If you’re like me, the idea of vacation is exciting, but the thought of leaving my dog behind makes me sad. Thanks to the Internet, I may not have to anymore, and I can still stay somewhere that’s like home away from home.

I have a friend who has successfully gone on numerous house-swapping vacations to Europe while her swapees stay at her home in San Diego.

Given the right circumstanced, I could see this working for us as well. Not to Europe, mind you, but maybe to the coast.

I plan to investigate this site, mainly because I’ve found Greyhound to be a bit different than the average dog (mine is afraid of hardwood floors, for example), but there are also sites like this one that I find intriguing. And if you want to stay in hotels, check out Fido Friendly magazine.

After watching the film The Holiday, I am also more open to the concept, especially if I can get a home like one of the two in the film.

City or country, near of far, when it comes to vacations with your pooch, it’s nice to know you don’t have to choose one or the other.

Tags: Fido Friendly magazine, Home Exchange, House Swap

Whether your dog was built for swimming or not, there are plenty of hazards in and around pools, hot tubs, ponds, etc., that can prove deadly.

In addition to drowning, dogs can experience hypothermia (low body temperature) from unheated pools, ponds, and other bodies of water.

Severe hypothermia signs can include dilated pupils, stupor or coma, pale or blue gums, decreased heart and respiratory rate, and shivering. If signs are present, wrap your dog in a blanket, and use hot water bottles to provide heat (do NOT use heating pads, as they can cause burns). Take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Problematic Pool Covers
Some seemingly “solid” pool coverings (such as solar covers) can be deceiving for dogs, who think they are walking on solid ground only to sink and become trapped under or twisted in the cover.

Keys to Water Safety
According to Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori, the keys to water safety for dogs are prevention, preparedness and awareness.

Prevention
No dog should have unsupervised access to any body of water (swimming pools are best fenced off for safety for everyone). There are also pool escape tools like the Skamper-Ramp  made for dogs.

Prevention also includes teaching your dog what to do in the pool, so it’s important to work with him in the pool to help him learn where the steps are so he can get out easily.

Your dog should also come to you when called, even swimming. If your dog isn’t great at recall, have extra retrieving toys on hand, so when your dog is heading into a dangerous area, you can lure him back with a toy thrown closer in.

Preparedness
Before letting your dog swim, survey the area, paying attention to currents, tides, underwater hazards and the condition of the water (FYI-in late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water can be toxic).

Get prepared with first aid and CPR for your pets, too. Many local Red Cross chapters offer these classes, and some veterinarians may also teach them.

It also doesn’t hurt to get your dog a personal floatation device.

Awareness
Be aware of your dog’s health and condition–even swimming dogs get hot and need fresh water, and when your dog gets tired, it’s time to stop.

By following a few safety precautions, this can be a great summer to swim with your dog.

For more pool safety products for pets, click here.

Tags: Canine Pool Safety

Maybe you have your dog with you and you just want to dash into the store “really quick”, buy some stamps at the Post Office or grab a coffee to go—no matter how quick you think you’ll be, you should never leave your dog waiting in you car, whether you leave the windows down or not, spring, summer, fall or winter.

Heat Stroke
Most people are aware that leaving a pet in a locked car on a 100F degree day would be dangerous. However, it is the seemingly mild days of spring (and fall) that pose great danger. Cars heat up fast.

Greenhouse Effect
Cars trap heat much like a greenhouse, and that’s not a good thing. An Animal Protection Institute study, conducted during a heat wave, compared an outside temperature of a shady area with that of inside a car when fully closed, with all windows cracked, and with two windows cracked.

When it was a balmy 82 degrees outside, it was already 109 degrees inside the closed car, and when it was 98 degrees outside, it was 110 degrees inside the car.

When it was 84 degrees, it was 98 degrees int he car with all windows cracked, and when it was 115 degrees outside, it was 132 degrees in that same car.

When it was 80 degrees outside, it was 95 degrees in the car with two windows cracked, and when it was 104 degrees outside, it was 120 degrees in that same car.

The heat in cars can also increase quickly, sometimes reaching lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Beat the Heat
So the next time you need to run a quick errand, leave your dog at home, or plan to bring him inside with you, but please don’t leave him in your car.

And if you see pets or children in cars on warm days, please take action and call the police or fire department immediately–time is critical.

Tags: Car Heat Safety Pets

Summer’s almost here and there’s no better time to take a vacation with your pooch. Traveling with your dog can be a great way to relax and enjoy your vacation, so long as you’re prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected.

First, be sure the place you’re staying allows pets, and adhere to their rules.

Be sure your heater (in winter) and air conditioner (in summer) are functioning properly in your vehicle. Bring water for your dog, have your dog safely contained in your car, and never leave your dog in your car alone.

If you know your dog will jump on the furniture and bed, bring a couple of sheets to use as ‘cover-slips’ during your stay.
 
Check ahead for daycare and pet sitters, as well as vets in the area you’ll be staying. Many pet-friendly hotels do not allow you to leave your pet unattended for any reason, whether or not it’s in a crate.

Bring your dog’s health record with you on the road. Remember the first aid kit.

And remember to bring the comforts of home–lots of toys, treats, water, food, a dog bed and blanket, dishes, etc. to make the stay a happy one.

Tags: Pet Travel Tips, Traveling With Dogs

When it comes to dog beds, not all are up to par–at least in my house.

I bought a Bella Bed a while ago, which Greta thought was more of a toy than a bed, so now it belongs to the cats.

Currently, I am anxiously waiting to hear back from Victoria Peak, as according to their website, their beds are better than the couch–and it would be nice to have the couch back again.

Until then, Greta has to put up with the two beds she currently has, one of which she tore a hole in that I patched up nicely, and the other of which has lost its puff a bit.

Maybe that’s why she perfers the couch?

Tags: Dog Beds

Although I’d love to take credit for this hilarious idea, I have to give credit where credit is due…unfortunately, I can’t, because I got this via a chain email, and it was written by “anonymous”. Anonymous, whoever you are, this is so spot-on it’s scary.

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food!  My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride!  My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park!  My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted!  My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch!  My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard!  My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail!  My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones!  My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball!  My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow!  Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed!  My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity:
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. 

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. 

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

This morning I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
 
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. 

For now…
Cat

Tags: Cat Diary, Dog Diary

Dogs put enough things in their mouths without our knowing about it, so when it comes to dog toys, nontoxic is the best bet.

Here’s a sampling of just some of the many nontoxic dog toys available:

West Paw Squeak Toys
These toys are made from 85 percent post-consumer recycled bottles and stuffed with recycled polyfill batting. Prices range from $9.50 to $13.

Jax and Bones Rope Toys
These hand-made rope animals are colored with natural dyes and priced at $14.

Earth Dog Hemp Bones
This toy is pesticide free and herbicide free and made of hemp canvass shell stuffed with recycled polyester and cotton. Prices range from $8 to $12.

Planet Dog RecycleBALL
This tough ball is made with excess, reground Orbee-Tuff material, and it’s VC free and priced at $9.95.
So the next time you reach for a dog toy, make it nontoxic–it’s better for Fido and the environment, and just as fun.

Tags: Nontoxic Dog Toys

I recently discovered Buddy Biscuits, which I quickly learned that Greta loves. The treats are made by a company called Cloud Star in San Luis Obispo, Caif., which was started by Jennifer Melton and Brennan Johnson.

When the pair found out that their dog Samantha, suffered from food allergies, a sensitive stomach, and was a finicky eater, the couple set about finding a diet that would satisfy Samantha’s finicky palate and yield to her many food allergies.

They tried commerical products with no success, then turned to DIY, making Samantha’s treats at home. It snowballed from there, and they now own a company manufacturing and marketing natural pet products.

Cloud Star is a member of 1% FOR THE PLANET, and pledges at least 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. The company supports humane education programs throughout the United States and is dedicated to preserving the environment (they use recycled products and soy-based inks whenever possible).

Buddy Biscuits
All flavors are free of corn, soy, sugar, salt, dairy, and egg, and vegan and vegetarian flavors are also available.

Molasses Madness
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, rolled oats, blackstrap molasses, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein (min): 7.0%; crude fat (min): 5.0%; crude fiber (max): 1.0%; moisture (max): 10.0%.

Bacon & Cheese Madness
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, cheese, bacon, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein (min): 15.0%; crude fat (min): 6.5%; crude fiber (max): 3.0%; moisture (max): 10.0%.

Roasted Chicken Madness
Ingredients: Unbleached white flour, whole wheat flour, cooked chicken, dehydrated garlic, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein (min): 14.0%; crude fat (min): 7.0%;
crude fiber (max): 2.5%; moisture (max): 10.0%.

Peanut Butter Madness
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, peanut butter, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein (min): 15.0%; crude fat (min): 6.5%; crude fiber (max): 3.0%; moisture (max): 10.0%.

Veggie Madness
Ingredients: Oat flour, barley flour, dried potatoes, ground oat hulls, canola oil, carrots, spinach, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein (min): 8.0%; crude fat (min): 6.0%; crude fiber (max): 6.0%; moisture (max): 10.0%.

Sweet Potato Madness
Ingredients: Oat flour, barley flour, dried potatoes, ground oat hulls, canola oil, sweet potatoes, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein (min): 8.0%; crude fat (min): 6.0%; crude fiber (max): 6.0%; moisture (max): 10.0%.

I get Greta’s supply here. For more information, click here.

Tags: Buddy Biscuits, Cloud Star San Lius Obispo

This week is American Humane Association’s “Be Kind to Animals Week®”.

Be Kind to Animals Week, observed May 4 through 10 this year, is the oldest event in the nation to celebrate the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring into people’s lives.

Animal shelters throughout the country hold special events during this week to raise awareness about being kind to animals and to teach people about the benefits of the human-animal bond.

Be Kind to Animals Week is a great time to promote the wonderful work being done by the nation’s animal welfare organizations and to encourage everyone to get involved to make a difference for animals.

How To Be Kind to Animals
Here are some simple things you can do during Be Kind to Animals week and throughout the year to show kindness to animals:

1. Speak out for animals
   Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation.
2. Report animal abuse
   While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime.
3. Appreciate wildlife
   Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures.
4. Share kindness
   Teach the people in your life, especially children, about the importance of being kind to animals.
5. Make a donation to your local animal shelter
   A donation can be your time, money, or needed items like pet food or laundry detergent. Call them first and see what they need.
6. Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization
   Approximately 8 to 12 million animals enter our nation’s shelters every year, and more than half of these pets will have to be euthanized because of a lack of homes. Local shelters are the best place to find companion animals, even purebreds — one out of every four dogs in a shelter is a purebred.
7. Spay & Neuter
   If you have pets, make sure they are spayed or neutered.
8. Keep Yours Safe
   Pets should be microchipped and should always wear a collar with an ID tag, so they can be reunited with you quickly if they are ever lost. Also take your pet to the veterinarian every year for vaccinations and a health check.

About American Humane
American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond.

American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels.

Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

Tags: American Humane, Be Kind to Animals Week

I am lucky enough to live near a wonderful Wag Hotel, a pet hotel that I take Greta to when we’re headed out of town without her. We’ve left her there anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and we’ve always been more than pleased with how she’s treated.

Because the facility is entirely indoors, I don’t even have to worry about Greta getting too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer.

Inside Wag
Stepping in the doors of Wag Hotel is like walking into the gift shop of a day spa. It’s bright, modern, clean, and full of all kinds of goodies for furry friends.

I have always made an appointment (highly recommended, as both Wag’s day care and overnight slots can book up, particularly during the holidays).

And ever since the first time I dropped Greta off at Wag, the receptionist(s) have been ready and waiting for her when we walk in. They even greet her by name, which she loves.

Accommodations
All the rooms have plush beds, and prices include room service meals, playgroups twice a day (!), any necessary medications, and classical music.

There are also mini and luxury suites, which are roomier and, in the case of the luxury, include plasma TVs and Wag cams.

We have always had Greta stay in a medium room, which runs $45 for overnight stays, and $30 for day stays (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Sometimes we also add a business walk ($15 or two for $25), or an evening stroll ($10), depending on when we drop her off.

Extras
There are all sorts of other add-ons, such as individual play time, swim time, massage, nail trims, etc., that can be purchased a la carte.

Best of all, when we pick up Greta, we get a “report card” that explains how she did while we were gone, detailing such things as her energy level, her appetite, whether or not she had medications, how her elimination was, whether or not she followed instructions well, and how she played with other (and the names of any friends she made, too!).  

Wag may not be the cheapest place around, but I think it’s the best, so in my book it’s worth the extra cost to know Greta’s well cared for and having a ball.

Tags: Wag Hotels