Blog

Top 3 Pet-and-Kid Friendly Cars for 2015

Comments Off

As a parent to both kids and dogs, you know that the two have a lot in common; one thing being they both require an astonishing amount of gear. Of course, they’re adorable, but they also love tagging along to wherever you’re headed and, no matter where that is, always happen to find mud and other messy substances to track into the car.

If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, there are a few things to take into consideration. The following three vehicles for 2015 are ideal for both kids and dogs.

Toyota Sienna: Spacious with tons of storage

In your pre-kid-and-pooch days you might have mightily declared, “I will never drive a minivan;” but never say never, as minivans are practical, comfortable and easy to drive. In fact, Kelley Blue Book lists the Toyota Sienna as one of the best family cars that money can buy. The minivan not only has an enormous cargo area, which is ideal for carrying big strollers and dog crates, the rear seating also folds flat, allowing your dog to lie down comfortably when you are out and about. It features an oddly high number of cup holders which will house both sippy cups and doggie treats with ease, and under-seat storage keeps toys, blankets and chew bones from rolling around on the floor.

Subaru Forester: Deceptively large interior

In most cases, a kid-friendly car will also be a dog-friendly car. Consumer Reports named the Subaru Forester SUV as one of the best vehicles for a mom to drive. Features like big windows are perfect for kids and dogs to watch the passing scenery, and large rear seating areas (one of the largest in its class) make it ideal for multi-kid-and-pet families. The vehicle also boasts impressive leg room, which is nice if your darling dog likes to lie on the floorboards under his or her little master’s feet. The Premium model comes equipped with a backup camera, which is a terrific safety feature to have on any vehicle to prevent busy parents from accidentally running over tricycles or toys that are left in the driveway.

Nissan Juke: Impressive cargo area

When it comes to dog-and-kid friendly cars, it’s a good idea to look for makes and models with low ride heights; this way, little legs can easily crawl or jump up into the vehicle. In addition, tailgates that fold down are good for dogs to hop up into the car; a good idea if your dog weighs more than 25 pounds. Car and Driver created a list of dog-friendly vehicles that are also perfect for kids. In addition to the aforementioned features, the Juke also has seats that fold flat and storage areas under the floor, plus an enormous cargo area in back that will easily hold all of the doggie and kiddie paraphernalia that you lug around on the daily. The interior is easy to clean—another bonus for when you are on the road with kids and pets—and the rear gate folds down nicely for easy access both for dogs and for loading it up with groceries, baby swings and more.

February 20, 2015 | DogGeek

The 10 Most Toxic Foods for Pets

Comments Off

If you love dogs as much as I do, your mutt must be spoiled! It’s great to give your pups treats, but it’s important to keep in mind that what tastes good to them–or to you!–may not be good for them. There are several key foods to avoid sharing with your four-legged friends in order to keep them happy and healthy, from certain fruits and vegetables to bones—to the surprise of many dog owners! For information on how to keep your dog (and other furry friends) safe from foods that may be poisonous or damaging to their bodies, see the infographic below.

By: Sloan McKinney
Sloan McKinney is a journalist based in Southern California. After writing about pop culture for a number of years, she has recently begun writing for a new audience. Inspired by DeAnthony, her cat, as well as her dog Max, Sloan now hopes to help other pet owners guarantee their animal companions happy and healthy lives.

February 11, 2015 | DogGeek

10 Trendiest Dog Names of the Year

Comments Off

It’s finally out. We wait for it every year to see if our pup made the list. VetStreet.com came out with the top 10 trendiest dog names this week and here they are:

#10: Hazel (female) and Marley (male)
#9: Cali and Ruger
#8: Charlie and Brody
#7: Marley and Gunner
#6: Athena and Leo
#5: Nala and King
#4: Willow and Loki
#3: Luna and Dexter
#2: Elsa and Thor
#1: Piper and Jax

Well, none of our pack’s names made the list. How about your’s?

January 20, 2015 | DogGeek

Dog Wants to Play With Dog in the Laptop Screen

Comments Off

A video of a dog being confused by a squeaky toy has gone viral in recent weeks. Annie had the brilliant idea of showing her own dog the video in order to see if she, too, was confused. Josie seems delighted to have discovered a new friend as she puts her two front paws on the table in order to watch the entire video through. At one point she even attempts to bat at the other dog on-screen. Credit: YouTube/Annie Britton

January 20, 2015 | DogGeek

DogGeek Originals

4 Outdoorsy Vacations Your Pooch Will Love

Comments Off

Going on vacation is something to look forward to. If you have dogs at home, planning a trip can be stressful. Making kennel arrangements or pet sitting arrangements can be difficult. But don’t fret—there are plenty of great outdoorsy vacations you can take with your dog in-tow. Consider these outdoorsy and dog friendly destinations for your next trip:

A Trip to the Mountains

Travel to the mountains for a vacation filled with outdoor fun and activities. For a diverse experience no matter where you go, one of the best places to visit is Colorado. Breathe in fresh air as you and your pup go for a hike or simply relax by a cozy cabin fireplace.

Journey to the rugged Colorado Rockies and stay at a peaceful ranch like the Whistling Elk Ranch. Go hiking, mountain biking, wildlife tours, horse trail rides or go fishing. Dogs are allowed on the property with proof of vaccinations from the last year. Heading to the mountains is a great way to escape the mundane and experience the beauty of nature.

If you are into snowboarding or skiing, you should check out Winter Park Colorado for an upscale romp in the snow. Winter Park Lodging Company offers you a pet friendly getaway the whole family can enjoy.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Boating, jet skiing, tubing, fishing, swimming—you name it and they’ve got. Rent out a cabin by a lake, soak up the sun on a pontoon and fall asleep to the sound of singing loons.

Duck hunting is a popular sport in Minnesota. You can go on guided tours or venture off on your own. Waterfowl hunting is the perfect activity for you and your faithful hound. It is exciting for you and it helps your dog expel extra energy. If you want to try your hand at hunting, be sure to get your Minnesota hunting license. You can easily get your hunting certification online before your trip so you can get straight to the fun once you arrive.

Posh Beach Vacation

If you are all about rest and relaxation travelling to Nassau in the Bahamas might be just what you need. Nassau is a vibrant, spicy city full of culture and spirit. Find private vacation rentals in Nassau that are pet friendly using resources like DogGeek. You can also bring your dog to the beautiful, one of a kind Cabbage Beach. It is secluded and often not crowded. Your dog can run in the surf, go for a swim or relax with you under the palm trees. It is a luxurious getaway that anyone can enjoy.

Take a Trip to West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone has plenty of pet friendly hotels you can visit with your family and furry friend. Take a guided tour in Yellowstone National Park or take a kayak or white river rafting trip with the entire family. Go on a Gravelly Range trip through Montana’s Serengetti and see the beauty of Yellowstone all around you.

Remember, you don’t have to leave your dogs behind.

You can easily take your dogs to new locations and see the world. Depending on your interests, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness and partake in all of your favorite outdoor activities or take a luxurious trip to the beach. It’s easy to find a destination with pet friendly hotels, resorts or private property rentals and attractions.

January 14, 2015 | DogGeek

Easy Ways to Pet-Proof Your Home

Comments Off

If you’re a pet owner, you already know that half the battle in creating a pet-friendly home is choosing the right furniture for your lifestyle. Let’s face it, that gorgeous white suede sofa just won’t work well with two dogs and a cat. But, just because you share your home doesn’t mean you don’t have options for living safely, comfortably and even stylishly. You don’t have to put up with shredded upholstery and hair-covered rugs when you use the following guidelines.

Keep It Clean

Keeping your house clean with cats, dogs and other pets is a matter of maintenance and some strategic planning. Some of the biggest cleanliness issues with pets are hair and bathroom habits.

To help with shedding, supplement regular sweeping and vacuuming with robovacs like Roomba. You should keep your animals off the furniture or train them to only use areas of the couch or chairs that are covered with pet covers. Furthermore, the ASPCA says frequency of brushing dogs and cats depends on how much hair they have. Brush short-haired animals once a week and longer-haired ones daily or every few days. Bathe dogs every three months, but do not bathe cats. If you have any problems grooming, consider asking your vet about the best way to do it and the right tools to use.

Make sure you tend to litter boxes daily to reduce odors and to prevent your cat from tracking litter through the house. Take the dog outside as often as possible, and train him or her to ask to go out.

Decrease the Damage

Chewing, scratching and digging cause damage to furniture, window treatments, table legs and door frames. The ASPCA recommends redirecting pet activities that cause damage to different, more acceptable items such as scratching posts or chew toys. Cover furniture with pet-proof covers, and restrict pets’ access to areas where they chew or scratch when you’re not home. Use baby gates or put them in a comfortable, enclosed area with toys and a bed. If your drapes or curtains are irresistible, consider replacing them with wooden or vertical blinds. Avoid broken collectibles, bric-a-brac and other décor by putting it out of reach of your pets. Use a sturdy display case or attractive, clear storage bins to keep them safely off tabletops and shelves.

Put It Away

Animals are curious and can get bored easily. When this happens, they often get into things. Keep your pets safe by putting away items that may be harmful to them, such as medications, lotions, wires, chemicals and clothing that has buttons or strings that can be swallowed. The American Humane Association recommends using childproof latches on cabinet doors to keep curious pets from getting into them. Keep trash cans covered or put away to keep pets away from odors and food scraps that may attract them.

Make a place to store your pet food that’s covered. Store pet toys and gear like leashes in a safe place. The more you organize and put things away in a house with pets, the better you’ll be able to manage your pet’s activity.

January 6, 2015 | DogGeek