19Mar

The Martingale Collars are a buckle-less, double-loop design, slipped over your dog’s head. The leash is attached to the smaller loop and will tighten down the larger loop when your dog is distracted and pulls away. The Martingale design is engineered to prevent gagging and choking your dog’s airway.

Your dog does not have to be a sighthound such as a Greyhound, Whippet or Borzoi to enjoy the benefits of a Martingale safety collar. These breeds must wear this design due to their small head and narrow neck structure, which gives them the ability to back out of a standard collar. Dog trainers routinely recommend a Martingale for those owners who prefer the added benefit of control offered through this design, whatever the breed.

12Nov

 

MyVetOnline Household DangersPet proofing your home
Just as parents “childproof” their home, so should pet owners “petproof” theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they can’t know what is dangerous and what is not… so it’s up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.

All around the house

 

  • Screen windows to guard against falls.
  • Don’t let young pets out on balconies, upper porches or high decks.
  • Many house plants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear, spider plants and more are poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
  • Puppies love to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.
  • Don’t leave a room unattended where a fire is lit or a space heater is being used.
  • Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.
  • If your pet can put something in his mouth, he probably will. Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.

In the garage

 

  • Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windshield washer. Tightly cover their containers and wipe up any spills.
  • Paint, gasoline and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach.

In the kitchen, laundry room & bathroom

 

  • Never leave burners or irons on unattended.
  • Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet’s reach.
  • Close washer and dryer lids – your pet might climb in and become trapped.
  • Keep toilet lids down – small pets can actually drown, if they fall in.
  • Medicines, shampoo, suntan lotions and other personal care items can kill your pet. Make sure he can’t get hold of them.

Out in the yard

 

  • Some outdoor plants, like ivy and oleander, can be poisonous to pets.
  • Keep pets away from lawns and gardens treated with chemicals.
  • Store garden tools and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds locked.
  • Cover swimming pools and hot tubs – your pet might fall in and not be able to get out.

Dog-gone disasters

 

  • Eliminate hooks or similar objects placed at your dog’s shoulder height – his collar or harness could become tangled and he could choke.
  • A tall perimeter or invisible electrical fence around your property will minimize the risk of your dog running out into traffic or roaming far from home.

Home for the holiday

 

  • Tinsel and icicles, Christmas tree lights and glass ornaments will be sure to tempt your pet’s curiosity – but all could be lethal if chewed or swallowed.
  • Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are poisonous to your pets.
12Nov

Traveling with your Pet

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Before you goMyVetOnline - Traveling with your Pet
Ask yourself: will my dog be comfortable and happy on this trip? Some animals simply prefer to stay at home and a “homesick”, possibly motion-sick pet will ruin everyone’s trip. In such a case it’s probably wiser to leave your pet with a friend, relative or hire a “petsitter”. If that is not possible, you might consider boarding him or her at a clean, well-run kennel.

Plan ahead
If you do decide to take your pet along, you must take as much care with the preparation of your pet’s trip as your own. If you plan to travel by plane, bus, train or boat, find out if your pet will be welcome and what kind of reservations and transport arrangements must be made. If you’ll be staying at hotels, motels or campgrounds, you must check if animals are allowed or if kennel facilities are available. If you’re staying with friends or family, make sure your pet is also invited.

Traveling by plane

  • Contact the airline you wish to fly well in advance – each has its own regulations and reservations for your pet will be necessary.
  • Be sure to ask about the airline’s rules for pet crates or carriers.
  • Try to book a direct flight or one with a minimum of stops.
  • The airline may allow your pet in the passenger cabin if your crate or carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, be at the airport early, place him in his travel crate yourself and pick him up promptly when you land.
  • Establish that your pet will be in a pressurized area of the plane – cargo holds can get very hot or very cold without environmental controls.

Traveling by car

  • If your pet is not used to being in a car, take him or her for a few short rides before your trip. Your dog will probably be safer and more comfortable in a crate.
  • Pets should NEVER be allowed to put their heads outside the window when riding in a car. Dirt particles can cause injury or infections and cold air taken into the lungs can lead to illness.
  • Plan ‘snacks’, exercise and rest stops about every two hours if you’re taking a long drive.
  • Give the main meal at the end of the day. Dry food is more convenient but if your pet needs canned food, dispose of any unused portions if they cannot be refrigerated.
  • It is not recommended to leave your dog in a parked car for a prolonged period of time. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, lock all doors and open windows enough to provide good ventilation, without allowing him enough room to jump out or get his head caught. Remember, on hot days, the temperature in a parked car can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes and your pet could die of heat stroke.

Traveling by bus, train or boat

  • Not all bus lines allow you to travel with your pet, so phone ahead for information.
  • Amtrak does not permit pets to travel in passenger cars but they may travel in cages as checked luggage.
  • Some cruise ships do welcome pets. Check with the cruise line or ask your travel agent.

Wherever you go

  • Ensure your pet ALWAYS wears a collar with complete identification and a license tag. Microchipping with HomeAgain® is the way to ensure you will retrieve your animal should it be lost.
  • Pack his or her favorite food, toys, dishes, a cooler of water and a leash.
  • Have your pet examined and vaccinated, if necessary, by your veterinarian before a long trip.
  • If your pet must travel in a crate or carrier, be sure it is strong, large enough for him to stand up and turn around, has a place for food and water, is well ventilated, has a leak-proof bottom and closes securely.
  • Contact the consulate or embassy of your destination or ask your travel agent for advice if you are planning a trip abroad with your pet, as health and vaccination regulations vary greatly.


IMPORTANT: If your pet gets “motion sickness” check with your veterinarian for appropriate medication.

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