Calming Your Concerns
If your pet is at least 8 weeks old, is comfortable in his crate for extended periods, enjoys traveling by car, and is in good health, there’s little reason to worry! Industry-wide, over a million pets travel by air each year, while only a very small percentage of unfortunate injuries, losses, or fatalities are reported. If you still have concerns about flying with your pet, be aware of the most common in-flight risks, and what you can do to help prevent them:

• Panic – an uncomfortable pet that panics in their kennel may injure themselves. Several weeks prior to departure, let your pet get used to spending extended time in the carrier or kennel in which he will be traveling.
• Overmedication – tranquilizers can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems, as well as jeopardize a pet’s ability to clear his own airway if he should succumb to air sickness. Always check with your pet’s veterinarian before administering any medications to your pet.
• Undiagnosed heart or respiratory condition leading to high altitude fatality – this is one of the conditions your veterinarian should check for during your pet’s Health Certificate exam.
• Defective kennels – only use an airline-approved crate or carrier that is new or in perfect condition. Inspect the crate or carrier thoroughly for damage or stress cracks before travel.

Those worries aside, begin planning your pet’s first flight over a month before departure, and you’ll have plenty of time to make all the right decisions for safe travel. The following is an overview of what considerations you’ll need to make and when, from preplanning to arrival.

Airline Travel Suggestions for Keeping Your BFF Safe

Your dog is your BFF. When everyone else abandons you, your dog reminds at your side. As you book your family flight, it is not surprising that you ask questions about his plane ticket even before you ask about your family’s seats.

Once upon a time, only wealthy pet owners could fly with their pets, but today airlines are catering to all economic groups because they know how important pets are in the family structure. Because of this, pets that fly on board airlines are given the VIP treatment whether they fly onboard or in the cargo hold.

Still, if you’ve never taken your pet on a flight, you might be a little nervous, but you shouldn’t be. As long as you follow a few suggestions, your best friend will arrive safely and comfortable at your final destination.

First of all, take the time to plan for your pet’s trip in advance. Do some online research and talk to the customer service department of your chosen airline. You can check with pet airlines, they provide lots helpful information about pet air travel. Find out what is suggested as well as what is required to make sure your BFF has a great flight.

Pets that are weaned from their mothers, have no heath concerns and no issues with being in a crate for an unspecified amount of time do well on planes so again, you should not worry. Nevertheless, if you want to reassure yourself even more, here are those suggestions to follow.

1. Flying can be a new experience for your pet, and this may be the first time he or she has been on a plane and in a crate at the same time. Before the flight, let your pet get used to being in the carrier he will be using on the plane. This way it will not be a surprise to him when he actually flies.

2. You may need a little sleepy medicine or a glass of wine to help you get ready for your flight, but you should not give your dog medicine before boarding. If your dog does feel nervous, the medication may only make him feel worse, and then you’ll have a huge mess on your hands. If your pet is naturally anxious, you should speak with your veterinarian about safe medical options. Since your dog will already have a certified health certificate, you shouldn’t have to worry about any other conditions such as heart and respiratory conditions.

3. Last but not least, do not try and save money on a cheap carrier or by using one that does not meet your dog’s size requirements. This is your BFF you’re traveling with, and safety should come first when you’re traveling. You wouldn’t want to fly on a plane without safety features; your dog wouldn’t either.

Using these suggestions will have you get your BFF ready for a great plane ride. All you will have to do is sit back and leave the flying to the pilot.

There is a very popular prevention medication called Heartgard. This medicine prevents dogs and cats from getting heartworm disease, and having the nasty things infecting their body. It has been known to work for every breed of dog and cat very effectively. Many people thing it’s too expensive though, in which case they try to buy some sore of generic Heartgard.

Generic Heartgard is very similar to the medication, but at a much lower price. Many people love generic brand medications, and some just simply don’t trust them. Of course, when money is tight, buying generic Heartgard looks very promising. Not all generic brands can be trusted though.

Even though the generic Heartgard you buy may be legit and regulated, tested properly etc, it does not mean that it will have the same prevention effect as the real Heartgard. There is a reason that they are more expensive, and that’s because they are really the best. Many generic Heartgard brands come very close thought!

The thing that you really need to look out for if you are trying to buy generic Heartgard, is illegal and FDA non approved medications. If they are some really cheap knockoffs, you have no idea if what your pet is taking will actually have any effect at all, and could even have negative implications.

Overall, it would be best to get the original Heartgard medication, as it’s tried tested and true in the pet community. If money is tight or you are on a budget, then generic Heartgard is the way to go. They can still be just as effective as the original, but do your homework!

Men like dogs, too, don’t they? What about the fellows who want to dress their poochies? Believe it or not, there are guys who want to give their dogs cool, trendy looks. Note the difference between trendy and girlie. Most men don’t want the pink polka dots; they’re looking for a more stylish type of gear for their dogs.

If you’re one of those men, here are five tips that can help you.

• Camouflage is always “in”, and it’s so manly. Nothing looks better than a male in a uniform, even if he is a cute little dog. You can find dog apparel in camouflage patters in the forms of tank tops, pants, and hoodies, among other things. Throw in a camouflage style leash and collar, and your dog is truly being all that he can be in a very hip way.

• Natural colors are best for that masculine look. Dress your dog in neutral tones like red, navy, brown, and black. Unlike colors like pale green and yellow, these colors have “manly” written all over them.

• Leather rules! Your dog will look like an original gangster in a leather vest. Throw in a cute pair of doggie denims, and your pooch will be looking quite masculine as he brings sexy back. From now on, you can think of your little man as the Fonz. With his tough new look, he’s going to rule the neighborhood with a simple “woof!”

• Most boys want to be rock stars. Now you can live out your rock star fantasy through your dog. Punk out your dog with a black, rhinestone tee shirt, perhaps even some leather pants with a few Def Leopard or Kiss patches. Nothing will keep him from running through the park and partying like a rock star.
• Do you have a big dog that doesn’t have a perfect six pack? No worry mon. There are big and tall, designer stores for all the big boys. Your manly best friend can be just as fly as all the other pets. The accessories at these stores are made especially well, usually out of nylon or durable leather, to support and limit the movements of bigger pets.

Now your know how to make your dog look like a man beast.  Dress him up and take him to the nearest park and watch him strut his stuff. Don’t be surprised if he gets more attention than you do.

Before you insist on dressing your dog up, make sure he or she is in the mood. Just because you’re gung-ho for Halloween, that doesn’t mean your dog is too. You know your dog. If Sparky doesn’t want to wear a jacket, don’t make him. He’ll resent being forced to do something he hates and may show signs of stress, frustration, and possible aggression.

If Sparky is as excited as you are, then let the fun begin. Most dogs enjoy costumes that are unrestrictive and allow them to move freely. Your dog’s costume should be simple and uncomplicated. Too much fabric pulling him around will have Sparky nipping at the buds and the extra fabric.

Hats and other accessories which can be loosely placed on your dog are good costume pieces. They stand out and give your pet a lot of attention without requiring too much effort from you or your pet.

Before placing your dog’s costume on, make sure it does not include anything that may be dangerous. Although most pet costumes are considered safe for all pets, you certainly wouldn’t want your best friend to choke on a loose stone.

All done with the evaluation? Dress your pooch and get ready for one howling Halloween night.

Dogs usually go into their first estrous cycle around six months old, although it could be as late as 14 months. After that, they go into heat every six to eight months, for about three weeks each time on average. The most fertile days in that cycle are between days 11 and 15.

If your dog’s in heat, be very careful on walks! She’ll let any male dog mount her—and the scent of her urine will draw those dogs back to your house. To avoid that risk, talk to your vet about getting her spayed. Some vets spay as early as six weeks of age. If you don’t get her spayed, she could get pregnant at any age, although her fertility will decline a little as she gets older. That’s right; there’s no menopause for dogs. Book the procedure, expect multiple litters, or quarantine her during estrous. The choice is yours to make!

Tip #1: Train her on how to greet guests

Arrange for someone to come by right after you’ve gone out for a walk. When the person rings the bell, walk to the door with her, only allowing a small amount of slack on the leash. This way, she doesn’t have room to jump up. Make sure your guest does not acknowledge her unless she has all four paws on the ground. You might also have your guest drop some treats so your dog learns to wait patiently instead of trying to get attention. Try this several times a week to ingrain this behavior.

Tip # 2: Train her to use a “guest greeting spot”

Give her somewhere to sit when company comes over, like a small pad near the door. You may need to start with the pad in a separate room. Have a friend ring the doorbell while you stay focused on your dog. If she moves off of it, place her back and stand quietly until she stays. Make sure your friend doesn’t make eye contact upon entering. If your dog stays relaxed, let her greet your guest—who shouldn’t give her any attention unless she’s calm. Once again, repeat this several times a week until it becomes habit.

Tip # 3: Eliminate doorbell freak-out

This training method should work nicely: attach the leash to your doorknob and say “sit.” Have someone stand outside the door and ring the doorbell every 15 seconds. If she barks, ignore her, and then give her praise and a treat when she stops for breath. Do this several times a day until she learns not to react.

Tip # 4: Tire her out before company comes

You probably don’t want to run a marathon with your dog every time your sister-in-law pops by for coffee, but this method makes sense if you’re having an event with lots of guests. Devote an hour or more to throwing around a ball, walking around the neighborhood, or doing other forms of exercise. A tired dog won’t have as much energy to jump all over your guests.

Tip # 5: Keep the environment mellow

Having new people in the house is stressful enough. Do anything you can to create a calm environment. Turn off the TV, make sure the kids aren’t running around, maybe even play some soothing music.

Tip #6: Use T-Touch

T-touch is a Swedish massage technique that calms dogs. Start at her head and massage in slow, circular movements, moving down to her tail.  She might not relax right away, but eventually, she’ll lie down. Your best bet is to use this as a preventative tool, as opposed to doing it when people are over. Start with 20 minutes a day, and then reduce the time in five-minute increments until you’re at five minutes a day.

Tip #7: Give her a kong filled with food

Fill a kong with treats or some type of mushy food that’s safe for dogs —a piece of bread with peanut butter works well. This should keep her distracted while lowering her stress and arousal levels. Make sure any children know not to remove the kong, no matter what. As lovable as your dog may be, she’ll become a whole different animal when you take her treat toy.

Tip #8: Speak in low steady tones

Move in close to her, maintaining contact by petting; then slowly and softly repeat a phrase like, “It’s OK. Calm down Rusty. Calm down.” If she stays still, reward her with a treat.

Tip #9: Use an anxiety wrap

An anxiety wrap is a piece of fabric that looks somewhat like a harness. It uses a technique called “maintained pressure” to help calm your dog. Creator Susan Sharpe defines it as “an alternative or holistic approach to behavior modification for dog and cats…When used properly it has proven positive to increase balance, self-confidence, focus, preparation for and during training, animal to animal socialization, animal to human socialization, bonding, relaxation, and gait awareness.”

Tip #10: Use a supplement to curb her anxiety

Melatonin, a neurohormone, works well as a sedative and anti-convulsant. It also regulates body rhythms and reproductive cycles. A small dog dose is .5 and 1mg every 8 hours, where a large dog should take 3-9 mg.

Off hand, you must go for a holiday cabin rental that is cozy for both you and your pet. Due diligence is always an important aspect of your holiday planning since you cannot afford to miss out even on a single detail of your dream holiday vacation. When it comes to the ideal pet friendly cabins, the following are the more important items to consider:

Cabin Size

When the rule says that you have to consider the size of your contingent, we are referring not only to the two-legged members of your vacationing pack. Don’t ever commit the mistake of not including your canine or feline buddies when deciding the appropriate size of the cabin rental. Check out the number of rooms, and decide which room your pet will be staying and the persons who will be sharing the room with them.

Holiday Budget

For most vacationers, this is the most important consideration. If you are planning your holiday break with a limited budget, then it is best that you set your budget for cabin rentals. In this way, you will be able to determine your best choices that are within your established budget range.

Cabin Amenities and Facilities

The rooms are not the only places that you have to check out when looking for the best pet friendly cabins. It is also important that you find one that has an area where your pet can freely and safely roam. You don’t expect to lock them inside the room for the entire duration of your vacation. If you are really in the hunt for the dream destination for you and your pet, then you have check out those vacation facilities that offer exclusive swimming pools and bedrooms for your pets. There are can rentals that offer a separate kitchen where you can prepare the food of your pets.

Luckily though, there are a lot of home remedies that have been proven to work that will not rob your bank. If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms of an ear infection, such as whining and shaking his or her head, you can try one of these dog ear infection home remedies before spending an arm and a leg at the vet.

One simple solution is to mix up one part vinegar, either apple cider or white, with two parts water. You can warm to solution slightly in your hands before adding some drops to the infected ear.

If you think your dog has a yeast infection in their ears you can feed them yogurt in addition to their regular food to help prevent the yeast cultures from building up in their ears. You can also apply one or two drops of garlic oil, which happens to be a natural antibiotic, into your dog’s ears.

When choosing a puppy food, look for a good source of protein. The best are chicken meal and catfish. Steer clear of foods with corn, wheat, glutens, dairy, or soy since they can be difficult to digest. (Also many dogs become allergic to grains like corn and wheat.) Make sure the food you choose has absolutely no chemical preservatives. These are essentially toxins, and they could compromise your dog’s health.

You should also stay away from by-products—the “leftovers” after the best meat’s been removed—which can cause health problems. Lastly, you may want to consider breed-formulated food to meet your puppy’s specific needs. Large breed puppies need slow, sustained growth to develop strong bones and joint, whereas small breed puppies need concentrated nutrition because their metabolism are different.

In the first few months, you should feed your puppy three times a day. At ten or twelve weeks, reduce to twice daily. Be sure to monitor your dog’s weight because chubby puppies are more likely to develop hip dysplasia and weight problems later in life. Also, avoid feeding your puppy people food to eliminate digestive troubles.

Some good brands of puppy food include:

• California Naturals
• Innova
• Merrick
• Natural Balance
• Nature’s Variety Prairie
• Nutrience
• Orijen
• Performatrin Ultra
• Solid Gold
• Wellness

When Cats Can Get Pregnant:

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t have a mating season. They can get pregnant whenever they’re in heat, which starts around six or seven months old. Signs of heat include:

• Affectionate behavior/rubbing up against toys and people
• Excessive licking in the genital area
• Loud vocalization (calling to male cats, or Toms)
• Assuming the mating position: head down, rear raised, and legs moving rhythmically
• Spaying a strong scent

If your un-spayed cat does not mate, she will go into this stage, known as oestrus, every 2–3 weeks, for several months each year. A queen in heat will release eggs 24 hours after mating. If she mated with more than one Tom, there may be several partners.

Signs of Pregnancy:

• Enlarged, pinker nipples (around the 3rd week)
• Increased appetite/weight gain in the mid-section (around the 4th week)
• Vomiting (morning sickness)
• Affectionate behavior

How to Set Up a Nesting Box:

You’ll want to have a maternity box set up well in advance so it’s ready when your cat goes into labor—and she can become familiar with it. It isn’t too hard to make. All you need is an area with old blankets or towels situated in a quiet area of your house. Make sure no other pets—or even people—get active around this area. This may discourage her from using it as a safe place to go into labor.

Stages of Labor:

• You don’t need to call your vet when your cat’s in labor unless you notice some type of problem. Here’s how it will progress:
• Licking around the bottom area about 12–48 hours before labor
• Reduced appetite a few hours prior to labor
• Rapid breathing when labor begins
• First arrival about an hour after contractions begin
• Other kittens arrive within two hours after that—but labor may stop for a day or two, and then continue

Congratulations! You’ve gotten through pregnancy and labor, and now have some beautiful new kittens to welcome to the world.

The Peter Rabbit bedding set jazzes up any crate, pet bed, or dog house. Whether in the car, at home, in the office, or on a camping trip, your companion will have a cozy place to snooze in.

• The floral exterior is made of 100% cotton;
• Interior 100% polyester;
• Machine washable;
• Fits comfortably for small sized pets;
• Dimensions: W21” x L27” x H2”.

The tailored fit creates a crisp look for the casual canine. Perfect for a breezy-day stroll through the park.

Flip the collar up or keep it down—either way, your dog will be in pet paradise, just like the jacket says.

Dressing your dog in a cute vest with Winnie the Pooh on it, now that’s a different story!

This 100% polyester vest comes with self-stick Velcro under the belly area making it easy wear and keep on.

Three buttons under the neck allow for a customized fit.

Size Chart

They are adjustable and have a buckle closure, as well as a metal ring to attach your Paul Frank leash!

Each adorable design is printed on both sides of the collars.

Collar Sizes:

• small (5/8″ wide, 10″ – 16″)
• medium (1″ wide, 14″ – 20″)
• large (1″ wide, 17″ – 26″)

Our bandanna style collar cover will turn heads everywhere from the company picnic to Sunset Boulevard!

Features:

• A removable silver bell and an easy to use plastic clasp.
• The dog bandanna is removable.

Collar Sizes:

• X-Small: 7″
• Small: 7.5″
• Medium: 11″

If you want to show off your celebrity pet, this is the ultimate in designer pet collars!

Features:

• A removable bell and an easy to use plastic clasp.

• The dog bandanna is removable.

Collar Sizes:

• X-Small: 7″
• Small: 7.5″
• Medium: 11″
• Large: 12.5″

If you want to show off your celebrity pet, this is the ultimate in designer pet collars!

Features:

• A removable red bell and an easy to use plastic clasp.

• The dog bandanna is removable.

Collar Sizes:

• X-Small: 7″
• Small: 7.5″
• Medium: 11″

The thick plastic outer layer is a cinch to clean; beneath that, a plush padding provides extra comfort for a first-class travel experience.

Sling the shoulder strap or hold it by the hand straps—both are soft and durable. Your pet will feel snug and at ease, enjoying the breeze through the breathable mesh screen.

Best of all, this pet carrier is approved by most major airlines for in-cabin travel.

Small:
Mini Accommodates up to 6 lbs.
L 13.7″ x W 6.3″ x H 9.8″

Medium:
Small Accommodates up to 11 lbs.
L 16.5″ x W 7.4″ x H 10.6″

The thick plastic outer layer is a cinch to clean; beneath that, a plush padding provides extra comfort for a first-class travel experience.

Sling the shoulder strap or hold it by the hand straps—both are soft and durable. Your pet will feel snug and at ease, enjoying the breeze through the breathable mesh screen.

Best of all, this pet carrier is approved by most major airlines for in-cabin travel.

Small:
Mini Accommodates up to 6 lbs.
L 13.7” x W 6.3” x H 9.8”

Medium:
Small Accommodates up to 11 lbs.
L 16.5” x W 7.4” x H 10.6”

The pet carrier comes in 2 sizes, has a slot for your pets tail and adjustable side straps designed to allow the “legs-out” front pet carrier to fit like a glove around your pets torso, keeping them close, secure and happy!

Holds pet securely against the body for maximum bonding – just like a baby.

Aside from conjuring up your pet’s sweetest dreams, these adorable beds are environmentally friendly. They are filled with recycled plastic bottles and offer the utmost comfort for your pet.

The beds also feature a non-slip bottom and removable slipcover.

Approximate Sizing:
Queen: 27″ x 20″ x 5″
King: 33″ x 25″ x 6″

Aside from conjuring up your pet’s sweetest dreams, these adorable beds are environmentally friendly.

They are filled with recycled plastic bottles and offer the utmost comfort for your pet. The beds also feature a non-slip bottom and removable slipcover.

Approximate Sizing:
Queen: 27″ x 20″ x 5″
King: 33″ x 25″ x 6″

Aside from conjuring up your pet’s sweetest dreams, these adorable beds are environmentally friendly.

They are filled with recycled plastic bottles and offer the utmost comfort for your pet. The beds also feature a non-slip bottom and removable slipcover.

Approximate Sizing:
Queen: 27″ x 20″ x 5″
King: 33″ x 25″ x 6″

Complete with an ultra soft pillow, cuddly blanket and portable water bowl.

Especially designed to accommodate small dogs and cats, but may also be used for rabbits, ferrets and other small animals.

• Can clip to pet’s collar.
• Side and front pockets for pet essentials
• Well ventilated sides.
• Adjustable straps.

Features:

• Inner leash holder for safety
• Natural cotton
• Stripe & solid schemed
• Mini Accommodates up to 7.5 lbs
• Size: 7.5”D x 15”W x 12”H

This carrier supports dogs up to 10 lbs, and is 15″W x 7.1″D x 9.8″H.

This tote supports up to 6.5 lbs.

Pet is comfortable up to 102-degrees when lying on Thermo Pet Mat. The heater is set to keep the surface 12 to 15-degrees above ambient air temperature and warms to a pleasing 102-degrees when the pet lies upon it.