Pet Auto Safety

Are you going to the beach this summer?  Want to take your dog with you?  Here is a great website for a list of dog friendly beaches in the United States – DogFriendly.com.  DogFriendly.com also has a great article on beach safety for your dog.  So make sure your dog is safe in the car by having him wear a dog car seatbelt or ride in a pet car seat.  Then practice more pet safety by following the tips on this article - Dog Etiquette for the Dog Friendly Beaches.

Do you love your pet? Is that the easiest question you have ever been asked? Of course you love your pet. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have bothered reading this article. A lot of people can’t understand the relationship between a human and a pet. This kind of incredible bond is common and usually happens when a pet is all-loving. You just can’t help loving them back. This does cause a dilemma, however. For instance, your traveling options become limited. You can stay at a pet-friendly hotel, but you will have to pay extra and the room you stay in will be dirty from previous pets. The smell is often not something you want to remember, either. A much better option is to look into pet friendly vacation rentals.

We could cover all kinds of locations to visit, but let’s focus on Florida. This one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States and easily the most popular vacation destination for those who lives on the east coast. The reason Florida is so popular is because of weather and variety. As far as variety goes, you can find a middle-class party atmosphere in Daytona Beach, an upper class village in Palm Beach, an entertainment Mecca in Miami, the best family attractions in the world in Orlando, the most activity-filled beach in the U.S. in Clearwater Beach and the most relaxing atmosphere possible in the Florida Keys. Needless to say, regardless of who you are and what you’re looking for, you can find it in Florida. Now that we have that covered, let’s talk about Florida pet friendly vacation rentals.

When you stay at pet friendly vacation rentals in Florida, you are going to be saving money. This might sound like a pleasant surprise, and it is, but do you know why you can find great prices for pet friendly vacation rentals in Florida? In most cases, it’s because most people who visit Florida stay in a hotel. A lot of travelers think Florida is too hot for their pet and they don’t want to go through the “hassle” of traveling with their pet. These people are misinformed considering there is air conditioning in a car and a plane. Any pet will be more comfortable than you would imagine. In addition to that, it will be more affordable than finding a pet sitter. As far as the rental prices for a vacation home go, they will be reduced due to low demand. This is a huge opportunity for anyone who is smart enough to rent a pet friendly vacation home in Florida.

Let’s not forget the most important advantage of them all. When your pet is with you, he or she is with his or her family. Why shouldn’t your pet be able to experience a vacation with its family? It’s a new experience that your pet will relish.

This dog must really love to ride in the car.  I’m sure if I thought it was a good idea, I’d teach it to Sephi and Maya.  But I am afraid I’d find them in the car a lot when I didn’t want them there.  Sometimes you just got to be careful with what you teach your dog. 

Enjoy the video from the funniest dog website, ICanHasCheezburger.com.

Happy Memorial Day from Sephi and Maya.  Remember to keep your dog safe when you travel this holiday season.  Travel safe and be safe wherever you and your dog go.

Pet Travel Safety
Keep your dog in the back seat with a pet net or pet barrier, have him wear his dog car seatbelt, or put him in a pet car seat.

Provide Water and Shade
If you are traveling a long distance, make sure your dog has plenty of water and do not leave him in alone in the car.  Just because it is cool outside this time of year does not mean that it won’t get as hot as an oven in your car.  If outdoors, be sure you dog has a shaded place to rest.  You may also want to consider sunscreen for you dog - especially short-haired breeds.

Identification and Restraint
Before traveling with your dog, make sure all his id tags and/or microchipping have your current contact information.  Your dog should be on a leash at all times when outside unless you are sure the area of a yard or enclosed dog park has secured fencing.  If your dog is boating, he should have his own dog life jacket.

Barbeque Dangers
If barbequing, keep foodstuff away from your dog.  Food like chicken have bones and should not be given to your dog.  Dogs should not have onions, chocolate, nuts (except peanuts), or grapes.  Fattening food should be avoided or it may make your dog’s tummy upset.  Also, keep your dog away from the barbeque pit.  A wagging tail can be dangerous around fire.  And over excited dog may accidentally run into the barbeque pit, knocking it down or knocking out hot coals.Be Aware of the Surroundings

Keep a close eye on your dog whenever he is around a lot of people, and especially small children.  Some dogs are uncomfortable around a lot of people and kids and he may react negatively if he feels cornered.  Your dog may be good around children and other people, but children and other people may not be good with your dog.  Protect your dog’s comfort as well as his safety.  Also, be aware of any loud noises which may disturb your dog.  Will there be a military memorial service in the area where shots will be fired?  Your dog will most likely be terrified of these types of sound and may try to escape them.

If you are like me, your dog is your family and you want to take him wherever you go.  You also want him safe and happy.  Pet travel safety and other pet safety is important.  Enjoy the holiday weekend and every day with your family.

Visit Watson Park in Lawrence, Kansas on May 7, 2011 for the Mutt ‘n Strut.  What is the Mutt n’ Strut?  It is a charity walk and fun pet event which benefits the homeless dogs at the Lawrence Humane Society.  The Mutt ‘n Strut theme for 2001 is “Promoting Health & Wellness Through Animal Companionship”.  Take your dog and join the walk, enter fun contests with your dog, meet pet rescue groups and dog trainers, and shop at the exhibitor booths.  Pet Auto Safety.com will have a booth there along with some dog and cat figurines form the Animal Figurine Store.com.  Other vendors will be selling dog toys, dog treats, dog clothes, and lots of other great dog stuff.

Remember May 7th and visit Watson Park in Lawrence, Kansas to Strut your Mutt!  For more information visit the Lawrence Humane Society website.

Spring is finally here!  Pack up your car and take a fun and well deserved vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks.  There is swimming, hiking, boating, and more fun to be had in this scenic area of Missouri.

Don’t leave your dog at home.  He too can enjoy hiking the mountainous trails, swimming it the cool lake, or taking a ride on a boat.  So pack up your car with both you and your dog’s things and go!  Don’t forget your dog’s dog car harness.  It may be a long drive so you want him to be safe.

On my first trip to the Ozarks, it was me and Sephi.  Although Sephi does not have a big love for the outdoors, she did have a good time camping and hiking.  The Lake of the Ozarks has two big state parks to visit.  There is the Ha Ha Tonka State Park and the Lake of the Ozarks State Park.  Both allow leashed dogs.  There are plenty of pet friendly campgrounds, a few pet friendly hotels and vacation rentals, and lots of RV parks.

If you are tired from a day of hiking and swimming, visit the Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park.  Dogs are allowed in the park area but only small dogs which can be carried are allowed in the cave.

A few restaurants will allow you to have your dog on the patio area.  Check with Backwater Jack’s and Miller’s Landing before you bring your dog just to make sure.

No matter where you travel with your dog this spring, be sure he is wearing his dog car harness.  Check places before you visit to make sure your dog is allowed.  If your dog goes on a boat, make sure he wears a dog life vest.  And have a ball!

Spring means more time spent outdoors.  It also means more vacations and traveling with your dog.  If you are taking your dog with you when you travel, don’t forget a few important rules.

First of all, make sure you practice pet auto safety.  Practicing pet auto safety means having your dog wear his dog car harness or putting him in his crate then strapping the crate in with kennel restraints.  A small dog can also be strapped into his dog car seat.

Unless you are at a dog park, be sure your dog is always on a leash.  Keep him under control at all times.  Not only do you want to keep him from bothering other people or dogs, but you also want to make sure that he doesn’t get loose and get into danger.  Other people or dogs could be a danger.  So could cars on the road, discarded items which your dog may try to put in his mouth and eat, and getting lost.

Never leave your dog alone in the car, even if the windows are down.  Even if the windows are down and it is cool outside, your car traps heat.  If you travel with your dog, take him with you when you go out or make sure an adult stays with your dog in the car.

If taking your dog into public places, make sure dogs are allowed.  Rest stops, for example only allow dogs in certain areas.  Most public buildings will not allow dogs at all.  And some outdoor recreational areas don’t allow dogs either.  Even many outdoor botanical gardens do not allow dogs.

Most importantly, pick up after your dog.  Do not leave your dog’s waste around for other people to step in.  Even if you are at a dog park or if you notice other people have not picked up after their pets.

More and more places are allowing dogs, but it is only with the effort of responsible pet owners who keep their dogs under control and pick up after their pets.  Get more detailed information on rules to remember when traveling with your dog at Pet Auto Safety.com.

One of the best vacations I ever took was to Arizona.  It was just me and my dog, Smokey.  My final destination was the Grand Canyon, but I was pleasantly surprised at the town along the way - Sedona, Arizona.  Sedona was beautiful!  The red towering rock formations clashed against the bright green trees and other foliage, then set against a bright blue sky.  I took hundreds of pictures as I drove down the road.  When we stopped for hiking, Smokey did lots of exploring.

I liked Sedona so much that I stayed for two nights before going on to the Grand Canyon.  Smokey and I camped overnight rather than stay in a hotel, but Sedona has lots of pet friendly hotels.  These pet friendly hotels include Casa Sedona B & B Inn, El Portal, Sedona Real Inn & Suites, Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, and more.  Be sure to call the hotels to make sure pets are still welcome and if they have restrictions on the size of your pets.  You can also rent a vacation home.  Visit VacationHomeRentals.com for some great places in Sedona, Arizona.

One great place to hike was the Red Rock Country at Coconino National Forest.  Smokey loved this place.  I did too.  Besides Hiking, you can also take a tour of Sedona with your dog at the Adventure Company Jeep Tours.

After you are done hiking and touring, get a bite to eat at Cucina Rustica, The Grille at ShadowRock, Red Planet Diner, or Open Range Grill and Tavern.  Pets are allowed on the patios!

For more places to visit in Sedona, Arizona, click http://www.visitsedona.com/ and have a great trip!

Are the kids out of school for a whole week?  What will you and your family do?  What special place are you going to travel to this year?  And most importantly, will you take your dog or leave him behind?

If you take your dog with you visit DogFriendly.com for hotels, tourist sites, and other pet friendly places you can take your dog.  If you drive by car, make sure your dog wears his dog seat belt.  If you fly, be sure to talk with your vet and review the airline regulations thoroughly.

If you leave your dog behind, can you leave him with a friend, hire a pet sitter, or leave him at a boarding kennel?  If hiring a pet sitter or leaving him at a boarding kennel make your reservation as soon as possible.  Otherwise, the pet sitters might already be booked or the boarding kennels full.

For a boarding kennel, you will also want to have your dog visit the vet first.  Bordetella shots and other vaccinations may be required by the boarding kennel.  Having your dog visit the boarding kennel beforehand is a good idea too.  If the boarding kennel has a doggie day care play area, let him stay for an afternoon to see how he likes it.  Some boarding kennels may even require this.

If hiring a pet sitter, be sure to review them first.  Check them out online to see if anyone has left any reviews.  Meet the pet sitter in person and let your dog meet them too.  Perhaps hire the pet sitter for an afternoon while you are at work.  If possible, have a trusted friend or neighbor check up on the dog too in order to make sure the pet sitter has been fulfilling their obligations to your dog while you are on vacation.

Wherever you do with your dog while you travel for spring break, make sure your dog’s identification goes with him.  Microchip him so that if he gets away and his collar comes off, he can still be identified.  Make sure all your contact numbers are current so that you can be contacted in the case of emergency.  Leave alternate numbers of friends or neighbors.  Make sure his veterinary office phone number is current as well.

Don’t feel bad if you have to leave your dog in someone else’s care while you are gone.  Travel can be stressful for your dog – especially if you have to fly.  There are a lot of good pet services out there.  When I lived in Overland Park, Kansas, Sephi loved Grand-Paws Pet Sitting Services.  Maya loved Woof’s Play & Stay and Camp Bow Wow (Sephi doesn’t like boarding kennels).  Services like this could be a little vacation for your dog too.