Everybody is taking road trips these days! Road trips are fun, and they can give you a lot of amazing memories. Do you want to try going on a road trip with your pets? It is easy and possible when done the right way. Here are some tips for a pet friendly road trip you can take. Pack the essentials This is one of the most essential tips for a pet-friendly road trip. Forgetting your pet’s food or sleeping bags can mean your pet goes without basics throughout the trip. Trying to buy these in tourist locations can prove very expensive. Do not forget to pack the following. Food packs Water bowls and freshwater Sleeping essentials Medicines Treats Leashes and collars Poop bags Toys Invest in a pet crate or a pet seat belt If your pet has not been trained to sit quietly for hours together in the car, then a pet crate will help. A big dog or cat walking front and back in the car can distract you while driving and cause accidents. Pet seat belts are also safer options to invest in. Don’t feed your pets before a long drive Plan to feed your pet at least 2-3 hours before the drive and not right before traveling.

Pet toxicity is a significant concern among pet owners. Often, the toxic effect results from certain food items that the pet is allergic to. At other times, your dog or cat might accidentally consume something toxic, like a plant, poison, garbage, etc. leading to more serious and damaging consequences. The symptoms of pet toxicity can range from minor illness to severe organ failure. As a pet owner, you must watch out for the signs of such toxicity and consult a vet without delay. So, here are some of these obvious signs of pet toxicity to look out for. Gastrointestinal signs These happen to be the most common symptoms of pet toxicity. These include loss of appetite and vomiting and are most often the result of your dog or cat eating lead paint, garbage, or toxic plants like English holly and English ivy. At times, the gastrointestinal symptoms can take the form of diarrhea, caused by poisons such as snake bites, chocolate, medications, and a few toxic plants, namely, iris, pokeweed, daphne, and chinaberry. You should not ignore even the slightest signs lest they become serious enough to cause discomfort and pain to your pet. Anemia and bleeding Loss of blood and lack of blood are both signs of pet toxicity that should not be ignored and reported immediately to the vet.

Fleas and ticks are a common issues for pets, especially dogs. They are most common during the spring and summertime when you take your pup out for a walk in the garden and around the bushes. These bloodsuckers are not just extremely irritating to the pet, but also cause even more harmful consequences, if not removed immediately and thoroughly. Thankfully, there are quite a few deterrents for fleas and ticks that you can consider using for your pet. Flea shampoo Flea shampoo is one of the safest and trusted items out there when it comes to the deterrents for fleas and ticks. These are medicated shampoos with ingredients that kill fleas by coming in contact with them. Bathing your dog with such a shampoo can be quite labor-intensive, but a must for thorough cleaning and protection of the animal during the peak flea season. Repeat the process at least twice every week as the effects of the ingredients won’t last long on their skin. Tick dips Ticks dips are quite commonly used deterrents for fleas and ticks. A dip is a concentrated chemical that is meant to be diluted with water and applied to the skin of your dog with a soft sponge.

Fleas and Ticks can be more of a nuisance than many other critters, as they are challenging to get rid of and can cause unpleasant side effects, like itching, rashes, and even spreading disease. The effects can be an annoyance not only to animals but also to their humans they share their home with. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of and keep fleas and ticks away, but these methods require dedication and time. Let us review some of these methods: 1. Topical flea treatments like Frontline Plus Topical treatments are applied between the shoulder blades of a dog, and they last anywhere from 30-90 days, depending on the brand, as well as where your pet lives (inside or outside) and how often they get a bath. More baths will decrease the length of effective treatment. Many pet owners prefer these topical treatments because they are easy to apply and do not have to be done often. Some dogs have had side effects from these topical treatments, including rashes, occasional seizures, and personality changes. 2. Flea baths These treatments consist of a monthly or bi-monthly bath in a flea- and tick-killing and repelling shampoo. These baths work well to get rid of fleas and ticks but are not the most effective prevention option.