PetSugar

Get Up and Go: The Traveling Pet

PetSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:45:46 -0700

Choosing a destination for your vacay is the easy part. It's the preparing and packing all of your things – plus your trusty friends – that will take up most of your time. Since I plan on taking some outdoorsy trips this Spring and Summer, I put together a widget of stuff that you'll need for outdoor fun with your furry friends. From wilderness tours to beach excursions, you will want to take the pet essentials: leashes, food, and toys, but what else could (or should) you pack? Well, let's start with the basics. These Hydro Bowls ($6) are perfect for on-the-go food and water for both cats and pups. What's more, they fold up nice and small, so you have room in the trunk for more toys. Check out my widget below for more outdoor travel necessities when you read more.

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Pampered Pals: Porta-Potties For Kitties

PetSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:30:26 -0700

Many times it can seem like cat owners get the short end of the stick when it comes to traveling with pets. While some kitties like to be outside sometimes or enjoy the occasional walk, I imagine prepping for a trip with a feline who's just getting started with the frequent flier (or driver) points can be overwhelming. One of the key things to provide for a cat is a litter box but, when you're away, lugging the big home edition can be more than a little annoying. I've rounded up some small travel boxes that will do just great on the road. In addition to this biodegradable one made of recycled paper, there's another eco-tastic one made of 100-percent recycled plastic, too, so check them all out when you read more.

Get Up and Go: Road Trip

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:00:51 -0700

Road trips are a quintessential rite of passage when the Spring and Summer months are within reach. As much fun as road-tripping it to an unknown destination can be, if your pet is riding along, her safety can easily be overlooked when the rubber hits the road. I can never stress enough how important a car seat is for your pet while riding in the car (since I've drilled it into your brains about a million times)! Even a travel crate or the super soft (yet totally travel friendly) Sleepypod strapped in with the seat belt is way safer than having your pet roaming around the cab which can not only be hazardous to your driving, but your fave pooch or cat can potentially go flying if you happen to slam on the brakes. And that's never a good thing!

I've rounded up some more food for thought about what to bring with you, safety checks, and what to think about before you hit the highway on your next road trip when your furry co-pilot is tagging along for the ride.

Before you go:

If you know your destination, research vet hospitals before hand, so you'll know where to head in an emergency.
Pack up your pet first aid kit, along with plenty of food, collapsible water bowls, medicines, and toys they might need in an easily accessible tote or travel bag.
Make sure your pet's i.d. tags are up to date with current phone numbers.
Maximize your time by scouting out your destination's pet-friendly hotels, parks, and beaches, so you're not roaming around looking for them.
Consider prepping a travel litter box, since kitties are fussy travelers. Stress can do numbers on their digestive systems.

Check out the rest of my tips when you read more.

Safety Checks:

Make sure your car seat or travel crate fits in your car, and check the straps to make sure they are secure before heading out.
My grandmother always warned me to have extra warm blankets, coats, and water if you are heading up to the mountains or cold areas, so I'll pass the same advice on to you!
Pack a flashlight for night-time walks and potty breaks.

Along the way:

Give your pets water at the beginning of your rest breaks, not at the end. Full tummies and lots of movement could make for a very disturbing ride . . . if you know what I mean!
This goes without saying, but never leave your pet unattended in the car – especially in extreme temps.
Stop every two to three hours for a rest and stretch break. Rest stops usually provide a good place to fetch a toy and get out some pent up energy, or just go for a nice walk . . . on a leash of course.

Hopefully these tips can make your road trip safe and comfy for everyone involved. Share your before travel to-do lists in the comments below!

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Get Up and Go: Packing a First Aid Kit for Your Pet

PetSugar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:00:04 -0700

Having a first aid kit specifically for your pet in mind is a good thing to have, whether you're traveling with or without your pet, but it's also a smart thing to have around the house even when you aren't traveling. Packing a first aid kit and leaving it with your sitter instructions should be a must-do before you head out. There are more important things for your pet sitter to worry about if there was an accident than running around your place looking for bandages! Just placing these supplies in a waterproof container or shoebox will do, just so long as they are easy for your sitter to find. What should go in the kit?

Cotton balls, Q-Tips, Gauze
Bandages, bandage tape, and small scissors to cut it with
Hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream, and antibacterial ointment for cuts

There are a few more important items to include when you read more.

Latex gloves
Tweezers for getting out splinters
Aloe vera to soothe burns, scrapes, etc.
Your pet's vet info (address, phone number), as well as information for the nearest 24-hour emergency pet hospital.

Got any more items that you would include? Share with us below in the comments.

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Get Up and Go: Do You Call to Check In?

PetSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:15:00 -0700

Talk about separation anxiety! When you leave your pal at daycare or with a sitter, how often do you call to check in? Now, there are times when I like to hear what's going on with my pooch, especially if he's at a new place, and I'd hope I'd get a call if anything went wrong. For those of you frequent phoners on there, I'm curious – what do you ask, what do you want to hear, and what's the craziest thing you've asked or heard? After you answer the question, share your stories in the comments below!

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I Need Your Help . . . Separation Anxiety

PetSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:00:07 -0700

Since we're in the middle of a travel series here on the site, it's the perfect time to address this question from Phasekitty for our next group problem solver. This cutie pie pup, Brando, suffers from separation anxiety when he's all alone – doesn't he look sad?

See her full story when you read more.

Even though I had dogs growing up, this was something I'd never experienced until I got Brando. As a young puppy, most books said it was normal, but now that he's nine months old, I feel he should be starting to grow out of it . . . and instead it's getting worse! He's crate trained and won't cry at night, but during the day he'll bark the second I step out of the apartment. If I leave him in a place that's not his crate (like say, the hallway or the kitchen), he'll chew and destroy anything he can find from the floorboards to the gate that's holding him in, even though he has tons of chew toys and bones with him. If I leave the apartment for even a second to run down and get the mail or put in some laundry, he'll whine and cry, running around and wreaking havoc until I get back – even if my boyfriend is in the room with him!

He's very well exercised (he gets two long walks a day), has a TON of toys (varying from hard and chewy to soft and snuggly), and generally well disciplined when I'm around (as much as a puppy can be). I've tried leaving for small intervals and only coming back when he's not barking, scolding him when he does bark by giving a stern "no," as well as having him sit and ignoring his excitement until he sits patiently when I first come in the door. All of this doesn't seem to be getting very far. I know there are medications for anxiety, as well as pheromone plugs, but I'd like to think I can do it naturally – I see these as a last resort. Do you think you can help? Any suggestions?

Get Up and Go: Prepping For a Sitter

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:14 -0700

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there are those times when you can't get your pet into a boarding facility. So, if you can't take them with you on your adventure, then you'll need to find a sitter care for your furry pals while you are away. If you're lucky enough to have trustworthy neighbors or family members that can come by to feed and care for your pet, then there are a few things you'll want to make sure you do before you jet off on your vacay, to ensure your pet (and sitter) remain as comfortable as possible.
Food:

Make sure your pet's food is fully stocked, and ready to scoop. If you use bagged food, let your sitter know which scoop you use to prevent over (or under) feeding. It's also a good idea to let the sitter know where any extra food bags (or extra cans, if you use canned food) are located even though you think you've stocked enough.
If your pet eats home cooked meals, make the food beforehand and separate meal-sized portions to prevent any confusion, and to take that duty off your sitter's hands.

There's a few more tips if you read more.

Home:

Close off any areas of your home that you don't want your pets accessing. Since just shutting doors might not be enough if your sitter forgets to close them up again, putting up pet gates can ensure that, if your pet's aren't allowed in, they won't get in.
Also, check to make sure your outside accessing doors are locked, as well as your pet doors. You don't want your pet roaming around outside with no one home to watch over them.
Don't leave your house keys for the sitter in a "hidden" spot outside your home. If possible, meet up with them ahead of time, not only to exchange keys, but to go over all the details of your pet's routine, and to show them around your place so they get the lay of the land.

Pet Comfort:

Leave plenty of toys for your pets to play with. Having a treat-filled Kong or mouse to distract and occupy the time will prevent your pet from getting bored and gnawing on your couch or scratching the carpets!
Clean and wash pet bedding and blankets before you go. Having a fresh house to come home to is way better than having a smelly, long-overdue-for-a-wash house. Plus, I'm sure your sitter will appreciate it too!
Leave extra supplies of kitty litter, since you never know what could happen. Stress from your absence can cause weird things to happen to your pet's digestive system!
If your pet is accustomed to having a treat at night, make sure you note it for your sitter. Since you want your pet to be comfy, you should list as much information about your pet's routine as possible.

Sometimes it may seem like you are doing more prep for the family members that are staying home than for the ones that are going away! But, just by making sure that all your bases are covered – from house, to food, to pet comfort – you and your pet will be happier and safer.

Have any other tips to add? Share them below in the comments!

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Get Up and Go: Wild Luggage Tags

PetSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:00:10 -0700

We're all getting ready for tomorrow's big party in Hollywood and, as I was pulling out my suitcase to pack it with my (hopefully) fab outfit, I noticed this doggy. Sometimes your best pal can't come with you on vacay . . . and cocktail parties are not North's specialty, even at my own home. A friend gave me this luggage tag - people often confuse my smooshy Boston with a Frenchie anyway - and it looks so fun attached to the handle of my carry-on. Check out other kitty and doggy luggage tags for your suitcases (or even a pet's carrier) when you read more.

Do Tell: Make Pup Comfy When You're Away

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:45:30 -0700

Tell me, when you're ready to get up and go, what do you do to make your pets feel as comfy (and uninterrupted) in their routines as possible? I already shared my packing list but do any of you have other items I've forgotten, or special tips, to keep Fido and Fluffy as happy as possible.

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Get Up and Go: Bring Friendly Reminders For Your Pet

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:15:14 -0700

I've got travel on my mind since I just returned from a super-fun wild adventure! Now, I'm waiting 'til next week to share my details of swimming with dolphins and snorkeling with rays, but it was def sad leaving my lil pup at home. Way back when I picked up North from the breeder, she suggested I place one of my unwashed tees on his bed in the crate so he'd get used to my smell and feel snuggly and sleep better. When I left North for the first time, I brought along a square from that shirt for him. Now, he's used to going on overnight adventures alone . . . but, what do I pack in his travel bag? To find out, read more.

Whether they're going to a hotel with you, or daycare all by themselves, it helps to pack a little travel bag – like this Weekender Pet Travel Gear Bag ($15.69) – for your pet. I'd include:

Dog Bed. If possible, bring along the bed your pup sleeps in. If your dog sleeps with you, consider packing a sheet.
Food. Although North's camp provides food, if it's not the food your pet is used to, his tummy can have a tricky transition. Make it easy on him (and the employees) and pack single meal plastic bags of dry food from home. That way mealtime will be smoother.
Treats and Toys. Consider bringing along some treats for your pet. If you have an overweight pup, this can help with portion control, and bringing those familiar toys will make him feel at home . . . away from home.