Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Road Trip With Rover

Is a trip to the vet your dog’s idea of a car ride? Broaden your friend's horizons, and lessen his neurosis, with mini-road trips.

If your dog only travels in the car to go to the vet or other angst ridden locations, start slowly, beginning with short trips to the dog park or to a friend’s house. Once your dog begins to associate the car with pleasant outings, increase the length of the ride.

Try not to feed your dog a few hours before you travel. A full stomach may intensify upset if your pet is prone to motion sickness. If your dog does exhibit signs of motion sickness, such as excessive drooling, park the car and go for a brief stroll.

Never leave your dog in your car unattended. This is especially true during the hot months when temperatures rise rapidly in a closed car. Even opening the window slightly does not allow sufficient air to circulate. Dogs left in hot cars can suffer heat stroke or even death.

Keep a few treats with you for the ride and give your pet a reward. Stopping for lunch at the drive through? Enjoy your meal while your pet enjoys her treat.

For warm days and longer trips, take along water for your dog to drink and a spray bottle filled with water for a quick pooch pick-me-up. Remember to pull over every few hours for a bathroom break and leg stretch.

If your dog insists on sticking his head out the window for the aux natural feel, make certain he is wearing goggles or secure eye protection.

Put your dog on his leash before exiting the car to help avoid quick uncontrolled escapes.

Buckle up. Invest in a dog harness, seat belt restraint, car seat or crate for your dog.

The doggie car booster seat from www.dogclothes-apparel.com is the perfect solution to safely satisfy your pet's natural urge to look out the window. The seat easily attaches to your car's passenger seat and includes an adjustable safety harness for for added protection.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Making Arrangements For Your Dog After You're Gone

No one likes to ponder their own demise, but making arrangements for your dog's care if you are no longer present is a point all dog parents should consider.

The Internet is a great source of information regarding providing for your dog and/or forming a pet trust. The ASPCA (http://www.aspca.org/ ) has a thorough and concise section specifically related to the legal aspects of your dog’s care as does the Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org/). Enter pet trust in the search box to locate the information.

Other sources include consulting with a pet trust attorney regarding a pet trust for your dog or consulting your state or local Bar Association's web site for information regarding your particular state. Some sites also provide sample wills and documents which may be used as templates for your specific needs. Pet trusts are currently permitted under law in 28 states.

When planning, consider the following points:

Who Will Care for Your Pet
Designating Funds for the Care and Feeding of Your Dog
Establish a Pet Trust
Emergency Instructions
Designating Short Term Care For Your Dog if You are Ill
How Unused Trust Monies be Used

By establishing a Pet Trust, you designate someone (both primary and secondary) to care for your dog and note how the finances will be handled to provide for his or her life-long care. Monies can be given in a lump sum, apportioned monthly, annually or left to the discretion of the executor. You will also need to provide funds to administer the trust.

Make certain care instructions are clearly designated and make note of any health issues or special circumstances which should be taken into consideration.

Another site worth consulting is the Doris Day Animal League (http://www.ddal.org/). Their resource page provides a list of additional resources for further information (www.ddal.org/pettrust/resources/).

If you prefer, you may also contact these organizations in writing or by telephone.

Doris Day Animal League or the Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
202.452.1100

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (also the ASPCA contact info.)
424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128-6804
212.876.7700