dogs

Car safety for your dog is up to you. Keep your best friend safe when traveling. With a little bit of planning before you head out, you and your dog can enjoy a safe and pleasant trip! Here are some things to keep in mind before you head out for a ride in the car.

     A dogs head hanging out the car window, tongue flapping in the breeze, ears pinned back is a common sight, especially in the summertime. Granted, it may feel good to your dog to have the wind in her face, but there are some potential dangers to letting your dog do this.

Pet owners are distraught and vulnerable when a beloved pet goes missing. Unfortunately, there are some insidious scams meant to defraud heartbroken pet owners. By checking 'lost pet' ads, these unscrupulous people find their next victim. Here are some of the more common scams, followed by tips on how you can help your pet stay safe.

The Pay-Me-First Scam:

      A pet owner receives a phone call from a person who claims that They have the lost pet. This person asks that the reward money be sent to them first before they return the pet.

Although many people travel with their pets, there are times when it may not be possible or appropriate to take your pets with you. Some people leave their pets with friends and family, however, not everyone has the experience or the time to properly care for a pet.

A good boarding facility can provide quality care for your pet while you're away. Some people still think of "kennels" as depressing places with row upon row of cages. But today, many facilities have extensive and luxurious quarters for pets -- not the typical "kennel" at all! "Cat condos", for instance, are becoming more commonplace, as are park-like areas for dogs to run and play.

Animal shelters and rescue organizations are filled with pets who have been turned in by their owners because of lifestyle issues: the dog requires too much attention or too much exercise, the cat needs regular grooming that they don't want to deal with, and so on.

Adopting a new pet is both exciting and rewarding ... and it should be a life-long commitment. Before you choose a new pet, consider how it will fit into your lifestyle. Ask yourself:

How active are you?

     If your family enjoys regular long-distance hiking or walking, look for an active breed dog that you'll be able to take with you.

Accidents can happen to even the best pet owner. If your pet should become lost, proper identification can help to bring him home. More than one type of ID is recommended as a safety measure, just in case one form of ID fails (for example, a collar with tags could fall off).

Many municipalities require you to purchase a license for dogs - some even require licenses for cats too! Even if your cat stays indoors only, she still needs ID - scared or excited pets can slip out the door before you can stop them.

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Many pets love to go for a romp in the snow... but with the cold weather, some extra precautions should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets:

Keep your pet warm.

     Do not leave them outside for extended periods in the cold weather, as hypothermia and frostbite are real hazards. Watch for shivering. Some pets may require a sweater or jacket to help keep them warm when walking in the cold.

Keep antifreeze out of your pet's reach.

     Pets are attracted to the taste of antifreeze, yet it's extremely poisonous!