ePetDrugs Blog

By Jodi Webb

Farmers Insurance Group will be offering insurance for when your furry friend is injured or killed during an auto accident or theft. Considering 29 million Americans take their pets on vacation—76 % traveling by car– this seems like a good idea.

But the best time to deal with a car accident is before it happens. Since that state cop first took us out on the driving portion of our license test we’ve been hearing the same old song, “Avoid distractions while driving.” Loud music, cell phones, eating…how about a tail wagging in your face? Either they’re so excited they’re bounding from seat to seat, sticking their head out the window, and blocking your vision or they’re announcing their distress by moaning, vomiting, or attempting to sit on what they’ve determined to be the only safe spot in the car—the top of your head. So before you hit the road with your pets minimize distractions by keeping them in one spot. There are plenty of car restraints and seats available so your pet can enjoy the ride and not become a flying projectile if you stop suddenly. After all, you buckle up—shouldn’t your pets too?

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By Jodi Webb

My family eagerly waved goodbye to a week-long heat wave that included 90 degree days–especially our dog Maggie, a seven year old animal shelter special. Maggie’s been lying around but mostly she’s been in a house with air conditioning or fans. Could it still be the heat?

Turns out dogs don’t have to be in a parked car to suffer from the heat–it can even happen in your AC if they conditions are right (or wrong). Several things can combine with the heat to cause problems–being overweight or short nosed, exercise, excitement, or even sudden temperature changes (dogs don’t have a chance to acclimate to warmer weather). Don’t judge a dog’s comfort by yours–they have fur, less effective sweat glands, and can’t pour themselves a cool drink when they’re thirsty. Watch for lethargy, weakness, loss of balance, excessive panting, roaring breathing sounds, excessive salivation, decrease in mental awareness.

Avoid heat exhaustion by taking early morning walks, avoiding excessive exercise like chasing a ball, frequently replacing their water, adding a few ice cubes to their water, giving them a kiddie pool or even a damp towel to lie on, and keeping them in a cool environment whenever possible. Another great treat for your dog in hot weather is watermelon!

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By Sherril Steele-Carlin

Let’s face it. For many of us, our pets are our babies. So why not take a stroll with them in a pet stroller. Pet strollers are a great, safe way to take your pet for a walk, especially on busy city streets. Your pet can enjoy the view from the safety of a stroller, and you can be assured your pet will get fresh air and a new outlook, while you get in a little exercise, too.

Pet strollers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you are sure to find one that fits your pet (or pets) perfectly. Small pets often get tired of walking longer distances, so your pet stroller is a great alternative if you want your dog to get just the right amount of exercise, but you haven’t stretched your legs enough yet. Take along a pet stroller, so when your dog gets tired, you can continue your walk with ease.

If walking isn’t your thing, you can find pet strollers for joggers, too. Just place your pet inside, and you can take off for a long run that includes the company of your favorite dog or cat. Pet strollers come in large enough sizes to hold bigger dogs, or two dogs, too, so size isn’t a worry when you shop for the perfect pet strollers for your pet family.

What should you look for in pet strollers? Well, the stroller should be lightweight enough for you to push easily, but it should be heavy duty enough to control your pet safely. Many pet strollers come with shock absorbers, and this is very important. If your pet isn’t comfortable in the stroller, they won’t enjoy the ride, and they may not want to continue your daily walks, so looking for your pet’s comfort is important when you buy a pet stroller. Make sure your stroller has a safety harness to keep your pet safely inside, too.

You should look for a waterproof, washable pad for the interior, and holders for food and water if you want to take longer walks. You should look for locking wheels, in case you have to make a stop on hilly terrain, and look for strollers that are easy to steer, most of them have a front center swivel wheel that helps steer in any situation. Look for storage areas on the outside of the stroller, too, so you can carry water, pet snacks, and anything else you’ll need on your journey.

Pet strollers are a great way to get outside with your pet and enjoy the great outdoors. From city streets to backcountry hikes, there are pet strollers that will fit your needs and give you hours of active enjoyment with your favorite pets!

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By Sherril Steele-Carlin

Families today own more pets than ever before in our nation’s history, and those pets occupy very special places in our hearts and homes. They are an important part of many families, and that is why losing a beloved pet is now an occasion for mourning and loving memorials.

Last year, I lost my favorite cat, Sagebrush. Only 18 months old, he suffered from a heart condition. To remember this very special kitty, we buried him with his favorite toy in our backyard, and planted a sagebrush bush over his grave.

The pain of losing him is very real, but remembering him is a special way to celebrate his life. I think this is why so many people now memorialize their pets, because they hold such particular places in our lives. They love us unconditionally, without judgment or betrayal, and are always constant with their affection. Remembering them shows just how much they mean to us, and how much we miss them.

Memorials can take many forms, from cremation to a special photo of your favorite pet. Many vets now offer cremation services so you can keep your pet’s memory alive, and many cremation services offer mementos like paw prints that add another element to your pet memorial. There are also pet cemeteries in many areas, where your pet can have a permanent resting place that you can visit whenever you would like.

Some Ideas for Memorials

· Hold a memorial service in your backyard for your pet.

· Donate to a veterinary school or animal shelter in your pet’s name.

· Remember your pet forever by planting a tree, bush, or favorite flower in your yard in memory of your pet.

· Keep or frame a special toy or collar of your favorite pet.

· Volunteer at a shelter or rescue organization in memory of your pet.

· Participate in online pet memorials or chats to discuss your memories and your grief.

· Create a scrapbook about your pet’s life.

· Keep an urn with your pet’s ashes in your home.

It is never easy to lose a loving pet. However, you choose to remember your pet, make sure you follow your state or county’s regulations regarding burial. Many states do not allow pet burial in your yard, but a nearby pet cemetery is a great alternative.

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