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Traveling with your dog?

Vacations are a lot of fun and a big part of summer for many families.  But what about the dog.  Pets  for the most art do need a vacation but if you want them to come along be sure you are prepared.

1. Take plenty of food and clean water as well as dishes.
• You will need to be sure you have plenty of the food that your dog normally eats, this will help prevent stomach illness.
2. Be ready to make frequent pit stops and always use a secure leash and collar
3. If you are going to a hotel be sure your pet will be welcome.
4. Do not let your dog ride loose in the bed of a pick truck
5. NEVER LEAVE A PET IN A CLOSED NON-RUNNING VEHICLE
• Your car will get 10+ degrees hotter than it is outside (even in the shade)
• Your pet can suffer a fatal heat stoke in a matter of minutes
• Many towns and counties through out the US have laws against living a pet unattended in a car at certain temperatures.

Summer safety

Please remember that our pets are domestic animals and depend on us for their basic needs.  During the summer months when many places in the U.S. have temperature over 100 degrees, fresh water and shade are necessity.   Also remember breeds that were developed for cold climates have thick undercoats that make them even less heat tolerant.  These undercoats can also hold moisture making them very uncomfortable so if you let them swim or play in water dry them thoroughly when they are done.

If your can bring your pet indoors especially during the heat of the day please do. If they must remain outside provide shade and large amounts of fresh cool water.  Ice water can also be refreshing.

If you have a pool your dog may want to jump in and cool off.  Be sure that they do not swim unattended and that they can get out if they do jump in.

Collar Comfort and Cost

Comfort

You love your pet and you want them to be happy. Remember they wear their collar 24 hours a day in many cases. So what should you look for in collar comfort.

1. Size be sure the collar should fit snug enough to not get caught on things but loose enough to be non-constricting. For a small dog you should be ablt to comforatbly get one finger under the collar. For larger dogs use two fingers to check spacing.



2. Weight of the collar should also be considered. Choose a collar that is as thin and light weight as possible. If you a have strong dog you must still consider the collar strength.



3. Flexibile collars are usually more comfortable. Webbed collars are often thick and sometimes not very flexible. There are webbed collars that are thin as well as fabric collars that are strong yet very flexible.

Cost

Collars for pets just like clothes for people come in a variety of price ranges. When it comes to price you have to choose what is best for you. There are many options including on-line, super stores and local pet stores.

Pet Fashion

Our family pets have come a long way over the past few decades in the way of accessories. From a rope attached to an old collar to collars covered in rhinestones, pearls or ribbons. An then there are the clothes and jewelry. So how do you decide what is best for you and your pet?

There are three things to consider.

1. Safety



2. Comfort



3. Cost

Safety is the most important factor on this list and we will look at few here. A collar or necklace that does not properly fit can be dangerous. A collar that is to tight can make breathing and eating difficult, it can also damage the skin and coat. A loose fitting collar is also dangerous. A collar that is too loose can result in a leg getting caught and injured. A loose collar can also become caught on objects such as fences, toys or furniture causing sever injury.

Another common safety mistake is using a piece of jewelry as a collar. Jewelry is normally not as strong as a collar and are often elastic. If you attach a leash to a pet necklace it will often result in a loose pet.

The final safety issue has to do with cats. Any item, collar or necklace that is placed on a cats neck must have a break away clasp. Because cats climb and jump from everything there is a risk of the collar catching and causing severe neck injury. There are clasp made specifically for cats that will release if hung on something and prevent injury to your pet. Because of these easy release clasp cat collars are not recommended for dogs because one good tug on a leash and the collar will come off.

These are only a few safety tips, next time we will look at comfort.