Traveling with Pets

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Traveling with Pets by: Emily Griffith

 

          Vacation time can be one of the more enjoyable experiences in life, but not all who travel are worry-free. Chances are, if you travel, you either hire pet care professionals to stay with your animals while you are away or you are forced to take them. Personally, I love traveling with my dog, but this isn’t always a common or safe thing to do, depending on your pet’s condition. Some animals startle easily by noise, movement, and other stimuli that begin to affect the pet’s nervous system. Heart rate rises, overheating risk increases, dehydration risk climbs. With all of these extraneous factors on your pet, sometimes, it is best to keep them in the comfort of their own home to reduce physical and emotional stress. Gwinnett Pet Watchers provides this very service for a nominal fee to ensure your pets are well-cared for, just like when you are there. When we “move in,” we’ve reduced multiple stressors associated with traveling. The only adjustment your pets have to make is to a different person, one they have already met at the Meet and Greet and are familiar with and trust. For those of you in other states, without a local Gwinnett Pet Watchers staff member, here are some tips for traveling with your pet and resources that we’ve found to be useful.

First and foremost, whether you are traveling by car or plane, the rule of thumb to always remember is that your pet must be HYDRATED. Hydration is the most important facet of traveling to remember. In the car, be sure to bring water bottles or a couple gallon jugs and a water bowl. Stop often for rehydration and with hydration comes a bathroom break. Be conscientious of the amount of water that goes in so that you can account for what must be expelled. In the event you are traveling by air, I’ve heard of many tips. One that I feel could potentially save a pet’s life is for when the temperatures are high. If the tarmac is going to hot, consider freezing water in the pet bowl you plan to put in the crate. One of the common problems with flying is that the jostling of the crates while being loaded, often spills the pet’s water. If your pet is too large to fly in cabin, freezing the water could help prolong the amount that gets to thaw in the bowl without being sloshed out during loading. It is important to be familiar with your local airport’s loading and pet procedures before implementing any new ideas for travel. If you are concerned, give their customer service a call and be sure to address your concerns and have any questions you have answered prior to flying. So, to recap, KEEP YOUR PETS HYDRATED!

Below is a list of pet-friendly travel resources to aide in your vacation. As you read, keep in mind the importance of calling ahead to ensure proper booking and that policies haven’t changed. As with all things, this is meant to serve as a generic guide to assist in traveling with pets, as situations and circumstances across species and breed vary. Happy travels and tail wags!

 

1)Air BnB

One of the newest, but by far most competitive resources out there and growing, is Air BnB. This site is truly groundbreaking in terms of traveling in general. This app has revolutionized travel and lodge by adding a whole network of individual competitors out there to rival hotel chains and resorts. All across the globe, people have the option to put their home up as a “Host.” If you list your home, you can choose between renting out the entire house or just a room available for a fee you negotiate. The company requires pretty hefty securitty deposits on some of the paces available, but the actual price per night is usually better than hotel chains can boast. My favorite part about this company has to be their wide array of options for different types of travel. You can even bring pets to some of the houses, so just look at the “House Rules” and see if they allow pets and the fee for them. Some places even have pets on the property since they are just residences. The vast selection of over 3,500 cities across the globe with prices ranging from $49 per night to well over $2,000 per night, depending on the city you choose. Remember, pets are allowed in all properties, but when I have searched, 2 of the 4 places I chose allowed pets for a very nominal fee. The only drawback to be cautious of is that you must book in advance in order to get your desired dates and watch out for hefty deposits, pets or not! Overall, I started with this one because it is revolutionizing traveling with pets. We can not keep our barker in any hotel, despite how well behaved and clean he is, simply because when other guests slam doors, he barks. I’m sure most people are familiar with this problem. Now, pet owners have an alternative to hotels with AirBnB with the option to rent an entire house, thus not disturbing any nearby guests due to shared walls.

 

2)Aloft Hotels

Another high-ranking lodging option that I have utilized before. My experience was in Asheville, North Carolina and I couldn’t have been more impressed. The fee was small for lodging a pet unlike some chains and the Aloft hotels seem to have focused on pet owners for their market. In fact, of the 100 properties scattered about, 66 are pet-friendly. Among the many amenities for humans, like state of the art architecture and internet cafes, they also have some cool pet perks. The location where I was had a grassy area over a car garage for your pets to go to the bathroom and they had a valet service so we could just walk in and get settled. The staff was also accommodating in certain requests. For example, I wanted us to be secluded due to Rupert’s barking from other guests and to maybe get a good view of the scenic mountains. They happily gave me a small upgrade situated us on the 8th floor, directly facing the beautiful mountain ranges. We also met with a friend who had her own small pet and they allowed her to bring her fur friend into our room for a brief duration without penalizing us with more fees. The cafe and restaurant downstairs served fantastic food and had a large beer and wine selection from some of the local breweries. The hassle-free booking and accommodating perks from the staff rank this another favorite. The rates for the rooms vary by location, but we locked in at $180 per night. That is a small price to pay for us to be able to have peace of mind when traveling with our dog. Did I mention that we didn’t book a room prior to arrival? Yeah, they were just that helpful. Be weary of the weight restrictions and number of pets allowed per room. Each room usually set restrictions at 2 pets per room with a 40 lb weight limit for little to no extra fee. If your dog is larger, they encourage guests to contact the hotel directly to receive a waiver for the weight limit. The Arf program also gives your pet a bed, bowl, and a doggie bag with treats.

 

2)Kimpton Hotels

After setting the standard with the HosPETality Unleashed program, it is hard to top Kimpton. I haven’t personally lodged here, but they boast a no pet fee regardless ofnumber, size, shape, feathers, and scales. This chain has 67 properties in 31 cities and they are only growing. Like the Aloft chains, they offer your pets some stylish amenities to ensure they are happy guests as well. They provide you a bed, water bowl, treats and have something called Yappy Hours in the evening that are specifically pet-friendly. As with all resources, please call ahead for some specifics regarding you and your particular trip. It is always best to confirm policies are still in place as they are advertised.

 

3)La Quinta and Red Roof Inns

Both of these hotel chains offer pets lodging for a small fee. These hotels are very reasonably priced, usually decently available, and are located in nearly every major destination. While I have stayed at a La Quinta before, I was not lodging with a pet, so this information is based off of the websites of the hotels. Please call to verify rates and deposits.

 

4)Camping

Something else that I find to be successful for pet-friendly vacationing is camping (or glamping). I purchased a cheap car inverter to blow up my mattress and pop up our tents just about anywhere, U.S.A. The ease of  being able to section yourself off away from other campers who may not like the noise from loud pets makes this another hassle-free option. Most parks allow pets without a deposit, just make sure you pick up after yourself. It is important when camping that you always bring extra water, back-up flashlights and batteries, lighters, fuel, and food. Leaving any of these items behind could be detrimental to your trip and potentially be life-threatening. Also, be sure to check your weather in advance of the trip. Often, the weather changes and can mean the difference between and sunny tan or a soaked-to-the-bone disaster. Lodging outdoors in extreme cold or heat could be life-threatening to you and your pet. Make sure you know everything about your pet’s skin and breed before exposing them to any elements they may not be accustomed to.

 

5)Gwinnett Pet Watchers

This definitely is worth the repitition. We have a customized list of services varying from a quick 15-minute potty break to a complete move-in package for the duration of the vacation. I highly recommend hiring pet care professionals again mainly because of the amount of stress avoided in transporting and adapting a pet to new surroundings. And, honestly, what kind of a vacation is it if you are both in a constant state of worry? The bond between pets and owners is sacred and trust-filled, but it is not unquestioning. Some pets respond poorly to external stimuli and surrounding changes and lose trust in the owner, for they feel it is very unsafe. Not all animals adjust to cars well or at all, let alone airplanes, trains, and other living environments. With all of this in mind, I highly recommend pet sitting. When I need to travel, Gwinnett Pet Watchers is the first thing I think of as my saving grace. I know I can trust my fellow staff members because we all truly love your pet like our own.

 

Traveling is to be done at your own discretion and with veterinarian expertise, if applicable or you are in doubt of how your pet will do. There are many resources available for items that help to comfort your pet, such as special sweaters, pet beds, and water bowls available. I recommend 2 collapsible bowls, extra leash, and car seat for pets. Happy travels!

Cats and Cat Fountains

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This past August, my cat Gaston had a terrible UTI that almost took his life. Since then, I have done everything I can to make sure both my cats get the necessary intake of water that they need. So far, the cat fountain has been our saving grace.

 

Cats like the smell of fresh water and with a fountain, they get the constant smell of running, fresh water, as many fountains have a built in filtration system that keeps it from getting stale. A fountain might be a good fit for you and your kitty if you notice your cat likes to drink from sinks or splashes the water in their bowl.

From a $20 fountain to ones that cost $100 plus, there are all sorts of different fountains that meet anyone’s price range. The only con that I have found in have a fountain is the cleaning obviously tends to be a little bit more rigorous than a standard bowl. However, with all the health benefits that it has brought to my furry family, it tends to be worth it!

Written by Samantha R

Bogan Park in Buford

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Has anyone ever been to Bogan Park in Buford?  It is located off North Bogan Road and has easy access from Hamilton Mill Road.  The park is 83 acres of pet friendly walking trails and a huge indoor aquatic center.  There are multiple playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, a seven field baseball/softball complex, and a football field.  They also have sand volleyball courts and some outdoor pavilions available to reserve.  The two miles of walking trails are beautiful and are situated in a wooded area surrounding a small body of water.  You will always see multiple dogs getting walked on the trails or hanging out under the pavilions during family get togethers or events.   The park is very shaded, so even in the hot summer, it is comfortable to walk your pet.  I have not seen an off leash dog park at this facility, so that is something that they can look in to adding in the future.  I have taken my dogs to this park before and they really enjoyed the atmosphere and there is no shortage of people to interact with on days with nice weather.  Plus, if you have children, there are many activities for them to partake in, so you will have entertainment for your two legged and four legged children.  I give this park four out of five paws up!

Spring Break is Around the Corner!

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With the year going by so fast, spring break is just around the corner.  Have you made your plans yet?  If not, now is the time.  Maybe your pooch will be lucky enough to be taken to a pet friendly destination.  For most of us, that is not an option so that’s why Gwinnett Pet Watchers is always here to take great care of your pets while you are away.  In fact, our care is so good that your pet may not even know that you are out of town.  Well, they may miss you a little bit.  With our combination of services, we provide quality care and loving, caring pet sitters for all of Gwinnett County.  So, treat yourself to a wonderful vacation while we take care of the rest.  Whether you will be gone for the weekend or the month, we provide services to accommodate any length of time.  With our picture updates and text messages, you will feel like you haven’t missed a beat of your pet’s daily activities.  Plan your vacation today!

All About Cat Toys

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There are two types of cat toys, interactive and solo.  The interactive toys are typically based on a fishing pole design or they may have a wand with a long piece of fabric on the end. These toys require the owner’s participation to provide movement. Solo toys are the typical fuzzy mice, squeaky balls, puzzle feeders, milk jug rings and other small play objects that the cat usually bats around on her own.  For safety reasons, the fishing pole toys should never be left alone with you feline  because the cat could chew on the strings or get tangled up in them. In addition to the safety factor, you also want to keep them put away in-between play sessions in order to maximize their appeal. If the cat knows her time with them is limited, they will be much more enticing. When an interactive toy is special to the cat, it gives you the added opportunity to use that play session for not only fun, but for behavior modification as well. Through an interactive play session you can help diffuse tension in a multicat home, redirect a cat away from an unwanted behavior, ease boredom, provide much needed environmental stimulation and so much more.  If you want to have toys last longer mentally and physically, rotate the toys out instead of having a million of them lying all over the house.  Placement is also important in keeping toys exciting. Instead of tossing a few toys out into the center of the room, strategically place them where they will spark your cat’s play drive. Place a fuzzy mouse on the edge of a cat perch with its tail dangling over the side. Put a crinkly ball inside an open paper bag or in an empty tissue box. Put a straw on the kitchen floor where it’ll be easy to bat around whenever the cat comes in to get a drink from his water bowl. Fill some puzzle feeders and place them around your cat’s play area.  A combination of these thing will keep your cats happy all day!

New Year’s Resolutions For Your Pet

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Now that we have all began our own New Year’s Resolutions for 2015, it may be time to think about things that we can start doing for our pets.  Here are ten suggestions that you may want to work in to your pet’s routine to start the year off right.

1. Identification: Make sure your pet’s tag has your current address and phone number and get your pet microchipped for extra identification.  This makes the chances of finding your pet much more likely, should something happen.

2. Love your pet: Tell your pet you love them.  Play calming and soothing music.  Bond with your pet and show them love; they will give it back to you tenfold.

3. A new trick: Teach your pet something new.  Play new games.  Try a puzzle feeder.  Stimulate their minds!

4. Foster a pet:  Do something good while providing a playmate for your baby.  Perhaps, you may fall in love and end up with a new addition!

5. Vet visit: Make sure you keep up with regular vet visits to keep your pet happy and healthy.

6. Smile: Get your pet’s teeth clean and healthy by having them checked and cleaned regularly to prevent oral disease and provide a bright smile.

7. Walk walk walk: Walk your pet daily to provide entertainment and prevent boredom.  Besides, what dog doesn’t love to go on walks?!

8. Grooming: Brush your pet regularly and bathe when needed to save yourself from a pet that is matted, itchy, and stinky.

9. Playtime: Your pet loves spending quality time with you, so give them an extra 10=30 minutes per day of your time.  They will love you forever.

10. Diet: With all of the new exercise you and your pet will be doing, they will certainly need a nutritious food regimen.  Lay off the table scraps and feed your pet a well-balanced, age appropriate diet.

Following these tips, along with your own New Year’s Resolutions, will make you and your pet a whole new you!

Tips for a Happy and Healthy Holiday

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No one in their right mind wants to spend Christmas or other holidays at the vet’s office.  Here are some helpful tips to keep your pets safe and happy during the holidays.  First, try to adhere to your pet’s regular routine as much as possible.  The holidays can be stressful with people coming and going.  If you try to keep some normalcy to your pet’s daily activities, this alone, can relieve some stress.  If you have a nervous animal, it may be best to keep him alone in a quiet room with food and water, instead of in the mix of all the activities.  Also, try not to let your pet indulge in the same holiday goodies as yourself.  Foods that contain chocolate, dried fruits, peanuts, and alcohol may be readily available, but often toxic to pets.  Also, some decorations are also harmful to pets.  Things like lillies and poinsettias can be toxic.  Ornamental bulbs and turkey bones can be a choking hazard.  Supervise pets with their Christmas presents.  Just because a toy is sold for a pet to play with, does not mean it is safe to chew or swallow!  For the most part, have fun with your pet during the holidays.  Make the most of your time off and all will surely benefit.

Ingredients you should know about in pet food

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Do you know what you are really feeding your pets?  Here are a few advertisement myths that you may want to take a closer look into:

AAFCO ensures that pet food is safe: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit organization responsible for making sure that every pet food sold in America adheres to a set of acceptable standards.  This is supposed to ensure that all pet food that goes on sale in the market is safe for pet consumption. However, pet food recalls are a clear indication that its existence is not an assurance that pet foods are cleared of toxic contaminants prior to sale.

Foods labeled “Natural” are best for my pet: According to AAFCO, a product is considered natural if its ingredients are free from chemical alterations.  This leaves a broad spectrum of ingredients that can be used, and the list in not pretty.  Many of the ingredients come from other countries where there is very low quality control.

Raw foods are not good for your pet:  In a study conducted in young animals that were fed raw food and another group fed cooked food, the animals fed cooked food appeared healthy.  As they matured, the animals that were fed raw food aged much less rapidly than the animals who were fed cooked food and showed less degenerative diseases.

Always look at the label on the back of your pet food and avoid these ingredients: carcinogens, preservatives, protein extenders, heavy metals, and excessive metals.  As earlier stated, an alternative to commercial foods is a raw diet.  Other options are home cooked food, and organic products.  These diets could help prevent health problems and extend your pet’s life.

 

 

Gwinnett County Animal Shelter

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Looking to adopt or rescue a new pet?  Check out the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter, located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia.  They have many cats and dogs of all sizes and ages available for adoption.  The animal shelter takes in about 15,000 animals every year, so there are more than plenty to choose from.  Only about one third of these animals get out safely from the shelter.  The shelter receives an unusual amount of purebred dogs, so instead of going to a breeder, it is a wonderful option to adopt and save a life.  The shelter offers many resources for you when you are looking to adopt.  They can give you advice on pet care, specific breed information, choosing the right pet, and tips to help make a new pet adjust to your home environment.  The shelter has a web site with pictures and descriptions of the dogs and cats available for adoption.  You can look online or go to the actual shelter during their business hours to interact with pets.  I have rescued several animals and the feeling is very rewarding to save a life.  Many animals have no issues and just want a home to call their own and to be loved : )

Laser Pointers-A great way to exercise your pets on a rainy day

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Laser pointers can be a great way for dogs and cats to get exercise on days of inclement weather.  Many dogs and cats love to chase the little red dot around the room.  Even the laziest animals will get up for the laser pointer.  There are a few things to remember when using safety practices with the laser around your pets.  First, make sure the laser is not too powerful and can accidentally damage your pet.  According to the FDA, the highest power acceptable to use around animals is 10 milliwatts.  Also, never shine the laser in your pets eyes.  Another idea to think about during play is to use a real toy that can be caught in conjunction with the laser pointer.  Animals may get frustrated because they cannot physically ever catch the laser, so it is important to give them something that is real and they can have as a prize at the end of the game.  Also, you may hide treats in nooks and crannies and end the laser in those locations and your pet ends up with a goodie as well.  Some dogs may get overstimulated and laser pointers may not be such a great idea for them, while other pets may not care a lick in the world about it.  Each pet is different and all you can do is see what your individual animal likes.  As a pet sitter, I have several clients with Gwinnett Pet Watchers that love the laser pointer.  Not only is it entertainment for the pets, but it is fun for us to watch as well!