Summer’s not over and those lingering hot days can really sneak up on you and your pet. Every year over 5,000 pets die from exposure to the excessive heat inside cars. When taking those last minute road-trips and traveling with you cat or dog make sure you remember that your pets can overheat much faster than you. Be mindful of your pet and with just a few simple things you can help your critter stay cool, comfortable and healthy wherever your go and avoid a potentially lethal tragedy.

When I travel with Sadie and Rusty I always make sure they have water available. I have an expandable water bowl (It works great!) that I use for when we travel. Sadie and Rusty love to drink 1/3 of the water and spill the rest of all over everything.  It’s messy, but I’m prepared, because I put down a mat to catch the excess water. I also take a full thermos of water with me just in case their bowl needs a refill.

Besides staying hydrated my two pooches love to stick their heads out of the car window, it helps them manage the heat, experience the fresh air, smell the world, and it’s really cute. But in this case cute is also dangerous; dogs don’t understand the risk hanging outside a moving vehicle can pose, which is why we owners have to be mindful. To protect my canine companions, I buckle them into seat belts. The seat belts are great, and they ensure my furry friends don’t accidentally get thrown from the car while it’s in motion.

Last, always make sure to leave the window open so your pets can get to cool air. If it’s too hot outside and no cool air is available keep the A/C running. If you have to leave your car, never leave your pets alone in the car, get the leash and take them outside to the closest available shade.

On Saturday my husband and I were enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home. We were in the kitchen when we saw a green hummingbird fly up. We both love animals so I pointed the hummingbird out to my husband and was telling him how cute the bird was. Then suddenly smack! It flew right into our glass sliding door!

Making certain the dogs did not follow us out the door, we went outside to check on it. We found that the tiny bird was still alive, but it was not able to fly and appeared hurt.

My husband picked up the little bird while I grabbed a small cardboard box to put her in. We put the little hummingbird into the box. We put the box up off the ground where she would be safe from the neighborhood cats.

We called the local wildlife animal rescue. The woman (Sandy) who answered the phone told us to make up hummingbird feeder food. The recipe Sandy gave us called for 1 half cup water, 1 half teaspoon of white table sugar, and a few grains of white table salt. She said the homemade recipe is better than buying it at the store because there’s no red dye, which is harmful to hummingbirds.

After getting off the phone we made the mixture and went back outside to feed the little hummingbird. We were very happy when we discovered an empty box. The hummingbird had regained it’s composure and had flown away.

Sandy told us is to avoid this from happening again, put a picture on our glass sliding door so the hummingbird will not fly into it again. She said that if there is a reflection on a window they don’t understand it’s not more of the outside world. The picture however would deter any desire to go that direction. Especially if the picture depicts a hawk.

If you have a glass sliding door or window that could be a hazard try adding a window decal.

Diamond Pet Food issued it’s first recall on April 10, 2012 for a limited number of dry dog food bags. Today they are expanding the voluntary recall to include another production run and four production codes of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food. One bag of the product has tested positive for Salmonella, and the recall of the four production codes is being conducted as a precautionary measure. Currently there have been no reports of any dogs getting sick.

If your dog develops a fever, has a loss of appetite or has abdominal pain. Other symptoms include lethargic, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and may vomit. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.

The only products in this new recall are:

If you have been meaning to get out to be a national park now is a good time. April is the low season for most of the national parks.

Plan your trip

Manufacturer:  Wag.com

Where you can buy it:

My review:

If you are like me you may like the convenience of having your pet food delivered right to your front door. Sometimes it’s just easier to have it delivered, dog food can get heavy fast, and with the ease of delivery you don’t have to fight for a parking spot or deal with any lines.

I always order Honest Kitchen online, which has taught me to order my next batch of dog food when I open my last box of Honest Kitchen dog food. This way I know I’ll receive the next batch of dog food before I run out of my current supply. Normally it takes around a week or two for my dog food to arrive, however with Wag.com they offer free two day shipping with orders over $49.

Wag.com offers over 20,000 different pet products, free 1-2 day shipping on orders over $49, 24/7 customer support and a free return policy.

I decided to test their two day shipping claim and ordered a couple of boxes of Honest Kitchen dog food yesterday morning (Sunday.) Ordering was simple and prices were comparable to other online sites I have ordered from in the past. I clicked the button and started the clock. I expected to have to wait a few days for my order to arrive; after all I did place my order on a Sunday, but no, these prompt folks are faster than greyhounds. My order arrived at my front door on Monday morning. Wow!

Another nice thing about wag.com is it is actually 5 different websites. You can order diapers and other baby and child items, household items, groceries, pretty much anything you can think of is on one of their five sites. You can order from all five sites with one shopping cart and have it delivered within a day or two. This is great for anyone who has a super busy schedule or just hates to go shopping.

I did not have to pay anything extra for shipping, because my order was over $49.When you are a new customer with wag.com you can also receive 20 percent off your order up to a total of $15 until May 9, 2012. Use coupon code WAG20PCT.

A big paws-up to Wag.com!

Manufacturer:  West Paw

Where you can buy it: Click here to purchase

My review:

A Dog bed is one of the most important purchases you will make for your dog. Your dog will spend many hours of their life on their bed. Therefore it is worth it to make sure you get a good quality dog bed that is safe and non toxic for them. Your dog deserves to be cozy and comfortable, and you deserve a stylish bed that will look great in your home. Here is a list of the many features of this bed.

• Handmade in the U.S.A
• 100% organic cotton cover
• Hypoallergenic
• Eco-friendly, IntelliLoft®  filler
• Certified safe by Oko-Tex
• Come in five colors and sizes
• Machine washable
• Can replace individual bed parts

Rusty and Sadie knew the minute I opened the box the bed was for them. Rusty fell in love with the bed the moment I put it on the floor. He has not shared it with Sadie. Of course Sadie has been able to sneak a nap a couple of times when Rusty was outside, but it’s pretty clear to me that I need to pick up another one of these beds.

Rusty gives this bed a five paw rating and his full endorsement. Sadie would like to, but he won’t share

Click here to purchase

Water

I bring water and a collapsible water bowl. Some dog parks provide a good water source, but not all. It is always best to be prepared.

Leash

Even if your dog park doesn’t require a leash. Your dog will be safer entering and leaving the dog park wearing one. Remember parking lots can be very dangerous places and silly as it may seem not everyone who is visiting the dog park likes dogs. A leash gives you time to assess the other dogs in the park before your dog interacts with them. A leash also gives you options while walking your dog, should any problems arise.

Biodegradable poop bags

Some dog parks provide poop bags for you, however you want to be prepared just in case.  I like to use Mutt Mitts when I’m at the dog park, they break down much faster than the average plastic bag.

Treats

Bring treats your dog likes. Treats will help you maintain control and train your dog while at the Dog Park. I especially like to reinforce my dog’s training on recall.

Toy

I don’t recommend bringing your dog’s favorite toy, but some toys will help entertain your dog while simultaneously burning off some energy. A toy like the Bamboo Chuck-It works great for a game of fetch or a soft mouth-friendly Frisbee is another good option. If there is a body of water a floating toy will work great to encourage your dog to swim, especially if your dog is an older pooch and is suffering from arthritis.

First Aid Kit

You never know when something may go wrong, and once again it is better to be prepared. You can make your own first aid kit or buy one.

Brush or Comb

Some dogs have a knack for finding every sticker and bur in the area. A quick brushing can help to get most of the stickers/burs off your dog. I also fine this is a great time to check for any ticks.

Dog Anatomy graphic created by Matt Beswick for Pet365 – a UK supplier of dog products. Click here to view the full post.

The Product:
Toxic free, 100% natural, hypoallergenic cleaning products for you and your pets

Manufacturer:
EarthPawz made in Canada

Where you can buy it:
Pet stores in Canada, Earthpawz.com

My review:
As a pet sitter I often have several different dogs in the back of my truck in a single day. I transport dogs to the Dog Park, vet and groomer, anywhere they may need to go. As a result the windows on my truck get a severe case of doggie nose prints on a regular basis. Anyone who has traveled with dogs knows exactly what I’m talking about. I decided my truck windows would be the perfect test for Doggie Slobber window cleaner. I sprayed it on my back window. It worked great. I didn’t have to scrub too hard to remove the prints and amazingly this clever pooch specific product did not leave any streaks behind.

I also take a client dogs in my home while the owner is away. Over the last couple of weeks we have had a lot of rain here in Chico. As you can imagine or have experienced three dogs can track in a lot of mud. Sometimes it gets so muddy I wonder if I should use a shovel instead of a broom. However, it did give me the perfect opportunity to test Dirty Dog floor cleaner. I filled the sink 1/2 way then added 1/2 cap full of Dirty Dog floor cleaner. It worked on both my tile and laminate floor without leaving any residue, which is comforting because I don’t like the idea of my pups licking floor cleaning chemicals off the bottoms of their paws.

EarthPawz products do not contain any toxic ingredients and are 100% natural.

In addition to Doggie Slobber window cleaner and Dirty Dog floor cleaner, EarthPawz also offers other pooch specific cleaning products: Doggie Grime (all purpose cleaner), Doggie Doo Doo (carpet and fabric cleaner), Thirsty Dog (Toilet Bowl Cleaner), and Smelly Dog (deodorizer).

We give EarthPawzs our highest four paws rating! We liked the results and appreciate the fact that all the products are non-toxic and 100% natural.

Our dogs are part of the family, just like other family members we love to have pictures of them on our walls, desks, computers, phones the list goes on. However, our dogs do not understand we want them to pose for the camera. Here are a few tips that can help:

1. It’s all about the lighting. Natural lighting without harsh shadows is the best. When shooting indoors open all the blinds and curtains to let in light. Avoid using the on camera flash which creates harsh shadows. If you have to use a flash try putting a piece of wax paper over it to defuse the lighting.

Early morning, late evening and overcast days are best for shooting outdoors. The light is more even creating softer shadows which really helps when you’re photographing a dark colored dog.

2. Keep the eyes in focus. Eyes can show a lot of expression. They say that eyes are the windows to the soul.

3. Show off their personality! Every dog has traits unique to them. Try and capture those traits in your photos. For example, if you have a lazy dog take a picture of him yawning. If your dog is playful take a picture of her playing or doing her favorite trick.

4. Fill your frame! Get in close, dogs can get lost in the picture. A nice close up will eliminate all/most background clutter and show your dog prominently. If you love a certain feature about your dog for example you love your dogs paw, take a close up of his paw and see how it turns out.

5. Use bribery! Keep your dogs favorite toys and treats ready. The key is to have a helper who can squeak the toy at just the right moment or offer the perfect treat. Try many different toys and/or treats until you get the shots you want. For some dogs a lot of repetition and patience will be necessary.

Here is a guest post written by Paul Glovers who lives with his wife and husky in Washington state and is a freelance writer for Veterinary Assistant Schools, a guide to Vet Assistant careers and education…

Dogs enjoy playing outside just as much as their owners enjoy watching them. However, some dogs can get into trouble very quickly. Just a few steps out of the safety zone can lead a beloved pet into a heap of danger. A driver might hit the dog if it runs out into the road. The dog might also get lost or cause trouble in the neighborhood. So much can occur outside the confines of the home yard. For that reason, many owners are turning to invisible fences for protection. Manufacturers created invisible fences with pet safety and owner comfort in mind.

Invisible fences are containment systems that installers put into the ground instead of above the ground. The boundaries are similar, but neither the dog nor the neighbors can see them. Invisible dog fences are electronic units that have a transmitter and a receiver. The installers set the boundaries around the yard. When the dog attempts to cross the boundaries, the transmitter sends uncomfortable static signals to the dog’s leash, which is the receiver. In order for invisible electric fences to work properly, the owner must train his or her pet to understand the concept of crossing boundaries.

Invisible fences provide several benefits to the animal and the pet owner. For one, manufactures designed these units in such a way that there are no yard view obstructions. Homeowners can enjoy a clear view of their yard s and the surrounding areas. Traditional above ground fences obstruct the back yard view.
Invisible fences are also less costly than traditional fences and provide more protection. Dogs are very intelligent pets. Some of them learn how to dig underneath fences. Other dogs can learn to jump and climb. The electrical system prevents the pet from thinking of creative ways to get out. Owners also have more options as far as design. For example, if an owner would like to keep his or her pet from getting into a garden area, the installers can create an underground shield around that area in addition to blocking off the main yard. It is much simpler than attempting to build a separate fence around a small garden. Additionally, a homeowner with several acres of land might not be able to afford placing fencing around the entire area. He or she can place boundaries in a smaller area of the yard by using an invisible fence. That way the dog is still confined, but he or she has enough space to roam around and be happy. The homeowner is still able to view his or her yard without obstructions. Traditional fences do not offer that type of flexibility. Are Invisible Fences Humane?

Some consumers are concerned with whether invisible fences are effective. They also wonder if using this type of shock device is humane. Invisible fences are very safe for the animals. They do not cause excruciating amounts of pain, nor should they be psychologically damaging to the pet. However, owners should not use them on very young dogs or dogs with severe health issues. Young dogs may not understand this training procedure. Unhealthy dogs could be frightened and have an adverse reaction. Studies have shown that invisible fences used with proper training are very effective and non-dangerous training methods.

The success rate for invisible fences is very high. These fences will work for almost any dog. However, there is always a rare case here and there. These few cases of failure are usually due to improper education and training rather than technology flaws. Owners should read the material and watch any disks provided by the manufacturer before attempting to use the equipment on the dog.

Invisible fences range in price according to the manufacturer and the type of transmitter the unit has. The pricing also includes the design of the product, the size of the yard, and the installer’s charges. The cost of having an invisible system put in could be as low as several hundred dollars to as high as several thousand dollars. The best thing for a homeowner do is to shop around. It is important that the individual purchase high quality products to avoid failure. It is better to pay slightly more for a peace of mind.

I was reading an article yesterday on Dogster Warning: Some Canine Plaque-Reducing Products Contain Toxic Xylitol!

In the Article Dr. Barchas ends with this statement:

I unequivocally recommend that no dog owner use this, or any, product that claims to prevent plaque in dogs. In the best case, you’ll waste your money. In worse cases, the product will contain a known poison.

With anything you are going to give your dog you need to check the ingredients. Make certain there are no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, dyes, alcohol, acids or chemicals. I do this for everything I buy for my dogs including their dog food, treats, toys, beds, etc. Verify that anything coming in contact with your dog is safe.

I have to disagree with the author about not using any plaque and tartar control for your pets. If you are a dog owner who brushes your dogs teeth everyday (which we all need to do), then it probably is not as important to put something into your dogs water which will help break down tartar build up. However, if you are like most dog owners and only brush your dogs teeth twice a week or less then plaque and tartar control is an important item to have, especially if you own a dog breed which has crowded teeth and are more likely to get plague and tartar buildup which can lead to Periodontal disease.

Rusty at 7 years old

I have used Pet Kiss plaque and tartar control for the last five years. It has: Purified water, zine, vitamin B, vegetable glycerin (not corn derived), and red beet juice extract. It does not contain any preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, alcohol, acids or chemicals. It has no order or taste and my dogs do not notice it at all my dogs teeth are white and clean.

Losing a pet is never easy for you or the other pets in the household. Here is a video with a beautiful tribute to what our pets mean to each other.

I love Dog Pack Snacks! Dog Pack Snacks provide a high quality dog treat with a high protein, low fat content. They are great for dogs who are a little over weight. Dog Pack Snacks are made with human grade, 100% natural, organic foods.

Watch my video review:



When you order your treats they will be freshly made and shipped to you the very next day. Dog Pack Snacks do not contain any artificial preservatives so once you get your dog treats make sure fido gets to enjoy them within six weeks. If your household is anything like mine getting a bag to last longer than a week can he hard to do.

These wonderful treats do not contain:

• Corn
• Wheat
• Soy
• By-Products
• Salt
• No Artificial Preservatives or colors
• Added Sugar

There are so many great things about Dog Pack Snacks including 20% of all profits from their dog treats are donated to Have A Heart, Inc. – A South Florida Canine Rescue.

Dog Pack Snacks come in 9 different flavors with prices ranging from $4.99 to $10.99.

Sadie and Rusty both give Dog Pack Snacks 5 Paws Up.

For more information:

Visit: DogPackSnacks.net
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