

The author of this article was Alan Horton, he is a regular author of travel related articles on the web.

These three movie star dogs have left an everlasting paw print on the collective American heart. Truly man’s best friend, these three canines especially exemplify the special bond between human and animal, gaining just as much, or more, celebrity as their human counterparts. Though their dog days have long passed (all dogs go to heaven), the magnanimity of their roles in our lives is safely captured in the time capsule of film for newer generations to appreciate.

1. Rin Tin Tin: Although this famous German Shepherd is now a distant memory for most of us, acting during the long-ago 1920s and 1930s, the reason why his name still triggers some sort of recognition among even the youngest moviegoers nearly a century later is because he has truly gone down in history as the most famous and most lovable pooch of all time. During a time when the country was struggling through war and economic depression, Rin Tin Tin easily claimed the hearts of Americans for his simple valiance, courage and honor. Through the silver screen, he became the best friend of countless audience members, and was the actual best friend of a World War I veteran, Corporal Lee Duncan, who saved him and his sister from starvation when he found them as puppies in an abandoned German station during the war.

   From that moment on, they never parted, and Rin Tin Tin went on to star in 26 full-length Hollywood films for the then-plummeting Warner Brothers Studio. Appearing in films such as Clash of the Wolves, A Dog of the Regiment and Jaws of Steel, Rin Tin Tin played no small part in keeping the flailing studio afloat, and his popularity saw no end. His sons and daughters have continued his legacy, and Susan Orlean, a journalist for The New Yorker, has recently recognized the place of Rin Tin Tin in American cinematic history with her compelling and insightful book called Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend. An NPR review says, “Orlean proposes that dogs aren’t merely the furry friends we keep around and toss tennis balls to — they represent the best things we are, and the best things we can be.”

2. Lassie: Lassie is the collie that everyone loves, the dog famously known for alerting Timmy, her boy owner, about the danger down at the well. “What is it, Lassie?” Timmy asks, and Lassie responds by barking and motioning at him to follow her. This kind of determination, loyalty and simple good will has made Lassie another household name that’s lasted for more than a half century, coming to represent the magical bond between a child and his pet. Originally played by a rambunctious, energetic dog named Pal, Lassie is a fictional character first created by Eric Knight for a short story segment in the Saturday Evening Post. Pal starred as Lassie in the classic 1943 film Lassie Come Home, and it was so well-received that a radio show, and then the well-known TV show, Lassie, followed. The show ran for a stupendous 19 seasons, airing 691 episodes in over 100 countries.
3. Old Yeller: The classic 1957 film Old Yeller may be the biggest canine tearjerker to ever have been made. The story is set in the 1860s and follows a young boy named Travis Coates who is looking after the family ranch while his parents are away. One day a yellow mongrel dog appears on his land, and Travis reluctantly adopts him. They quickly grow to be friends, Old Yeller proving his intelligence and courage by winning fights with wild animals, but sadly, the union cannot last. Spike, the dog who played Old Yeller, cemented his place in American hearts through this, his only film, in which he gave a truly transformative performance. Rather than including a spoiler alert, this review will just note that watching Old Yeller is a great way to appreciate modern science and technology, especially the advances that have been made in the veterinary world.  A veterinary technician can play a crucial role in protecting, healing and looking out for our beloved pets. Spike, the dog actor who played Old Yeller, was a rescue dog, nursed back to health by his own specialized team of vets after being picked up from the Van Nuys Animal Shelter by his trainer, Frank Weatherwax. A large and awkward dog with floppy ears, he went on, against stacked odds, to play one of the most heart wrenching roles in film history, and was buried at sea.

Though these three dogs have gained the kind of international fame usually reserved for human movie stars, they are just as important, loveable and pure of heart as your own cherished canine.  Maybe the reason why we love them so much is because they never meant to become internationally renowned; they just wanted to be a good dog.

Nancy Woo is a freelance writer covering various topics from art and music to health, media and technology.

An ill or aging pet can be a stressful situation for all involved. Taking that pet to a veterinarian’s office to be euthanized can add additional, unnecessary stress to the situation not only for the owner, but especially for the pet. For some, in-home euthanasia may be a better option for a variety of reasons.

Less Stress on the Family

An in-home euthanasia of a pet can help reduce stress for the family. Losing a pet can have a big impact, so traveling to and from the office can be stressful and difficult. This is especially true if the owners have chosen to do a private at-home burial of the animal, as bringing their pet home in its deceased state can be extremely stressful.

Less Stress on the Pet

Perhaps the biggest advantage of in-home pet euthanasia is the decreased stress on the pet. By being in its home environment, the animal will be less stressed overall and this can help with the euthanasia procedure for the veterinarian who is performing the task.

Sense of Relief

By euthanizing a pet at home, the owner may feel that they showed their pet one last act of kindness by allowing it to pass at home in a comfortable surrounding. Being euthanized at home not only reduces the stress to the animal, but gives the owner as sense of relief because they know they kept their pet at home, where he was most loved and that in some way, the pet surely knew that.

Privacy

In-home pet euthanasia offers ultimate privacy for the family during a stressful time. many are unable to or unwilling to display grief in public, especially over a pet, due to fear of ridicule from strangers. An in-home euthanasia allows the owner to feel more comfortable and allows the owner to grieve as they see fit rather than worrying about what someone on the street might think when they see the owner grieving.

Convenience

In-home euthanasia appointments typically occur outside of regular office hours. This allows the owner to choose a time that is most convenient, so that they are not at work or dealing with some other appointment or event following the euthanasia of their pet. Some veterinarians may even offer Friday evening or weekend appointments to help give the owner time to grieve before having to return to work on Monday.

Choosing in-home euthanasia has many benefits, but it is an extremely personal choice that the owner must make. Less stress on the pet and the family, combined with the privacy and convenience of an in-home euthanasia can help sway the owner in either direction when it comes to the difficult decision to euthanize a pet.

About the Author: Jenne knows how difficult it can be to let a furry family member go, but appreciates the services mobile vets today have to offer. When she’s not volunteering at her local shelter, she can be found writing about pet care, home renovations, and UFX Markets updates.

Animals of any size require many basic necessities: food, water and love. During the winter months, small animals may require additional help in staying warm. This is crucial no matter what the animal is: a small dog, kitten, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or even a lizard. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep small animals warm during the cold winter months.

Stay Indoors

Even outdoor animals, such as rabbits that are kept in kennels outside, should be brought inside during the colder months of the year. Small dogs, cats and other small animals should be kept inside for the vast majority of the day. Cats should not be allowed out during the winter months and small dogs should only be brought outdoors to relieve themselves.

Additional Bedding

Depending on the animal, additional bedding can help keep them warm. For a small dog, this may mean adding an additional fleece blanket to his bed. For a hamster, this could translate into adding additional shredded bedding to the cage for him to build a warmer place to sleep. For small animals, such as guinea pigs or rabbits, check out the local pet store for additional bedding resources for keeping them warm during the winter months.

Source of Heat

Certain animals may benefit from adding a source of heat such as a hot water bottle. Be wary when using a heating pad, as these can be fire hazards if left unattended. Furthermore, heating pads can cause burns or even kill small animals, especially when left on too high of a setting. Instead, refer to an online or local pet retailer for animal-safe heating solutions, such as a specialized bed that helps retain heat for the animal.

Clothing

Small dogs and even cats can benefit from clothing during the winter months. A comfortable sweater can help keep these animals warm around the house or at night, when the house typically gets a bit colder.

When taking a small dog outside, be sure to provide him with a sweater and if possible, small boots to protect his paws. Stepping on the cold ground for an extended period of time can quickly cause a small dog to develop hypothermia. However, providing them with boots helps to protect their paws, aiding in keeping them warm in otherwise frigid temperatures.

When temperatures drop, it’s important to take extra precautions for small pets. Simple changes, such as keeping the animal indoors or providing them with additional bedding, can help protect them during the winter months. Proper care is vital for keeping small animals alive, especially in a climate that they are not native to.

About the Author: Jennifer Hamelink loves working with animals and volunteers weekly at a local animal shelter. She enjoys writing about pet care as well as about home renovations, credit repair, bad credit loans, and more.

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on their pets. With so much money being spent, it’s no surprise that many people are contemplating investing in pet insurance for their furry, scaly or slimy companions. As with any type of insurance, there are several pros and cons of buying pet insurance.

Coverage of Pet Insurance

One of the biggest advantages of pet insurance are the varying degrees of coverage, making it flexible to meet the needs and wants of the owner. Depending on the provider, some plans may cover basic annual needs such as vaccines. Other plans may offer accident coverage for pets who are hit by a vehicle or accidentally ingest a toxic substance such as antifreeze.

Pet Insurance Costs

Depending on the plan, the provider or the owner, the cost of pet insurance can either be a pro or a con. As with any insurance, the cost can vary greatly in yearly or monthly fees. Some plans can cost as little as $100 per year, whereas others can cost into the thousands per year. The overall cost is often determined by a number of factors including the pet’s age, weight, breed, health history and the location of the owner.

Furthermore, pet insurance may only cover a small portion of the bills. Some plans may cover as little as ten percent, whereas others may cover the entire bill as long as it falls within the coverage guidelines. Therefore, pet owners should be sure to thoroughly read through each plan’s coverage details.

Pre-existing Conditions, Predisposed Conditions

A huge negative for pet owners, the vast majority of pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. This forces pet owners to purchase the insurance while their pet is young and healthy to ensure coverage for diseases that may occur as the dog ages.

Some pet insurance companies may not cover diseases that certain breeds are predisposed to. For example, Golden Retrievers are prone to developing hip dysplasia. Since the entire breed is predisposed to this condition, the insurance company may choose not to provide coverage for this condition should it arise in the covered Golden Retriever.

Deductibles

Deductibles can either be a pro or a con. For example, if the policy requires a straight $50 deductible on every visit, this may not be worthwhile for routine check-ups. However, it may be beneficial should the pet get hit by a vehicle.

However, some pet policies have deductibles that vary depending on the situation. Routine exams may require a deductible of $10 to $25, whereas accidents may require higher deductibles of $100 or more.

With so much money being spent on pets each year, an owner’s choice to purchase pet insurance should include weighing the pros and cons. It may be beneficial to owners of certain breeds, but may not have as many benefits to owners whose pets are predisposed to certain illnesses or have pre-existing conditions. Pet owners who opt to puchase a policy should get everything in writing to ensure their pet is covered.

About the Author: Jennifer Hamelink is a professional writer with a focus on pets and finance. She enjoys writing about money saving tips, credit repair, and researching legal answers to those with financial troubles.

Big Brother is Watching
Having a big dog has many perks. For one, they are always a conversation piece. We can’t go anywhere with our massive Bloodhound Basil without getting into a conversation about how handsome and big he is. Most people think of Basset Hounds when they think of Bloodhounds, so they are shocked when they hear that our small horse is indeed a Bloodhound.

However, one of the most frustrating parts of having a big dog is that you can’t get away with anything. I understand it. People aren’t afraid of little dogs. Yet, the default for a lot of people when they see a big dog is to just be afraid. This makes sense, as how could they possibly know that their genetically altered Chihuahua/Toy Jack Terrier or “Toy Jack Terriahua” as I call it, is more dangerous to them than Basil. All they see is a dog whose head is bigger than their dog. They recall reading Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskerville and are sure that Basil’s eyes just flashed red.

I take Basil out on a leash every single day. Earlier this week, I think, once wont hurt. So, I take Basil out for five minutes. I see a few people off in the distance and think nothing of it. Basil is super well behaved, staying right next to me the whole time. He does his thang, and we go back inside.

Well, someone apparently freaked out that I didn’t have him on a leash, and we got a citation form the apartment complex. I can’t help but laugh as now I feel like there are eyes everywhere when I go out now, little old ladies with nothing better to do all day than to find out what others are doing wrong and bring down the righteous hammer upon thems that dare not have a leash on their dog for a few minutes. We have also gotten falsely accused leaving Basil’s business about. Never any proof, simply the lingering thought that THE BIG EVIL DOG MUST HAVE DONE IT.

So, big dog owners beware. Big Brother is always watching, and your big dog will not go unnoticed. Grab that leash, and make sure you bring a bag.

Article courtesy of Your freelance marketplace

Age 2-6 Months

When your dog is at approximately eight weeks, he’ll start to socialize more with humans. At around ten weeks of age, it is okay to separate your dog from his siblings and mother. 

This is also a great time to train your puppy. Teach him to become housebroken, to socialize well with other dogs and to act appropriately around humans. You can use gourmet dog treats to teach him these important lessons. Giving your dog treats and teaching him new tasks is a fantastic way for him to bond with you and to learn healthy boundaries.

Around 10 weeks, also make sure to bring your dog to the vet for his de-worming and vaccination shots. Because your dog may feel some trauma as a result of being separated from his family (living in a new place), try not to leave your puppy alone too often and make sure to give him lots of love and attention to reinforce his development. Use his name whenever you can and also give him lots of praise and positive feedback when he’s good.

Adulthood

After your dog undergoes puberty (around six months of age), he will enter something called “the phase of hierarchy.” This means that he will need a pack leader, which should be you or another reliable family member. Just like children, dogs need someone to look to for guidance, parenting and love. Without a stable pack leader, your dog will act out and feel abandoned.

One way you can establish healthy routines with your dog at this time is to feed him meals at a certain time of day, every day. You can give him dog breakfast each day just as you have your own morning meal. There are even foods like eggs & smoked bacon entrees that mimic the same tastes that humans love to start the day with, but that are specially formulated for dogs’ nutritional needs. Giving your pet breakfast and gourmet dog food dinners will help him understand which times of day are for eating, which are for exercise, etc.

The Golden Years

Although your dog still may seem like a puppy, you will know he’s becoming a senior when he begins to gain some weight and become less active—at around 8-10 years old. Make sure to feed him a little bit less during each meal, and feed him only three times daily at most. This will help keep his digestion regular and not tax his system. Although he may get some gray in his hair and experience a partial deterioration of hearing and sight, your dog will still want to play. Make sure he gets regular exercise and a lot of loving attention.

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about pets. You can learn more about gourmet dog treats at http://www.cesar.com/

Cat care is simple once you learn the basics. Here are three common questions that new cat owners often have, along with answers that can help you give your kitty the best possible care.

1) How do I care for my new kitten?

Kitten care is surprisingly easy. Once he’s old enough to be weaned, you can start feeding your cat a specially formulated kitten chow. The best selections in terms of food are the most natural. Look for brands that use real, lean protein sources and contain a lack of dyes, preservatives or filler ingredients like corn/wheat.
Next, provide a comfortable place for your cat to curl up. This can consist of a pile of blankets on the floor, or you can buy a soft cat bed for your pet. However, it’s possible that your kitten will want to snuggle with you on the couch or in bed instead!
Finally, make sure that you have a litter box that is always filled with fresh, clean litter for your cat. Make sure to clean it out regularly, and change all of the litter once a week.
Also, you will want to take your new kitten to get checked out by the vet as soon as possible. Your kitten will need vaccinations against feline leukemia and rabies, as well as to be spayed or neutered, if she/he is not a breeding cat, and to be checked for worms and other health issues.

2) Is there a cure for bad breath in cats?

Yes. If your pet has bad breath on a regular basis, and if his teeth are discolored, you may want to bring him to the vet, because it can be a sign of health problems. You can check and care for your pet’s teeth yourself in a few ways. Brush his teeth regularly with a special pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Give him treats designed especially for dental care, which will help protect his chompers between brushings. In addition, you can even buy cat breath mints for the occasional sour-smelling kitty breath.

3) Why does my cat get hairballs?

Cats get hairballs because they clean themselves with their tongue, which means they inadvertently swallow some of their hair sometimes. Hair is tough to digest, and as such, they cough up hairballs. One cat hairball remedy is the addition of extra fiber into your pet’s diet. This will help him digest and pass the hair. Some treats and foods are specially formulated with extra fiber to aid digestion and break down hairballs.

You can also help prevent hairballs from forming in the first place by grooming your cat. Dampen his fur with a little bit of warm water and wipe him down to remove loose hairs. Then, give him a nice, gentle brushing.

Dogs, like humans, have certain things in common no matter what, like cuteness and a penchant for destruction of treasured belongings. Yet, my trip out to the ranch has highlighted for me just how different they can be as well.

Basil is a city dog. He spends most of his time indoors and has immaculate dog park etiquette. He enjoys sugar snap peas, fair trade coffee, and a nice Malbec from the Patagonia region of South America. He drives a smart car and listens to the Fleet Foxes.

My parents run the 5F Ranch in central Texas. Dubby is their dog. If you were wondering, yes, Dubby is short for G.W., as in the dearly “loved” president. Dubby doesn’t listen to music, but can stand Merl Haggard and Patsy Cline. He drinks Folgers instant, and eats things too gross to mention. He loves to chase after sticks tossed out into the cool, muddy waters of Lake San Cristobal (it’s not really a lake so much as a really big pond).

His countryness is never more evident than when he finally exits the pond, where he has a ritual where he takes the stick he has victoriously saved from threat of drowning, only to drop it into the grass, and roll all over it, killing it, and leaving him absolutely covered in grass and dirt.

We weren’t able to bring Basil out this go round, but whenever we do, he tries his best to impress Dubby. You can see him sidle on up next to the wise old canine and stair off into the distance, pretending to see all the things that Dubby can’t help but see. A distant group of buzzards. A raccoon stealing corn out of one of the feeders in the back of the ranch. Dubby’ll lean over and humor him, saying, “Storms coming. Tails been twitching, and look at the shape of that cloud over yonder,” to which Basil will giddily reply, “Yes sir. I think you are right, I was just on weatherchannel.com and there is a seventy…” only to stop and see that Dubby is giving him a look that just says, “City Slicker”.

In the end, they always find a way to bond though, usually by peeing on chewing up something valuable like my XBox controllers or my new pair of boots.

This article was written by Dallas Photographer Nicholas Laning. You can learn more about Nicholas at laningphoto.com.