DogTails

Summer may not officially start until Monday, but the weather isn’t waiting.  The hot days are already here, and no doubt you’ve already made steps to beat the heat.  As you pull down your summer clothes, turn on the AC and stock up on water, don’t forget to take care of your dog during these dog days.

DogWatch Hidden Fences has compiled a checklist to help keep your dog healthy in the summer heat.

1)      Keep your home cool

We know that keeping the AC on at home while you are at work can be expensive.  At the same time, it is important to maintain a healthy temperature if you leave your dogs in the house on really hot days.  If you have an air conditioner, setting it to a higher temperature, such as 80 or even 85 degrees, will be a little easier on your wallet while helping to keep the house from getting too hot when the outside temperature reaches 90 or above.

Hydration is also important.  Make sure your dogs have plenty of water during the summer.  Plan to bring along water during long walks and any trips out of the house.

For dogs that stay outdoors during the day, make sure that they have plenty of readily accessible shade and water.  DogWatch Hidden Fence users will want to make sure that there is enough shade in the fence area for their dogs, and that they leave plenty of water for their dog within that area.

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Parts I and II of our Travel Series gave you advice about traveling with your dog.  Whether you choose to travel by airplane or car, you’ve learned that planning ahead is essential.  But what about once you arrive at your destination?

In this last installment of Dog Travels, DogWatch Hidden Fences will guide you through the world of vacationing with your pets.  First we will discuss dog-friendly accommodations, and then show you some ideas of activities that are fun for the whole family – including the four-legged members!

Accommodations

There are plenty of hotels across the country that welcome dogs, and with the explosion of pet-centric websites now in operation, it is easier than ever to find one.  Bring Fido and Petswelcome.com are easy-to-use search engines to help you find pet-friendly hotels at your desired location.  Once you’ve entered the city and state, the site shows a list of applicable hotels, complete with rates, fees, pet-related amenities and contact information.

There are also several national hotel chains that are traditionally pet-friendly.  These chains include several Marriott brands (Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn and Courtyard by Marriott), Hilton Hotels and Holiday Inn. Some hotels limit the number of pet-friendly rooms and some have size limitations, so make sure you check with the hotel before booking to ensure that location has a pet-friendly room available that is appropriate for your pet.

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Summer is the season of barbeques, beach days, and of course, car trips.  Most of us will embark on at least one long car trip to our favorite seaside destination or to a family reunion or to another vacation destination.  Will you bring your pet along for ride?

Part II of the DogTails travel series tackles car travel with your dog.  Far more common and less costly than traveling by air with your furry friend, car travel nonetheless requires careful planning on the part of pet owners.

DogWatch Hidden Fences wants to make this journey easier, safer and happier for you, your family and your pet.  The list is modeled after that other summer tradition – weddings.  It begins with a seating chart, moves on to the menu and finishes with the proper decorations for your special guest.

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There’s no denying the fact that air travel is a scary experience for some people.  Remember your first flight?  Did you grasp your parent’s or your partner’s hand tightly?  Did you breathe faster?  Did your forehead sweat, and did you fidget nervously in your seat?

Chances are that you experienced these first flight jitters (and maybe some second or third flight jitters too).  Imagine, then, what your dog is feeling before his or her first flight.  He or she will most likely be anxious, confused and vocal.  It is your job to make sure that your dog is capable of and prepared for air travel.

DogWatch Hidden Fences wants to help.  This summer, Dog Tails will offer a series of posts with pet travel tips and information.  For our first installment, we’ll start big with airplane travel.  We’ve broken down the preparation process into three steps: 1) Know your options, 2) Schedule a Vet Appointment and 3) Pack Wisely.

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