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.

Safe Toys For Your Dog

When purchasing toys for your dog, don’t forget to exercise precaution.

Avoid potential choking hazards such as toys with breakable doors, glued-on or removable parts.

Make certain the noise box in squeaky toys cannot come out during rough play.

Choose toys which are made from durable and wear resistant materials such as vinyl, nylon, and latex. Toys made from hard rubber are better than softer materials which may shred or tear.

Avoid playing with old shoes, socks or any other item which may be off limits under different circumstances. Using these items as toys makes your dog think it’s OK to play with them even if they aren’t his toys.

Look for brightly colored toys which will keep your dog entertained. Food dispensing and chase toys are two great time occupiers.

Avoid tug of war games which support aggression tendencies. Tugging on a toy may be acceptable. Tugging on your clothes is not. Tug of war games with your puppy may also damage the alignment of your dog’s teeth.

Vary your dog’s toys as she gets older. What might keep a puppy entertained for hours may not hold the same allure for an older dog.

Let the festivities begin with the Dolly Dog Carrier from www.dogclothes-apparel.com. Bright white dots adorn these vibrant sky blue, pink and green PVC carriers. Mini bag and collar and lead set included. Available in Pink, Sky Blue & Green. For pets up to 11 pounds.

Home Sweet Crate – Crating Your Dog

If you chose to crate your pet, here are a few suggestions to make your dog’s crate home sweet home.

Avoid using your dog’s crate as a punishment area. Your dog associates his crate with privacy and security – a second home. When the crate is used as a punishment area, your dog will think of the crate as a prison and not a safe place to sleep and spend time.

Purchase a crate roughly one and a half times the size of your dog - just large enough to permit your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down. Make certain the crate is well-built and strong enough to support your pet's weight.

Make your dog feel comfortable by adding a few of her favorite toys. For younger dogs that are not completely trained, add clean newspapers for the bottom of the crate and clean them regularly. For older dogs, a 3” washable cushion or bed pad will help sooth aching joints.

Locate the crate in an area with good air circulations. Leave the door open when you are home so your pet can enter and exit the crate as he pleases.

When you and your dog are out and about, keep your pet close with this comfortable and convenient Outward Hound Sling-Go Small Dog Carrier from www.dogclothes-apparel.com . The sling bag is durably constructed and offers hands free mobility. The broad strap helps keep your pet secure while distributing weight evenly across your shoulder. Available in Black, Blue, Red and Green. Accommodates dogs up to 20 pounds.