Dogs Don't Necessarily Love Independence Day As Much As We Do!

We would like to give you guys a HEADS UP PSA!!

The Fourth of July is one of the most stressful and potentially dangerous times of the year for pets. While you and your family, friends, and neighbors are celebrating the holiday with fireworks, pets are finding these festive activities anything BUT celebratory.

Many pet parents assume that if their pet is not afraid of thunder or other loud noises, they will not be bothered by fireworks. This is not necessarily true. Even pets who normally are not bothered by thunder and other loud noises are often frightened and panicked by the cumulative effects of the fireworks, the excited voices outside, and being left alone inside the house.

If pets are left outside and unattended, the noise and raucous often drives them to run away. In fact, the July 4th holiday is a very busy time for animal shelters across the U.S. They report taking in a higher number dogs that run off during firework festivities. In addition, many police stations log higher volumes of stray dog calls and barking complaints on July 4th compared to any other day of the year.

By planning ahead and taking some common sense precautions, you can help ensure your pet is happy and safe this Fourth of July.

Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.

Do not leave your pet alone in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects even death in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen. See our previous post: Leaving Pets In Parked Car Can Be A Deadly Mistake. However, if your pet is most comfortable in the car, some pet parents find that driving around with their pet in the car helps to calm their pet.

Keep your pets in your home in a comfortable and quiet area with the shades drawn. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations. 

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays. 

If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space...let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, let them be. 

Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. 

Here's to you and your pet having a happy and safe Independence Day! 

~courtesy of TripswithPets.com~

PSA: TICKS! We Need to Get The Word OUT!!

As much as I really wanted to write this post about the subject of ticks...and how it is SO important that we talk about it, protect our pets, and PREPARE for these little buggers...I did not want to start my post out with an ugly photo of a tick!  

I personally prefer to look at Chloe instead!  :)

I am particularly concerned about ticks this year because we had a terrible time with Ticks last year at the cottage.  Chloe tested positive for Lyme Disease.  I felt just terrible for her and I know she did not feel well at all for a very long time. 

 I try to go the homeopathic route as much as possible with the girls, but there are times when I absolutely have to rely on my vet's expertise.  My vet told me...in no uncertain terms...to immediately put her on something stronger than what I was using...which was a homeopathic remedy for ticks.  So, before we head south, I will be applying Advantix on both of the girls this year.  I cannot bear for Chloe or LadyBug to go through a bout with Lyme this year.

Ticks can be as lethal as venomous snakes!!

We need to get the word out about ticks and the diseases they carry!

It will be summer soon!!

   Time for camping, hiking and spending more time outside. Don't let those pesky annoying

 ticks stop you. 

For those of you who live in a part of the country where ticks are NOT a problem...

Here is a simple homemade solution!

Repellent for your pets:

For pets, add 1 cup of water to a spray bottle, followed by 2 cups  of distilled white vinegar. 

Ticks hate the smell and taste of vinegar, and will be easily be repelled by this ingredient 

alone.

 Then, add two spoonfuls of vegetable or almond oil, which both contain sulfur (another 

natural tick repellent).

To make a repellent that will also deter fleas, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice, citrus oil or peppermint oil, any of which will repel ticks and fleas while also creating a nicely scented repellent. Spray onto your pet's dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and the genital area. When outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on two to three times per day.

For you and your family:

In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water. To make a scented solution so you do not smell like bitter vinegar all day, add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Eucalyptus oil is a calm, soothing scent that also works as a tick repellent, while peppermint  and citrus oils give off a strong crisp scent that also repel ticks.

After mixing the solution, spray onto clothing, skin, and hair before going outdoors. Reapply

 every four hours to keep ticks at bay, and examine your skin and hair when back inside to make sure no ticks are on the body.

 We must get the word out about the dangers of ticks and how to avoid them!

Dangers of Leaving Your Pet in a Hot, Parked Car!!

The Dangers of Leaving Your Pet in a Hot, Parked Car

It's Hot Outside...and Even Hotter in the Car

The summer months are fully upon us, and pet travel is at its height.  We have all heard a lot in the news lately about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars, and the same goes for leaving your pets behind. Whether you're parking in the shade, just running into the store, or leaving the windows cracked, it is still NOT okay to leave your pet in a parked car. The temperature inside a car can skyrocket after just a few minutes. Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does very little to alleviate this pressure cooker.  On a warm, sunny day try turning your car off, cracking your windows and sitting there. It will only be a few short minutes before it becomes unbearable. Imagine how helpless your pet will feel. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows cracked can reach 102 degrees within only 10 minutes.  After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke. On hot and humid days, the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute, and quickly become lethal. Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a study to measure the temperature rise inside a parked car on sunny days with highs ranging from 72 to 96 degrees F. Their results showed that a car's interior can heat up by an average of 40 degrees F within an hour, regardless of ambient temperature. Ambient temperature doesn't matter - it's whether it's sunny out. Eighty percent of the temperature rise occurred within the first half-hour. Even on a relatively cool day, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly spike to life-threatening levels if the sun is out. Further, the researchers noted that much like the sun warms a greenhouse in winter, it also warms a parked car on cool days. In both cases, the sun heats up a mass of air trapped under glass. Precautions such as cracking a window or running the air conditioner prior to parking the car were found to be inadequate. "If more people knew the danger of leaving their pets in their parked cars, they wouldn't do it," states Kim Salerno, TripsWithPets.com President & Founder. "Pets are very susceptible to overheating as they are much less efficient at cooling themselves than people are" adds Salerno. The solution is simple - leave your pets at home if the place you are going does not allow pets. Dogs are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, which exist on their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they only have hot air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Short-nosed breeds, young pets, seniors or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.   Signs of heat stress include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue. If a pet becomes overheated, immediately lowering their body temperature is a must. Move the pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over their body to gradually lower their temperature. Apply ice packs or cool towels to the pet's head, neck and chest only. Allow the pet to drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take the pet to the nearest vet.  Animal Services Officers or other law enforcement officers are authorized to remove any animal left in an unattended vehicle that is exhibiting signs of heat stress by using the amount of force necessary to remove the animal, and shall not be liable for any damages reasonably related to the removal.  The pet owner may be charged with animal cruelty. Creating greater awareness is the key to preventing pets from this unnecessary suffering.  TripsWithPets.com offers some tips to help spread the word: A good start is to let friends know about the dangers of leaving their pets in a parked car and remind them to keep their pets at home on warm sunny days if they'll be going anywhere pets are not allowed. The Humane Society of the United States has posters available for a nominal fee that store managers can post inside their windows to remind shoppers that "Leaving Your Pet in a Parked Car Can Be a Deadly Mistake." They also have similar hot car flyers. Get involved. If you see a pet in a parked car during a warm sunny day, go to the nearest store and have the owner paged. Enlist the help of a local police officer or security guard or call the local police department or animal control office. ~My thanks to TripswithPets.com for this very important PSA.  Let's hope that people pay attention!!~

Ensure Safe Travels for You and Your Pet

With the busy summer travel season upon us, many families are hitting the road with their families - and that of course, means their four-legged family members too.  To ensure safe travels for everyone, it's important to take heed of a very real pet travel safety issue:  Pets and distracted driving. When we think of distracted driving, the typical  "culprits" that come to mind include texting, eating, applying makeup, chatting on the phone, or even daydreaming. However, we seldom consider that traveling with an unsecured pet is a very real and dangerous distraction. AAA, in conjunction with Kurgo, conducted a survey of people who often drive with their pets. The survey showed that a whopping 65 percent of pet parents admitted to partaking in at least one distracting activity while driving with their dog.  Additionally, 29 percent of respondents admitted to being distracted by their four-legged travel companions, yet 84 percent indicated that they do not secure their pet in their vehicle.  According to the survey, drivers were petting their dogs, putting them in their laps and giving them treats. Some drivers (three percent) even photographed their dogs while driving. It's pretty easy to understand how an unsecured pet can be a distraction while driving. Some pets may become anxious or excited, causing them to jump around or bark while in the vehicle.  Additionally, a happy and loving pet may just want to be near you and crawl on your lap while driving.  Oftentimes, pets can be frightened and there is always an element of unpredictability with any animal.  When looking for comfort, dogs and cats may naturally opt to be near you.  Unfortunately, this may add to the possible perils caused by these distractions. Properly securing your pet in your vehicle is not only about alleviating the potential driving distraction that could cause an accident. It is also a proactive approach in case there is an accident or sudden stop - even a fender bender can injure an unsecured pet. We wear seatbelts for our safety in case of an accident, and we should take the same care to secure our pets. A pet that is not restrained properly in a vehicle can be seriously harmed or even killed if thrown from a vehicle.  Airbags can go off and injure a pet in your lap. In the event of an accident, frightened pets can easily escape from a vehicle and run off.  Further, a pet that is not properly secured may not only be harmed but could also put others in danger through the shear force of any impact from an accident. Ensuring your pet is safe while traveling in your vehicle means finding the pet safety restraint that is right for him. Options include pet seat belts, pet car seats, travel crates, and vehicle pet barriers. Planning to have the right pet safety restraint for your trip will not only keep you and your pet safe but also offer you peace of mind and take one more distraction away.

About TripsWithPets.com

TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide -- providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com. http://www.tripswithpets.com

Pets Don't Necessarily Love Independence Day As Much As We Do!

We would like to give you guys a HEADS UP PSA!!

The Fourth of July is one of the most stressful and potentially dangerous times of the year for pets. While you and your family, friends, and neighbors are celebrating the holiday with fireworks, pets are finding these festive activities anything BUT celebratory.

Many pet parents assume that if their pet is not afraid of thunder or other loud noises, they will not be bothered by fireworks. This is not necessarily true. Even pets who normally are not bothered by thunder and other loud noises are often frightened and panicked by the cumulative effects of the fireworks, the excited voices outside, and being left alone inside the house.

If pets are left outside and unattended, the noise and raucous often drives them to run away. In fact, the July 4th holiday is a very busy time for animal shelters across the U.S. They report taking in a higher number dogs that run off during firework festivities. In addition, many police stations log higher volumes of stray dog calls and barking complaints on July 4th compared to any other day of the year.

By planning ahead and taking some common sense precautions, you can help ensure your pet is happy and safe this Fourth of July.

Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.

Do not leave your pet alone in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects even death in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen. See our previous post: Leaving Pets In Parked Car Can Be A Deadly Mistake. However, if your pet is most comfortable in the car, some pet parents find that driving around with their pet in the car helps to calm their pet.

Keep your pets in your home in a comfortable and quiet area with the shades drawn. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space...let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, let them be.

Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Here's to you and your pet having a happy and safe Independence Day! 

~courtesy of TripswithPets.com~

 

Plan ahead!! – Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving

I’m writing to you on behalf of the Ad Council and the U.S Department of Transportation to ask for your help in preventing drunk driving fatalities during the holidays.

The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family. But it’s also a time to make sure you are keeping the ones you love safe. Whether you’re at a holiday gathering or a New Year’s Eve bash, many of our social plans involve driving.

According to the National Safety Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the period between Christmas and New Year’s typically has one of the highest rates of impaired driving fatalities.

Fatalities related to drunk driving are 100 percent preventable and the spike in buzzed driving around the holidays is especially alarming.

• In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. These alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for more 31% of the total motor vehicle traffic facilities in the United States.
• Alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 37% of traffic fatalities during the Christmas holiday period and 44% of traffic fatalities over New Year’s – making the winter holiday seasons one of the deadliest times to be on the road.
• Buzzed driving can cost around $10,000 in fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates.

 Ring in the New Year safely and PLAN AHEAD!   Designate a sober driver before you go out this year.





Just for a moment, think about a different set of consequences than previous drunk driving ads: the actual financial cost of being pulled over for driving buzzed. These costs–between fines, rising insurance costs, lawyer fees and more–could total over $10,000.
Visit http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/ to sign the pledge to NOT drive buzzed and learn more about buzzed driving and the dangers that can come with it.

Spread the word #BuzzedDriving.IS Drunk Driving.

Be Responsible.

Pets Don't Necessarily Find the Fourth Very Festive!

Yes, I know it is a little early...but we would like to give people a little HEADS UP PSA!!

The Fourth of July is one of the most stressful and potentially dangerous times of the year for pets. While you and your family, friends, and neighbors are celebrating the holiday with fireworks, pets are finding these festive activities anything but celebratory.

Many pet parents assume that if their pet is not afraid of thunder or other loud noises, they will not be bothered by fireworks. This is not necessarily true. Even pets who normally are not bothered by thunder and other loud noises are often frightened and panicked by the cumulative effects of the fireworks, the excited voices outside, and being left alone inside the house.

If pets are left outside and unattended, the noise and raucous often drives them to run away. In fact, the July 4th holiday is a very busy time for animal shelters across the U.S. They report taking in a higher number dogs that run off during firework festivities. In addition, many police stations log higher volumes of stray dog calls and barking complaints on July 4th compared to any other day of the year.

By planning ahead and taking some common sense precautions, you can help ensure your pet is happy and safe this Fourth of July.

Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.

Do not leave your pet alone in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects even death in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen. See our previous post: Leaving Pets In Parked Car Can Be A Deadly Mistake. However, if your pet is most comfortable in the car, some pet parents find that driving around with their pet in the car helps to calm their pet.

Keep your pets in your home in a comfortable and quiet area with the shades drawn. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space...let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, let them be.

Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Here's to you and your pet having a happy and safe Independence Day!

~courtesy of TripswithPets.com~