Pets & Flying...Again!

Hello:

I posted this blog in July, but a lot of people have been asking me about flying with their pets for the holidays. With that in mind, I would like to share this info again!

Some may not agree but placing a pet in cargo is a chance I choose not to take with my Bailey. Too many horror stories of pets lost in flight, left on tarmacs and dehydrated frighten me. However, if you are considering placing your pet on a plane, please read below........

Pets And Flying ... Stressful Times

A secure carrier is key to safe air travel for pets.

Much of this information comes from CNN Travel ...

• From May 2005 to May 2010 there were 144 reported deaths of pets during air travel
  
• "Some pets just don't travel well," says Veterinarian Kimberly May
  
• "The most important thing you can do is have a safe and reliable pet carrier,",she says
  
• Dr May says do not sedate your animal before flight

Seven dogs died this week after traveling in the cargo hold of an American Airlines flight to Chicago.

From 5/2005 to 5/2010 there were 144 reported deaths of pets during air travel, according to data from the Department of Transportation. 122 were dogs. Fatalities during flight is an "extremely small percentage of the total number of pets carried each year by the airlines," the DOT said in a July, 2010 news release.

A Veterinarian's No. 1 one piece of advice? Ask yourself if it is really necessary to take your pets at all.

Here is what Vet Kimberly May (American Veterinary Medical Assn) says about pets and flying ...

"Some pets just don't travel well. To safeguard against such a tragedy with your family pet, plan ahead and consider these tips:"

Let a Safe Carrier Be Your Pet's Safe Place

Many people assume climate conditions are the biggest threat to animals, but the quality of your pet carrier plays a bigger role in your pet's safety.

Trying to escape is obvious with a stressed dog. If you don't have a reliable carrier, being transferred from airport to plane is a dangerous time. New smells, lots of people - an airport is a very overwhelming place! If your pet gets loose and runs, you may never see him again!

Study the AVMA's brochure on pet travel, which contains guidelines to choosing a good carrier.

Plan Ahead:

Allow your pet to get comfortable with the crate weeks before flight. Leave it out for him to get use to and even sleep in. Place water & occasional treats in the crate. This will hopefully reduce fright on travel day.

Muggy Planes

Do you remember the plane being hot & muggy before takeoff? A plane's climate controls aren't fully functioning when on the ground. This is even more unpleasant for a confined animal wearing a fur coat, locked in cargo with luggage!

Be Sure Your Pet is Healthy Enough for Travel

• Pre-existing conditions play a huge role in how smoothly animals travel. A pet who is ill will not travel well. If a pet takes medication for any ailment, think twice ... don't do it!

• Animals crossing state lines must have up-to-date vaccines. Owners should obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection; many airlines will require one that is issued within 10 days prior to departure.

• It may also be in your pet's best interest to get an acclimation certificate from a Vet, which is basically a statement from your vet saying the animal is healthy enough to travel and can withstand the temperatures it might face doing so.

Ask Your Vet About Sedation

Dr May frowns on sedating your pet. Sedatives work in different ways & have other effects besides calming animals down. Sedatives can cause both cardiac and respiratory depression.

Know the Risks ... Know Your Pet

The DOT found that short-faced dogs such as Pugs and English Bulldogs are more prone to death in flight. Dogs cool off by panting, so short-nosed dogs struggle to keep cool. Talk to your Vet or just don't put these breeds in cargo.

I hope this information proved helpful. I look forward to supplying more info on this blog in the near future. Until then, enjoy your animal friends.

Leash on Life Has Hit the Big Time!

Just a small note about something fun & informative...

Leash on Life will be on Entrepreneurial radio tomorrow, 9/10 at 11:00AM!!!! HOW FUN IS THAT?!?!

At 11AM, go to:
www.lifeimprovementradio.com
And...you can call in with questions at: 727-329-9167!

From there, you will be able to listen to me, Nancy of Leash on Life be interviewed about my business, the dog wash and the 2nd annual Loving Care Pet Fair!

Thanks to Laurie Puckett of Remmell Wellness ... what an opportunity to talk about what I love and gear people toward wonderful pet charities! There are many animals who are homeless and who have been abused. The dog wash and other small events lead up to the pet fair which will split proceeds between chosen charities.

I love my job! I can't wait to talk all about it! Thank you to all of you who have helped me grow!

All this because I have the greatest Beagle on earth!

Charity Dog Wash/Loving Care Pet Fair

Hello All!

Well, the count down has begun for the CHARITY DOG WASH:

WHEN: Saturday, 9/18, from 9AM-2 PM (or until the last dog is clean)!
WHERE: B Squared Automotive, 8478 Seminole Blvd, Seminole
COST: Free to come. Asking for donations for dog washes.
WHY: The dog wash is raising money for pet charities that will benefit from the 2nd Annual Loving Care Pet Fair, to take place in March, 2011.

Fun Events for a Good Cause:

The 1st Annual Loving Care Pet Fair was put together in a little over 2 months. Leash on Life raised hundreds for six pet charities, with 45 vendors and 15 charities attending!

With more time to plan, Leash on Life strives to raise far more! Smaller events will take place to help reach goals, leading up to the Loving Care Pet Fair! The dog wash is the first event thus far & we are excited!

Come with or without your dog/s!

There will be refreshments, a Vet who is bringing give-aways, raffles, fun & lots of suds...& dogs!

Get an oil change too ... Tom Berry/B Squared Automotive and Nancy Barry/Leash on Life are hosting this event. Tom & his crew are offering their space, including a bay to wash dogs out of the sun! The shop will be open, so don't forget to care for your vehicles while there!

No need to post our wish list ... everything has been donated! WOW!

Here are just some of our generous helpers:

Sweet Bay, Seminole

Winn Dixie, Madeira Beach

Jayne's Dog Treat Pantry/Jayne Ward-Hachey

Bowzer Boutique, Pasadena

Fred's Finest Pet Treats

Publix, Starkey Rd. Largo

Winn Dixie, Seminole

Pet Food Warehouse, St Pete
Sears/ Ed Warren
Beverly Plant
Jackie Foley

The only thing we need now are 2 kiddie pools. They don't need to be new. If you know of someone who no longer uses their kiddie pool or know of someone who would donate, thank you! Donations allow us to place more proceeds in the hands of our charities which in turn help pets!

Want to volunteer? We could use you!

Here is our list so far (Let me know if I missed you - people are joining in all the time!)

Jackie Foley
Mary Sawyer
Kelly McKnight
Jamie McKnight
Beverly Plant
Bev's Friend
Mary Petrocci (Nancy's cousin)
Bill Mahew
Pierre LaMonde
Selena Rodriguez

Leash on Life and B Squared Automotive hope to see you at the CHARITY DOG WASH! Every pet deserves a forever home, free of pain and full of love!

Thank you for your support!

Pets And Flying ... Stressful Times

A secure carrier is key to safe air travel for pets.

Much of this information comes from CNN Travel ...

• From May 2005 to May 2010 there were 144 reported deaths of pets during air travel
  
• "Some pets just don't travel well," says Veterinarian Kimberly May
  
• "The most important thing you can do is have a safe and reliable pet carrier,",she says
  
• Dr May says do not sedate your animal before flight

My dog Bailey traveled by plane just once, from Raleigh, NC to Syracuse, NY. She got car sick, so I thought it was the best option. It was a 90 minute direct flight. The Vet gave me a light sedative for her. All went just fine. I have been tempted to do it again over the years, as my family would love to see her, however I have steered away from this choice. Why? I have heard frightening stories from friends and a family member who worked for an airline.

Seven dogs died this week after traveling in the cargo hold of an American Airlines flight to Chicago.

From 5/2005 to 5/2010 there were 144 reported deaths of pets during air travel, according to data from the Department of Transportation. 122 were dogs. Fatalities during flight is an "extremely small percentage of the total number of pets carried each year by the airlines," the DOT said in a July, 2010 news release.

A Veterinarian's No. 1 one piece of advice? Ask yourself if it is really necessary to take your pets at all.

Here is what Vet Kimberly May (American Veterinary Medical Assn) says about pets and flying ...

"Some pets just don't travel well. To safeguard against such a tragedy with your family pet, plan ahead and consider these tips:"

Let a Safe Carrier Be Your Pet's Safe Place

Many people assume climate conditions are the biggest threat to animals, but the quality of your pet carrier plays a bigger role in your pet's safety.

Trying to escape is obvious with a stressed dog. If you don't have a reliable carrier, being transferred from airport to plane is a dangerous time. New smells, lots of people - an airport is a very overwhelming place! If your pet gets loose and runs, you may never see him again!

Study the AVMA's brochure on pet travel, which contains guidelines to choosing a good carrier.

Plan Ahead:

Allow your pet to get comfortable with the crate weeks before flight. Leave it out for him to get use to and even sleep in. Place water & occasional treats in the crate. This will hopefully reduce fright on travel day.

Muggy Planes

Do you remember the plane being hot & muggy before takeoff? A plane's climate controls aren't fully functioning when on the ground. This is even more unpleasant for a confined animal wearing a fur coat, locked in cargo with luggage!

Be Sure Your Pet is Healthy Enough for Travel

• Pre-existing conditions play a huge role in how smoothly animals travel. A pet who is ill will not travel well. Don't do it!
  

• Animals crossing state lines must have up-to-date vaccines. Owners should obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection; many airlines will require one that is issued within 10 days prior to departure.

• It may also be in your pet's best interest to get an acclimation certificate from a Vet, which is basically a statement from your vet saying the animal is healthy enough to travel and can withstand the temperatures it might face doing so.

Ask Your Vet About Sedation

Dr May frowns on sedating your pet. Sedatives work in different ways & have other effects besides calming animals down. Sedatives can cause both cardiac and respiratory depression.

Know the Risks ... Know Your Pet

The DOT found that short-faced dogs such as Pugs and English Bulldogs are more prone to death in flight. Dogs cool off by panting, so short-nosed dogs struggle to keep cool. Talk to your Vet or just don't put these breeds in cargo.

Don't forget - pets 15 lbs and under can fly with you, if in the correct carrier. This weight may vary among airlines.

While there are risks to traveling with your pet by air, sometimes it is unavoidable, and the vast majority of pets do arrive safely. Making an educated decision with your vet and planning ahead can greatly improve your pet's travel experience.

I hope this information proved helpful. I look forward to supplying more info on this blog in the near future. Until then, enjoy your animal friends.

Make It Playtime, Rain or Shine

Dogs Need Activities to Keep Them Stimulated, Even When It's Raining!

This great information comes from Dogster.com!

Dogs need exercise, rain or shine, to stay mentally & physically stimulated. I lived in Central NY and my dog Bailey became accustomed to walks in snow, rain and cold. Now that we are in Florida, she searches out the hottest, sunniest area on our porch ... maybe she's still thawing out!

Even in Florida, we have rainy days and days too hot for long walks. With Bailey and even with some of my four-legged clients such as Buttercup (Golden) or Ceara (Irish Setter) or even little Tidbit (Daschaund), it's helpful to have ideas on hand to keep the pups happy and reduce boredom. Afterall, boredom in dogs can result in bad habits such as paw chewing and pulling hair out. Here are some great and fun ideas to do in the comfort of your home:

1. Food Dispensing Toys - Most of us are familiar with Kings ... classic toys that can be stuffed with treats. Dogsters mentions new and exciting products available, as well:

Nina Ottosson has a fantastic (but pricey) line of durable puzzle toys which are dishwasher safe and feature a number of difficulty levels.

A less expensive (and slightly less durable) alternative is the newly available Aikiou toy.

Other options include: Kong wobbler, Kibble Nibble, Busy Buddy toys, Orbee Treat Spot toys, Tug-a-Jugs, and Buster Cubes.

2. Kibble Hunt - Instead of treats in the food bowl, put that food to work with a hunting game. Bailey loves this! Crating your doggie while you hide small piles of food in the house then release him to "kibble hunt." Initially, make the piles very easy to find. As your dog gets better at this game, practice hiding the food in more difficult spots.

Another way to do this (especially for hounds like mine) is to take a treat and run it along the carpet or floor, zigzagging and going in circles, etc. Hide the treat at the end. Bailey follows the scent in the very zigs and zags I created until she finds her kibble! She loves it...and I am always amazed!

3. Tug and Fetch - Tug and fetch are classic dog games that do not require a lot of room and are always popular! Hallways tend to be great for fetch games, and tug can be played virtually anywhere. Do be aware...it's a new game with each toy!!!!

4. Shaping Games - Shaping provides great mental exercise for a dog and a good shaping session can often tire a dog more than a walk that is two or three times as long. Shaping is a powerful tool that allows you to build a behavior step by step with all types of animals. To learn more, just google "shaping for dogs."

5. Learning Games - British trainer Kay Laurence has a fantastic book available called "Learning Games." This fantastic book is chock full of ideas for how to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated while improving his behavior. For more fun ideas from Kay, check out her youtube channel.

6. Have a Doggie Play Date! - If your dog has a favorite playmate or friend, consider scheduling a rainy day play date. Before your dog's pal arrives, be sure to puppy proof and pick up all breakables and valuables. As you know, dog play can get quite rowdy!

7. Go on a Socialization Outing - If you are unable to take your dog for a walk, consider taking him for a ride and doing a "fun visit" at the vet's office where he just goes to hang out and get some treats and scratches just for being a great dog. This will provide the added benefit of teaching him that vet visits can be a lot of fun! My Vet is always happy to see Baileu. Ask your Vet if you can pop in...most are happy for the visit!

8. Play Hide and Seek! - Hide and seek is a great way to exercise your dog's mind and body and recall skills. Each family member should stock up on great treats. Family members will take turns hiding throughout the house, calling the dog to them, and rewarding her generously when she arrives. When her treats are finished, say "all done!" which is the cue for the next family member to call him.

9. Nosework - Canine nosework is a great new sport that can be done in your house. All you need to start are some boxes and some great treats! For more information on canine nosework, visit www.funnosework.com.

10. Need even more rainy day suggestions? This article from BadRap has lots of them!

Now you have lots of ideas, and the next time it starts raining, you can start training!

thanks for catching up on my blog. Until next time, have fun with your animal friends!

Loving Care Pet Fair, 2010

Hello Animal Lovers ...

Leash on Life's Loving Care Pet Fair 2010 was a huge success! Two people facilitated this fair in less than three months - myself, with the help of Carly Hart, owner of Agent Promo Girl! Approximately 45 vendors took part. We had great food from Big Al's BBQ, Moonlight Shrimp & Joey's Italian Ice - yummm! Fifteen charities joined us with six benefiting from the fair's proceeds!

My, there were cute animals everywhere! Dogs, cats, birds ... it was a zoo! We even had horses ... the Mounted Patrol showed up and taught us so much about the responsibilities of crowd control and more! Kids (& big kids) also had TLC time with the beautiful horses.

Our K9 Police dogs couldn't make it, as one was injured at work and the other was, well...at work! The Police Officer showed though and walked the grounds, talking to vendors, charities and visitors!

The Loving Care Pet Fair was wonderful! Many people left quite happy, asking to be included in the 2011 Loving Care Pet Fair!

Speaking of the 2011 Loving Care Pet Fair, I am working on it. The plan is to have it earlier in the year ... late March or early April. You will begin hearing details no later than August.

Be ready - there will be events to raise funds for the fair! How about a DOG WASH? My plan is to have date, time and place by July 4, so stay tuned!

Thank you to all who helped with the First Annual Loving Care Pet Fair, from volunteering (the best) vendors & charities. Thank you to our fine sponsors & to those who donated raffle gifts (45 of them), ice, water, time, artistic talent, advertising, TLC and love! ALL you did is appreciated more than you know! Thank you to those who showed at the fair to support us and a big thank you to our visitors!

On to the Loving Care Pet Fair, 2011!

TOOTH RESORPTION IN CATS - UNNECESSARY PAIN!

Take a look at PET QUARTERLY magazine. This magazine is available at many Vet offices, including Park Animal Hospital on 66th Street in Seminole. You will find so much information regarding dogs, cats and more!


Avoid the Pain ...
One article about cat health, regarding teeth, detailed tooth resorption and the pain it causes. Some of the info was tough to read, however, I was thrilled to learn that, although nothing can be done to prevent it, Vets can help avoid the disease.

Tooth resorption is the breakdown or destruction of a tooth, starting on the outside and working in. Check ups are the only way to detect this illness and x rays are truly necessary. The cure is as easy as tooth extraction. A diseased tooth is no good to the cat and ridding the kitty of the tooth will make the pain and illness dissipate!

Small red dots on the tooth and gums are a common sign of tooth resorption. These cavitations can be very hard to see--Again, Vet check ups are the key!

It is unknown what causes this defect. Something stimulates a cell that starts destruction microscopically and grows to the point of severely painful lesions. This will progress, eventually destroying the crown and root unless detected and treated early by your Vet.

A Happy Kitty ...
Cats will eat despite the pain, just as their wild ancestors did. They will hide the pain, making it tough to see until they have suffered far too much. This can permanently change the personality of your cat. Monitor with your vet and re-check every six months. Early detection, proper treatment and periodic monitoring will provide your sweet feline the opportunity to stay sweet, happy and pain free! Who doesn't want that?

I hope this information regarding cat health was helpful. Please keep a lookout for another blog in about two weeks. Until then, my best and enjoy your pet friends!