JAck Russell Terrier

If you live near open fields and the countryside or have lots of private ground for your pet to run around in you won’t need to travel to give your dog opportunity to get plenty of excerise out in the open air. Of course if you are in walking distance of a dog friendly park you can simply pop on a lead and go, but for many dog owners living in a busy town centre or city, a daily car journey is a necessity.

It is important your dog feels comfortable and safe for necessary car journeys of any length. This is a list of car accessories for dogs

Dog Safety

Dog car crates or cages specially adapted for cars not only makes your car journey safer for you but also for your dog, it also helps the dog feel more secure. Think how frightened your dog might be looking through the window of a moving car with everything whizzing past!

It could be there isn’t room for a travel cage or maybe your dog is taken out in more than one car in which case a dog harness with seat belt adaptor is a good alternative. This is a great multi purpose travel accessory for your dog!

Word of warning: For those who think these are extreme, imagine what would happen if you were to have a car accident. Your frightened dog if unsecured will instinctively want to get out of the car and possibly run right onto a busy road.

Dog Comfort

A car boot isn’t designed to be comfortable so if your dog has to travel in the car a dog bed is much nicer to lie down on.

If you are planning a long journey in the colder months a dog blanket would be a good idea too. (remember to also keep a blanket for yourself in case of break downs!)

Food and Water

Your dog will get hungry and thirsty during a long car journey and will certainly need to quench his or her thirst after a long run. Keeping water and a bowl is a must but instead of the bulky hard bowls consider investing in those special dog travel bowls made of material that fold up when not in use, you can also get disposable travel bowls.

Handy hint: The car engine might need water too! Re-use any empty plastic milk or juice bottles and keep a supply of water in your boot for your dog and car engine. Especially vital during the hot months. If you are out in the country you can re-fill at a fresh water river or stream.

Shade from the sun

Drivers and human passengers have visors to protect them from the glare of the sun so don’t forget your dog and fit a car window shade where appropriate.

Top Tip: The car window shades you use for babies and children are ideal for pets too!

Dog Ramps

A dog car ramp can be a godsend! Smaller dogs can easily be lifted into bigger cars but what if you have an older heavier dog that can’t jump up or have been on a particularly muddy trip out? There are several dog ramps that you can buy which fold away neatly when not in use.

Pet First Aid

As exciting as running in the countryside can be for your dog, there can also hazards including barbed wire, broken glass and sharp sticks. The first aid you apply to your dog if it gets a nasty cut will be vital in its recovery and if you are out in the middle of nowhere it could be a while before you can get your dog to a vet. Dog first aid kits often come complete with gauzes, wipes and bandages and fit in most glove compartments.

Swellpets.co.uk has many more great products for dogs. Give it a whirl.co.uk

One of the rewarding parts of having a pet is the ability to travel with them. However, let’s be honest. Sometimes pets can be a hassle, and sometimes it’s relaxing to have some time away from them. Furthermore, think of it from your pet’s perspective. Traveling is stressful for animals. Comfortable travel is usually limited to smaller pets, and even then it can be a terrifying event in a pet’s life.

If you love traveling with your pet, then you need to know how to find pet friendly lodging. Many tourists who wish to bring their pets along for a long holiday may have dilemma in terms of which hotel or vacation rental offers pet-friendly services. Pet friendly hotels do exist. In fact, they are not as hard to find as you may think. Even some of the well-known hotel chains allow guests to bring their pets.

In order to find out whether the hotel you are considering allows dogs, cats or other pets, the simplest thing to do is call and ask. If you travel often, having a list of some of your favorites that you have personally visited will help you plan your travel in the future. As you stay at various hotels with your dog, take note of whether or not you would like to stay there again. Pretty soon, you will know just where to go when you are on the road with your pet.

In many big cities, there are lots of pet-friendly hotels available which offer full services for their guests to make their vacations more pleasurable. Obviously not everyone likes dogs and if the owner of a hotel you book is one of these people then you’re going to be extremely disappointed if they turn you away because they don’t allow pets. All is not lost though as there is a niche hotel market for pet-friendly Bed and Breakfasts. These hotels accommodate pets either in the guest’s rooms or have specific areas for your pet to stay at. Furthermore, there are some holiday rental cottages that will accommodate your pets with the added bonus of having your own living space for your pet to enjoy.

There are some hotels which allow guests with pets under their special terms and conditions. They have a tendency to tack on additional charges to compensate them for daily maintenance and other pet insurance related problems like treatment against fleas, possible destruction, and losses incurred by pets. Loews Hotel limits the number of allowed pets to two per room to guarantee the comfort of all their guests. Loews Hotel is an extremely pet-friendly hotel and has a well- trained staff in terms of pet care. If you find a hotel which will allow pets in your room, you will likely be asked to sign a pet policy. This will tell you exactly what the rules are for keeping your pet at the hotel. Hotels generally require pets to remain attended in the room unless being taken outside on a leash for a walk. Hotels may amend their pet policies at any time, so always call the hotel to make sure they know you will be bringing your pet.

I always make it a point to think of the comfort of my dog wherever we go, bringing things such as organic dog treats. It’s like children – if they are not comfortable they will not be happy; and neither will you. Take a minute the next time you’re watching Entertainment Tonight or Hollywood extra and notice how they treat their pets. It’s almost as if they are little children needing their parents to go with them everywhere.

As a human, flying is sometimes one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, even when you know it is safe, efficient and generally very pleasant. If it is that worrisome for a human that knows what is going on, just imagine how stressful it is for your four-legged companion. Both dogs and cats can be transported by plane, as can many other types of pets, providing they are in the correct and approved crates or cages.

Preparing your pet for a safe airplane journey does require some advance preparation that can help minimize the stress that your pet experiences. The following strategies can work with either dogs or cats, plus they also work with other species of pets. Prior to the trip, a trip to the dog groomers is a nice way to begin

Food and Exercise

It is important to restrict both food and water for approximately 12 hours before a flight. This means that the pet should be fed normally and on schedule and then kept from food or water for approximately half a day. If you only feed once a day in the morning and if you are not flying out until the next afternoon you may wish to adjust the feeding schedule to the evening at least a week before the flight to avoid the pet going for over 24 hours without food or water. Withholding food and water for 12 hours will prevent messes in the carrier and will also prevent vomiting and possible choking concerns while the pet is in the air.

Exercise the pet really well before they are put in the crate or carrier to get on the flight. For most pets being confined for a long period of time can be tough. They’re used to being able to move around and play. Cats can be enticed to chase a piece of string or play with a favorite toy before going in the crate and dogs can always go for a long walk, jog or play time before travel.

Make the crate positive

For a person, a crate or carrier seems confining and restrictive, but for a dog, cat or other pet it can be a safe, relaxing and comfortable place. If the pet already sleeps in the crate or carrier at home or when staying at a dog boarding facility, your work is done as the pet sees this as his or her den. If the crate or carrier is new, start encouraging the pet to spend time in there by placing some tasty treats, toys and comfortable bedding in the crate and praising the pet for spending time in the crate.

Use puppy pads in the crate

Placing highly absorbent puppy pads, on the bottom of the crate will help keep any accidents away from the pet. Covering the puppy pads with a thick towel or blanket will help as well. If you are traveling with a cat, invest in one of the small, travel sized litter boxes that can be attached to the side of the crate that will provide a bathroom area as well as a dry, clean place to sleep.

Finally, try to stay as calm as possible yourself. Your pets are very attune to your emotional state and if you are nervous they are much more likely to pick up on your emotional state.