What Are Four Pet Products That Can Help Your Aging Pet?

It is difficult to predict how or when a dog will show signs of aging as there are many factors to take into consideration. A few important factors include the breed of the dog followed by size and genetic makeup. As soon as you see a difference in their behavior or see them having difficulty with activities such walking or climbing stairs, you should consider pet accessories to make them more comfortable.

Arthritis and Joint Pain:

As dogs get older they are susceptible to conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and other joint pain. There are two types of dog beds manufactured specifically for joint pain: a memory foam bed and an orthopedic foam bed. Ortho Bliss, a memory foam bed is one option for dogs whose mobility is impaired due to joint problems. A memory foam dog bed is ideal as it molds to the animal's body heat and weight relieving pressure points and improving circulation. A memory foam bed is not the same as an egg crate bed.

Another type of bed for older dogs is an orthopedic foam bed. Often manufactured with a cushion-like material they, too, can provide relief to a dog's painful joints. The memory foam and orthopedic foam beds should be pre-treated to repel odors, bacteria and insects. Ideally, the pet bed that you choose will feature a pillow zipper out for ease with washing, are eco-friendly and machine washable.

If you have a senior dog that is not experiencing arthritis or joint pain, or have a smaller dog, there is a wide selection of bumper dog beds, bolster beds, or donut dog beds designed with comfort in mind.

Other Accessories for Mobility:

Some dogs have difficulty climbing steps or jumping into a truck or van as their only symptom of aging. Pet ramps or pet steps provide a flat surface angled for ease of ascending to a higher location. A selection of pet ramps or pet steps come in a variety of sizes and lengths that are sturdy enough to hold larger dogs without bending. They can easily be used to help your dog get into a truck or onto furniture without having to maneuver to a higher level. Many pet ramps comes with carrying handles for ease of transporting them from one location to another and most have a safety release available.

Pet strollers:

For those who want the company of their older pet along side of them while jogging, hiking or walking a pet stroller can provide the opportunity to continue with your cardio routine and still have your pet be part of the event. Most pet strollers accommodate one or two pets at the same time, are sturdy, waterproof, safe and fold up for easy storage.

Couch covers

Older pets experience problems with frequent urination, leaky bladders or incontinence. This can especially be a problem if dogs are allowed on the furniture or sneak on the furniture while you are at work. A line of couch covers protect furniture from pet leaks, shedding hair and stains from the oil in their fur.

By visiting Best Pet Kennels, you will find a wide selection of products that will accommodate your older pet. The variety of pet products like their pet beds, strollers, steps, ramps and couch covers will help you in making the changes that he/she is going through more comfortable and headache free.

How Traveling With Your Pet By Plane?

Decide whether or not you will be traveling by car or by plane. Traveling by car may be a better option for larger pets or ones who are very nervous. Especially if you have a large enough car to transport them. If you have a smaller-sized pet of an even temperament, you can consider plane travel.

Many airlines offer pet travel including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, U.S. Airlines and Virgin America, just to name a few. Their fees vary from $75 per pet to $150 per pet to fly them in the cabin. There are also less expensive options to have them travel in the cargo section, however, I would advise against this, even at the savings of a few dollars. There have been many horror stories of pets dying in cargo travel due to extreme cold or heat. It is better to pay a little more to have them up in the cabin with you where you can keep an eye on them.

Visit the vet prior to travel, this is a must. Most airlines require your pet be up-to-date on their shots and have a vet see them to assure they are okay to travel. Additionally, if you have a flight that is over five hours, it is best to pick one with many stops. The pet must usually be kept enclosed in their kennel and under the seat at all times. It would help them to have breaks so they can use the restroom.

Prior to flying, check the airline website for the exact cost of in-cabin pet travel, this can usually be found on their "FAQs" section. Also, this section should tell you what size kennel is acceptable. Usually a soft kennel that allows the pet to move around is acceptable, but you have to get the exact size. Many pet stores sell airline approved kennels. Also, some airlines only allow up to five or seven pets per plane. You need to make a reservation for your pet, by calling the airline, to ensure they are accepted on the flight. If you wing it, your pet may get denied.

Let your pet eat and use the bathroom several hours before flying. Train them to stay in their kennel for an hour or more a few weeks before their flight. Also, let them get some exercise at home before flying because they may need to be still for a few hours or more.

Your vet may be able to prescribe you some calming medications or you can buy all natural herbal remedies to help your pet with the travel.

Pay your pet fee at the ticket counter before boarding. When going through security, you need to take your pet out of its kennel and place the kennel in the scanner, while you and your pet walk through the body scanner. If you have a cat, ensure your cat is calm before doing so. Some cats have been so afraid, they jumped out of their owner's arms.

Bring a small plastic bag with food and treats. Also, a small, portable tray to put some water for them, as needed. You can buy water on the plane. For your trip, bring your pet's harness, some food, toys and a portable litter box for a cat. Pack the portable litter box or have an idea of a nearby store at your destination so that you can buy one. Once on the plane, keep your pet in their kennel, under the seat in front of you at all times. You can unzip the kennel a little to pet them or give them food or water.

Benefits of Using Litter Boxes

These are very simply made as all they are plastic boxes that can handle cat waste. The purpose for them is so your feline has a place to go to the bathroom.

You can buy them for any number of reasons as they come ready for one cat to multiple ones. The best way to judge how to buy one is to size your cat up. If they are bigger than normal ones, then you are going to need a bigger pan to handle a cat over ten pounds. If your cat is smaller or just a kitten then all you'll need is a very small unit for them, which will be rather inexpensive.

Here are some other things to consider when purchasing one of these units:

• Multiple cats - For those of you who have multiple cats there are boxes that can accommodate them, but you may want to consider buying a few single boxes because you more than likely don't want to mix wastes together. Pet stores sell them for a few dollars more than they would a solo one.

• Liners - As pet waste can get stuck to the bottom of these pans there are liners that you can purchase to prevent this from happening. The liners are stronger than your usual garbage bag because they have to handle a lot of waste. This will eventually help eliminate odors as the liner can be changed every couple of days.

• Scooper - You're going to need a scooper. This is a small plastic like shovel that scoops up waste. They also come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the different sizes of cat. You can buy these in any variety of colors and sizes at your local pet shop. They are relatively inexpensive and accessible.

• Baking soda - One thing that you may have not known is that you can use baking soda in your litter to make it smell fresh. It is non toxic to your pets and does wonders for smells. All you have to do is throw some on top of the litter and do so every few days to keep it from smelling bad. You can buy baking soda at your local grocery store.

These are just a few things that you can do for your litter boxes at home. You don't have to live with foul odors and litter scattered throughout your home anymore when you learn how to properly gain control over your box. Hopefully this will help all of you pet owners out there. If you're in for a new pan then try one of the traditional ones.

Four Tips for Your First Vet Visit

As a caring pet owner, you can't just avoid the vet as that would put your pet's health in jeopardy! But there are some helpful steps you can take to ease your pet's stress and make the appointment go as smoothly as possible.

1) Avoid peak hours

Peak hours can vary depending on the day and clinic, however; most veterinary clinics are the busiest early in the morning and in the late afternoon-evening and on weekends. You may be tempted to schedule your pet's appointments during these times because they're convenient. But this can increase an animal's stress level due to the crowdedness and other animals that will be around. If possible, arrange your appointments for a less popular time. You can even ask an employee at the clinic to figure out a day when there aren't very many appointments booked!

2) Bring treats

Dogs and cats love their treats and they are more likely to be obedient towards you if you have a reward. You can guide your pet's interest away from whatever chaos is going on around them by offering them treats. You don't have to bring treats every time, but consider it for the first vet visit, make it a special trip for your pet!

3) Familiarize your pet

If you go to a local clinic that is within walking or quick driving distance, it is possible for you to drop by the office casually to get your pet acquainted with the area. You should first explain your situation to the staff, though, so they know what you are doing when you come in. By doing this, the next check-up your pet has will go much more smoothly.

4) Stay calm

Pets can often sense their owner's emotions. If you are feeling anxious, fearful or sad, it is likely that your pet will to. Keep this in mind when preparing for the appointment.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, your dog or cat might actually enjoy their first vet visit. Don't ever give up-if you've tried everything and your pet is still having problems, talk to the veterinarian about other options to help him/her stay calm. Some animals actually need tranquilizers before going to the vet. It sounds frightening, but it's not uncommon.