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3 Tips to Keep Your Pooch Safe in The Car

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If you want to get your dog all excited and wagging its tail, just jingle your car keys and ask “Do you wanna go for a ride?!” It (almost) never fails.

Like many pooches, your pup adores riding in the car with you. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or merely running some errands in town, you also love having your four-legged bestie along for the adventure.

Check out the following tips to keep your best pal as safe as possible on the open road.

1. Invest in a Doggy Restraint System

Much like you prioritize wearing a seatbelt — hopefully for your kids, too — you also want to make sure Fido is safely restrained before putting your car in reverse. Indeed, don’t let your dog go unharnessed and suffer an injury.

According to PetMD, when you get in an accident with an unrestrained dog, they can incur broken bones, punctured lungs and other serious injuries. To prevent this altogether, purchase a restraint of some kind to keep your dog safe and secure. You can find canine seatbelts at any local or online pet store.

For example, the website for Doctors Foster and Smith carries vehicle safety harnesses in a number of sizes for about $25 each. So if you’re heading out on a long trip with your dog, you might want to test drive the harness first, allowing you to practice safely strapping your dog in as they get used to the idea of wearing it.

2. Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape

Getting a flat tire on your way to Starbucks with your pup for a latte and “puppaccino” is stressful enough; having car trouble in the middle of nowhere is even worse. To prevent this from happening, follow your car’s regular maintenance schedule by getting regular oil changes and tune-ups. Also, keep a close eye on your tires to ensure they’re in good, working condition.

To evaluate your tires for baldness, use a penny or a quarter to determine each tire’s remaining tread depth. Simply insert a penny into the tire treads on all four tires, with Honest Abe’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are at 2/32nds of an inch or less of tread and should be replaced immediately.

3. Don’t Let Fido Stick His Head Out the Window

We’ve all seen it: Carefree, happy-looking dogs sticking their heads out of the car window. Despite the joys it may bring Fido, it’s definitely not a safe activity. Of course, road debris and any number of other things can fly up and hit your dog in the face, and if they spot a small animal (squirrel!), they may very well try to jump out, leading to serious injuries or death.

Have Fun, and be Sure to Send a Postcard

Despite these and other safety warnings, it’s definitely fine to bring your pooch with you on driving trips. But by incorporating these tips into your routine, your time together running errands and going on vacation will not only be fun, but it will also be safe for your beautiful dog.

June 25, 2018 | DogGeek

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for Your Dog

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Christmas is behind us, the world didn’t end, now it’s time to party like it’s 1999… or 2016. Whether your partying out in New York City watching the ball drop, at a club, throwing a party or just sitting on the couch watching the ball drop, we hope you have a safe an happy New Year. Follow these tips to make sure your best friend has a safe and happy New Year also.

Don’t leave your pet outside on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks and other loud noises will be happening. Don’t let them get scared and take a chance of them jumping the fence, digging out or hurting themselves.
Make sure they are wearing their bling! Keep the collars on and make sure their tags are up-to-date and readable in case the Fido runs and does get away. If you have people over, you never know who may accidentally let them out.
Just because you like to drink does not mean your dog should! Alcohol is bad for dogs, their bodies aren’t made to break it down. Keep the New Year’s Eve cocktails away. Besides, we know you don’t like sharing them.
Keep a safe space available. If your dog like’s their crate, make sure it is accessible. Everyone should always have a safe place.
Leave a noise on. If you’re going out, leave a radio or TV on as a distraction. Who knows, your dog may learn some new tricks watching it while you are gone.
Watch the decorations. Christmas decorations may still be up or who know… you may already have the Groundhog Day decorations out, they come out so early these days. Make sure none of your guests knock them over into your pet’s reach.

Remember to have a Happy New Year and be safe!

December 26, 2017 | DogGeek

4 Fun Outdoor Activities to Enjoy With Man’s Best Friend

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As a devoted dog parent, you no doubt enjoy taking part in as many activities as you can with your beloved furry friend. Beyond keeping you both physically active, you relish this time together because the term “man’s best friend” means something special to you.

Already logged enough miles strolling through your neighborhood together? Perhaps now is good opportunity to mix it up with Fido and do something entirely different. Here are four fun and unique activities you and your dog are sure to enjoy:

1. Have Doggy Class Outside

Apparently, you can still teach a dog new tricks. Of course, teaching your dog new commands can be a lot of fun — and it’s also a terrific way to bond with your four-legged best friend. On nice days, head out to a large field and either teach your dog or provide a refresher on performing simple commands, like “stay” or “sit” while he or she is safely on a long leash.

Hold onto the end of the leash and tell your pup to “stay,” while slowly backing away. The goal is to get to the end of the leash without them moving. If your dog is an A+ student when it comes to following commands, you can also practice at a busier location like a local pet store to determine if they can handle distractions.

2. Go Camping and/or Hiking

If you and your dog are looking for something a bit more challenging than a brisk walk through a local park, consider going hiking and camping together. To get started, ask fellow dog lovers about their fave pooch-friendly places to camp and hike, or use Google to find a trail that will match both of your physical abilities and a nearby campground that accepts dogs.

3. Consider an Agility Course

Ever caught a canine agility competition on TV? Then, like thousands of viewers, you were likely amazed by the fact that dogs of nearly all sizes can learn to race up and down see-saws, go down slides, and zip through long fabric tubes. Of course, you can create a similar obstacle course in your backyard.

Start by setting out some hula hoops and sports cones and, if you think Fido is ready, encourage him to zip down your backyard slide. Additionally, you can encourage your dog to run through, over and around other various pieces of equipment. And since you’ll be running alongside him or her, these activities will provide great exercise for you both.

4. Enjoy a Dog-Friendly Restaurant Patio

Is your pooch usually well-behaved? Does he or she enjoy interacting with other dogs? If so, then you might enjoy heading to a local favorite bar or restaurant that offers a dog-friendly patio.

Of course, if you’re not sure which establishments cater to dogs, simply Google “pet-friendly restaurants” and you’re bound to see a wealth of results. Honestly, what’s better than enjoying a delicious meal or drink with man’s best friend at your feet — especially spots that offer free dog treats and water?

These four activities are a great way to fulfill your quest to get out more with your pup. As a bonus, he or she will certainly reward you with a wagging tail and a bright doggy smile.

November 8, 2017 | DogGeek

Disaster Preparedness for You and Your Pets

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Years after Katrina, the ASPCA reports that 35 percent of pet owners still don’t have plans in place for the next big storm to hit. Don’t be one of those statistics! Be ready and have a plan for you and your pets if an emergency hits.

Image Source: ASPCA

July 5, 2017 | DogGeek

5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe from Wild Animals

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A photo of their chihuahua is all an Indianapolis family has left after their pet was carried off by a coyote during a walk at a park this June. School district officials heard other reports of dogs being attacked by coyotes and posted warnings. Unfortunately, the warnings came too late for the Constant family.

Coyotes are just one of the threats your dog can face outdoors. Other dogs, raccoons, snakes and other wild animals can all pose potential dangers to your dog. Here are some steps you can take to keep your pet safe from wild animals.

Watch Your Dog Outdoors

Making sure you monitor your dog when you’re outdoors is a key to keeping your pet safe, says the Humane Society. Keeping your dog inside is the safest protection if you know there are coyotes or other dangerous animals in the area. When your dog is outside, don’t leave it unattended, and don’t keep it chained or tethered in your yard, leaving it defenseless against attacks. Even if you think your dog is protected by a fence, dangerous animals can jump or climb over barriers.

When you’re walking your dog on the street or in other public areas such as parks, keep it on a leash so it can’t chase other animals. Don’t let your dog wander off unsupervised.

Keep Your Dog’s Identification Tag On

If your dog is scared by a wild animal or attacked, it may run off. To avoid losing your dog, make sure it’s always wearing an ID tag that includes your contact information. In case your pet’s ID tag gets lost or becomes unreadable, you can also get a microchip implanted into your dog to make sure you can always find it.

Keep Dangerous Wild Animals Out of Your Yard

Dangerous animals can be attracted to your backyard if you leave your dog’s food and water outside. Feeding your dog indoors or moving leftovers inside after your dog is finished eating can avoid this problem. Leaving dog droppings outside can also attract wild animals, so be sure to clean up after your dog promptly.

To make your fence a better barrier against predators, make sure your fence top is at least six feet tall and add coyote rollers to make it harder for leaping and climbing animals to gain footing. If dangerous animals take up residence in or near your backyard, take steps to remove them yourself or hire a professional removal service.

Maintain a First Aid Kit for Your Dog

In the event that your dog gets attacked, you should keep a pet first aid kit on hand. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides an online list of items you should have in your dog’s first aid kit. These include hydrogen peroxide, gauze and nonstick pet bandages (not human bandage products), adhesive tape, milk of magnesia, activated charcoal, a digital thermometer and an eye dropper. You also need a leash and muzzle for stabilizing and transporting your pet. Finally, make sure you include a copy of your dog’s medical records, your vet’s contact information, contact information for an emergency vet clinic and contact information for an animal poison control center.

Have Your Dog Properly Vaccinated

Disease is another risk wild animals present to your dog. Keep your pet safe by staying current on your dog’s scheduled vaccinations. In addition to standard vaccinations, ask your vet if your dog should be immunized against any dangerous diseases that may be carried by wildlife in your area. For instance, if you live in a wooded area, ticks may carry a risk of Lyme Disease.

June 16, 2017 | DogGeek

3 Ideal Road Trip Destinations with Man’s Best Friend

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According to American Pet Products, 37 percent of pet owners take their animals with them on vacation, a 19 percent increase from about 10 years ago. Now, most dog owners probably don’t need social proof to book their next vacation with their best four-legged friend. So the question isn’t whether to pack up and go, but rather where to go with your dog.

Fortunately, the world is getting more dog-friendly and embracing our favorite furry travel companions. From hotels that welcome man’s best friend to destinations with dog parks and bakeries, there are plenty of places from which to choose. Here are six places your dog will love.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska is a paradise for dogs and their nature-loving owners. Pack up the car and head to Anchorage, Alaska, for year-round skiing, hiking and exploration. Make your first stop Fairbanks Park and look for special dog day festivals. According to Gray Line Alaska, the Anchorage area features six dog parks and off-leash areas where your pup can roam.

Evergreen, Colorado

Featuring rugged terrain hiking, dramatic landscapes and natural waterfalls, Evergreen is a dog lover’s paradise. Let Fido stretch his legs and run at the 107-acre Elk Meadow Open Space Bark Park. Or, head over to Mount Evergreen Loop for a five-mile round trip summit hike to Evergreen Mountain that’s designed for relative ease and leisurely beauty.

There are also plenty of nature-inspired, dog-friendly places to stay in the Evergreen area. Spend the night snuggled up next to your pooch and alongside nature at Evergreens Log Cabin and Wilderness Lodging. Fully furnished rooms are just 15 minutes from downtown Evergreen and showcase Colorado’s vast beauty.

Santa Barbara, California

Head to warmer weather in Santa Barbara, where dogs are welcome companions. Dog beaches are plentiful, allowing man’s best friend to play and splash at places like Arroyo Burro Beach Park and Summerland Beach. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day burrowing in the sand and meeting new furry friends.

Plus, there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels from which to choose. Surrounded in lush landscape, Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort features private balconies or patios and special dog-friendly meals. There’s even a dog park nearby, where man’s best friend can run free during a game of Frisbee.

Savannah, Georgia

The Southern shores are calling you and your pooch to visit Savannah, Georgia. Spend some time strolling Savannah’s historic district and cobblestone streets before heading to the 30-acre Forsyth Park for some leashed play.

The Savannah Riverfront is a perfect place for people watching and sitting outside at a waterside restaurant watching the barges go by. And for some special fun, head over to the A.T. Hun Art Gallery where dogs are welcome.

Finally, the Kimpton Hotels love their furry guests, and The Brice in Savannah is no exception. Two pets of all sizes are welcome to stay with their owners without an additional fee. Hotel staff even throw in a gift to welcome your dog to Savannah.

April 27, 2017 | DogGeek