On-the-road with Fido: safety tips for happy trips

Summer is here, and you’re likely planning fun day trips with your family or maybe even a much-needed getaway for a few days. Once you’ve decided that you’ll be vacationing with your dog and have your Fetch! Pet Care sitter booked to look after your cat and fish while you’re away, the next step is then to ensure Fido’s safety while on-the-road.

Yet the thought of packing up her bowl and bone and driving to the coast with her panting out the back window may fill you with trepidation. If it’s not something you’ve done in the past, and if you have a noisy human pack to deal with too, it may seem like more effort than it’s worth. This isn’t the case. With a bit of common sense, some planning, and just a few spare dollars, you can easily make the shared car trip a pleasure for you and your pet, so you don’t have to spend the best weeks of summer without each other’s company.

There are a number of solutions for keeping her secure while you drive. If you have kids to transport too, it’s possible that the only spare room for your dog is in the way back of your SUV or station wagon. Well, a decent SUV way back is around the size of a decent kennel, so it’s a great option as long as you take steps to make it safe and comfortable. A dog who doesn’t fidget too much may even agree with being put in a dog crate to travel in the way back; a bigger dog, or one that likes to rearrange her sleeping position every few minutes, may be happy just with blankets. In this case, you should also think about buying a dog guard to put between the trunk and the back seat, so she neither jumps into the main body of the car nor is thrown there by a sudden unexpected stop.

If you have a bit of space in the rear seat, it can be nice to keep her up with the family instead. There are some great seat harnesses available that work with your existing human seat belt fixtures which can be found at your local pet supplies store or on Amazon. We recommend that alternatively, you buy a carry box that hangs safely over the back seat, giving a smaller dog a secure, elevated spot from which to observe what’s going on and feel like part of the pack.

If it’s just you and another traveling, then, of course, your dog could have the luxury of the whole rear seat to herself. In that case, if you trust her to stay relatively calm and still, you can actually buy a doggy hammock that hangs off the front and rear headrests to create a kind of cradle of the back seat – so she can’t fall into the foot space or get thrown up into the front. It’s good to get one with a non-slip underside so that your dog can stay securely on the seat.

We all know what a pain kids can be when you’re on a long drive, but for dogs, it’s even less natural – and they won’t always let you know when they’re unhappy. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take plenty of breaks as you travel. Stop when you can, and put her on the leash for a couple of minutes walk to cool off, have a drink of water, and go potty.

Here’s a handy infographic from our friends at Budget Direct to refer to if you plan on taking your dog on-the-road…

How To Keep Your Dog Safe In The Car, brought to you by Budget Direct

What are some of your safety tips when traveling with your dog? Let us know in the comments below…

 

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A Crash Course on Diabetes in Pets

Pet owners who love their dogs or cats share a lot with their furry friends, from table scraps to a place on their couch or bed. Unfortunately, just like humans, dogs and cats run the risk of developing diabetes, which can severely hamper their health and lead to a host of other problems. Fortunately, however, pet owners who watch for the early warning signs of diabetes can get their pets the treatment they need to lead longer, happier lives while managing the disease. As is the case with most diseases, early diagnosis and prevention are the key to keeping dogs and cats with diabetes healthier for longer periods of time.

Just as it is in humans, diabetes in dogs and cats means the body does not produce enough insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas that controls the level of glucose in the blood. Without this essential hormone, glucose levels in the body of a dog or cat can accumulate to unsafe levels. Glucose can pass through the body without being absorbed into the bloodstream and urine, where it draws large volumes of water with it. Because glucose exits the body without entering the bloodstream, the body’s cells don’t get enough of the critical fuel they need to stay healthy. The body will begin to break down fat and muscle tissue to be converted into sugar so that the metabolic process can continue.

Although diabetes can be a serious condition, pet owners who are concerned about the health of their dogs or cats can look for the warning signs and get their pets the early treatment they need to stay healthy. The primary warning signs in dogs and cats include increased thirst and water consumption, along with weight loss and decreased appetite. Chronic and recurring infections, especially skin and urinary infections, also are signs that a dog or cat may be diabetic. Cloudy eyes, especially in dogs, are another sign that the pet owner should take his or her pet to the vet as soon as possible for testing.

This was created by  Cash Now Offer

There are a variety of risk factors that may increase a dog’s or cat’s risk of developing diabetes, but it is possible for any dog or cat to develop the disease. The most significant risk factor is obesity, which has been found to increase the risk of diabetes in cats three- to five-fold. Obesity also can lead to kidney or pancreatic disease that can trigger diabetes or worsen its symptoms. Age is another significant risk factor, with more dogs between ages 8 and 12 being diagnosed with the disease, and more cats between ages 9 and 13. Female dogs are twice as likely as male dogs to become diabetic, but male cats are one-and-a-half times as likely as female cats to develop the disease. Male cats that have been neutered have twice the risk of diabetes, and long-term use of medications containing corticosteroids put both dogs and cats at a much higher risk. Certain breeds, such as dachshunds and beagles for dogs and Burmese cats, are genetically predisposed to have a higher risk of diabetes.

Once a dog or cat is diagnosed as being diabetic, a veterinarian may prescribe regular insulin injections. The dog or cat will need to be put on a special balanced diet and get regular exercise. People who own diabetic pets will need to give their dogs and cats special care for the rest of their lives. However, by doing this, pet owners can ensure that they will be able to share many happy memories with their pets in that time.

Author bio: Thomas Boston is Founder of Cash Now Offer. Cash Now Offer provides cash for unused diabetic test strips and is focused on educating people about diabetes

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8 Great Gifts for the Dachshund Lover

Small in size but large in spirit, the Dachshund is a breed known for its loyalty, curiosity, and intelligence. Dachsie owners are also known for their loyalty to the breed, with many people who have owned a wiener dog resistant to choosing any other breed. Show the Dachshund lover in your life how much you care with these awesome gifts from around the Internet. Whether you’re looking for the perfect blanket, a silly T-shirt, or a touching memorial to a Doxie that has passed away, check out these sites.

1. “Stubborn Dachshund Tricks” T-Shirt

Spreadshirt.com illustrates exactly how that strong mindset can feel both frustrating and ridiculous. Check out a wide selection of other Dachshund-themed shirts on Spreadshirt.

2. Dachshund Backpack

Perfect for back to school or anyone who’s looking for an adorable bag, this Dachshund Backpack from KISS GOLD is available on Amazon. Made of high density canvas with a polyester fiber interior, the backpack is large enough to hold a 14-inch laptop and all of your doggie treats!

3. Dachshund Comforters

Dream wonderful Doxie dreams when you sleep under an adorable Dachshund comforter from the wide selection at Society6. This website is a community where independent artists can offer their designs to the public and have them printed on a variety of products, including comforters, T-shirts, mugs, and more. The charming Dachshund comforter shown above is by artist Elena O’Neill. You can check out all of her designs at society6.com/elenaoneill.

4. Dachshund Cremation Urns

While we never want to think about the day when we might lose our beloved Dachsie, you may find some peace in knowing that you can create a meaningful memorial to your pet. Perfect Memorials has created a whole line of affordable dog breed urns, including the lovely Dachshund Figurine Cremation Urn shown above. This urn can hold the ashes of a dog that weighed up to 70 pounds, and you can add your own custom engraving on the font. Check out all of their dog urns, including more traditional vase-style containers and wooden boxes with picture frames.

5. Dachshund Door Mats

Our love for Doxies doesn’t blind us to their challenges. This cute Dachshund Door Mat from I Love Dachshunds is made from thick 100% Olefin indoor/outdoor carpet and looks great anywhere in your home. Makes a great rug for the kitchen or bedroom too!

6. This Delightful Dachshund Patterned Tote bag

Our love for Doxies doesn’t blind us to their challenges. This cute Dachshund Door Mat from I  Love Dachshunds is made from thick 100% Olefin indoor/outdoor carpet and looks great anywhere in your home. Makes a great rug for the kitchen or bedroom too!

7. Dachshund Cookie Cutters

Creating cookies 6 inches long (!), PetMyWiener.com offers wonderful Dachshund Cookie Cutters made of tinplate steel. They are custom made for the site, so you won’t find this loveable design anywhere else. The large size makes the cookies easy and fun to decorate! Use the cookie cutter to shape other soft foods or even for kids’ craft projects. PetMyWiener.com has many other Doxie gifts, and 5% of all of their sales are donated to Dachshund rescue organizations.

8. “They’re Good Dogs, Brent” T-Shirt

OK, this shirt isn’t specific to Dachshund lovers, but that doesn’t make your pupper any less worthy. This shirt is produced by the well-loved Twitter account WeRateDogs™, your #1 source for professional dog ratings! The account includes many photos of adorable dogs looking cute and doing silly things, each one rated between 12 to 14 out of 10, because they’re all good dogs, Brent.

Which would you gift the Dachsund lover in your life? Let us know in the comments below…

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5 Things You Could Do Right Now To Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life

Having senior dog is possibly one of the biggest challenges any pet owner can face. Remember that a dog in their elderly years may not have the same physical and mental capabilities when he or she is younger. If your canine friend becomes bored during this age, some anxiety problems may occur, because having less activities will get your dog bored. Therefore, it may be time to spice things up. Here are 5 things you could do right now to improve your senior dog’s life:

More dog walks

Always remember that like people, dogs who reach their senior age will still need some form of exercise, even at low impact. Walking your elderly dog regularly is a good activity to help them maintain their joint and muscle health even in their ripe years. Walking a senior dog doesn’t need to be as frequent as with a regular dog, but they still need to experience the great outdoors in their four legs. In this way, they will be less prone to bone diseases.

You can also use dog slings if your pet is already having trouble with walking. Remember to take walks slowly and gently so that your dog doesn’t get tired easily. In addition to that, bring lots of food and drinks along with you to ensure that Fido doesn’t get dehydrated, especially on a sunny day. You can also bring a dog stroller in case your pet gets tired along the way (it’ll save you having to carry the dog).

More potty time

Like humans, dogs who get older also need more time relieving themselves to reduce “accidents” within the household. Always ensure you take your dog out regularly or train them for a more frequent potty time, as compared when they were still younger. A senior dog’s bathroom time will be much like raising puppies, even more if your pet has some urination problems.

Temperature comfort

Elderly dogs are a lot more sensitive to the heat and to the cold, and this is why you need to provide them with ample amounts of protection. Heating pads are a good choice for the winter, because not only do they keep your pet nice and warm, but they also help on your dog’s joints to relieve them with from pain. In addition to a heating pad, you can also buy a dog-appropriate sweater or coat to keep your pet warm, especially when walking outside.

On the summer side of things, giving your dog plenty of cool drinks (as mentioned above) is a good idea. You can also reduce dog walk times, especially when it’s hot, or you can walk earlier in the morning to avoid harsh sunrays at noontime. If you believe your dog is getting heated up, taking your pet to the kiddy pool can help him cool down.

Games and activities

Senior dogs need to keep their minds busy, other than walks to keep their joints up and running. Provide low impact games and toys and teach your dog some tricks that is appropriate for their age. Make sure your dog gets enough rest and if you have younger pups, be sure they don’t disturb their seniors.

Accessibility

If you have a vehicle, installing a ramp can help your senior dog feel at ease from getting on and off. Moreover, you can also set up anti-slip rugs around the house, especially if you have stairs at home. For food and drinks, you can also setup a raised feeder to avoid your dog having to bend their joints. These accessibility options can greatly improve your senior dog’s mobility and way of life.

Author Bio

Here at ThinkofPuppy.com, Anna shares her dog-loving passion with the world. She likes to give her dogs the best of everything and bring helpful, interesting information to her readers. You can catch more of her through her Google+ or Twitter

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Meet Ellen Naumann: Fetch! Pet Care’s Resident Dog Trainer

We have a new pack member here at Fetch! Pet Care and her name is Ellen Naumann, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI), also known as Ellen the Dog Trainer. You may have seen Ellen live on our Facebook or YouTube channels over the past several months where she’s been guiding you on how to become a better dog parent by showing you how to more deeply understand why dogs do what they do and by giving you the tools you need to keep them happy, healthy and safe.

Ellen began her career in dog training by volunteering at the Los Angeles County Animal Shelter in Agoura Hills, California. It was there that she experienced first hand the tremendous variety of breeds, dispositions, and behavior issues. She also realized how just a little bit of training could have a huge impact on the dog and their future families. Inspired by the transformations at the shelter, and most importantly from her own dog Beatrix, she soon began devoting her time to working with dogs on a professional level. Ellen’s philosophy is: “Training rooted in science; delivered with skill, compassion, and love.”

The method of dog training that Ellen uses is called Positive Reinforcement Training which trains the behavior, not the responses of a dog by using praise and / or treats to reward your dog for doing something you want him to do. Because the reward makes him more likely to repeat the behavior, positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools for shaping or changing your dog’s behavior.

It is an ideal scenario for all of us to be responsible dog owners with well-mannered dogs — the AKC’s gold standard for dog behavior, or, what is known as Canine Good Citizen. This makes for copacetic interactions within the dog / human world. But why is it important to actually understand what makes your dog tick? What are the benefits of having a more diversified dog parent toolkit? Understanding your dog can make all the difference. Here are just a handful of the perks of understanding dog behavior and training your dog by virtue of Positive Reinforcement Training:

✔Reinforcement of positive behaviors builds your dog’s confidence.

✔Positive training will help your dog release pent up energy (so long garden digging)!

✔It can be used for several behavioral issues as behavioral problems have a greater chance of being corrected with positive reinforcement training.

✔You will develop a stronger bong with your dog as your dog will learn to trust you more.

✔Positive reinforcement is fairly easy to do which allows the whole family to be involved so long as there is adult supervision present.

If you haven’t had a chance to tune-in into Ellen’s shows or missed en episode, here’s the library so you don’t miss out…

Meet Ellen & her dog Skittles

July 4th pet safety & preparedness

Dog body language: eyes, ears, tails & more with guest Kristin Burke

How to properly hold a leash

What’s in a yawn?

Tips for keeping your pets mentally active with guest Irith Bloom

The great outdoors with our dogs & cats with guest Irith Bloom

Teach your children the proper way to greet a dog

When asked about her experience in working with Fetch! Pet Care, Ellen’s reply was: “What an honor to be the Resident Dog Trainer with Fetch! Pet Care. Fetch! offers what every pet guardian needs to provide the best care for their animals through their dog walking & pet sitting services. With the Facebook Live feeds and Video Tips, pet guardians can get even more from Fetch!”

Stay tuned for more valuable lessons from Ellen the Dog Trainer. Have a question about your dog’s behavior? Save them for Ellen the Dog Trainer’s Facebook Live events where you may ask her in real-time. If you aren’t able to attend one of her events, simply leave your question for her in the comments section of the video. To learn more about Ellen Naumann and her work visit her website here.

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