Dogs Flying the Friendly Skies

Most pet owners are not fond of sticking their beloved companion in a crate to be stowed away in the cargo hold of the plane. Not only is this an uncomfortable place to fly, pet parents have to wonder how their animal is being handled; also if an airline can lose luggage, who is to say they could not lose your pet? Traveling this way with a dog that is too big to fit under the seat is a hassle for many dog lovers, including the ones who started Pet Airways.

Traveling with their rat terrier Zoe was so challenging that her owners decided to start this airline just for pets! No longer is a beloved dog or cat stored away in the cargo hold of a jet liner, now they can fly in their very own airplane. You and your pet could benefit from this type of service. It must be said that currently flights are limited to specific destinations.

What You Can Expect

If you live in or near a city that Pet Airways services and your destination fits in their itinerary here is what you can expect. You must bring your pet to the lounge at least two hours before the scheduled flight time. This gives the airline time to prepare and get everyone checked in for flight. During your dog's travels with this airline, potty breaks will be taken very seriously. Where your dog might have to hold their bladder or colon for many hours on a traditional flight, at Pet Airways this is not the case. Your pet will be carefully attended to during the flight; an attendant comes around to check on them every 15 minutes. Upon landing, your dog will be given another potty break by the attendants and then escorted to the pet lounge for pick up.

Necessity

Before your dog can fly the friendly skies they must have a check up, backed by a health certificate and current rabies vaccination. It is also required that your dog have a clean stool check within fourteen days before the scheduled flight. Finally, your pet's height is very important; when you book a flight you will be asked to give an accurate height. This needs to be exact, if your dog is taller than stated they will not be allowed on the plane.

Conclusion

While this airline will not service all dog owners in the country, it is a good alternative for those who can access the service. Flights will be much more comfortable for your dog and you will have the peace of mind that they will not be lost or mishandled in the baggage area! For some people vacationing just got a whole lot easier.

Detecting Signs of Gastro Parvo in Your Dog

Gastro Parvo is a serious illness for all dogs but, young puppies and older dogs are often hit hard, and when they are the disease can be deadly unless you seek immediate treatment for your pet. Unfortunately for many puppies and older dogs by the time most owners realize that their dog is seriously ill, it may already be too late to save them. Knowing the signs to look for in your dog may well save his life and help prevent the spread of this illness to other dogs as well.

Lethargy

While it is natural for your dog to want to just lie around after a long exercise or play session, most dogs quickly recover after a nap. If your dog is lopping around for an unnaturally long period of time and doesn't seem to want to move even when encouraged or moves slow you might want to make an immediate appointment with a vet. While being lethargic may be a sign of a less serious illness or no illness at all; it is also one of the first signs of parvo and the cost of the vet may well be worth it even if turns out to be nothing at all.

Loss of Appetite

Like lethargy, loss of appetite in your dog may be caused by many things including too many snacks. However, if his loss of appetite is unexpected and accompanied by being lethargic then there is probably something that is making him feel ill even if the cause is not parvo. Again seeking vet care is the best thing to do in order to find out exactly what is wrong and to get prompt treatment.

Fever

Almost every dog who contacts parvo will have some level of fever. Keep in mind however, that some dogs will carry and pass this disease without ever showing any real symptoms. These are usually adult dogs that have been in good health and may have received a parvo vaccine.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

Once the Parvo virus really takes hold, your dog may vomit and/or have diarrhea. In cases of parvo induced diarrhea your dogs stool will not only be liquid but may be almost black in color and extremely foul smelling. In most cases once a young puppy or older dog begins having diarrhea or vomiting he will quickly dehydrate and it is this dehydration that can kill a dog very quickly. 

If your dog, especially a puppy shows signs of vomiting or diarrhea then call your vet immediately. Get a stool sample and try to feed your dog as much fluid as possible. Giving him water laced with Gatorade will help him maintain his electrolyte levels until he can be treated.

Once diarrhea and vomiting have set in, treatment for parvo may include the use of an IV to replace fluids and perhaps even an extended stay at the Vet clinic which will be far more costly than an early visit to your vet, even if the visit proves to be a false alarm. While vaccinating your puppy at the appropriate times can help lessen the effects of this virus it does not mean that your dog still cannot catch it. So take care and be alert in order to protect your beloved pet's health.

Degenerative Joint Disease - What It Is and How It Is Treated

It's a sad fact that all dog owners have to face. Our beloved pets are going to get old someday, and with age come inherent health problems such as degenerative bone disease, or what is better known as arthritis. With the right nutrition from birth this risk dramatically decreases, but that's not always the case. Some breeds, such as large breeds, are more prone to bone problems than others are. However, there are ways to effectively manage and treat it and keep the symptoms at bay via natural treatment options and medications.

Dog arthritis is probably as common in middle-aged and elderly dogs as it is in people. The degenerative nature of the disease begins when the joints, which are normally smooth and covered in cartilage makes moving the joints easy and pain-free. When this cartilage begins to wear down with age, the bone surfaces are exposed to the bones around it and can rub against each other, which results in swelling, inflammation, and pain when the affected joint is moved.

Most dogs are affected by some type of wear and tear arthritis as they enter their senior years, but there is also a form of juvenile arthritis that affects some younger dogs due to a genetic factor. There are ways that you can spot arthritis or at least begin seeing the signs of it, these include:

• Joints that are tender and swollen: check the knees, hips, and elbows for signs of tenderness.

• You may be able to hear a cracking or grinding sound when your dog walks or gets up from a laying down position.

• Your dog may have trouble getting up when he or she is laying down.

• You may notice your dog is reluctant to do things he always did in the past, such as climb a flight of stairs.

• Lameness in any of the legs.

Your veterinarian will use several diagnostic tools to make the diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. First, x-rays will be performed of the suspected joints as well as the spine, since it is often hard to tell if your dog has arthritis of the spine. Once the diagnosis is established, a treatment plan will get underway, which will include:

Weight loss: if your dog is just two pounds overweight, this can be a significant amount of extra weight for him or her to carry and therefore, losing weight will help ease the pain.

Regular and gentle exercise will keep the joints moving and make it less painful for your dog to move more freely

Anti-inflammatory drugs that they have available for dogs today are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as Rimadyl can help to significantly reduce the inflammation and some dogs respond very well to these newer medications, but some do have side effects and cannot tolerate them, depending on how sensitive they are to the drugs.

You can add glucosamine and MSM to your dog's diet as these are natural anti-inflammatories and glucosamine can actually help to build more cartilage naturally.

A Great Option For A Family Dog

You may have heard about them or maybe not, but lately, many Cavalier King Charles puppies for sale have been turning up. No, it's not that they have been featured on TV shows or any of the Hollywood rags-although a famous television personality and his girlfriend do have one-people seem to be discovering or re-discovering this lovable breed.

There's a lot to love about this particular dog breed. One of the most important factors why there are more Cavalier King Charles puppies for sale nowadays is that pet-owners and the dog-breeders find their even temperament quite remarkable. Not only that, their sweet dispositions also complement their "sporting-toy" breed characteristics; this is where the combination of spaniel and toy traits show through; Cavalier King Charles puppies are playful yet gentle.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a happy dog by nature. They are active and smart enough that you can train them so easily. They love to be with people most of the time, they are easy to please too. However, people should always have to impose rules and limit what they can do around the house.

This very social breed loves being part of the family; snuggling against legs, resting on laps, and quietly spending a day indoors is not a problem for them. They do have their athletic instincts as well, more than most people think. Let loose outdoors, this diminutive pet can be quite the runner and chaser. So much so, that allowed to run free, they should be kept within enclosed or fenced yards; Cavaliers have a tendency to run after birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and even butterflies, and they will keep chase even right onto the street.

Another point going for Cavalier King Charles dogs stems yet again from their even temperaments. These dogs are generally happy and eager to please. They are friendly and people-oriented. Their demeanor toward other people and other pets is peaceful and non-aggressive; they can get along well with other dogs and cats. Early socialization will build their confidence and easygoing personality.

A family with or without children will have an easy time welcoming a Cavalier King Charles puppy into their home and their life. Companionship, moderate exercise and activity, attention, and affection are all they need. This breed is also intelligent enough to understand what their owner or family wants and are quite responsive to gentle obedience training. They have all that going for them; and as if that isn't enough, they also have the cutest faces.

Cats and Dogs Living Together

It's been a long held myth that cats and dogs can't live together. It's been said that to have a cat and a dog living together is like mixing oil and water. But many pet owners have dispelled this myth. The fact is that when a dog and a cat have been socialized to live together, not only can they get along, but they can even become dear friends, in as much as pets befriend each other.

There are some things to keep in mind when you want to keep a dog and a cat in the same household. First, you need to take the energy of the household into account. What type of environment is your home? Is it full of children and rambunctious activity? Is it a very quiet environment? Are there any senior citizens in the home? 

These will all determine what types of pets that a person would want in the home. Just like with humans, pets have personalities. Having said that, cats tend to be very independent; they just don't require that much attention. Some breeds of cats flat out don't want your attention. If someone tries to pet a cat, some of them are okay with it for a little while, and some of them will hiss and snap at the person touching them. Cats in general want to be social on their terms, and on their time table.

Dogs on the other hand need lots of attention. They crave lot of love. They are very active, and they want to be touched. As such, they will assume that the cat in the home wants to play with them, just like the humans do. Here lies the problem between cats and dogs. They are both loveable, but for different reasons. They naturally have different temperaments. So the human pet owner has to decide what breeds of cats and dogs would fit into their household and with each other.

It would make the most sense to pick out cat and dog breeds that complement each other. For example, you wouldn't want to get a rambunctious dog to live with a very independent and scary type cat. The dog will want to play, and the cat will scratch and hiss at it. On the other hand, kittens can be an issue with a huge, older dog. Older dogs are slow and impatient. Kittens are frisky and all over the place. Plus, the large dog might crush the kittens. So be mindful of size and personalities.

It might take some work to get your dog and cat to live together, but don't believe the myths. Dogs and cats can live together, and they can both be valuable parts of the family.

Why Give Dog Gift Baskets?

There are many reasons why you would give dog gift baskets: an arrival of a new puppy, a get well for a sick dog or even birthdays. Yes, people do celebrate their dog's birthdays; they are a part of the family and should be treated as such, so why not celebrate the day they were born or even the day they came into your life?

What's the Occasion?

If you are planning on buy dog gift baskets, you need to know the occasion that is being celebrated. There are many different items that can be included and each basket can be customized to perfectly fit the occasion as well as the dog and its owner's tastes or needs.

New Puppy: If you are buying a gift basket for a new puppy, then you could include some very necessary items as well as fun ones. Puppy training pads are a great choice for the basket as well as dental bones, vitamins and nail trimming sets. You should always throw in a few chew toys, since puppies love to chew, and also add something for the owner like a manual on how to train a new puppy.

Sick Dog: If you are buying gift baskets for a sick dog, be careful what you choose. You may not want to include items that will require them to run, chase or tug such as Frisbees, ropes or other toys. Place a stuffed animal in the basket for them to snuggle with while they recover and maybe even a small blanket. Items like easy-to-chew treats, soft dog food and dog brushes are great to place in the dog gift baskets.

Birthdays: When you are celebrating a dog's birthday and want to create the perfect gift basket, the ideas are endless. Depending on the dog and the owner's style, you may want to include something whimsical such as a cute outfit for the dog to wear. You can include treats of all kinds; after all, it is a celebration and there are no limits. Make sure there are toys included in the basket and maybe even a cute photo frame or album to use for captured moments of the special day.

Just Because: There are times that you want to do something special for someone and there is no other reason. On those occasions when it happens to be a dog that you want to make feel special and loved, use dog gift baskets.

You can customize the baskets to fit your needs and include personalized items as well as ordinary everyday items. There is no need to get fancy or go overboard; a few basic items included with a few special ones will make the perfect basket. Dog and owner alike will love the idea of getting dog gift baskets. So be sure that you check into the gift baskets for dogs, and the next time an occasion comes up or even just a moment that you want to acknowledge, put together the treat of a fun-filled basket.

Types of Small Dog Apparel

There are many different types of small dog apparel available for your pup to sport around. Dressing your pet in clothing is a great way to let her personality shine. You can dress her up to match your own clothing or let her sport around something totally unique that suits her own personal style, it's up to you.

If you haven't looked at some of the clothing accessible today, you may be a little surprised at how many different styles and outfits there are available. These will surely keep your pet in fashion for any special occasion or event.

Here are some of the different types of small dog apparel that you can buy for you pup:

· Formal Wear- There's many occasions in which you can dress your pup in formal wear from weddings to parties. You can buy suits, tuxedos, bridal gowns, shirts, party dresses and more. All of which will ensure your pet is properly dressed for the occasion.

· Sports Apparel- These are a fantastic way to show off your team spirit. A cute dog jersey with your favorite player's number or the team logo is sure to be a hit at your next sports get-together.

· Pajamas- Keep your small dog warm and comfortable during the chilly nights with a cute pair of doggie pajamas.

· College Apparel- From sweaters to cheerleader outfits there are many wonderful designs to choose from that will let your small dog join in and help you support your team. You can also find tees and jerseys to show your support in a more casual way.

· Casual Wear- This describes the apparel used to help keep your pup warn and comfortable. A bright yellow raincoat and hat combined with a matching pair of booties is a necessity when you live in areas where it tends to rain often. A sweater can help keep your pup warm on those cold winter days and t-shirts are available as well. There are many cute, comfortable and outlandish designs in all types of colors and patterns available. This makes it easy to find something to suit your pet's style perfectly.

After choosing the small dog apparel that suits your pup, you can add a few accessories that will give it that special touch. These include hair bows, studded collars or harnesses, bowties and jewelry. Dog apparel is fun, exciting and functional all at the same time. After you begin collecting a few items for your pet, you may find yourself buying small dog apparel for every occasion.

Practical Reasons to Buy Small Dog Clothing

Dressing up small breed dogs is often associated with simply making a fashion statement but there are many practical reasons for buying small dog clothing that may interest you. Dressing your pet does get attention and there are some fun reasons for doing it but as the owner of a small breed dog, you will learn that she has special needs that you don't have to worry about with some of the larger breeds.

Providing your pup with dog clothing is a great way to accommodate for some of these needs and you can keep him looking stylish all at the same time.

Here are 4 practical reasons to buy clothing for your small breed dog:

1. Some dogs have very short hair and they get cold easily. A small breed dog with little or no fur will shake and be uncomfortable when the temperature drops below a certain level, even when she's indoors. During the winter or if you live in an area that has a cool climate most of the year, small dog clothing can help to keep her warm.

2. Booties and rain gear can help to keep your pet's feet dry and warm when you go for walks and it's chilly outside or when it's raining.

3. There are a number of medical reasons to dress your pet in clothing. For example, if you dog has a cut, a rash, or recently had surgery, covering the area will discourage licking and biting, which will allow the wounds to heal faster.

4. Small dog clothing can protect your pet from the hot rays of the sun during the summer that can cause cancer in pets as well as humans.

Throughout the years, dogs have become more than just a pet. Many consider them a part of the family. Due to this change, dogs have adapted to living indoors and this has made them more susceptible to weather changes. They get cold and need protection from the rain, wind and icy just like humans.

If you've avoided the trend to dress your pet simply because you thought it was only to make a fashion statement, you may want to reconsider that decision. There are many practical reasons to dress up your small dog and in many cases, it can make him a lot happier and more comfortable. However, while searching for the best small dog clothing for your pet, there is no reason to not look at fashion too and get something that suits her personality.