PetSugar

Emergency Ice Qube Won't Melt!

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:00:56 -0700

I took along my "go-bag" when I left a previous job where all employees received this handy emergency kit we (thankfully) never needed. The handiest thing about it was its fairly small size with everything packed in.

Little did I know they make similar things for pets! There's one for cats ($55) or dogs ($55) and a variety for other home and office uses. What strikes me about the cat one is the folding litter box - pretty genius. All you need to do is grab some of your pal's favorite food and treats, since that could spoil, and you're good to go in a flash. Would you prepare for the worse and pick up one of these kits . . . or stock it on your next road trip?

Car Decals With a Purpose: Bark Buckle Up Safety Kit

PetSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:59 -0700

Summer usually is the time for family road trips and, for most, this includes your four-legged family members as well. I hate to put this out there, but if by chance you get into an accident with your pet in the car (knock on wood, this hasn't happened), first responders can have a heck of a time trying to get you out of a mangled car safely, which can become even more difficult if they have a scared or injured pet on their hands.

First off, pets should always be belted in for their (and your) own good, but adding this Pet Safety Kit into the mix can help even more. Just by signing up and creating a free profile on Bark Buckle Up, you'll get an alert decal, a pet ID card, a subscription to their helpful newsletter, as well as full access to their website.

View 2 Photos ›

What to do then? Find out when you read more.

By attaching the decal to your driver's side door, help will know that you may have a pet riding along with you. These are very much like the fire safety decals I told you about before, but are made to be used in your car. In conjunction with the decal, keep the Pet ID card in the glove box, so responders know where to take Fido if he's been hurt, too. And the best part is, all of this is free, so you really have no reason not to sign up before your next outing!

14 Things to Have on Hand in Case of Emergencies

PetSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:00:14 -0700

As my mom would say, "Honey, you can't predict an emergency, but you can plan for it." Well, I'm trying to work on being more prepared, and what better way to get a life in order than to make sure all of my pet's information is up-to-date and that I've got all the key things on hand just in case . . . 'cause just in case doesn't leave time for extra planning. See what things I've finished up and stocked up when you start this slideshow.

View Slideshow ›

Flameless Lights Keep Pets Safe Around Pumpkins

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:45:57 -0700

Curious noses and swishy tails can spell disaster if your home includes lit pumpkins! If you want to carve a creation, please put it high out of playful pets reach, and choose a nonflame alternative to let the face go on glowing. I've picked a couple options – hey, batteries last longer than most candles burn anyway . . . and you can reuse these year after year.

Flickers ($8)

Rainbow Colored Pumpkin Light ($6)

Pumpkin Strobe Light ($6)

PetSugar Street Team: Outward Hounds Ride on Boats!

PetSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:40:24 -0700

How cute is Sam?! The Wheaten Terrier already found her sea legs thanks to this Outward Hound lifejacket . . . even though she's just a puppy. It's never too early.The insulated vest does double-duty as a flotation device to keep a dog's head above water when swimming or grab the easy handle for quick rescues should she take an unexpected dive. Coming in five sizes ($16 and up) to fit most pups my friend, Traci, says:

Sam gets so excited when we pull it out because it means a boat ride or some watery fun. I'm surprised how well she has taken to the water. Terrier means "earth" so you'd think she'd be all about staying high and dry!

See this adoro pooch on the boat with the wind in her hair (trust me, you want to), and read more.

Wash Up: Pet Safe Laundry Detergents

PetSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 07:00:10 -0700

I know with as many germs, bacteria, and just plain nasty things out there in the city, North is more susceptible to picking them up since his snout is always on the lookout for something gross to sniff. Plus, all four of his paws are on the ground and he isn't in the habit of wearing booties (except for when we took on the icy NYC Winter streets) to protect him from picking up germs. I can only imagine how dirty his bedding, clothes (if he wore them for more than two seconds before trying to paw them off), and toys could get if I didn't wash them as often as I do!

Since Nature's Miracle was my BFF when I was potty training North back in the day – its stain and odor remover was truly a miracle before he got the hang of going in nature – I fully entrust Nature's Miracle Laundry Detergent for his bedding and toys. It's pet safe (obvs) and you don't even have to use a ton of it to get your pet's grimy toys squeaky clean. If you're not into store-bought detergents, you can always get into the DIY spirit and make your own at home and it works just as well. Granted, a typical house kitty probably doesn't need a clean up as often as your outdoor loving pooch, washing all bedding and toys can stave off illness and keep your home smelling fresh.

There are other pet safe detergents out there that will get the job done, too. Check out a few that I found, and share your own pet laundry secrets with me when you read more.

de Botanica Pet Laundry Wash	Petastic Deodorizing Laundry Detergent
ECOS Pet Laundry Detergent	Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent	Natures Miracle Laundry Detergent

Source

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.

Source

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!

Source

Bare Bones: Pet Safe Electrical Cords

PetSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:00:17 -0700

If you have a furry little troublemaker on your hands – always trying to sink his teeth into something dangerous – then an electrical cord protector is a must have. Keeping a safeguard around your TV, cable, or stereo cords is a good idea so that your pet doesn't get the shock of his life when he feels the need to chew.

Thankfully, you can get a protector on the cheap at Ikea or by shopping online. This cord protector is only six bucks ($6) but can save you a ton of worry and hassle, and it's clear so you don't have too much of a distraction running along your floorboards. Best yet, if your pet doesn't know better than to take curious chews on cords, it's infused with a citrus scent to deter any naughty nibbles. When I lived with rabbits, however, we had something a little tougher, and a lot bigger, because they were quite the super chewers!

Source

Road Trip in a . . . ?

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:15:17 -0800

Because I clearly can't say it enough, riding in a car with unsecured pets is dangerous for both of you! I've shared my love for North's carseat, but this clip takes it one step further, explaining some of the risks of tackling the open road with free-roaming pups.

I'd like to add that airbags can severely injure dogs riding shotgun, so please, please, please think twice before allowing a pup to ride in the front seat (or, worse yet, on your lap). Although I don't know the exact details, I do know that cutie pie Ruby lost her legs in a car accident (before she was rescued). Now it's time to 'fess up – when your pet goes bye-bye in the car, how does he travel?