Waggit is the only health & well being monitor that provides key indicators to help detect health conditions early, improving and possibly extending the life of your dog...making it truly life changing vs. just a novelty. The collar and app tracks resting vitals, body positions, activity, sleep quality, nutrition, ambient temperature, and location, and learns your dog's personal baseline to make the data super impactful!
Have you recently taken the leap and adopted an adult dog from a rescue? Perhaps you are just considering welcoming a four-legged friend that needs your love? Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder might be the traditional way of beginning a lifelong relationship with your dog, but there are always adult dogs that need homes.
COVID-19 has, unfortunately, resulted in many adult dogs entering rescue centers after being abandoned by previous parents.
At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, there was a surge in the number of people adopting dogs. Dogs provide unparalleled companionship, and this was recognized by record numbers of people who were afraid of becoming lonely during months of lockdowns.
Sadly, there have been lots of recent accounts of people who have given up on their newly-adopted adult dog. Taking on a dog from a rescue center sometimes has additional challenges as these dogs can have behavioral issues that will need your love and care to overcome.
Why are rescue dogs sometimes difficult to manage?
Puppies learn how to behave in much the same way as humans do. They learn to develop acceptable behavior through interactions with attentive humans or fellow dogs. Some adult dogs that find themselves in the care of professionals at a rescue center have not had proper socialization from a young age.
Unfortunately, rescue dogs may have endured difficult upbringings around unloving humans. They may have been largely ignored and received little interaction. Ultimately, a lot of dogs that enter rescue centers have gone through the traumatic experience of being abandoned by their last parent.
How can we successfully socialize an adult rescue dog?
If you are open to adopting a rescue dog despite the difficulties, you are certainly cut out for the task. A big heart and plenty of patience is going to be crucial for your new friend. They might not be very outgoing with you at first, even wary, but your love and affection will go a long way towards making your new dog feel at home.
As touched upon above, having an understanding of your dog’s past will help to manage any current behavioral issues. Your rescue center will likely share all the information they have about the past of your new dog, and what factors may have contributed to any behavioral issues that you might experience. This will only help you be more patient with your dog as it mentally recovers from its previous experiences and learns to be a part of your family!
Here are some other handy tips to keep in mind when socializing your adult dog:
Remember that reading body language goes both ways. As much as you can pick up on the nervousness of your dog through hunched posture or a big yawn, they can also detect when humans are uneasy. Try to acclimate your dog in settings where you are most comfortable. This will immediately help you and other people feel more comfortable and relaxed around your dog, which they will certainly pick up on!
Don’t push them too far, too soon. Overcoming past experiences and becoming a more confident dog will not happen overnight. If you are taking your dog on a walk, try to avoid busy areas since this will likely become too much to handle. Slowly integrate your dog into new situations and start by introducing them to one new person or dog.
Take the lead in frightening situations for your dog. If they begin reacting aggressively or with fear during a certain situation, make sure you do not start to panic or shout at your dog. This will only make them think that their reaction is justified, and they will think that your loud reaction is you ‘joining in’. Try to remain calm and collected so your dog has positive influence to learn from.
Be sure to administer a good dose of positive reinforcement. Your new dog will likely be a little confused about the world, possessing a lack of understanding about which behaviors are desired. If your dog successfully interacts with another dog for the first time, make sure you reward them with their favorite treat! Note that some dogs are food-oriented whereas others might be play-oriented. Find out what they love the most and give it to them when they behave well!
Ultimately, the key to helping your new furry friend get comfortable in their new home is plenty of patience! There will be moments when you find yourself tested, but always remember what your dog has gone through earlier in their life and you will approach the situation from a place of empathy.
How to Save on Essentials to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy
Welcoming your dog into the grey muzzle club? Then you should know that dogs can begin to develop certain health conditions in their old age. They also develop special needs, and meeting these without maxing out your budget can be a challenge. To make things easier for you and your pup, here are our top recommendations for taking care of senior pets, as well as tips for saving money on each one.
Soft and Supportive Beds
Getting older can be ruff, especially for senior pups. Most dogs will develop some form of arthritis as they reach their golden years. You can help your senior pup by providing plenty of soft and supportive surfaces for him to rest those tired old bones.
Since pet beds and other supplies can be expensive, we recommend looking for discounts at stores like Kohl’s or Chewy. You should be able to find Kohl’s coupons online to keep your costs low. There may also be cashback offers available, which will give you more cash to spoil your senior pup.
Frequent Wellness Exams
Maintaining your dog’s quality of life is important at any age. Staying on top of vet visits and preventative care will ensure your dog is living his best life in his twilight years. As your dog gets older, you will need to schedule more frequent check-ups. Surprisingly, having older pets checked out by the vet more often can actually help keep your costs low.
You can also discuss budget concerns and constraints with your vet. After all, vet bills can get pretty expensive! Most veterinarians are used to working with pet parents when it comes to developing budget-friendlier treatment plans and options, so it definitely doesn’t hurt to ask.
Medications and Supplements
To treat common senior pet conditions like arthritis, your vet may start your dog on prescription medications. Buying directly from your vet may be more convenient. But if you really want to keep costs low, you should ask about getting a written prescription instead.
You may be able to score your pet’s prescriptions for a lot less by shopping online. There are plenty of reputable retailers, so avoid picking up pet medications from overseas sources or sketchy sellers. You can also compare various sites before buying to find the best deals on supplements for your senior pet.
Low-Calorie and Specialty Foods
As your dog approaches his senior years, you should consider switching to a diet that will help keep him healthy and happy. Older pups have different nutritional needs than their younger furry siblings. You can pick up most foods from big box pet retailers as these stores usually offer coupons and promo codes, too.
One thing that’s for sure — you should keep your dog away from potentially toxic human food, especially during the holidays. People food that can cause problems for your pet include onions, grapes, and of course, chocolate. Even Christmas trees can pose a risk for your pets!
Slow and Patient Walks
Exercise is good for your health as well as your senior pup’s. Even if your dog is struggling with arthritis or any other health issue, daily walks are still so important. Take breaks and take it slow if needed, but make sure your dog gets the exercise he needs in his golden years.
If you are concerned that your pup is in pain during walks, get a Waggit collar so you can have real-time access to your dog’s health stats. The information can also be shared with your vet, so that everyone concerned can be alerted to problems before they turn into crises, saving you money and stress.
As your dog’s muzzle turns grey, he’ll need extra, special care to stay healthy. You can start by picking up a cozy bed and low-calorie food, but frequent walks and vet visits can also help. Better yet, get your dog a Waggit Smart Collar to monitor his well-being. Just be sure to check for ways to save on these senior pet essentials to keep your budget happy, like free shipping on all Waggit orders.
With the change of season, many families are preparing for holiday travels and seasonal celebrations. While safety of children may be a natural priority during this time, approximately85 million familiesmay also need to consider pet safety. Travel, decor, festive foods and even scents can affect your pet’s wellbeing.
Holiday Decorations
As festive as seasonal decor may be, it can also present a serious health and safety threat to your pet. For example, glittering strands of holiday tinsel can quickly be fatal if consumed, getting wrapped in your pets’ intestines and requiring immediate veterinarian attention or surgery.
Ornaments are especially enticing to cats, who love the reflections and shadows that they can create. Tackling such items could bring down a tree, short an electrical wire or shatter fragile ornaments creating risk of injury to delicate paws.
Here are some other decorations to be mindful of during the holidays.
Lights
When decorating your home, there are a number of decorations with twinkle lights or other electrical elements that can pose a risk, such as icicles, netting and garland. These items can all cause electric shock if your pet chews or tries to eat the wires, so parents should keep an eye out for any fraying or signs of chewing on cords.
Punctured batteries can cause severe burns to the mouth and esophagus, so keep batteries out of your pet’s reach. Nationwide recommends using a grounded three-prong extension cord for extra safety.
Candles
The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2014 and 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to anestimated 7,610home structure fires. Each of these fires was started by candles — a source which accounts for an average of 81 deaths and $278 million in property damage each year. However, damage caused by pets generally isn’t covered by insurance, meaning you could be on the hook if a pet knocks over a candle that starts a fire.
Be sure to move all candles well out of reach, and never leave them burning unattended. Not only can your pets be hurt from fire and hot wax, but you could risk burning the house down if an errant pet knocks over a table or display.
Essential Oils
Safer than candles, essential oils can seem like the best way to make your home instantly feel more cozy and festive. But although there islimited researchavailable on the extended effects of essential oils on animals, some have been proven to be toxic or even fatal if ingested by your pets.
According to the ASPCA, permethrin is themost common causeof toxicity of cats, causing tremors. Unfortunately, it’s used in many household products, so be sure to check the labels of anything that could be within your pet’s reach. You should also avoid the use of certain oils in active oil diffusers, such as nebulizers and ultrasonics, which can cause respiratory issues to your pet if inhaled and are poisonous if ingested.
Everyone loves a great holiday celebration, but many of our favorite foods and plants are actually extremely harmful — even deadly — to our furry companions. Before you plan your holiday menu, there are considerations to keep in mind regarding edible plants and food choices.
Plants
Nationwide includes reference to certain holiday plants to watch out for this holiday season. Plants like mistletoe, poinsettia and lilies can all be extremely toxic to pets and even lethal. If you must bring them into your home, keep them out of reach. Should they become ingested, call the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435.
Pine trees
Pine tree needles can cause severe sickness, such as oral irritation, vomiting and diarrhea. Pets may also experience lethargy or fatigue, trembling and weakness.
Tree water
A cover for your tree stand can help keep pets out of the tree water. Tree water can be harmful to pets, because it can containharmful bacteria and pathogens, as well asfertilizersthat can make your pet very sick.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia may cause vomiting if enough is ingested. Regardless of quantity, irritation to your pet’s mouth and stomach is also common.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is another plant that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Pets can also suffer from erratic behavior and other serious symptoms, such as trouble breathing, hallucinations, collapse and even death.
Holly
Holly is also toxic to pets, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Depression is also a common symptom.
Lilies
Lilies are a beautiful flower that are especially prevalent during the holidays. Though beautiful, Nationwide warns that “as little as a single leaf from any lily variety is lethal to cats.”
Visiting family and holiday parties means constant entertaining with yummy spreads left out for casual grazing. However, many of these foods can be very harmful to your pets.
For example, xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many baked goods and candy that has beenlinked to liver failureand even death in canines. Also harmful are fatty meats, such as turkey — and its bones, which can cause internal injury to pets if ingested.
Keep the following foods away from your dogs and cats for safety-sake:
The holidays often bring higher foot traffic through the home. Like young children, pets can have some trouble adjusting to the sudden crowd and noise that can cause disruption to daily routines. Some pets may not be as outgoing or adjusted as others, so you may need to keep your pets separate from guests until they can acclimate to all of the excitement.
Although your pets should be kept separate from high-anxiety situations, you should never leave your animals outside in the freezing temperatures or other winter elements are present.
Here are sometips to help your petbetter adjust to the festivities this holiday season.
Helping your pet adjust to company
New visitors mean new sights, sounds and smells that can be both unfamiliar, and thus distressing, to your pet.
Ask your guests to keep food, decor and other items somewhere secure where your pets won’t be able to gain access. Pets also love to scavenge the trash for leftovers, so choose secure lids for trash cans and make sure everyone disposes of all garbage immediately.
Visiting guests or hosts may also be unfamiliar with the dos and don’ts of pets. The wrong treat from a well-intentioned guest could easily mean a serious vet bill or, worse, the loss of your pet. Also, the constant arrival and departure of guests can result in frequently opened doors that provide the perfect escape for your pet.
The best thing to do is to find a safe, comfortable and climate-controlled space, such as an extra bedroom, where your pets can enjoy their time in peace and safety. Be sure to provide food, water and adequate lighting. Music or sound machines can help drown out the sound of exuberant guests, and a favorite chew toy or blanket can help them relax and nap until the visit is over.
Holiday Travel
For some families, the holidays mean extra travel. Whether you choose to take your pets with you or not will ultimately depend on your plans. If you travel by plane or car with your pet, or leave them at home under the watchful eye of a pet sitter, special considerations should be kept in mind.
Car Safety
If you plan on taking your pets in the car with you, extra measures can help ensure their safety. Never leave your pet alone in the vehicle, no matter the weather, and all pets should ride secured.
A car restraint or crate is always a good idea because in addition to keeping your pets safe in an accident, it can keep them more calm and relaxed while you drive. It is also safer for you as a driver because you won’t have to worry about the distraction of a loose pet roaming around.
It’s also a good idea to keep leashes and harnesses within reach so you can quickly secure your pet if something happens and you need to exit the vehicle.
Finally, don’t forget about food and water bowls. Depending on how far you will be traveling, your pet may need refreshment, and water is an essential at a minimum.
Getting a Pet Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter can be a great solution if your trip isn’t pet-appropriate or if your pet does not do well with travel.
Before you confirm your pet sitter, be sure to check yourhomeowners insurancepolicy to ensure your liability is adequate. Should an accident occur, such as a dog bite, you want to be mindful of what is covered. In addition, ensure that all vaccinations are current for your pet.
Unplug and put away any decorations that are within range or reach of your pet. Separation can sometimes cause anxiety in pets; circumvent possible accidents by removing any potential threats before you leave.
Don’t forget to leave important information for your pet with the sitter, including veterinary or other emergency contacts.
Bottom Line
The holidays can be a busy and exciting (sometimes stressful) time for the whole family, and that includes the furry members of your household, too. In all of your holiday planning and preparations, don’t forget to give special consideration to your pets who may require a little more of your attention this holiday season.
The most wonderful time of the year can quickly become the most dangerous to your pets if you aren’t careful. Err on the side of caution this year by removing any potential hazards and keeping your pet safe in secure accommodations, wherever you go.
Pet Emergency Contacts and Resources
Contact your local veterinarian office or emergency animal hospital.
When it comes to safety on the road, pets are often overlooked. According to apet parent surveyconducted by Kurgo Pet and the AAA, 84% of the respondents said they bring their dogs in their vehicle but don’t use a pet restraint, with 60% admitting being distracted by the animal’s presence.
The survey also reports that 80% of pet parents drive with their pets in the car — and since crashes in the U.S. surpass 5 million yearly, there’s a good chance there could’ve been pets in some of those accidents.
But there’s no need to leave your beloved pet home — there are a variety of pet safety items you can purchase for your vehicle. They’ll keep your pet safe and secure, reduce your chances of being involved in an accident and consequently, keep yourauto insuranceaffordable.
The timing couldn’t be better — with Black Friday and Cyber Monday soon approaching, you may be able to score a great deal. Although big retailers haven’t revealed holiday deals yet, chances are, the following best-selling items will be included. Don’t leave home without these six pet travel safety gear ideas.
Over 45% of U.S. crashesare rear-end collisions. If your pet isn’t restrained properly, they can injure themselves and other vehicle passengers in a rear-end collision. Vastar’s dog seat belt harness keeps your dog securely in place using a bungee- style strap that absorbs some of the shock if you brake suddenly. The Kurgo Pet/AAA survey found that an unsecured 10-pound dog will exert roughly 500 pounds of force during an accident at 50 miles per hour. Keeping your dog securely restrained could save lives.
The most dangerous place for children and pets is the front passenger seat. TheCenters for Disease Control(CDC) warns that the force of a deployed airbag can cause a fatality and recommends all kids under 12 sit in the backseat. Pets should also ride in the back for their safety since they’re similar in size or smaller than a child. They may be resistant to the idea of riding away from you, but your lap or passenger seat is not a safe spot for your dog. A dog car barrier like rabbitgoo’s keeps your dog or any other pet from trying to make his way to the front seat.
A distracted driver is more likely to be involved in a car crash. The Pawaboo safety vest and harness keeps your dog in place so you can keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. The comfortable, padded vest harness is a safer way to restrain your dog without the harsh shock that could occur if your car is struck in a crash or you have to hit the breaks. It’s available in several sizes from small to extra large to ensure it fits properly on your dog, regardless of size.
If you’re a fan of crate-training your dog, you know that your furry friend may feel safest within his crate. If you’re planning on taking a road trip and loading your car up with a bunch of bags, camping gear or other items, they could become dangerous projectiles in case of an accident. A pet travel crate that can fit in your vehicle is a good way to keep your dog safe, secure and in-place. AmazonBasic’s kennel is made of durable fabric that won’t rattle and can be collapsed for easier traveling.
If your smaller pet tends to hop up and down to catch a view or wants to climb up on your lap while you drive, you may need to find a safer way to help them enjoy the views out the window. The PetSafe booster seat can be hung on a rear seat at a better height so your pet (weighing up to 25 pounds) doesn’t miss out on what’s going on outside the window. The padded booster includes a harness to secure your pet safely in place.
Your car is probably stocked with items you may need in case of an emergency, such as battery jumpstart cables, road flares and more. Don’t forget Fido! Rayco’s first-aid travel kit for dogs is compact enough to fit under a seat or in a seat pocket and has everything you need in case your pet is hurt in an accident or emergency. The kit includes first aid to remove ticks, treat insect bites and stop small cuts from bleeding until you can see a vet. The LED safety collar greatly improves the visibility of your pet if you’re out in nature camping or hiking.
Undefined/Getty Images
How to travel with a pet in the car
Traveling with your pet in the car takes preparation. Some get anxious when it comes to car travel. The better prepared you are for the road trip, the easier it will be to travel with your pet. If your pet is extremely anxious and isn’t willing to get into the vehicle try the following method:
Take your dog out for exercise or a long walk, followed by leading them near the car.
Place some treats in the trunk and encourage them to take the treats.
Try and get them to stand on their hind legs and eat the treats from your vehicle’s trunk.
Gradually challenge your dog to enter the car for longer periods of time using treats.
Once your pet feels more comfortable approaching the vehicle, take them for a short drive around the block, rewarding them with treats when they’re calmer.
Be sure to schedule longer rest stops so your dog can have a short walk. Stop regularly to provide your pet with water. Depending on the weather, you may need to stop every hour or less so your pet can stay hydrated.
Finally, make sure you pack all the essentials your pet may need. Switching food during a road trip by purchasing whatever food is available at the location could affect your pet’s digestive system. It’s best to pack enough food for them to last the whole trip — and then some extra. Besides the proper pet food, consider the following items your pet may need on your road trip:
Portable food and water bowls
Enough drinking water for the road trip
Toys or chew bones
A dog bed
Pet pee pads
Any medication your dog may be taking or need
A pet first aid kit
Contact information for your vet back home
A copy of your pet’s medical history including vaccinations and boosters
Pet medication
Once you’ve packed a special bag for your pet, make sure to arrange a safe and comfortable place in the car where your pet can rest comfortably or look out the window. Some safety considerations you should keep into account are:
Make sure your pet travels in the rear seats — the front row is extremely dangerous.If an airbag is released, the force of the airbag’s deployment is violent.
Restrain your pet in the rear to keep you from getting distracted.And protect your pet from being injured or killed in an accident. You can use a dog seat belt or harness in the back seat. Better yet, set up a portable crate or a dog bed in the back for your dogs. If your dog tends to jump from the cargo area to sit on your lap, you may need to install a car barrier to keep your dog in place
Be sure to properly secure all items in the vehicle.In case of an accident, items could fall or shift, potentially hurting your pet.
Although dogs love hanging their heads out the window, the practice isn’t safe.Hang a dog booster from a rear seat so smaller dogs can enjoy the view safely instead. Refrain from letting your dogs stick their heads out the window — road debris could injure your pet.
By Cynthia Paez Bowman
This content was originally published onMillion Mile Secretsand is used with permission.
When it comes to safety on the road, pets are often overlooked. According to apet owner surveyconducted by Kurgo Pet and the AAA, 84% of the respondents said they bring their dogs in their vehicle but don’t use a pet restraint, with 60% admitting being distracted by the animal’s presence.
The survey also reports that 80% of pet owners drive with their pets in the car — and since crashes in the U.S. surpass 5 million yearly, there’s a good chance there could’ve been pets in some of those accidents.
But there’s no need to leave your beloved pet home — there are a variety of pet safety items you can purchase for your vehicle. They’ll keep your pet safe and secure, reduce your chances of being involved in an accident and consequently, keep yourauto insuranceaffordable.
The timing couldn’t be better — with Black Friday and Cyber Monday soon approaching, you may be able to score a great deal. Although big retailers haven’t revealed holiday deals yet, chances are, the following best-selling items will be included. Don’t leave home without these six pet travel safety gear ideas.
Over 45% of U.S. crashesare rear-end collisions. If your pet isn’t restrained properly, they can injure themselves and other vehicle passengers in a rear-end collision. Vastar’s dog seat belt harness keeps your dog securely in place using a bungee- style strap that absorbs some of the shock if you brake suddenly. The Kurgo Pet/AAA survey found that an unsecured 10-pound dog will exert roughly 500 pounds of force during an accident at 50 miles per hour. Keeping your dog securely restrained could save lives.
The most dangerous place for children and pets is the front passenger seat. TheCenters for Disease Control(CDC) warns that the force of a deployed airbag can cause a fatality and recommends all kids under 12 sit in the backseat. Pets should also ride in the back for their safety since they’re similar in size or smaller than a child. They may be resistant to the idea of riding away from you, but your lap or passenger seat is not a safe spot for your dog. A dog car barrier like rabbitgoo’s keeps your dog or any other pet from trying to make his way to the front seat.
A distracted driver is more likely to be involved in a car crash. The Pawaboo safety vest and harness keeps your dog in place so you can keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. The comfortable, padded vest harness is a safer way to restrain your dog without the harsh shock that could occur if your car is struck in a crash or you have to hit the breaks. It’s available in several sizes from small to extra large to ensure it fits properly on your dog, regardless of size.
If you’re a fan of crate-training your dog, you know that your furry friend may feel safest within his crate. If you’re planning on taking a road trip and loading your car up with a bunch of bags, camping gear or other items, they could become dangerous projectiles in case of an accident. A pet travel crate that can fit in your vehicle is a good way to keep your dog safe, secure and in-place. AmazonBasic’s kennel is made of durable fabric that won’t rattle and can be collapsed for easier traveling.
If your smaller pet tends to hop up and down to catch a view or wants to climb up on your lap while you drive, you may need to find a safer way to help them enjoy the views out the window. The PetSafe booster seat can be hung on a rear seat at a better height so your pet (weighing up to 25 pounds) doesn’t miss out on what’s going on outside the window. The padded booster includes a harness to secure your pet safely in place.
Your car is probably stocked with items you may need in case of an emergency, such as battery jumpstart cables, road flares and more. Don’t forget Fido! Rayco’s first-aid travel kit for dogs is compact enough to fit under a seat or in a seat pocket and has everything you need in case your pet is hurt in an accident or emergency. The kit includes first aid to remove ticks, treat insect bites and stop small cuts from bleeding until you can see a vet. The LED safety collar greatly improves the visibility of your pet if you’re out in nature camping or hiking.
Undefined/Getty Images
How to travel with a pet in the car
Traveling with your pet in the car takes preparation. Some get anxious when it comes to car travel. The better prepared you are for the road trip, the easier it will be to travel with your pet. If your pet is extremely anxious and isn’t willing to get into the vehicle try the following method:
Take your dog out for exercise or a long walk, followed by leading them near the car.
Place some treats in the trunk and encourage them to take the treats.
Try and get them to stand on their hind legs and eat the treats from your vehicle’s trunk.
Gradually challenge your dog to enter the car for longer periods of time using treats.
Once your pet feels more comfortable approaching the vehicle, take them for a short drive around the block, rewarding them with treats when they’re calmer.
Be sure to schedule longer rest stops so your dog can have a short walk. Stop regularly to provide your pet with water. Depending on the weather, you may need to stop every hour or less so your pet can stay hydrated.
Finally, make sure you pack all the essentials your pet may need. Switching food during a road trip by purchasing whatever food is available at the location could affect your pet’s digestive system. It’s best to pack enough food for them to last the whole trip — and then some extra. Besides the proper pet food, consider the following items your pet may need on your road trip:
Portable food and water bowls
Enough drinking water for the road trip
Toys or chew bones
A dog bed
Pet pee pads
Any medication your dog may be taking or need
A pet first aid kit
Contact information for your vet back home
A copy of your pet’s medical history including vaccinations and boosters
Pet medication
Once you’ve packed a special bag for your pet, make sure to arrange a safe and comfortable place in the car where your pet can rest comfortably or look out the window. Some safety considerations you should keep into account are:
Make sure your pet travels in the rear seats — the front row is extremely dangerous.If an airbag is released, the force of the airbag’s deployment is violent.
Restrain your pet in the rear to keep you from getting distracted.And protect your pet from being injured or killed in an accident. You can use a dog seat belt or harness in the back seat. Better yet, set up a portable crate or a dog bed in the back for your dogs. If your dog tends to jump from the cargo area to sit on your lap, you may need to install a car barrier to keep your dog in place
Be sure to properly secure all items in the vehicle.In case of an accident, items could fall or shift, potentially hurting your pet.
Although dogs love hanging their heads out the window, the practice isn’t safe.Hang a dog booster from a rear seat so smaller dogs can enjoy the view safely instead. Refrain from letting your dogs stick their heads out the window — road debris could injure your pet.
By Cynthia Paez Bowman
This content was originally published onMillion Mile Secretsand is used with permission.
For most pet parents, our four-legged friends are members of our family—and will be for many, many years. If you get a puppy, you are looking at anywhere from eight to 15 years with your canine companion—and, in some cases, even up to 20. Ideally, you want to give your pup the best life possible. Making life more luxurious for your dog can sometimes present interesting challenges, but you can improve their quality of life in some simple yet effective ways.
Stay Up to Date On Your Dog’s Health In Real Time
When it comes to puppies, it’s fairly easy to determine what they need on a day-to-day basis. As our pups mature, however, health issues in dogs aren’t always immediately apparent, thanks to their stoic nature. While regular vet visits are a great way to stay on top of your dog’s health, you can actually level up your monitoring with a Waggit smart collar. Sure, this handy device offers location tracking for whenever your pup goes for an impromptu adventure, but the best part about this amazing piece of technology is its ability to track your pet’s health in real time! From heart rate to respiration rate to calories to sleeping positions and even alerts to baseline changes, the Waggit smart collar provides early indicators of pain or illness, giving you more time to spend together.
Monitor Your Dog When You’re Not at Home
When you are away at work or running errands, your dog may get lonely, bored, or even frightened. These situations are prime opportunities for some serious damage to occur. However, you can keep your dog happy and keep damage at bay by monitoring their needs right on your phone with a pet camera app. You can not only watch your dog’s behavior in real-time with live video, but you can also listen with full audio, too! Some apps even help you soothe or calm your pet by letting you talk to them with the mic button.
Find the Perfect Dog Bed
Just like humans, dogs have specific needs and preferences when it comes to where they sleep. Search for a dog bed (DogGear’s guides can help!) that goes with your decor and provides the perfect amount of comfort for your pooch. For instance, you can find beds that help ease joint pain for older dogs or generate heat for small dogs in colder months. Also, duvets with bold colors can add a splash of style to any room. If you and your pup are avid campers, you can also try out a durable camping dog bed that slides perfectly into a car or a tent.
Provide the Right Amount of Outdoor Space
Outdoor space is one of the first things that dog parents look at when deciding which breed to get. There is no guaranteed method of predicting some of these preferences; for example, some breeds need room to explore and stretch their legs, while others are content with a small patch of grass. For many dogs, especially active breeds like labradors and retrievers, being outside isn’t just for going to the bathroom, it gives dogs a much-needed break from life behind four walls. A good-sized yard entices them to expel pent up energy and engage in some of their favorite activities such as chasing wildlife, listening for other dogs, and smelling around.
Make Travel Comfortable and Contained
More and more these days, hotels and vacation rentals are opening their doors to dogs—many of them four-star and higher. While you may be required to pay an additional fee or a deposit, there are many out there that allow dogs to stay for free. Lean into staying at a pet-friendly vacation rental house from sites like Airbnb, which often have fenced-in backyards and comfortable seating areas. If you don’t want to leave your dog behind at the hotel or vacation rental when you go exploring, consider taking him to a dog daycare. If your dog is social and enjoys being around other pups, a day at a dog day camp could be a great adventure.
If your dog becomes nervous when you travel, there are ways to help calm his nerves. For instance, many pet parents give their companions CBD oil for stress and anxiety. However, if giving your dog an oil sounds like an impossible task, take heart, you can opt for CBD treats instead. Before you spend any money, however, make sure you’re getting the best product available for your pooch, and discuss the decision with your vet if you have concerns.
Each dog has its own habits, behaviors, and activities—and these can change from time to time. Be sure to keep your dog in a routine while also stretching them to be patient and flexible. That way, you can give them opportunities to stay by your side as they grow, learn, and play.
Giving your dog their best life is something most pet parents want to do. To ensure your dog gets not only their best life but also the best chance for a long life, look for aWaggitcollar so you never miss a beat when it comes to your pup’s health!
For most pet parents, our four-legged friends are members of our family—and will be for many, many years. If you get a puppy, you are looking at anywhere from eight to 15 years with your canine companion—and, in some cases, even up to 20. Ideally, you want to give your pup the best life possible. Making life more luxurious for your dog can sometimes present interesting challenges, but you can improve their quality of life in some simple yet effective ways.
Stay Up to Date On Your Dog’s Health In Real Time
When it comes to puppies, it’s fairly easy to determine what they need on a day-to-day basis. As our pups mature, however, health issues in dogs aren’t always immediately apparent, thanks to their stoic nature. While regular vet visits are a great way to stay on top of your dog’s health, you can actually level up your monitoring with a Waggit smart collar. Sure, this handy device offers location tracking for whenever your pup goes for an impromptu adventure, but the best part about this amazing piece of technology is its ability to track your pet’s health in real time! From heart rate to respiration rate to calories to sleeping positions and even alerts to baseline changes, the Waggit smart collar provides early indicators of pain or illness, giving you more time to spend together.
Monitor Your Dog When You’re Not at Home
When you are away at work or running errands, your dog may get lonely, bored, or even frightened. These situations are prime opportunities for some serious damage to occur. However, you can keep your dog happy and keep damage at bay by monitoring their needs right on your phone with a pet camera app. You can not only watch your dog’s behavior in real-time with live video, but you can also listen with full audio, too! Some apps even help you soothe or calm your pet by letting you talk to them with the mic button.
Find the Perfect Dog Bed
Just like humans, dogs have specific needs and preferences when it comes to where they sleep. Search for a dog bed (DogGear’s guides can help!) that goes with your decor and provides the perfect amount of comfort for your pooch. For instance, you can find beds that help ease joint pain for older dogs or generate heat for small dogs in colder months. Also, duvets with bold colors can add a splash of style to any room. If you and your pup are avid campers, you can also try out a durable camping dog bed that slides perfectly into a car or a tent.
Provide the Right Amount of Outdoor Space
Outdoor space is one of the first things that dog parents look at when deciding which breed to get. There is no guaranteed method of predicting some of these preferences; for example, some breeds need room to explore and stretch their legs, while others are content with a small patch of grass. For many dogs, especially active breeds like labradors and retrievers, being outside isn’t just for going to the bathroom, it gives dogs a much-needed break from life behind four walls. A good-sized yard entices them to expel pent up energy and engage in some of their favorite activities such as chasing wildlife, listening for other dogs, and smelling around.
Make Travel Comfortable and Contained
More and more these days, hotels and vacation rentals are opening their doors to dogs—many of them four-star and higher. While you may be required to pay an additional fee or a deposit, there are many out there that allow dogs to stay for free. Lean into staying at a pet-friendly vacation rental house from sites like Airbnb, which often have fenced-in backyards and comfortable seating areas. If you don’t want to leave your dog behind at the hotel or vacation rental when you go exploring, consider taking him to a dog daycare. If your dog is social and enjoys being around other pups, a day at a dog day camp could be a great adventure.
If your dog becomes nervous when you travel, there are ways to help calm his nerves. For instance, many pet parents give their companions CBD oil for stress and anxiety. However, if giving your dog an oil sounds like an impossible task, take heart, you can opt for CBD treats instead. Before you spend any money, however, make sure you’re getting the best product available for your pooch, and discuss the decision with your vet if you have concerns.
Each dog has its own habits, behaviors, and activities—and these can change from time to time. Be sure to keep your dog in a routine while also stretching them to be patient and flexible. That way, you can give them opportunities to stay by your side as they grow, learn, and play.
Giving your dog their best life is something most pet parents want to do. To ensure your dog gets not only their best life but also the best chance for a long life, look for aWaggitcollar so you never miss a beat when it comes to your pup’s health!
