Going on vacation is one of the most pleasurable times in many people’s lives. Unfortunately, it can be one of the most stressful times for our beloved pets. For some sending Fido to the kennel is out of the question. Here is some important advice for anyone wishing to travel with his or her four legged companions.
Common sense is one of our most precious allies when traveling with our pets and following is a list of great tips to ensure the safety of our pets
Must not forgets:
Your pet’s favorite bed and toys
Plenty of food. Changing food can disrupt the digestive system
Copies of up to date records of all shots especially rabies
Collar and leash
Identification tag (consider micro chipping)
Prescribed medications
Lots of treats
Photos of your pet
Your veterinarians phone number
When traveling by car:
Stop at least every 100 miles or 3 hours to give your pet a chance to stretch, walk, drink and of course empty their bladder.
Always have your pets on leash when traveling. Even if they are off-leashed trained.
Use a harness that is made to clip into the car’s seat belt while traveling
Always clean up after your pet at all rest areas.
Make sure your pet is wearing an identifying tag with a phone number that is appropriate for your trip. Cell phones are best.
Never leave a pet alone in a car, especially in hot or cold climates. Extreme temperature changes can happen in minutes and can be fatal.
When traveling by plane:
Many airlines will allow you to travel with your pet on the same flight. Small pets generally less than ten pounds can travel in an airline-approved carrier that will fit under your seat. For larger pets the airline has accommodations in cargo. Be sure to check with your airlines regarding fees and restrictions. Often there is limited space for animals so if you plan on traveling with your pet you should try to book as early as possible.
Pets brought for travel on airlines must be a minimum of eight weeks old and be fully weaned; In addition airlines will not allow pets that are uncontrollable, ill, in heat or pregnant. Pets should not be sedated for air travel. All pets for air travel will need a recent health certificate generally within 48 hours of travel as well as documentation of vaccinations and any medications he may be taking.
When traveling in cargo it is important that the crate you choose is large enough for the pet to stand without touching the top, turn around and lay back down comfortably. The crate needs to be clearly marked as “Live Animal” and should also include your name, address, and phone number (a cell phone number is best). Your final destination is also a good idea to include just in case your pet is misplaced in transit. The inside of the crate must have a food and water cup attached to it and it is a good idea to supply a zip lock bag with some extra food just in case of any delays.
For the smaller pets traveling with you it is generally easier since you will be there to care for him. A soft-sided carrier bag is generally all that is needed, Check with your airlines for any size requirements.
Upon Arrival at your destination:
Many hotel chains and campsites welcome our companion animals as their quests. When booking your room ask about additional fees for having your pets stay with you as well as any rules. Try not to leave your pet alone in the room for long periods. Remember this is a strange place for him and he will be nervous if left alone.
If you are staying with a friend or relative be certain to ask their permission to bring your pet. Do not assume that just because you love Fido so will they. Upon arrival ask your guest where they would like you to walk your dog. Always clean up after him and be respectful of your guests’ home.
So why leave your favorite pets at home? With a little bit of planning, your companion can enjoy in all your family festivities.
Mr. Howie Berkowitz has over twenty years of experience in pet care and pet sales. He owns and operates "Pets Pets Pets" of Somerset, New Jersey, and can be contacted at pppsomerset@aol.com.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Most Important Part Of Pet Housebreaking
Housebreaking can be a nightmare for many new pet owners especially if they are not aware of how to start. Successful house breaking your pet will ease up your initial pet ownership anxiety.
To begin, here are some guidelines that worked for me and many others in toilet training their pet. So, if you are still struggling with housebreaking your dog, use this as a guide immediately and be CONSISTENT!
Housebreaking your dog is one of the most important training for all pet owners if they want a more pleasant life. It is not difficult to train even an old dog to do this so long as you are consistent when guiding her. Avoid allowing your dog free run of the home when you first bring her home. She is most likely to eliminate at the wrong places most times and it can be a back breaking experience for u too! Ensure close supervision if you allow her in the home and reprimand her immediately when she make a mistake.
1) Confine your dog to an area (e.g. kitchen) when you bring her home. Do not let her roam around the house as chances are she is going to eliminate anywhere she likes to mark his territory. You may wish to keep her there for few days to 2 weeks to let her get used to his place. Ensure that his den is free from hazardous materials or household cleaning agents that she can reach out. Dogs that are bored can start to get into their mischief when alone at home, so make sure her area is sheltered and safe for her to be left alone there. Once she is more consistent in eliminating at the same stop during confinement, you can start to let her move around freely in the house. If you must bring the pet out to the living quarters, ensure that someone can closely supervise her and when a mistake is made, immediate punishment is enforced to ensure your pet knows it is wrong to eliminate in the living quarters.
2) Place newspapers in the area where you want your dog should eliminate.
3) Each time she does it at the right spot, praise her like she is the smartest dog on earth and give her some treats if you wish. When the same action and same feedback is given to the dog consistently, she will learn very quickly what to do to get those treats. Ease off those treats when she have mastered the skills.
4) If your dog eliminates on the wrong spot, reprimand her immediately by using a low stern voice. Soak up the pee with a tissue and place it at the spot where she is supposed to eliminate and show her again where she should be doing it. You may have to carry her to the spot to show her the right place for toilet. Correction must be immediately for fast result. Even if there is a delay of few minutes after the act, correcting her will be fruitless as she cannot relate the mistake she made with your unhappiness.
5) The trick to this is to eye on your pet like a hawk. When you notice she is about to eliminate at the wrong spot, distract her so she stop the act, scoop or lead her to her toilet and command her to do it there. Ensure she is confined there until she eliminates. Remember to praise and reward her for faster result. This is the fastest way to housebreak your pet but you have to be very attentive to her and know the right time to scoop/lead her before she actually eliminate on the wrong spot. If she eliminates before you can get to her, take the opportunity to reprimand her and punish her as you have caught her in the act. This requires support and cooperation from family members especially if you are busy with something or not at home, ensure someone can help to guide her.
6) Place more newspaper on a bigger area at the start of the training and reduce the paper spread gradually when your dog gets better at it.
If eliminating at home on papers is not an option for the family, then set up a routine to walk your dog at least 2-3 times a day. Dogs do not usually soil their own den (i.e. your home), so if the walks are frequent enough, she will hold it till their walk. Puppies need their toilet break more frequently usually immediately after their meal. Be prepared to bring her out for toilet breaks after every meal or after every 2 hours or so. Place papers just outside the house if need be to train them to eliminate outdoors.
Do remember that consistency and patience is of the essence to housebreaking your pet. Do not give up too early, some dogs take a day to learn, others take months. Each and single one of them is unique, we just have to practice patience and a lot of consistency for the training to be a success.
Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at http://www.dogcarezone.com
To begin, here are some guidelines that worked for me and many others in toilet training their pet. So, if you are still struggling with housebreaking your dog, use this as a guide immediately and be CONSISTENT!
Housebreaking your dog is one of the most important training for all pet owners if they want a more pleasant life. It is not difficult to train even an old dog to do this so long as you are consistent when guiding her. Avoid allowing your dog free run of the home when you first bring her home. She is most likely to eliminate at the wrong places most times and it can be a back breaking experience for u too! Ensure close supervision if you allow her in the home and reprimand her immediately when she make a mistake.
1) Confine your dog to an area (e.g. kitchen) when you bring her home. Do not let her roam around the house as chances are she is going to eliminate anywhere she likes to mark his territory. You may wish to keep her there for few days to 2 weeks to let her get used to his place. Ensure that his den is free from hazardous materials or household cleaning agents that she can reach out. Dogs that are bored can start to get into their mischief when alone at home, so make sure her area is sheltered and safe for her to be left alone there. Once she is more consistent in eliminating at the same stop during confinement, you can start to let her move around freely in the house. If you must bring the pet out to the living quarters, ensure that someone can closely supervise her and when a mistake is made, immediate punishment is enforced to ensure your pet knows it is wrong to eliminate in the living quarters.
2) Place newspapers in the area where you want your dog should eliminate.
3) Each time she does it at the right spot, praise her like she is the smartest dog on earth and give her some treats if you wish. When the same action and same feedback is given to the dog consistently, she will learn very quickly what to do to get those treats. Ease off those treats when she have mastered the skills.
4) If your dog eliminates on the wrong spot, reprimand her immediately by using a low stern voice. Soak up the pee with a tissue and place it at the spot where she is supposed to eliminate and show her again where she should be doing it. You may have to carry her to the spot to show her the right place for toilet. Correction must be immediately for fast result. Even if there is a delay of few minutes after the act, correcting her will be fruitless as she cannot relate the mistake she made with your unhappiness.
5) The trick to this is to eye on your pet like a hawk. When you notice she is about to eliminate at the wrong spot, distract her so she stop the act, scoop or lead her to her toilet and command her to do it there. Ensure she is confined there until she eliminates. Remember to praise and reward her for faster result. This is the fastest way to housebreak your pet but you have to be very attentive to her and know the right time to scoop/lead her before she actually eliminate on the wrong spot. If she eliminates before you can get to her, take the opportunity to reprimand her and punish her as you have caught her in the act. This requires support and cooperation from family members especially if you are busy with something or not at home, ensure someone can help to guide her.
6) Place more newspaper on a bigger area at the start of the training and reduce the paper spread gradually when your dog gets better at it.
If eliminating at home on papers is not an option for the family, then set up a routine to walk your dog at least 2-3 times a day. Dogs do not usually soil their own den (i.e. your home), so if the walks are frequent enough, she will hold it till their walk. Puppies need their toilet break more frequently usually immediately after their meal. Be prepared to bring her out for toilet breaks after every meal or after every 2 hours or so. Place papers just outside the house if need be to train them to eliminate outdoors.
Do remember that consistency and patience is of the essence to housebreaking your pet. Do not give up too early, some dogs take a day to learn, others take months. Each and single one of them is unique, we just have to practice patience and a lot of consistency for the training to be a success.
Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at http://www.dogcarezone.com
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