Travel

     With spring break and summer approaching, most of us are planning to get out of town, and some of us will be taking our dogs. More and more awareness is being made of travel safety for our pets. For example, as much as they love to hang their heads out of the window, serious harm could come to them by a passing car tire throwing a rock, or a bug hitting their eye at relatively low speeds. Pets can be a distraction to the driver and be a danger to other passengers if an auto accident occurs. Now there are many affordable options for pet safety gear in the car.

     Brands like Kurgo make great travel gear for dogs that not only protects your dog, but protects your vehicle. The harness that buckles into a safety belt buckle is great, because it allows the dog to still see out the window with the wind in its face but prevents their head from the leaving the car. It also helps provide stability for the dog on curvy roads or stop and go traffic. I also like the hammocks or back seat barrier, because it prevents the dog from getting into your space and distracting you from driving. These companies even provide travel aids for aging dogs that may have joint problems, such as stairs to assist them into the car and padded beds. Click on the links above for online product pricing and inspiration. Also, check out ASPCA and BARK for more travel tips.

     You may also be considering traveling by plane with your pet. More airlines are becoming more pet friendly, but there are still concerns. Small pets, under 20lbs, can travel in the main cabin with you. Larger pets are stowed away as cargo. If your pet is going to be packed with the cargo, please read these tips from the FAA to ensure your pet has a safe flight and consult your vet regarding health concerns. There are specific airlines just for shipping pets that are more accommodating. However, these airlines charge high prices, and you cannot accompany your pet.

    For area specific pet travel tips and recommendations, see these helpful links:

Bring Fido

Dog Friendly

Fido Factor

     Happy Travels!

Walking the Dog

I hear all the time how important it is to walk our dogs regularly.  They need the exercise, and it doesn't hurt me, either.  During a recent dog walk with both the dogs and my husband, I realized that the sizing system for dog leashes are all wrong!  Of course, Daniel wasn't bothered by this as much as I was.  The current system (leashes for small dogs are short and leashes for large dogs are long) just doesn't work. Let me explain.  It only makes sense that the small dog leash should be longer; they're little bodies are further away from us and closer to the ground.  On the other hand, my large dogs do not need a long leash.  It only allows them to get too far ahead of me, and on one occasion, pull me over!  The distance between my hand and my big dog is not 6 feet!  That's why I started the search for appropriate leashes for my big mutts.

Leashes

The first is a leash I use with my Shepherd/Lab mix.  EzyDog makes great athletic dog products. I have both the leash and the harness.  They're great for dogs that don't have a strong tendency to pull.  The shock absorbing (stretchy) leash allows for gentle pulling and correction.  See the best deal I've found for this product by clicking the caption below.

EzyDog Mutley

The second is a product I've recently discovered on www.Etsy.com  FYI, Etsy is a great place for custom ordering of any kind!  This leash is not a custom order if you have a big dog that needs a shorter leash, however, you can request a longer leash from most shop owners.  I haven't yet ordered this product, but it's on my list.  It's made from climbing rope, so it's durable.  I love the ergonomic design, too!

AlaskaLeash on Etsy

Harnesses

I have to throw into the mix some collar alternatives.  Attaching the leash to the collar may eventually cause neck damage, especially to those dogs that pull.  Harnesses are a great alternative for small dogs or dogs that don't have an urge to pull.  See this WebMD link for more information.

Like I mentioned earlier, I use an EzyDog harness for my Kingsley.  I chose the EzyDog, because it it lightweight, reflective, and very easy to get on and off - just one snap!  There are also other great harnesses!  If you have a short-haired dog, check out Puppia.  They can be too warm on a dog with long hair or a dog with an undercoat. I have linked the best deal I've found online for Puppia harnesses.

For my baby, Maeby, I have to pull out the big guns.  She's a strong puller and easily distracted when I'm out of breath.  With her, I use a padded head collar.

Petmate Head Collar

Unfortunately, she broke the Gentle Leader head collar.  It was still useable, but I couldn't size it properly.  So, I found a padded head collar that was more durable (shown above).  They are NOT a muzzle.  They can still eat, drink, pant, bark, lick and fetch while wearing it.  It takes the pressure off of the dog's throat/neck while walking and prevents pulling and lunging.  Maeby stops pulling almost immediately.  She's a little testy, but even she responds to the head collar.  FYI I do not recommend the shock absorbing leash with a head collar.  The shock absorbing leashes are too heavy for a head collar.

If you find any of these products for a better deal, please, leave a comment.