Happy New Year!

Hitting the Road with Your Furry Friend

We understand that many of you like (or need) to travel with your pet now and then. Hitting the road or skies with a pet requires some extra preparation and precaution. Follow these tips to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable during your next adventure together.

Planning Ahead

• Ensure your pet's vaccinations are current, and bring vaccination records with you. Some destinations or lodgings may require this documentation.
• Get your pet microchipped and ensure their tags and microchip include your cell phone number and destination address. Collars and leashes should contain current info, too.
• Confirm pet policies for your accommodation and destination. Scope out pet-friendly hotels or lodging in advance.
• If flying, check airline requirements for pets and reserve a space early. Consider booking direct flights to avoid layovers. Always check with your airline; each company has its own requirements.
• Scout out pet-friendly attractions and parks at your destination. Be sure your pet enjoys being out and about in crowds.

On the Road

• Never leave your pet unattended in the car, even for short periods. The temperature can quickly become unsafe.
• While driving, secure your pet in a crate or pet seatbelt. Using cargo liners will help to protect your vehicle.
• Stop every few hours to let your pet stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Bring food/water bowls and cleanup bags.
• Keep the A/C on and avoid direct sunlight; the cargo area of your car can heat up even while you're driving. Bring toys and treats to ease anxiety and keep them comfortable.
• Confirm your hotel room is truly pet-friendly before leaving pets unattended. Notify housekeeping and management that you are leaving your pet alone and always leave them crated in the room.

With the proper preparation, you and your furry sidekick can embark on a fun and safe adventure! Just use caution and patience while traveling to keep your pet happy and healthy. And if you're traveling without your pet or taking one and leaving another at home, we are always here to help.

Getting a Grip on Tug of War

Tug of War can be an engaging game to play with your dog, but there are some important things to keep in mind to guarantee it's safe and enjoyable.

First, choose a rope toy specifically designed for playing with dogs. Avoid materials that could easily splinter or pose a hazard if pieces were swallowed. The right tug toy gives your dog something appropriate to bite and grip during the game.

When starting the game, establish clear rules and commands so Max understands when it's time to grab the toy and when it's time to release it. Teaching commands like "take it" and "drop it" will help maintain control and keep the game orderly.

Only play tug side to side. Up and down tugging, picking Max up by the rope, or sliding him across the floor can hurt his neck or spine. Remember, it's a "tug" game. Let your pup set the intensity level based on their size and comfort.

As the game progresses, carefully monitor your dog for any signs of threatening behavior like growling or a stiff, rigid posture. If the tone becomes too tense or competitive, end the game immediately. You want to keep things light and prevent any rise in aggression.

Children should only play this game with Max under the direct supervision of an adult who knows the rules.

Allowing your dog to "win" regularly by tugging the rope free is important, too, as it makes Tug of War rewarding and gives your pup confidence.

Aim to keep Tug of War sessions brief and interactive before your dog becomes overexcited or fatigued. End each round on a positive note, and determine an appropriate duration for your individual dog.

Go ahead, get out the rope toy! Tug of War can be a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog while providing Max with exercise and a constructive outlet for his natural instincts.

Cute Smushed Snouts Need Special Care

The internet is filled with amusing cat videos, but smushed-nose kitties take the cake for most likes and shares! Breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese melt hearts with their adorably round faces and teeny noses. But while their squishy looks get millions of views, these felines face some real-life health hurdles.

Like their canine counterparts (yes, Pugs and Frenchies, we're looking at you!), brachycephalic cats can struggle to breathe easily with their itsy-bitsy nasal passages. All that snoring may be cute, but it often signals airway troubles. During illness or exertion, these little noses can't inhale well enough; cats are not natural mouth breathers, so they can be very uncomfortable when stuffy.

Because of the changes to their head structure, many of these breeds commonly have misaligned jaws, which can lead to difficulty eating, chewing, and dental problems. Proper dental care is essential because tooth and gum disease can creep up quickly.

Excessive skin folds around flattened faces need regular cleaning, too. Moisture and bacteria love to hide in all those crannies! Without proper attention, painful infections can develop.

Oversized peepers may scream "kitten!" but shallow eye sockets put vision at risk. Tear duct issues, discharge, and corneal damage are some of the ways these innocent eyes can be affected.

Although it's true that some cat breeds may face health challenges, it's important to remember that every cat, regardless of its appearance, brings immense joy and companionship to our lives.

While their petite profiles make them Instagram royalty, flat-faced cats require some extra TLC. With regular veterinary care, your squishy-faced feline will thrive. So go ahead and give your squishy-faced friend some extra snuggles today - they deserve it!

Great Pet Links!

January is:
Walk Your Pet Month
Weight Loss Awareness Month
Train Your Dog Month