Reasons Why Flying isn’t Safe for Pets

If you’re looking to go on a holiday with your furry companion, it would be best to leave Fido to the kennel—especially if you’re travelling by plane.

Dog owner Michael Jarboe found this out the hard way, when he took his Mastiff BamBam on a cross-country flight. He even paid extra bucks to have professional dog handlers around to take care of BamBam, but after a short layover in a sweltering tarmac, handlers found the dog dead on arrival when they landed on the next airport.

Importance of a Balanced Cat Diet

In 2013, authorities from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in New Zealand intervened upon receiving reports of a cat being fed nothing but cheeseburgers for a year. Abandoned, the cat resided at the local McDonald’s, feeding on the generosity of drive-thru customers.

The effects of a year of junk food on a cat are just as bad as on humans. It took a while for the cat to reboot his diet and regain his health. If there's a silver lining to all this, SPCA officials said it enhanced his appetite upon switching to a healthier diet.

How to Inspect Dog Boarding Kennels

If you are leaving your pet for a few days, you need to make sure it is properly looked after and gets all the food, exercise, and medications (if any) it needs even in your absence.

A good option is a pet boarding facility. Before leaving your pet in one, it’s a great idea to conduct an inspection of potential boarding homes to find the place that will meet your expectations. This is especially true if you are doing this for the first time. Consider the following factors in your selection:

Environment

Some boarding houses may give off a bad smell because of the number of animals they house. This may indicate improper cleaning and sanitation practices. In addition to cleanliness, it is important to evaluate the place’s temperature, ventilation, and light to make sure that your pet will feel comfortable in it. Inspect the rooms to see if there is enough space, and if security systems are adequate.

Holiday Time! Now What to Do with Your Cat?

Now that you’ve banked your holidays, you’re hoping to use them all up in one go. A week or two in some exotic getaway island sounds like a great idea, but you have one important concern: what should you do about your pet cat? You can consider three options:

• Bring your cat along.

If your feline friend is a high risk for separation anxiety, it may be time to get the cat carrier out of storage. Ensure that your accommodation is pet-friendly and you’ve packed enough treats. A leash and a harness may also be needed to make sure kitty doesn’t get lost while you’re in a foreign area. You may need to spend extra for this option, however, and it may not always be feasible, especially if the resort or hotel you plan to stay in does not welcome pets.

The German Shepherd is Truly Man’s Best Friend

The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile canine breeds in the world. You see them as pets, drug busters and crook catchers for the police, or recon units for the Australian Army. Their versatility comes from their basic traits--intelligence and diligence--which give them their reputation of the ideal dog breed.

Stress-Free Holidays for You and Your Cat

The holidays are here once again, and as most people do: you’re going to leave your house for longer than a day or two. This can be pretty stressful for your pet cat who is used to seeing you at the end of the day, and suddenly realise that they’re all alone in a big house. More importantly, think of all the things that could go wrong while you’re away, and do you even know someone who you can completely trust to look after your favourite feline?