Holiday Traveling Tips For Pet Owners

The holiday season is quickly approaching...Thanksgiving is gone, and Christmas is right on its heels. For many families, the holiday season means travel. People sometimes have a difficult time trying to find someone to watch their pet maybe all of their friends and neighbors will be out of town as well, and they don't want to take their pup to the kennel...it is a nerve-wracking experience, and most people don't want to subject their precious pet to other dog's diseases and illnesses. So, why not take your pup with you? That way, you will be able to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet this holiday season. Also, your pet is a member of the family, why would you leave them behind?

If you decide to travel by car, there are a few things you will want to consider before you leave. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you and your pet a safe, easy, and fun traveling experience.

First, for your pet's ultimate safety, you will want to consider purchasing a crate or pet carrier if you do not own one already. Many top-of-the-line pet carriers come with loops for a seat belt to easily attach, thus allowing your pet to be securely fastened in their carrier on the car seat. Make sure you bring a crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. You don't want your pet to get claustrophobic and start barking- on a car trip, you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible.

Next, make sure you feed your pet a light meal 3 to 4 hours prior to embarking on your road trip. This will give your pet sufficient time to digest the food, yet they will not have an empty stomach. Also, try to keep your pet's normal feeding schedule if possible. However, do not feed your pet while in the car...it is very likely you will have to clean up you pet's carsick mess. It is also best to bring your own water in plastic bottles or gallon jugs. Sometimes water from a different area can upset your pet's stomach because they are not used to the water.

There are several pet items you should be sure to bring: travel papers (some states require authentication of vaccination prior to entering the state's border), food (enough for the duration of your entire trip and then some), water, bowl (s), leash, plastic bags, waste scooper, doggie toys and treats, and any medications and grooming supplies you will need. It also a good idea to bring along a pet first aid kit; it is always better to be on the safe side, especially when traveling. Make sure your pet has I.D. tags that are current and easily readable. You will want to put your pet's name, tour address, and a phone number on the tag as well.

Though the holidays are a busy time, it is well worth taking your pet with you as part of the family. As long as you plan ahead and are prepared, you should be fine as you travel with your best friend. Enjoy your holiday vacation!

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Automatic Pet Feeders Can Help Busy Pet Owners

In today's world, our lives can become very hectic with work, school, errands, functions, etc. This sometimes means our pets may have to eat dinner a little late. Well not anymore. I found a terrific item that helped me solve this problem: an automatic pet feeder!

My husband and I both work late many nights. There were a few days a week that we had commitments and were unable to get home until after 9:00 pm. There was no time to drive thirty minutes home and back to feed our sweet dog. For a while, we asked our neighbors to feed her but felt it was just too much of an imposition for them to continue. What were we going to do? We felt too guilty to make our canine companion wait for meals and it was too expensive to pay someone. We thought of how cool it would be if there was some way to set a timer for scheduled feedings. I did a little research and low and behold...we found the PetSafe Automatic Pet Feeders. They offer a two-meal and five-meal automatic pet feeder. All you have to do is fill the compartments with food and set the timer(s). It is so easy! These handy little gadgets are battery operated, easy to clean and very reasonably priced. The batteries usually last about 6-8 months. We decided to get a 5-meal feeder and set the timer to uncover a meal every five hours. This way our dog does not run out of food or overeat and it keeps her glucose level regulated. We even purchased a 2-meal feeder for our two cats. They used to wake us up at 3:00 am begging for food. Now we set the timer for the same time and both compartments open simultaneously so they may eat together. It is nice to be able to sleep through the night again. We can even go on overnight trips and not have to get a pet sitter.

Even when life keeps you busy, you do not have to worry or feel guilty about your pet missing meals. The PetSafe Automatic Pet Feeders make sure your pet is fed right on schedule. We all love our pets and do not want to keep them waiting. Don't keep your pet waiting. Try one of these pet feeders. It sure made life easier for us!

Mary Johnson has owned dogs her entire life. She has great passion for dogs and their well being. Her current canine companion, Taffy, inspired the creation of her website http://www.mindfulpets.com. Please visit for products to help your dogs become mindful pets and keep them safe!

How To Raise Sheep As Pets - 8 Quick Tips For New Sheep Owners To Keep In Mind

People don't usually raise sheep for pets and to some the idea is kind of "out there." However, if you are one of those unconventional pet owners or collectors, or you have a thing for farm animal pets, or you simply want something wooly and says "baaaa," then we can't blame you-love for pets should be universal, what ever kind they may be.

Sheep are generally good natured animals and can be good pets for children and the disabled. Raising sheep as pets teaches responsibility and to some may also be a good companions for the lonely.

Here are some tips on how to raise sheep as pets:

• First is to consider your finances. Raising sheep as pets is easy to manage because they aren't difficult to keep and feed. However, you must have enough money to buy materials for their fencing or housing, for vaccination, stockpiling food or feeds, among other needs.

• You need space to keep your sheep. There are rare cases when sheep are kept inside a home. Sheep that are kept as farm animals require a couple of acres of land especially if they get their food from grazing. However, a big backyard of at least 50 square feet will suffice where definitely grass will be an insufficient food source. In this case, and you can feed it hay or other types of feeds that are available in the market.

• The next step is deciding the breed. Any type of sheep breed can be kept as pets, however miniature breeds are available and are recommended if you want to raise sheep as pets such as the Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy.

• Because sheep are good natured and are social animals, it is recommended to keep more than one. Just make sure that you have the males neutered if you don't want them to breed or reproduce.

• Making a home for your sheep involves using sturdy fencing because sheep are known to find "holes" in fences. Also keeping them away from other pets such as dogs and other animals is best because even though they may not attack your pet sheep, they may bring plenty of stress especially if your ewe is pregnant.

• Feeding sheep is easy. Sheep prefer to eat weeds, grass and clover. They're diet isn't very strict and would even eat plants you don't want them to eat or vegetable in your garden. A mature sheep only requires eating about 2 percent of its body weight per day. It only requires 8 to 10 percent of protein in its diet.

• If you plan to raise sheep as pets, it is best if you keep one that does not need sheering. However, for the very wooly-coated sheep, it is important to sheer them during summer for they can suffer from a heat stroke.

• Finally, keeping your pet sheep healthy involves regular visit to the vet, where they'll get their shots and vaccinations to avoid diseases.

Raising sheep as pets have been known to be therapeutic for some people and is a good idea for people that like keeping farm animals. Just be sure that you are mindful of the basic necessities and knowledge required for raising a sheep.

Are you looking for more tips on raising sheep as pets? Separate yourself from the usual sheep owners who are prone to common mistakes. If you would like to learn more tips on caring for sheep and how to raise sheep correctly, click here: http://www.howtoraisesheep.com

Don't forget to claim your FREE "12 Tip About Raising Sheep - What You Need To Know Before You Start" eReport!

Pet Owners In Case of Emergency - Be Prepared!

Disasters happen each and everyday. In an instant your life can change completely. Are you prepared for a disaster with all the variables you may face? Are you well informed and prepared with proper documentation to leave the disaster area, perhaps by air, with your pet?

These are important things to consider. As we have harshly been reminded witnessing the catastrophic situation in Japan, that we should be prepared in advance and have everything "at ready" for the survival of you, your family members including your animal family members. In Japan, pets are extremely important to the people so there are millions of pets. There is no law against tying up a dog and this practice is done particularly in rural areas. If the animal is abandoned by evacuation, injury or death it has no way of foraging for food or finding a safe, dry, place to survive if left to its own devices.

Whether we have pets or not, we should all be ready for natural disasters. Some wonder "How do I prepare?" "How do I find my documentation during a disaster for my family and pets?" "Is there a way?" Of course there is a way. Many have thought out these questions well and we have suggestions for you to help plan and prepare for a natural disaster and increase the chances of survival of everyone, including your pets.

Be one of the prepared!

The ASPCA has RESCUE ALERT STICKERS for FREE to alert rescuers that there are pets in your home, what type, how many, your vet and the contact number. If you evacuate and manage to take your pets with you and you have the time, write EVACUATED on the sticker so those rescue agency members will not spend too much time when others are awaiting help.

Decide in advance where your pet will go in an emergency

When presented with an emergency or disaster and you must or are ordered to evacuate DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Not all Red Cross Stations accept pets so have your backup plan in place. Here are a few ideas to assist you:

Contact your vet for list of trusted kennels and boarding facilities outside your immediate area.
Find out if your local animal shelter provides emergency shelter.
Locate hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accepts pets.
Set up arrangement with family and friends outside your immediate area willing to shelter your pets temporarily in case of emergency evacuation.
Always have your Emergency Evacuation kit ready. These are good suggestions to include in your KIT.
Pet First Aid Kits and guide book on how to recognize and treat pet injuries.

They should include the following:

1 Cohesive Bandage, 2' x 5 yds (Compares to Vet Wrap);
10 Plastic Bandages, 1' x 3'; 1 Packet BurnAid Burn Gel, 3.5 g;
1 Instant Cold Pack, 4' x 6';
1 Emergency Blanket, Aluminized;
2 Sterile Eye/Skin Wash 'Squeezits,' 15 ml;
30 Non-Sterile Gauze Pads, 2' x 2';
10 Sterile Gauze Pads;
(5) 2' x 2' and (5) 3' X 3';
1 Roll Conforming Gauze, 2' x 4.1 yds;
4 Vinyl Gloves, Medical Grade;
2 Hydrogen Peroxide Packets, 1 oz;
1 Leash, 6' Slip Style;
3 Lubricating Jelly Packets;
1 Oral Syringe-10 cc;
1 Oral Syringe-30 cc;
6 Safety Pins;
1 Scissors-Metal, 3';
8 Cotton Swabs/Applicators;
1 Roll Adhesive Tape, 0.5' x 5 yds;
1 Digital Thermometer;
1 Ticked Off?
Tick Remover;
3 Tongue Depressors;
4 Triple Antibiotic Packets;
1 Tweezers/Forceps - Metal;
9 Alcohol Wipes;
6 Antiseptic (BZK)Wipes;
6 Hand Cleansing Wipes;
6 Sting Relief Wipes.

Also include:

3-7 days worth of pop-top or dry food. (Must be rotated every 2 months.)
Disposable litter trays for cats. (Suggest aluminum roasting pans are perfect choice. Light and inexpensive)
Litter bags or paper towels
Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
Garbage bags for clean up
Pet feeding bowls
Extra harness and leash note: harness is recommended for security and safety.
Photocopies of medical records in water-proof sealed bags
2 weeks worth of dog medication for each pet in water proof sealed bags
bottled water for 7 days minimum for each family and pet member of the family
Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier for each pet, if possible
Flashlight
Blanket
Recent photos of your dog in case you become separated. You may need to make "lost" posters
For Cats specifically: a pillowcase or Evack Sack
For Dog specifically: long leash with yard stake, toys, toy chews, weeks worth of cage liners, if necessary.

Prepare an Emergency Kit for human members of family as well. Add:

Batteries
Duct tape
Flashlight
Radio
Multi-tool
Tarp
Rope
Permanent marker
Spray paint
Baby wipes
Protective clothing and footwear for each family member
Emergency cash
Rescue whistle
Prescriptions for 2 weeks minimum for each person in waterproof sealed bag.
Copies of medical and insurance information in waterproof sealed bags.

Arrange a Designated Caretaker

Pre-arrange with someone in your vacinity, preferably at home during the day who agrees to take over care of your pets in case of emergency hospitalization, temporarily out of home, example a house fire and you cannot afford a pet-friendly hotel. This should be someone you trust with your pets. And perhaps you would agree to reciprocate.

Worst-case scenario

Store emergency kit and leashes close to exit as possible.
Make sure pets wear collars with tags with up-to-date contact information, pet's name, vet, vet contact info, vaccination ex: rabies. Also write this information on your pet's crate or carrier, in case of separation.
ASPCA recommends micro-chipping your dogs, implanted in the shoulder area. You will only have 72 hours once picked up by Kill Shelter agencies to find and retrieve your pets before they will be EUTHANIZED.
Always bring pets indoors at first sign of bad weather or disaster. Even pets may panic and run off during crisis, dogs, cats and horses.
Pre-determine several evacuation routes and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding or pet-friendly hotels or motels outside the danger zone at first sign of disaster, whenever possible.

Specific Climate Considerations If you live in an area prone to certain natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, stay prepared for these events...always.

Know and inform all family members of safe areas in your home. No windows, no flying debris, not underneath heavy objects that will trap you...perhaps a mattress.
Choose easy to clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms and basements for safe zones.
Access to fresh drinking water is extremely important. Have your stores of water stored throughout your home in case parts of your home become inaccessible. Before you lose power, in situations such as hurricanes, blizzards or other strong storms, fill before hand all sinks and tubs to ensure easy access to water during a power outage or other crises.
In the event of flooding, go to the highest location of your home or room with high counters or high shelves where you and your pets can take shelter.

Follow the instructions of Emergency Management Officials. If you are told to stay inside your home, KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE WITH YOU. Keep your Evac Pac and supplies ready at exit for quick evacuation. This requires no further thought. You will have enough to think about and you will be ready to face what comes next. If pets become distressed during in-house confinement, you might consider putting them inside open door crate. This should calm them but also allow them to get out on their own if necessary. Also Rescue Remedy is a great natural mixture of herbs that helps keep your pets calm.

See ASPCA for guides for all other animals in emergency situations. But remain responsible for your pets for as long as possible. If you are ready in advance you have a better chance of evacuating with your pets or get them to safe location.

Send for your FREE ASPCA STICKER here.

Pamela S Mayer, creator and owner of Noble Canine Pet Boutique is a lifelong dog lover and activist for humane treatment of all animals. It is her passion to locate or design new and unique pet products to enrich dogs' lives and make it convenient, comfortable and stylish for the active K9 family.

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http://www.noblecanine.com

Pet Owners Improve Their Quality of Life With Dog Crates and Pet Carriers

What is a Dog Crate? Dog crates come in plastic, wire, wood, soft-sided and some heavy duty crates which are constructed from tubular steel. Since dogs are "cave" or "den" dwelling animals they actually enjoy having their own safe place in which they can find safety and relaxation.

Why do I need a Dog Crate? I am so glad you asked. Please consider the following reasons why pet owners, especially a dog owner, should seriously consider making a dog crate part of the household. These are not listed in order of importance. You must decide which benefit is most important to you.

1. A place of their own when visitors are present in the home-during any holiday season or family function we can expect to have house guests. Many pets get nervous when company comes. Many owners get nervous for their pets when company visits. Many times the pets end up locked in another room or outside. A dog crate provides your pet with a safe place of their own to retreat into while visitors are present while still within the family environment.

2. Food and holidays go hand in hand. You know what you want your dog to eat and what foods are restricted. Your visitors will not know what your pet feeding rules are. If your pet is safely in their crate then no unwanted food will be given to your pet that could make them seriously ill or worse.

3. Vacation time-How great would it be to have your pet riding with you in the car, in his dog crate, safe, secure, resting out of harms way and just enjoying life as you enjoy the open road.

4. Many people love camping and of course we always take our dogs along. Dog crates allow you to relax in the knowledge that your pet or pets are safe and secure in their dog crates when you are not exercising them or engaging in some other interaction directly with them. Your dogs know this crate to be their sleeping area, the same one they had at home, so they are comfortable in it. They will not wander away. They will not get lost. You know exactly where they are at all times.

5. If you show your dogs you probably already know how great it is to have your dog resting in his or her dog crate while you are watching the show or talking to other exhibitors, a great example for the rest of us.

6. If you have an older pet they want and require a place to rest that is safe and secure. If you have younger pets in the home this is often a problem for the older dog. Enter the dog crate, their own space, their bed, their safe place to rest away from the others that may want to jump and play instead of rest.

7. Now I will say just a bit about puppies and dog crates. There is tons of information available on crate training your puppy so we will not go into that here except to say that crate training your puppy will change your life and theirs for the better.

8. Unfortunately our pets occasionally require surgery for some reason. How great would it be to have a place where your crate trained dog could rest in safety while recuperating? That is just another very important use for your dog crate.

Pet crates and pet carriers are not punishment for your pet. Once you have successfully crate trained your pet they will enjoy their crate for the rest of their lives. Never use the crate for punishment. This is counter productive to your goals.

Bill Beavers is with http://www.CarryMyDog.com and looks forward to your visit to this informative website. We hope you benefit from the information. You will find top quality dog crates, pet carriers, pet strollers, dog harnesses, pet playpens and much more. Deep discounts on many products. http://www.carrymydog.com is a valid starting place for improving your pet's quality of life and simplifying yours. All the best...