Tips on Vacationing with Your Dog

So, you have been sitting at your computer researching for your next family vacation and you hear some panting. You look over and there are two big brown eyes staring wistfully. You mull the dilemma. Should you bring Scotia, the long time loyal family pup along, or does he again get left behind?

There are some alternatives. While you and the rest of the family are having a good time frolicking in the surf, you could board or have a pet sitter look after him. If you do then do not be surprised upon your return if he holds a grudge. Being the diplomat you let the family decide. It is a resounding, He goes.

Before departing, there are some considerations, especially if this is his first extended holiday. The resort selection is a major consideration. Although, resort areas like hilton Head Island with its dog parks and relaxed beach regulations are extremely pet friendly, there is not an abundance of pet friendly accommodations. To get the best options, you will need to plan early.

Just as you plan your trip, there are steps to prepare for Scotias journey.

Preparation

1. Get Scotia acclimated to car travel.

2. Get copies of medical records with an up to date rabies vaccine certificate. Check with your vet regarding heart worm, flea/tick, and Bortadella preventative. If your pup does not travel well, ask your vet about using Scullcap and Valerian tablets (a herbal combination to combat anxiety, excitability, jitters, and travel sickness) a much better choice than using tranquilizers.

3. Consider micro-chipping. This is a pet monitoring system. It is painless procedure where a readable chip containing the pups necessary information is inserted under the skin.

4. Get your vets contact information. You should also ask if he or she knows of any vets at your destination.

5. Create a pet identification tag. This should have your pets name, address, and phone number. A simple method we employ is to use a film canister attached to the collar. This way we can use the local resort address. We fold a dollar bill into it, to cover phone calls.

6. Build a pet first aid kit. This kit should have gauze rolls and pads, scissors, tweezers, cotton balls, adhesive tape, silver nitrate, and pet sunscreen.

7. Design a Missing Dog Poster. All you need for this is an 8x11 sheet with your pups photo. Leave room to write the facts. It is precautionary should anything happen.

8. Get an extra collar and lead. This can come in handy should you need to tether your pet.

9. Find an old sheet incase you need to cover furniture. If you use a crate, this can also be used to cover the crate incase your pup exhibits some travel anxiety

10. beach towel for drying pup after his swims.

11. Gather the necessities

Steve Sardell is operations officer of http://www.hhidirect.com, a vacation rental service, located on hilton Head Island. Since 1999, Hhidirect has been matching guests with hilton Head vacation rental homes and villas in all the Islands resort areas.

World S Best Yoga Teacher

Health Problems In Cats

It may come as a surprise, if you're a new cat owner, that many health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.

Hairballs

Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't have a problem dislodging hairballs.

However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.

Worms

For many cats, worms are a recurring problem. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain weight, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in cats. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this problem. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.

Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or cat aids, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight infections. cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Lyme disease

If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.

Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme disease include:

(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Good health Care

Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.

Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.

Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.

Visit New Cat to learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Strength Building Yoga Positions