Cat Trees and Pet Supplies

I’ve posted about this before, but felt it needed to be re-visited since travel season is upon us.  If your planning a vacation this summer, it may be easier to bring your pet with.  Hotels are starting to realize that when it comes to pets, people treat them like children- and who wouldn’t take their children with on a family vacation?!  So, I did a little research, and it looks like most hotels have the same charges and rules. 

• It’s roughly $10 or $15 a night for dogs, and usually not more than 2 dogs per room. 
• When taking them outside you must have them leashed, and clean up after them. 
• No Cats- this was listed on a few of them, some didn’t specify.
• Do not leave pet unattended in room.  If unavoidable circumstances require a pet to remain in a room while the owner is offsite, the pet must be secured in a pet crate or travel carrier on your service day to avoid injury or damage.

All in all, that’s not bad!  Not having a dog sitter is no longer a reason to call off a vacation, and the cost a hotel charges may be cheaper than paying a kennel.  Also, If you’re worried that you’ll have too much to do, and would have to leave your pet alone in the room more than you’d like, some hotels even have their own version of “doggie daycare”.  You can relax knowing that while you’re out, your dog is enjoying himself in a safe, fun environment.  After all, vacations should be relaxing – for you AND your pet!  

Let us know if you find a pet friendly hotel that is worth mentioning.

If you already own a soft sided pet crate, you probably already know how versatile they are.  If you don’t own one, here are several reasons to consider picking one up.

• Trips to the Vet- If you’ve ever taken your cat to the vet, wrapped in a towel, you’ll appreciate the ease of transporting your cat in a crate.  No more trying to pull your cat out from under the seat, dealing with scratches all over your arms, shredded towels, and trying to keep your cat calm in a waiting room full of dogs.  A crate alone makes transporting your cat easier, but the soft sides keep your cat a little more comfortable.
• Sanctuary- If you have children, your cats and/or dogs may need a place to hide for a little while!  Kids will be kids, and they are intrigued by animals.  Your pets can only handle so much tail pulling, chasing, and “piggy back” rides.  A soft sided pet crate doubles as a home for your pet.  They can comfortably relax, in their own sanctuary, untill they are rested enough to play again.
• Recovery After Surgery- If you’ve ever had an injured pet, or your pet has ever needed surgery, you know how hard it is to get them to stay still to heal.  You can’t guarantee that they will rest, even if you lock them in a room, alone.  With a soft sided pet crate, they will have a comfortable “recovery zone”, and they can be in the room with you. 
• Crate Training- Potty training a puppy can be rough duty.  If you have other dogs, your puppy may follow them, and training will be a breeze.  If you don’t, a crate will definitely help.  Dogs usually will not go to the bathroom when they are secluded in a small area, such as a crate, because they do not want to have to lay in it.  The Soft sides add comfort to their “training area”.
• Travel- Portable, and easy to carry, these crates make travelling with pets less of a hassle.  They are also approved by most airlines.

On top of all these reasons, the soft sided pet crates are sylish, lightweight, and washable.  They also fold up to less than 4″ thick for easy storage.

I know I’ve been lax with my blogging, but until today I had no idea how long it’s been!  I apologize for the long span.  The summer has been packed with graduations, birthday parties, pool parties, family get-togethers, and a short little vacation.  I’m sure your summers have been jam packed too.  I hope you and your pets are enjoying every minute of the summer air!

We recently just got back from Wisconsin Dells.  (If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s waterslide central!)  Anyway, I found it very interesting that so many hotels advertise that they are pet friendly now.  Hotels are starting to realize that when it comes to pets, people treat them like children- and who wouldn’t take their children with on a family vacation?!  So, I did a little research, and it looks like most hotels have the same charges and rules. 

• It’s roughly $10 or $15 a night for dogs, and usually not more than 2 dogs per room. 
• When taking them outside you must have them leashed, and clean up after them. 
• No Cats- this was listed on a few of them, some didn’t specify.
• Do not leave pet unattended in room.  If unavoidable circumstances require a pet to remain in a room while the owner is offsite, the pet must be secured in a pet crate or travel carrier on your service day to avoid injury or damage.

All in all, that’s not bad!  Not having a dog sitter is no longer a reason to call off a vacation!  Take them with you!  And if you’re worried that you’ll have too much to do, and would have to leave your pet alone in the room more than you’d like, some hotels even have their own version of “doggie daycare”.  Feel free to comment if you have stayed at a pet friendly hotel with your pet, and let us know what you thought.  Our current dog doesn’t like car rides very much (I know, strange) so we probably wouldn’t bring him with on any vacations, but I’m glad that the option is there if we decide to!  Happy travels!

Pet carriers have changed quite a bit over the years.  Gone are the days where only 1 style “box” was available in different colors.  Today, you can choose from a variety of pet carriers that fit you and your dog or cat’s personality and style.  Here’s a quick peek at a couple Modern Pet Carriers we thought you’d like:

Deluxe Backpack Pet Carrier On Wheels- Great for hiking, bike rides, shopping, travelling, or the usual trip to the vet.  It offers the hands-free benefit of a backpack, and easy maneuvering of a wheeled carrier (which is convenient if you have back trouble). This carrier features polyester side and back panels with rubber mesh for ventilation, front-zippered storage pocket, zippered top and bottom opening for easy access to pet, and a removable floor insert.  Available in Pink or Camouflage, this carrier is perfect for both men and women.

Deluxe Flower Prints Pet Carrier- Great for trips to the beach, shopping, and of course travelling.  This carrier also features a zippered opening for easy access to your pet,  a zippered side pocket for pet accessories, a removable floor insert, and a safety clip inside to attach to your pet’s collar.  It will even fit under an airline seat!  Available in Orange and Blue.

According to the ASPCA pet statistics, approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.  Caring for animals is an expensive business. It also requires a great deal of time, space, and involvement, and these things are not always available for every animal.

Many Animal Shelters are usually privately funded and can do with all the help they can get from the local community. If there is an Animal Shelter in your area, you can consider making a donation or, if they allow it, volunteering your time.  Check with the shelter to see what items they are in need of most. 

For the most part, most shelters need:

• Financial Support- as stated above, it’s a very expensive business
• Litter and litter boxes
• Break-away cat collars and dog collars
• Food-Many of the animals dropped off or found are malnourished and in need of a good meal. 
• Flea treatments
• Toys and Treats- the best way to socialize rescue animals is through play.
• Cleaning supplies (Bleach, towels, trash bags, newspapers,plastic bags, laundry detergent,etc)
• Pet houses, pet beds, and pet cages and crates- If an animal needs to be confined due to an illness then a pet cage or crate is necessary. Pet carriers are also high in demand.
• stand alone scratching posts
• and of course, people willing to adopt

Anything you can do is a big help.  New shelters are going up every day, but they’re filling up immediately and need all the help they can get.

Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don’t travel frequently. Many people opt to sedate their pets when flying. 

Whether flying in the cabin or in cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressure of approximately 8,000 feet. It has been said that increased altitude, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized.

The best way to travel is to get a comfortable pet carrier or crate for your pet.  Let them get used to being in it so they are a little more at ease on the plane.  Smaller pets can sometimes ride in the cabin with you, if their carrier will fit under your seat.  Try not to sedate your pet unless you absolutely have to.

In the event of an emergency,  are you prepared?  Do you have an evacuation plan in place for you, your family, and your pets?  Don’t assume that your pet’s natural instincts will save them.  Be prepared for anything.

In the event that you have to leave your home, take your pets with you. If it isn’t safe for you to be there, it isn’t safe for them either. No drinkable water for you means no drinkable water for them, too. 

You should have a disaster kit in your home as well as a smaller version in the trunk of your car. The kit should include a week’s supply of food and water in airtight containers to ensure freshness.  You should replace this food and water every six months, and re-assess what’s in it once a year. If you pack canned food you’ll want to make sure you have a hand-held can opener too. And don’t forget a plastic dish that can double as a food and water dish. An extra collar and leash are also important things to have in your kit.

You should also have a portable pet carrier or pet crate for each of your pets handy. The official Red Cross policy is that there are no animals allowed in emergency shelters, but they have been known to make exceptions if the animal is securely confined.  Make sure your pet has an ID tag with your information on it, just in case they get separated from you.  Also keep a copy of their recent vaccinations on hand.  If you have to temporarily board them, some facilities may require proof of vaccinations before they will take your pet in. 

No matter where you live, you never know when, or what, disaster may strike.  Be prepared and you, your family, and your pets will stay safe.

If you have a small dog, you may think twice about bringing him with when going to crowded outtings.  Maybe you’re worried that he’ll get lost in the crowd, think he’ll get scared, or worry that another larger animal will attack him.  Whatever your reason- worry no more!

With the wide variety of pet carriers available, there’s no reason you’re little sidekick can’t come with you.  The new fashionable pet carrier bags are not only stylish, but comfortable for your small dog.    You don’t have to lug around a big cage anymore.  These carriers look like regular tote bags.  Whether just going to the vet, or sidewalk shopping, you can easily bring you’re dog with you.

Your pet’s overall health is your responsibility.  Make sure you know when something is wrong, and take care of it immediately.   Taking your pet in for regular examinations may help you catch a problem in the early phases, hopefully before it becomes life threatening.  But In-between those visits, you need to be on the lookout for warning signs.

Here are some early warning signs that should not be overlooked:

1. Discolored or irritated Eyes. 
2. Wax build up, or bad odor present in the Ears.  Also be on the lookout for Ticks, mites or other parasites inside the ears.
3. Build up in the tooth area. Bad breath may suggest gingivitis or other tooth/gum problems.
4. A “greasy” coat.  Sometimes accompanied with a fishy, rank odor.   
   A doggy odor, while common, is a sign of a low level of health.

If you notice any of the above, make an appointment to see your vet.  Always be sure to use a leash when going to the vet, or if your pet is small enough, a pet carrier.  And remember- a clean bill of health is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your pets (after your love and affection of course)!

Traveling with your pet is very easy when you have a pet carrier.  You can easily fit them inside the carrier for a comfortable ride.  There are soft-sided pet crates that keep them safe from bumps from the walls.  There are backpack type carriers as well so you can carry them easily.

And if you have a small dog, there are pet carriers that are so fashionable they look like ordinary tote bags.  This is really a great way to travel with your pet in style.  It really doesn’t matter where you are going as long as your pets are safe in their carriers.  They are available in different sizes and colors so you can choose the one that is perfect for your pet.