dog in car window

Wanna GOooo?

Taking Your Pet On A Trip

Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink

 

Years ago, when our children were small, our beautiful St. Bernard disappeared. We looked everywhere for her for hours. It wasn't like her to leave the children as it was her personal mission to guard them at all times. We finally found her sitting in the front seat of the car. She had managed to climb in through a window and she was ready to go at any moment.

 

Some pets really love to travel, especially in the car. Others just tolerate traveling because we ask them to. If you are planning a long trip with your pet, it might be a good idea to step back and ask yourself if your animal should really go along. If you decide to to take him with you, then here are some important suggestions:

 

1. Be sure vaccinations are up to date and you will need current health and rabies certificates if you are traveling by air. Check with your airline for requirements. It's a good idea to have the certificates along even if you are traveling by car.

 

2. You and your pet could get seperated, so be sure the information on his collar is current. I recommend adding your cell phone number.

 

3. You've probably heard this before, but the carrier for your pet must allow him to stand, turn around, and lie down. We had a special crate made for our St. Bernard. The airlines gave us specifications and recommended a couple of crate builders. She really liked that wooden crate and it became her dog house. If you put an old blanket or tarp under the crate in your car it will make cleanup a lot easier.

 

4. Groom your pet and clip nails if necessary before you leave. Also, get flea treatment to protect him from what other animals might be carrying.

 

5. Bring food, treats, water and a bowl. It's really a nuisance to try to give your pet a drink from a water bottle.

 

6. Take along recent photo and written description of your pet just in case he gets lost. It can happen. Consider a microchip too.

 

Have a wonderful trip with your friend and companion!

 

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Scared Dog

Approaching A Scared Dog

Ella Traver | ElderThink

 

When a pup is scared, it's better to let him decide to come up to you. Turn your body and head to the side, even looking away while you talk to the dog. Be careful about staring directly at him. Stand back a little so you aren't directly over him. Speak softly and gently.

 

Instead of smiling, yawn. Trust me, it works.

 

When he is calm, make a fist and let the dog smell it. Then very slowly and gently touch his chest first with gentle pressure and then move your hand up and take his collar.

 

Soon that tail will wag.


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Man Hugging Dog

Do Pets Actually Reduce Their Human's Blood Pressure?

 

Current research in the US, Europe and Australia suggests that people who own pets have lower blood pressure than people who do not own pets. So far, this new research is inconclusive but many of us have experienced the times when these amazing furry friends know we need them and they have a calming effect on us. If you are curious, here are a few reports from researchers:

 

For Seniors: Pets Are Just Plain Healthy; Ed Kane, Ph.D.

 

The Role of Pets in Enhancing Human Well-being: Effects for Older People Lynette A. Hart

 

Pet Ownershiop and Attachment as Supportive Factors in the Health of the Elderly Thomas F. Garrity


RV With Man and Dog

Quick Tips On Camping With Your Pet

 

Be sure vaccinations are up to date.

Learn how to remove ticks. Check for them often.

Take a bowl for water. Carry water for him.

Restrain him from bothering other campers.