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!

Is Heartworm Prevention Enough?

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Is Heartworm Prevention Enough?

By: Emily Griffith, GPW (2016)

We are all familiar with your run-of-the-mill ailments for pets: hip dysplasia, heartworm, fleas and ticks. But, could there potentially be another hidden danger that is growing quickly in commonality? It turns out, the answer is yes. Whip worm is something I had no idea even existed until I had my own encounter with it as a pet parent.

A little over a year ago, I was living in a rather large, third-story apartment located in a big city with a sizable complex to boot. Once I found some sort of balance in my life after several tragic circumstances were cast unto me, I decided to channel my misguided energy into something constructive again, being a pet parent. I swiftly adopted Rupert after a need arose locally for homes and it is the absolute best decision I have ever made. I quickly fell in love with my fur baby and today we are inseparable. He has even led to a major career move or two in the direction of the interest of pets and pet parents. Rupert was small as a puppy so apartment life was great! He potty trained quickly and often wanted to go out for a walk. We would stroll around the premises, smelling and remarking where other pets had been to do their business. He loved to retrace other residents’ steps through smell, winding throughout the buildings and trees. After a little time passed, Rupert began to grow…and grow… and grow! As a shelter pup adoptee, we weren’t too sure what he was as far as breed, but all we needed to know is that he was growing too big for our space and his activity level was requiring more room as well. After a brief house hunt, we found the perfect place in the country with space and fenced-in fresh air. Rupert fully embraced this change of freedom, enjoying the lack of leach and digging many holes upon move in.

Early that fall season, we took Rupert to a new veterinarian than the one we had taken Rupert to in the city for a heartworm medicine refill. Our new veterinarian asked us a few questions regarding our pet’s lifestyle and addressed if any changes had been made. When we told him yes and he specified that before refilling as procedure states, he was going to have to draw and test Rupert’s blood with a panel. These panels check for any abnormalities in the blood, like spikes or drops in blood cell counts. Rupert’s test came back, and it was positive for something. My heart sank.

“Your pet has whip worm.”

A statement no pet parent ever wants to hear- that their beloved has something wrong with them. After the veterinarian was able to calm me some and explained what whip worm was, he sent me home with treatment tailored to my animal’s severity and weight, among other extraneous factors. This brings us to several essential questions in terms of whip worm.

WHAT IS WHIP WORM?

Trichuriasis, or whip worm, is an intestinal parasite transmitted by ingestion of infested matter or rarely, by contact of an affected animal. The parasite itself, Trichuris trichiura, can infect both dogs AND cats.

HOW DO DOGS AND CATS CONTRACT THE PARASITE?

The parasite is most often ingested, however, whip worm eggs live in environments for almost any amount of time- from months to years, in a dormant stage. They are most commonly found in soil, water, food, feces, and animal flesh. They can also pose a risk to pets at any age in the life cycle.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN MY PET?

Sometimes, like with my Rupert, whip worm is nearly asymptomatic. This means that you have little to no measurable symptoms as an indication to an infection. Some pets display intestinal symptoms: bloody diarrhea, large bowel inflammation, dehydration, weight loss, and anemia. Only a licensed professional can diagnose whip worm through proper testing methods, such as a fecal floatation or blood draw. If you suspect your pet may have been exposed to or contracted whip worm, go to your veterinarian for help as soon as possible.

IS IT TREATABLE? HOW?

Trichuriasis can be treated, luckily. In our case and most often not typical of results, Rupert received a swift and timely round of medication that was to be repeated in successive three week to three month series. As it turns out, Rupert became infected from our soil at our new home. I asked the veterinarian about treating the soil for them in order to eradicate the threat, but he advised instead to alter Rupert’s protection and prevention from my old heartworm to a new method, as opposed to trying to change his world or environment. As he explained, due to the dormancy stages that whip worm can transcend to, it is nearly impossible to eradicate them, especially if you are expecting to do a one-time treatment.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT?

I didn’t know this until my experience, however, only certain brands provide protection against other parasites such as whip worm. Information on brands is still emerging, but Interceptor markets itself as both heartworm prevention and a broad spectrum parasiticide, just like Trifexus. Trifexus is now Rupert’s prevention; a flavored tablet given once monthly. I definitely recommend it over large syringes full of antibiotics. The price is only a few extra dollars per pill and it will save you money and heartbreak later, not to mention pain and misery for your animal.

To close, I want to remind and encourage all pet owners to ask questions, especially when in the presence of a professional to answer them, like you veterinarian. Protect your pets from harm, large or microscopic, both can have irreversible and negative consequences if you don’t.

*For more information regarding whip worm, please consult your veterinarian. Inquire if the prevention you use is enough for your beloved pets.

A Natural Diet

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People use herbal remedies everyday, but can the same apply to our pets?  Here are a list of herbs that I researched that can actually add some healthy qualities to their diet.

1. Oregano: This non-toxic herb has been used to help with digestive problems, diarrhea, and gas. Research using oil of oregano has also shown antifungal properties.

2. Rosemary: This good-for-dogs herb is high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6. Rosemary has also been shown to act as an antioxidant.

3. Peppermint: This aromatic herb has historically been used to help soothe upset stomachs, reduce gas, reduce nausea, and help with travel sickness. In addition, research is being done which shows that it may have radioprotective effects and can be used to reduce radiation-induced sickness and mortality in animals undergoing chemotherapy. There is no reported toxicity for dogs although very high doses may result in liver or kidney problems.

4. Basil: This dog-approved leafy herb, well-known for its delicious role in pesto, has antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. The next time you’re cooking with fresh basil, sprinkle a pinch of the chopped herb atop your dog’s dinner.

5. Parsley: Another leafy herb commonly seen as a garnish on our plates is a source of flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It also contains lycopene and carotenes. Often added to dog treats as a breath freshener or used to soothe the stomach, parsley has a long history of use with dogs.

Herbs can be fresh or dry.  You can put them on their food or bake the into homemade doggie cookies.

Pet Boutique and Bakery in Suwanee

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Has anyone been to Pooch N Paws Pet Boutique and Bakery in the Suwanee?  It is located in the Suwanee Town Center Square.  It is a fun place for pets and their owners to shop that is personalized and unique while supporting and giving back to the community.  They have a wide variety of premium pet food and treats.  I have shopped there before and they have a huge selection of bakery items that all of my dogs thoroughly enjoyed.  They also offer spa services including baths, haircuts, nail trimming, and polish.  Another cool feature of this place is that they have a self serve dog wash where you can bring your dog in and do it yourself, without the clean up.  They are also dog friendly, of course, so you can bring your pooch shopping with you so they can pick out their own treats!  It is a family owned business that has been open since 2010, so they are very knowledgeable and well established.  I highly recommend checking this place out.  I give it four paws up!!!

Choosing the right dog bone

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Whether you have a brand new puppy or a loyal senior dog, it is very important to provide him with the right bone.  Not only are bones a blast, but they also provide many important benefits for your companion.  Bones are a great way to support dental health by helping to scrape away plaque, control tartar buildup, and maintain gum health. This diminishes bad breath, keeps teeth whiter, and reduces the risk of potentially serious dental problems.  Bones also stimulate the mind.  This entertainment is especially important for older dogs who may not be as active.  Bones can also help deter destructive behavior in dogs of all ages.  They relieve the pain of teething in puppies and stimulate the growth of adult teeth.  Choose a bone that matches your dog’s chewing rate and chewing habits. If your dog chews for short periods of time with a soft bite, a smaller bone that softens easily will be enjoyable. Harder bones such as natural bones will last longer and be more satisfying to the aggressive chewer. Keep in mind that dogs may be choosy about their bones. If at first you don’t succeed, try other bones until you find the perfect one. Your dog will thank you with a healthy mouth, constructive chewing behavior, and near constant interest in the bone you’ve chosen.  A dog walk would not hurt either!

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.

 

 

Trimming your dog’s nails

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Nail trimming is an important part of your dog’s regular care and should be done every three to four weeks.  You can have your vet or groomer trim the nails or do it yourself.  Most vets or groomers will be happy to show you how it is done.  If you have a dog that puts up a major struggle or is a biter, you may want to leave it for the experts to do.  It is important to start your dog off with regular nail trims as a puppy, so that this behavior can be avoided.  Not cutting your dog’s nails can result in a few different consequences.  Your dog’s nails may grow too long and curl under, puncturing the paw pad, causing pain and infection.  It can also cause your dog to walk off kilter, causing joint pain and general discomfort.  If you can hear a click clack as your dog walks across the room, that is a sign that it is time for a nail trim.  You want to be sure not to cut the quick, a vein inside your dog’s nails, or the nails will bleed.  It is easy to see the quick on dog’s that have light colored nails. but in a dog with black nails, you cannot see it at all.  If you are unsure of where to begin on your dog’s nail trimming, be sure to ask a qualified expert to show you how it is done.  If you are still not comfortable trimming the nails yourself, then a regular trip to the vet or groomer is in order to keep your pet’s nails healthy.

Cold Weather Tips for your Pet

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Just like people, your pets’ tolerance for the cold varies based on their coat, activity level, body fat storage, and overall health.  You should be aware of your pets’ cold tolerance, and adjust their outdoor activities accordingly.  You will probably need to shorten your dogs’ walks during very cold weather to protect them and yourself.  After walks, check your dogs’ paws for cracks or scrapes.  They may need aloe or ointment for treatment.  Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.  Your pet may even change their sleeping location to receive more comfort and warmth during cold temperatures.  Your pet may also appreciate a sweater or just spending some time inside.