5 Tips to Take Pets on Trips
Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat
5 Pet-friendly Preparations for Your Summer Travels
Dogs Can Catch the Flu? What Dog Parents Need to Know Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer
Volume 4 Issue 3 | June-July-Aug 2018
Paradise Pets Magazine is published by Publish In Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our pet communities. For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email ads@publishinparadise.com Š 2018 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine ParadisePetsMag.com Publisher: Angela J. Willard paradisepets@publishinparadise.com
It has been such a joy and a pleasure to publish this magazine as a volunteer since its inception, but with rising costs and my declining health I need to reach out for help. I need help covering local pet related events and other stories along with photos and videos of our beloved pets (and their parents) in the Keys, as well as selling advertising. I hope to find somebody who loves this magazine and who has a heart for the homeless pets in the Keys, as it has always been my intention to help financially support local pet rescue efforts. If you are in the Keys and are interested in partnering with me to not just keep this magazine going but to make it better than I can do alone, please contact me. Together, we can foster unity in the pet communities throughout the Florida Keys. Have a fabulous summer!
If you have a story you would like to share of how your rescued pet has rescued you, please email it to the editor at paradisepets@publishinparadise.com
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Features Pet Health 4
Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat
6 Dietary Solutions for Pets 8
Simple Ways to Save on Your Pet's Medical Costs
11
Dogs Can Catch the Flu? What Dog Parents Need to Know
Pet Parents 13 5 Tips to Take Pets on Trips 15 4 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer
18 5 Pet-friendly Preparations for Your Summer Travels
17 Resource Guide
Find us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram & Twitter @ParadisePetsMag PARADISE PETS MAGAZINE DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and interest purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Veterinarians cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your local holistic veterinarian.
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Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat
S
ummer is here, and it's time to get outside and start taking advantage of the warmer weather. Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has a few tips and tricks on how to keep your pet happy and healthy in the heat. Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it's important to understand these spring/summer safety measures to keep your pet happy and safe.
Easing into Exercise After sitting around all winter, it is not a good idea to jump right into a full exercise
regimen full speed ahead. The best approach to get your pet ready for more activities outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch. If your pet enjoys chasing ground pursuits (think rabbits and squirrels), the Chuckit! RingChaser is a great option to satisfy their instincts. Again, short bursts of
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chasing and retrieving are a fun way to get your pup back into shape. It's also critical to choose the best time of day to exercise - and noon is not it. The best time to enjoy your pet's company is early in the morning or early in the evening. Keep in mind that in the evening after the sun is down, the pavement can still be pretty warm, as it retains heat for quite a while. Where possible, try to exercise on a grassy or dirt surface to avoid burning or irritating their paws.
freezer the night before so it will remain nice and cool a little longer. Also, make regular stops in a shady area to allow both of you to catch your breath. Indoor dogs and cats also need to escape from the heat. Make sure the house isn't kept too warm. Keep at least one room cooler by leaving the shades or drapes closed. Enough has been written about pets and parked cars, so I'm sure you are all aware of that potential deadly hazard. Don't do it, not even in the shade or "only for a few minutes." Enough said.
Keeping Cool and Staying Hydrated What we love so much about our dogs is how loyal they are and how much they want to please us. This can be a problem when it comes to potential overexertion, as they will keep going just to be with us, even though they may be overheating. Moreover, many dogs and cats can overheat from lying around the house or backyard as well. When leaving pets outside during the spring or summer, make sure that shade and fresh water are always available. There are many devices available that can provide water automatically or on-demand, like the Petmate Replendish Waterer, which provides a constant flow of fresh water throughout the day for pets even when the pet parent isn't home. If you're out and about with your pet, consider the Replendish To-Go Water bottle that conveniently includes a travel bowl for your pet. For longer excursions, or for hotter climates, wet a bandana and place it in the
Limitless Possibilities, While on a Leash You and your pet are finally enjoying the great outdoors, and the fun activities with Fido are endless. Our pet nation has a huge population, and it's important to be a good citizen. Remember to respect other pets' "space" and boundaries, and don't assume every dog is dying to play with yours. Wherever you and your pet decide to roam, be mindful of the local leash laws. You don't want to turn a fun outing into an emergency room visit for you or anyone else. If you're heading off to a park or hiking area, make sure you have everything you need for your trek. Travel treats and water bottles are always a good idea to keep with you, to make sure you and your pet are well fueled and hydrated. Keep essentials, like your keys, lip balm, waste bag, etc., (Continued on page 10)
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Dietary Solutions for Pets
Understanding and Treating Food Intolerances in Pets
f your four-legged friend is exhibiting some unusual symptoms, there’s a chance a food sensitivity may be the culprit. Even for pets that don’t have a full-blown food allergy, food intolerance can create problems that are easily remedied with a change in diet.
I
is different, so the degree of sensitivity to an ingredient can vary.”
“The length of time a pet has been on a food does not seem to affect the risk of developing adverse food reactions,” said Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, PhD, a companion animal nutritionist and registered dietitian. “A pet can react to a food after just one feeding, or after many months or years on the same food. Just like people, every pet
Cats with food intolerances may show symptoms such as:
Knowing the warning signs is the first step toward understanding whether your pet is suffering from a food-related intolerance.
● Vomiting and diarrhea ● Bloating and related symptoms, such as gas ● Skin irritation, which is typically rare in cats
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Dogs may display these symptoms if they are suffering from sensitivities to certain foods: ● Excessive paw licking or chewing with paws often turning red as a result ● Chronic or recurrent ear infections ● Visible fur loss ● Itching and rashes, especially around the dog’s face, feet, ears, forelegs or armpits ● Vomiting and diarrhea
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign he or she has a food intolerance. First, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health conditions. Once your pet receives a clean bill of health, switching the food your pet eats may help alleviate his or her symptoms.
Home-Cooked Elimination Diets An elimination diet is a specialized diet that is fed to pets and excludes all suspect ingredients. Once a diet is found that resolves the symptoms, a pet is then fed potentially aggravating ingredients to see if symptoms reappear. If they do, an adverse food reaction is confirmed. The elimination diet will need to be closely monitored by a veterinary professional and followed for approximately 6-8 weeks to determine success.
Limited Ingredient Diets A limited ingredient diet (LID) offers a single source of meat protein with as few additional ingredients as possible to meet the nutritional requirements of your pet. Options like GO! Solutions recipes from Petcurean are formulated especially for pets with specific dietary needs and food sensitivities, and carefully prepared with premium-quality meat proteins, unique carbs and essential omega oils. To determine whether a limited ingredient recipe will work for your foodsensitive pet, you should eliminate all treats and other food sources. You may notice immediate improvements, but your pet should stay on the new food for 8-12 weeks to ensure it is the right choice.
It may take some trial and error to find a food that works for a food-sensitive pet, but patience and persistence can help your pet live a happy and healthy life. Learn more about food options for pets with special dietary needs at Petcureango.com.
Sources: Petcurean | Family Features
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Simple Ways to Save on Your Pet's Medical Costs
P
et parents know that there's nothing like the love of furry family members. Keeping your
pets healthy is a priority because you want them to live as long as possible. However, health care costs for pets are expensive, and if you are dealing with additional expenses such as prescriptions for chronic conditions, it can become a burden to your budget. Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do proactively to keep pets healthy and save money on health care
INVEST IN PREVENTATIVE CARE "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is just as applicable to pets as it is to their human caregivers. One of the most important things a pet parent can do to ensure the ongoing health of any animal is to bring them in for annual checkups whether they are experiencing health issues or not. During wellness checkups, veterinarians can screen for a variety of health conditions. They provide insight on diseases, age-related concerns, dental health, nutritional considerations and so much more. Plus you're able to provide your pet with important vaccinations.
costs.
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Regular checkups help vets identify problems sooner rather than later, and this can translate to more affordable health care costs to pet parents in the long run.
GET AN INSIDE RX PETS PRESCRIPTION CARD Costs for managing your pet's health can be a bear with pet owners spending more than $8 billion on prescription and overthe-counter medications annually. The Inside Rx Pets program offers savings on commonly prescribed medications such as insulin and antibiotics, as well as seizure, glaucoma and anti-inflammatory drugs. The Inside Rx Pets savings card is not insurance; it is a savings card you can use for certain human medications that may be prescribed for your pet. A complete list of the medications with which you can use the Inside Rx Pet card, as well as pricing information and other details, can be found at https://InsideRx.com/Pets. Benefiting from these discounts is easy for pet parents: If your pet's veterinarian writes a prescription for an applicable medication, simply download the free discount card from the Inside Rx Pets website and present it with the prescription at one of the 40,000 participating pharmacies located across the U.S. that fill prescriptions for animals. These include national chains such as Kroger Family of Pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens (yes, the same pharmacies you go to for your own medications).
EXERCISE AND FOCUS ON NUTRITION Obesity is a growing concern for many pets. Poor nutrition paired with limited exercise causes pets to put on additional weight. This weight can put them at higher risk for health concerns like diabetes, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. These health concerns not only risk the quality of life for Fluffy or Fido, but also can deeply impact your pocketbook. Pets, just like humans, require exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and feel their best. Whether that's letting your rabbit out of the cage to run or going on a walk with your dog, be sure to make regular exercise a part of your fur family's routine. If you're unsure what is appropriate for your pet, call your veterinarian or bring it up at a wellness visit. They'll be delighted you reached out for more information to keep your pet healthy.
START AN EMERGENCY FUND Choosing between a pet and an unexpected health expense is something no one wants to experience. Being prepared can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions, so it's wise to have savings set aside in case of a rainy day. Some people are starting pet health savings accounts (HSAs) that are similar to the accounts that people hold for (Continued on page 10)
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(Continued from page 5)
all in one place with the Petmate Zipp Leash that features an expandable pouch built right into the leash to hold all dogwalking basics while on the go.
Regardless of whether you choose to run, romp, hike or trek, spring and summer are great times of year to bond with your pets. I encourage all of you to get outdoors, enjoy the warmth and sunshine, and to include your four-legged kids in your activities. Just remember to play it smart and keep them safe.
Source: BPT
(Continued from page 9)
themselves to pay for medical expenses. Whether you choose that path or a traditional savings account, when you have an emergency fund you won't have to worry about any unexpected expenses, so you can simply focus on getting your pet well again.
Being proactive is important for keeping your pets healthy for many years. From scheduling annual wellness visits to taking advantage of the Inside Rx Pets discount card, there are many easy actions pet parents can take today to reduce costs so furry family members stay well.
Source: BPT
Please Protect Your Pets from Fireworks this July 4th! Happy Independence Day!
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Dogs Can Catch the Flu? What Dog Parents Need to Know
D
id you know that humans are not the only ones who can catch the flu? Unfortunately for man's best friend, dogs are also susceptible to their own version of it.
Dog flu is a year-round illness that can easily spread from dog to dog, but isn't contagious to humans. Spring is a great time for pet parents to talk to their veterinarians about vaccinating their dogs against dog flu, either for the first time or for revaccination, because warmer weather means more time spent outside socializing with other dogs - and more social time can increase a dog's chance of getting sick. "Dog flu is highly contagious and we've seen thousands of cases being reported over the last year," says Kathryn Primm, DVM, co-author of the Pet Parent's Guide to Infectious Disease of Dogs. "The good
news is that it's also vaccine preventable. Dogs can be protected against both strains of dog flu with a single vaccine." To help pet parents across the country, here are answers to some common questions pet parents have about dog flu.
What exactly is dog flu? There are two strains of the canine influenza virus H3N2 and H3N8. H3N2 is relatively new and is responsible for most of the recent cases. Common symptoms of dog flu include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and, in some
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cases, pneumonia - which can be lifethreatening.
How do dogs get dog flu? Dog flu is highly contagious and can pass between dogs through virus particles in the air, physical contact with other dogs, indirect contact with an infected dog or contact with a person who has interacted with an infected dog. Since dogs have no natural immunity against dog flu, almost all unvaccinated dogs that come in contact with the virus will become sick. Are certain groups of dogs more susceptible to dog flu? Pups that travel with their families or are frequently in contact with other dogs at places like dog parks, doggie daycare, grooming facilities and boarding kennels are at increased risk and should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu.
Why should I get my dog vaccinated now? Dog flu is not seasonal, it is yearround; but because dogs tend to be more social in the spring in many parts of the country, they are more likely to encounter a contagious dog. Plus, with summer approaching, dogs that will be boarded should finish the dog flu vaccination at least two weeks before the planned date of boarding. Dogs vaccinated for the first time need two vaccinations, two to four weeks apart. Annual revaccination just requires one vaccination.
Can dogs transmit the flu to humans? No. To date, there is no evidence that humans can catch canine influenza virus from dogs. Can I vaccinate my dog against both strains? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, dogs at risk, such as those that are boarded at kennels, attend doggie day care or visit dog parks, should be vaccinated against both strains of dog flu, available in a single vaccine. Dogs should be vaccinated on an annual basis to prevent illness or decrease the severity of symptoms if they do become sick. To find a vet that carries the dog flu vaccination, you can visit dogflu.com and search by your zip code.
How long has this vaccine been available? Bivalent vaccines, which are vaccines that contain both strains of dog flu, were introduced to the market in 2016 and 2017. Millions of dogs have been vaccinated against dog flu. Spring weather is exciting for both pet parents and their dogs - it means it's time to get outside and play. Avoid the risk of dog flu by talking to a veterinarian about vaccination and visiting dogflu.com to find a veterinarian and schedule an appointment for a dog flu vaccination for your pet.
Source: BPT
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images
5 Tips to Take Pets on Trips
I
f your next big excursion is on hold until you can make arrangements for your four-legged friend, a solution may be closer than you think. Pet-friendly accommodations can be easier to find than ever, making it possible to simply take your pet along for the ride. According to a survey by travel website Orbitz, almost one-third of pet parents say they skipped a trip to stay home with their pet. In fact, 40 percent of survey respondents said they would travel more often if they had convenient, affordable pet sitting or boarding. If you can't find someone to watch over your furry friend, or you just don't want to, rely on these tips to travel with your pet in tow.
Opt for Travel by Car Although several airlines now offer petfriendly fares, traveling by car is often less expensive and allows you to keep your pet with you at all times. That puts you in control of necessities like food and restroom breaks and lets you create a comfy resting place for your pet to snooze while on the road.
Seek Pet-Friendly Destinations According to the survey, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Washington D.C., Chicago and Houston top the United States for locations with the most pet-friendly hotels. (Continued on page 14)
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Travel websites make it easy to find hotels that will happily accommodate your pet. For example, Orbitz allows users to book airfare, car rentals, tours and activities, as well as searching for petfriendly hotels. As an added benefit, members of the rewards program can earn rewards instantly to book hotels for them and their furry friends.
amenities you may require, such as a litter box for a feline traveling companion.
Plan your next trip and find more petfriendly travel resources at Orbitz.com.
Consider Nearby Attractions Not only is a pet-friendly hotel a necessity, you'll also need to consider local attractions. A dog is likely to appreciate nearby parks and lakes for exercise and fresh air, but there may also be pet-friendly restaurants and venues in the city you choose to visit.
Pay Attention to Reviews Fellow travelers have become one of the most valuable resources in contemporary travel. Their insight often helps set realistic expectations. Reading reviews and learning from others' experiences then adjusting your plans accordingly prior to your trip can help you plan a rewarding vacation for both you and your pet.
Take Time to Call Ahead Even pet-friendly facilities have specific guidelines and expectations, so it's a good idea to call ahead to ensure everyone is on the same page. This also allows you to inquire about the availability of special Sources: Orbitz | Family Features 14 | Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 4 Issue 3 Š 2018
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4 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer
T
here are thousands of reasons to love the summer, and if you're a pet owner, you love summer more than most. Summer is the perfect opportunity to get outside and get active with our pets. Between cool swims in the pool and brisk walks in the sunshine, summer is a great bonding time for you and Fluffy or Fido.
With June being National Pet Preparedness Month, Dr. Kurt Venator, Purina's Chief Veterinary Officer, suggests four things for pet owners to keep in mind this summer so that we can live safe, healthy and happy lives together with our pets whether at home or on the road.
BEATING THE HEAT However, it's also important for pet owners to have a proper understanding of factors that can affect their pet's health and safety during the warmer months. This includes varying weather conditions, maintaining proper nutrition and preparing for other summertime events.
Just like the heat can make people feel unwell, the particularly hot days of summer can leave pets dehydrated or ill if not properly attended to. Pet owners should be mindful of a pet's exercise,
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outdoor time and hydration to keep them feeling their best. More specifically, if heading out for a walk, be sure to go outside during cooler parts of the day like early morning or early evening. Also, before you start your walk, use your hand to feel the pavement. If it feels too hot to touch, then it's way too hot for your pet's paws. Stay in the grass or possibly try booties so his or her paws don't burn. Above all, never leave your pet unattended in the car. Your car acts like a greenhouse on hot days, and overheating can set in quickly, causing permanent damage to your pet, and even death. On hot days, it's best to just leave your pet at home.
SUMMER SNACKS AND PROPER INGREDIENTS With blueberries, strawberries and other yummy treats in season during the summer, you can share these healthy indulgences with pets too. Fruits like peaches, strawberries and mangoes are great treats for pets as long as pits, stems and leaves are removed and fruit is thoroughly washed. What's great about these fruits is that they contain vitamins, fiber and antioxidants and tend to be low in sugar, so when fed in moderation, they're actually quite healthy for dogs in the same ways
they're healthy for humans. That's why Purina includes fruits, like blueberries, in their Beneful Playful Life and Beneful Grain Free formulas. Made from real protein sources and blended with an optimal amount of fruit and veggies, these foods can give your pet the nutrition they need to play all day.
DID SOMEONE SAY VACAY? Taking to the skies? When flying with a pet, it's important to understand your pet's needs. Therefore, you should conduct the appropriate research, plan ahead and understand airline/aircraft policies on the day of departure to ensure the trip is just as safe for your pet as it is for you. For instance, did you know that in order for your pet to fly you should obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection? Most airlines require this document within ten days of travel. This document must be signed by an accredited veterinarian, and should indicate that your pet has been examined and able to fly. Hitting the road? Buy a travel harness that comes across your pet's chest and clips onto a safety belt. This keeps your pet secure and prevents him or her from interfering with your driving. To keep your pet feeling comfortable and entertained on the journey, also consider bringing a cozy blanket, spill-proof bowl and timeconsuming treats, like the Purina Busy(R)
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Bone, to pass the hours till you reach your destination.
Pet Resource Guide Key West, FL
BE PREPARED FOR NATURAL DISASTERS Although it's difficult to predict when natural disasters will occur, preparing for the worst for your family and your pet can make the difference when every second counts - especially during hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. Understand what weather impacts your area, have resources on hand and have a plan to keep everyone safe. Just like you, your pet should also have a disaster kit that includes basic pet essentials such as bottled water, cans of wet food, blankets, collapsible bowls, cat litter and pan, and a leash and collar. A one- to two-week supply of food that your pet usually eats is an ideal amount to include in your disaster kit as well; however, be sure to check the expiration dates. Pack the foods your pet eats routinely to ensure complete and balanced nutrition in stressful moments like this.
For more information and tips about keeping your pets safe, healthy and always prepared, please visit www.Purina.com/Summer.
Source: BPT
Florida Keys SPCA Key West Campus Adoption services, animal control & more. 5230 College Road, Key West, FL (305) 294-4857 | www.fkspca.org Xena Fund Financial help with veterinary care 1623 Laird Street, Key West, FL (305) 432-0494 | xenafund.com
Marathon, FL Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus Adoption services, animal control & more. 10550 Aviation Blvd. Marathon, FL (305)743-4800 | www.fkspca.org Pawsitive Touch Giving your animal companions the energy to heal P.O. Box 500591, Marathon, FL 305.481.0868 | pawsitivetouch.org
Key Largo, FL Humane Animal Care Coalition 105951 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida 33037 305-451-0088 humaneanimalcoalition.com
Do you have a pet business? A pet friendly motel, restaurant or other establishment? Get listed in our resource guide and we will connect you to pet parents in the Keys and beyond. ParadisePetsMag.com
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5 Pet-friendly Preparations for Your Summer Travels
O
n your most challenging days you can always count on your pet to greet you at the door when you come home or cuddle up in your lap in the evening. They are a vital part of your home life all year long, but when your life takes you away from home - as it often does during summer travel - are you thinking of them before you head out the door? With so much to pack and prepare for your trip, it's easy to forget about those you'll leave behind, like your pets. That's why if you're planning to leave for a day or longer, you should make sure to employ
these five tips to make sure your pet is happy and safe while you're away.
1. Find a quality pet sitter. Dogs need to be walked and let out during the day, so when you're gone, you'll need a pet sitter to fill these duties. Finding a quality, reliable pet sitter can be the difference between a happy pet and damage to your home when you return. Try to trade sits with a fellow pet owner, and if that's not possible, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is a nonprofit organization with resources to help you find the best pet sitter for you.
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2. Be
mindful of the temperature. Knowing the temperature patterns in your destination city plays a big role in how you pack, but have you looked at what the weather has in store for your home while you're gone? Allowing your home to get overly hot while you're away isn't good for your pet. You can control the temperature in your home - even while you're away - with the Coleman Echelon Hx Touch-screen Thermostat. This WiFi-enabled smart thermostat provides more than just comfort, it monitors the temperature in your home, allowing you to always be aware of your home's temperature. And best of all, it's completely controllable from your smartphone, so even if you forget to make adjustments before you go, resetting the temperature in your home is just a click away.
3. A little cleaning goes a long way. Your pet really isn't that different from you; they appreciate a nice clean area to live in as well. Give it to them before you go by making sure the litter box or the yard is clean and that you've picked up as much clutter as possible. Wash the blankets that adorn their favorite sleeping places and make sure the space is ready for their use.
4. A
little TV time. If commotion is the name of the game in your home, a house that is suddenly too quiet could have a negative impact on your pet. To alleviate this concern, leave the television on in one of the rooms so your
pet can enjoy a little noise in the background. Just make sure you choose a room that is different from where your pet often sleeps so they can comfortably avoid the sound if they want to.
5. Leave
a little bit of yourself. Is it possible to be in two places at once? In some ways yes. Leaving items out that smell like you - laundry or blankets, for example - can be a wonderful source of comfort in instances when your pet is feeling stressed. Just remember that if your pet likes to chew, these items could be their first target, so only leave things you're comfortable losing.
Having a pet doesn't mean you need to put your summer plans on hold, it just adds another layer to your planning process. Apply the tips above, and you and your pet will be happy and comfortable until the trip is over and you're reunited.
Source: BPT
Enjoy Your Summer & Keep Your Pets Safe!