Leisure Life: Vacation,Pet, Hiking

Why It’s Great to Travel with a Dog

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Bringing a dog with you on vacation can enrich a trip in so many ways.

You’ll talk to dog-loving strangers who otherwise would have passed right by you.
You’ll travel to dog-friendly parks and other places that wouldn’t ordinarily be on your itinerary.
Most significantly, you’ll have your best friend at your side.

Naturally, not every destination is suitable to bring a pet on vacation. And not every dog is calm and well behaved enough to travel. But for those that are, the Web contains many resources where dog-lovers can connect with people and places that will facilitate their travel.

Original http://honeymoons.about.com/od/travelingwithapet/a/dog_travel_trip.htm

Hiking with your Dog

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:50:58 +0000

Your dog can be one of your best hiking companions. They force you to keep a brisk pace, provide you with a willing partner in your endeavor, and also cause you to be more attentive to the weather and trail conditions (on their behalf).

Before you go

Be sure that dogs are allowed on the trails you plan to hike. Check with the managing agency (NPS, State Parks, etc.).
Make sure your dog is wearing tags which are up to date.
Your dog should also be current on their vaccinations, and their toenails should be trimmed.
Don’t feed your dog before a hike– feed them afterwards. It’s okay to bring along some treats, though.

On the Trail

Bring along plenty of water for both you and your dog. Bring a bowl, too.
If your dog has won a few obedience awards, maybe you can let them hike off lead– but I recommend always keeping your dog on a leash. Even if your dog is well-behaved, he might still frighten other hikers, especially children.
Be sure to have a first-aid kit. Remeber that your dog is hiking bare-foot, and the pads of their feet is the most likely place for an injury.
Before climbing back in the car after the hike, scan your pet for ticks. You’ll want to check them again after you get home for tick and flea infestations, as the hike exposes them to a much greater risk.

Summer Care Tips for Both you and your Pets

admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:51:56 +0000

The summer time is an occasion for both both you and your pet to relish the sun’s rays and outdoors, but along with the fun, the summer season now offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you are able to decrease the chance that disaster may occur. The HSUS offers the following tips for pet owners to keep their canines safe this summer.

Never Leave Your pet in the vehicle

In nice weather you may be lured to take your furry friend along with you in the vehicle while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even when you’re parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble to your companion animals left in a vehicle.

Cats and dogs can’t perspire and will only dispel heat by panting and over the pads in their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, which enables it to even die. Do not think that just because you’ll be gone “merely a minute” that your particular pet are going to be safe while you’re gone; even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn’t healthy for your pet.