For owners who like to keep their pampered pets near them
wherever they go, pet carriers are the perfect solution. For those pets that must travel in the cargo, a quality dog crate is the safest way to go. These days, flying with your dog or cat is easier than ever before. However, air travel with your dog or cat comes with its own set of challenges, and it's best to be prepared to reduce stress for both you and your pet on traveling day. First of all, all airline policies are different concerning pet travel and you need reservations. Be sure to ask what kind of pet carriers they accept or try our Sherpa Delta pet carrier and the Sherpa Backpack which are airline approved. Also, it's important to ask what documents the airline requires such as vaccination records or a health certificate. So whether you're traveling with a pet carrier or a dog crate, preparation is key.
Even with all your preparation, fear of flying can still be an issue for your dog or cat. Our Chihuahua, Sox has anxiety every time we fly even though he sits right at our feet. At first, we thought of giving him tranquilizers, but we learned that tranquilizers shouldn't be given to pets before boarding because they can increase the dog's risks of accidents and can make it hard for them to adjust to temperature changes and turbulence. Worst of all, they can impede breathing. The before the flight.
Whether using a dog crate or pet carrier, it's a good idea to get your dog used to it for about a month before your travel date. To make the flight easier on your dog, don't feed him for 4 to 6 hours before, but small amounts of water are fine. Just in case your dog should get lost in the airport, it's a good idea to carry a picture of him or her.
Every time you fly with your pet, you have a choice between taking them on board with you in a small dog carrier (unless they're a large breed, of course) or putting them in the cargo. Cargo holds can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the Humane Society of the United States strongly recommends that you not ship your dog in the cargo unless there is no alternative. Each year there are fatal accidents when, because of runway delays, dogs suffer heat stroke in the bottom of airplanes. In fact, most airlines refuse to check dogs between May and September. If you must use the cargo, then here are some safety tips: 1. Use a direct flight 2. Travel on the same flight and ask to watch while he is being loaded and unloaded. 3. DO NOT ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs & Chow Chows. Their short nasal passages are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heatstroke. 4. If traveling during summer choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, afternoon flights are best. 5. Attach 2 pieces of I. D. to their collar 1) Permanent address and phone no. 2) address and no. where you can be reached while away from home. 6. Don't leave anything in the dog crate the dog can choke on. 7. Make sure crate door is secure. Above door write "Do Not open this door with out permission from owner or licensed vet." 8. Arrive 1/2 hour earlier than normal but don't let them take the dog until the last minute. 9. NO SEDATIVES - important to reiterate
Be sure to put ID on both the dog and the outside of the dog crate. If you can't get a direct flight, make sure you have a long enough lay over to walk your dog. Also, make absolutely sure that the dog crate is large enough for your dog to turn around with ease. The best crates for space and quality are our Kennel dog crates.
For those who are definitely taking their dogs or cats in the passenger cabin, the Sherpa pet carrier is preferable to a hard sided pet crate. Sherpa pet carriers have mesh panels to prevent claustrophobia, a reinforced bottom, an adjustable shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a roomy zippered pocket for your pet's travel essentials. The Sherpa pet carrier have accommodating sizes, are approved by airlines and are ideal as cat carriers and small dog carriers. Whichever way you decide to go, just be sure to book direct flight to minimize stress.
Grant Carroll proud father of three dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters. Also visit Little Pampered Babies where you can find Unique Baby Clothes and Toddler Clothing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grant_Carroll
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Choose the Right Dog Carrier
With the popularity of small dogs, there are numerous types of dog carriers to choose from. Your dog carrier can range from styles such as a sports bag to a stylish designer purse. You can even choose a backpack or luggage carrier to take your little furry friend along with you wherever you travel.
When choosing a dog carrier, decide what size and fabric/style you would like. You can choose a generic bag to take everywhere with you or a small designer purse to take out on the town. Dog carrier purses range in sizes, from large ones that completely conceal your pet, to small ones that allow your dog’s head or even legs to poke out. You may want a large bag for the day to hold your wallet, checkbook, make up, phone, keys, and any other accessories. For the night time, usually a smaller and flashier bag is perfect for holding your ID, cash, and some lip gloss and keys next to your favorite dog.
Determine an appropriate budget. If you really want to spoil your pup, you may wish to buy the more expensive carriers that can cost up to $1,000. Otherwise, you can usually find a carrier for about $30 and up. If you want a designer dog carrier purse, expect the price to be around $100-$400. Whatever budget you decide on, make sure you choose the right style bag to match your outfits and your dog’s clothes too.
When deciding between carriers, be sure that the bag is sturdy enough to carry everything that you would require. It is particularly important that is has a removable and washable bottom. Make sure it is also soft enough and comfortable so that your dog wants to get inside and ride along with you regularly.
After you buy a dog carrier purse, pick up a gourmet dog treat to entice your dog to get inside the bag. Once he or she feels comfortable, you’re both ready to go out. Whatever dog carrier purse you choose, you and your pup will look great wherever you go.
Luxury bed boutique
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Potter
When choosing a dog carrier, decide what size and fabric/style you would like. You can choose a generic bag to take everywhere with you or a small designer purse to take out on the town. Dog carrier purses range in sizes, from large ones that completely conceal your pet, to small ones that allow your dog’s head or even legs to poke out. You may want a large bag for the day to hold your wallet, checkbook, make up, phone, keys, and any other accessories. For the night time, usually a smaller and flashier bag is perfect for holding your ID, cash, and some lip gloss and keys next to your favorite dog.
Determine an appropriate budget. If you really want to spoil your pup, you may wish to buy the more expensive carriers that can cost up to $1,000. Otherwise, you can usually find a carrier for about $30 and up. If you want a designer dog carrier purse, expect the price to be around $100-$400. Whatever budget you decide on, make sure you choose the right style bag to match your outfits and your dog’s clothes too.
When deciding between carriers, be sure that the bag is sturdy enough to carry everything that you would require. It is particularly important that is has a removable and washable bottom. Make sure it is also soft enough and comfortable so that your dog wants to get inside and ride along with you regularly.
After you buy a dog carrier purse, pick up a gourmet dog treat to entice your dog to get inside the bag. Once he or she feels comfortable, you’re both ready to go out. Whatever dog carrier purse you choose, you and your pup will look great wherever you go.
Luxury bed boutique
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Potter
It May Be Time To Consider A Dog Backpack
“For a major emergency – like a blackout or severe storm – you need to be prepared. Ready for at least 72 hours while emergency workers help those in urgent need.” So reads the initial words of advice being offered on one government website. Other organizations, when speaking of emergency preparedness, have much the same to say.
There is a reason for this. Experience with past disasters and the threats of disasters yet to come, have made it clear that being prepared for quick and unexpected evacuations should be given serious consideration in every home. It is commonly suggested that each family member should have close at hand and easily accessible a backpack filled with those commodities that would be necessary during a 72 hour absence. Most lists would include dried foods, small containers of water, flashlights, first aid supplies, prescription medications and other such necessities. That way there is no last minute packing and hunting for missing articles. Simply grab that backpack and load it and yourself into the awaiting vehicle, and off you go.
Yet, what about man’s best friend? Most people, if the possibility exists to do so, want to see their pets whisked to safety as well. Should they too not have access to some sort of a 72 hour emergency kit? In the case of dogs, they can, with a little help, even carry their own.
There are, in fact, commercially available backpacks that are made specifically for our canine friends, although it is certainly possible to produce your own. With a little bit of sewing skill, a basic design idea, and enough material to do the job, Fido can very soon have his very own backpack. For the less adventuresome but still skilled, patterns can be obtained.
One of the important things to remember when designing a backpack for our four-legged friend is that the weight needs to be placed over the animal’s shoulder blades rather than the middle of the back, for a dog’s shoulders are built to carry weight, not the spine. As well, the best idea for the backpack is a saddlebag type design. This will be much more comfortable for him. Ideally, the end result should also be something that will not restrict movement, while still remaining in place without the need of frequent adjustments. That requires attention to harnessing methods and placement of straps, and probably would be helped by a little on-line research.
Of course, a retail product would automatically eliminate many of these worries, as long as it was a quality product that was being considered for purchase.
A dog does not likely have need of a change of clothes, but dried dog food, water, collapsible bowl, pick-up bags, and a leash would be ideal candidates for items to be included amongst its contents.
Once you have the dog’s kit ready, it would be wise to make it an attractive piece of apparel for him. Have him wear it on walks, or as an even more healthful choice, on hikes. It won’t take the animal long to associate it with fun activities, and to look forward to those times when it can be worn. Thus, when it is really needed, there is not likely to be any balking at being so attired.
If you and your companion do go hiking together, consider water resistant material in the construction of the saddlebags. Vacuum sealing the dog food will seal in odors as well, and not draw the attention of wild animals. A brightly colored backpack will stand out in the woods, and help prevent some hunter from thinking your beloved pet is some sort of a game animal. Realize, too, that not all trails welcome dogs, so that needs to be taken into consideration. And one more note. If you think that your dog will be ideal protection if you suddenly chance upon some bear or other large form of wildlife, think again. An untrained dog is just as likely to cower behind you so that you can protect if from the beast, as to rush forward to protect you from it.
Finally, don’t forget the emergency preparedness aspect of the backpack. In other words, keep it stocked, and keep it handy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Palmer
There is a reason for this. Experience with past disasters and the threats of disasters yet to come, have made it clear that being prepared for quick and unexpected evacuations should be given serious consideration in every home. It is commonly suggested that each family member should have close at hand and easily accessible a backpack filled with those commodities that would be necessary during a 72 hour absence. Most lists would include dried foods, small containers of water, flashlights, first aid supplies, prescription medications and other such necessities. That way there is no last minute packing and hunting for missing articles. Simply grab that backpack and load it and yourself into the awaiting vehicle, and off you go.
Yet, what about man’s best friend? Most people, if the possibility exists to do so, want to see their pets whisked to safety as well. Should they too not have access to some sort of a 72 hour emergency kit? In the case of dogs, they can, with a little help, even carry their own.
There are, in fact, commercially available backpacks that are made specifically for our canine friends, although it is certainly possible to produce your own. With a little bit of sewing skill, a basic design idea, and enough material to do the job, Fido can very soon have his very own backpack. For the less adventuresome but still skilled, patterns can be obtained.
One of the important things to remember when designing a backpack for our four-legged friend is that the weight needs to be placed over the animal’s shoulder blades rather than the middle of the back, for a dog’s shoulders are built to carry weight, not the spine. As well, the best idea for the backpack is a saddlebag type design. This will be much more comfortable for him. Ideally, the end result should also be something that will not restrict movement, while still remaining in place without the need of frequent adjustments. That requires attention to harnessing methods and placement of straps, and probably would be helped by a little on-line research.
Of course, a retail product would automatically eliminate many of these worries, as long as it was a quality product that was being considered for purchase.
A dog does not likely have need of a change of clothes, but dried dog food, water, collapsible bowl, pick-up bags, and a leash would be ideal candidates for items to be included amongst its contents.
Once you have the dog’s kit ready, it would be wise to make it an attractive piece of apparel for him. Have him wear it on walks, or as an even more healthful choice, on hikes. It won’t take the animal long to associate it with fun activities, and to look forward to those times when it can be worn. Thus, when it is really needed, there is not likely to be any balking at being so attired.
If you and your companion do go hiking together, consider water resistant material in the construction of the saddlebags. Vacuum sealing the dog food will seal in odors as well, and not draw the attention of wild animals. A brightly colored backpack will stand out in the woods, and help prevent some hunter from thinking your beloved pet is some sort of a game animal. Realize, too, that not all trails welcome dogs, so that needs to be taken into consideration. And one more note. If you think that your dog will be ideal protection if you suddenly chance upon some bear or other large form of wildlife, think again. An untrained dog is just as likely to cower behind you so that you can protect if from the beast, as to rush forward to protect you from it.
Finally, don’t forget the emergency preparedness aspect of the backpack. In other words, keep it stocked, and keep it handy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Palmer
Inexpensive Backpacks - Find A Bargain
Backpacks are available almost everywhere when the back to school shopping frenzy begins and you can find inexpensive backpacks in drugstores, supermarkets, discount stores and department stores. Sometimes you can even find them in craft stores, for decorating yourself. Sporting goods stores, luggage and leather stores also sell a lot of backpacks, but these are generally more expensive.
You can get backpacks for as little as $10.00 all the way up to well over $200.00, this price range, is for backpacks that young children up to college level use for book bags. If you want packs for camping or serious hiking, you can expect to pay much more. Here we will deal with backpacks that are generally used by students of all ages.
With very young children who don’t really need a backpack, but who want them because they’ve seen one with Spider Man or Barbie, or because their older sibling has one. Sometimes nursery schools will allow a child to bring a pack to school with their “lovey” in it, and others will not allow them. For this age and purpose an inexpensive character backpack would be fine, in fact this type of bag might even work through first grade.
After that, you will need to find a bigger, sturdier backpack, that can hold textbooks, workbooks, papers, crayons, and pencils, plus whatever else your daughter decides to bring to school. You can still find inexpensive backpacks for the older children. The question is, are they safe and back friendly?
Many America children above the 2nd grade level, carry backpacks that weigh as much as ¼ of their body weight. Because of this, Pediatricians, Orthopedists and parents are seeing an increasing number of complaints about back, neck and shoulder pain as well as numbness in the arm and hands, which can not be attributed to anything other than too heavy, improperly worn backpacks. Some experts say that a child can safely carry 20% of their body weight, but most recommend no more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight.
Doesn’t sound so bad does it? But for a 50 pound child that is 7and ½ pounds bouncing against her back, every day morning and evening, which can cause repetitive impact injury. Another problem is that narrow unpadded shoulder straps, can dig into the shoulder causing pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. Can these problems be solved?
Yes if you get your child the right backpack and insist that she wear it properly. At the very least you should get a backpack that has wide padded shoulder straps, padded back and a waist belt. This belt helps to stabilize the load and keeps the pack from bouncing against the back. These packs are more expensive than the ones most kids carry but well worth the extra money.
You can get one from a well known reputable company, for about $60.00 which isn’t as bad as it sounds, These bags are made of very durable material, have the basic safe backpack features, and have a lifetime warranty. If a zipper breaks, you send it back and the company will replace or repair it.
There are additional features on some backpacks that add to the price of the pack. Some of these bags come with chest and side straps that help in stabilizing the load and also distribute the weight of the load across the back and abdominal muscles, the two strongest muscle systems in the body.
These added features can add significantly to the cost of the backpack. My advice is to get the best you can afford and definitely get one that has at least the waist strap. If you do a web search, you can often find a wholesaler for these back packs, which can actually make this backpack inexpensive in reality.
About the Author
Elaine Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of School Backpacks, Backbacks,and more! her numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Smith
You can get backpacks for as little as $10.00 all the way up to well over $200.00, this price range, is for backpacks that young children up to college level use for book bags. If you want packs for camping or serious hiking, you can expect to pay much more. Here we will deal with backpacks that are generally used by students of all ages.
With very young children who don’t really need a backpack, but who want them because they’ve seen one with Spider Man or Barbie, or because their older sibling has one. Sometimes nursery schools will allow a child to bring a pack to school with their “lovey” in it, and others will not allow them. For this age and purpose an inexpensive character backpack would be fine, in fact this type of bag might even work through first grade.
After that, you will need to find a bigger, sturdier backpack, that can hold textbooks, workbooks, papers, crayons, and pencils, plus whatever else your daughter decides to bring to school. You can still find inexpensive backpacks for the older children. The question is, are they safe and back friendly?
Many America children above the 2nd grade level, carry backpacks that weigh as much as ¼ of their body weight. Because of this, Pediatricians, Orthopedists and parents are seeing an increasing number of complaints about back, neck and shoulder pain as well as numbness in the arm and hands, which can not be attributed to anything other than too heavy, improperly worn backpacks. Some experts say that a child can safely carry 20% of their body weight, but most recommend no more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight.
Doesn’t sound so bad does it? But for a 50 pound child that is 7and ½ pounds bouncing against her back, every day morning and evening, which can cause repetitive impact injury. Another problem is that narrow unpadded shoulder straps, can dig into the shoulder causing pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. Can these problems be solved?
Yes if you get your child the right backpack and insist that she wear it properly. At the very least you should get a backpack that has wide padded shoulder straps, padded back and a waist belt. This belt helps to stabilize the load and keeps the pack from bouncing against the back. These packs are more expensive than the ones most kids carry but well worth the extra money.
You can get one from a well known reputable company, for about $60.00 which isn’t as bad as it sounds, These bags are made of very durable material, have the basic safe backpack features, and have a lifetime warranty. If a zipper breaks, you send it back and the company will replace or repair it.
There are additional features on some backpacks that add to the price of the pack. Some of these bags come with chest and side straps that help in stabilizing the load and also distribute the weight of the load across the back and abdominal muscles, the two strongest muscle systems in the body.
These added features can add significantly to the cost of the backpack. My advice is to get the best you can afford and definitely get one that has at least the waist strap. If you do a web search, you can often find a wholesaler for these back packs, which can actually make this backpack inexpensive in reality.
About the Author
Elaine Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of School Backpacks, Backbacks,and more! her numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Smith
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