Things to Keep In Mind before Flying with Your Dog

Our furry four legged companions often feel like part of the family for pet owners. As such it is often hard leaving them at home while the rest of the family goes on vacations or trips to another city or to a country setting. Flying with a pet is a possibility, but you are usually riddled with lots of preparation and must have a lot of patience. The friendly skies can quickly become an impediment due to expensive air fares, flight delays and crowded airports. These things can easily take their toll on a even the well-seasoned traveller, and they are only magnified in your pet, which is why most pet owners resolve to leave their pets at home to negate having to deal with these issues. However, seeing as much of the problem can be quickly resolved by adequate planning, we have listed a few things below that you might keep in mind to help make flying with your pet as effortless and comfortable as possible.

Know Your Options

It’s important to know that different airlines have different policies when it comes to travelling with your canine companion. Some airlines are open to pampering your pup in the first class cabin, while others won’t let them into the airplane at all. Aside from limited space, some airlines try to avoid having any liability issues that might arise from allowing your dog onboard. Moreover, while certain airlines are open to carrying pets, they still have certain restrictions against flying certain breeds, such as those breeds with smaller airway passages which can cause breathing problems when flying at high altitudes.

Prepare Your Dog In Advance for Flying

If this will be your dog’s first time flying in an airline cabin or in cargo, it is important to prepare them weeks in advance in order to have a smooth and comfortable flight. The first thing you should do is to crate train your dog. Once you have purchased an appropriate travel crate, ensure that they can stand, move around and sleep in it comfortably. Make sure that your dog is comfortable being alone in the crate, which might possibly be tucked underneath the seat. Train your dog well in advance to be comfortable being alone in the crate for a few hours. Airports tend to be crowded and airplanes tend to be noisy, and that can be a scary experience for your pet. To make the experience easier, you can try to desensitize your dog to loud noises in advance from your own house by playing loud noises of crowded airports or flights taking off.

Monitor Their Water and Food Intake

Some people avoid eating a few hours before their flight in order to avoid an upset stomach while flying. The same principle could apply to your pet companion. Dogs are resilient and can effortlessly handle not eating or drinking for a few hours. This however doesn’t mean that your dog should be dehydrated. Give your pup some just a little bit of water before and during the flight. Be careful about feeding any food to your dog. Should they decide to eat it, their nerves could get the better part of them and they could leave a not so clean cabin or cargo area. Even more serious, they could choke on the food and this could easily go unnoticed for the entire flight.

Take a Walk

On the day of the flight its important to walk your dog or engage them is some playtime so that they are tired and more likely sleep throughout the flight. This little exercise also boosts their circulation, negating the effects of laying down for long hours on a flight.

This article was written by the team at Hair Clippers Club

One reason that mixed doggies were developed was to save people from having to choose one dog breed over the others. But if you’re having a hard time choosing between a Husky and another pooch, check out our top 5 Husky mixes that have the best looks.

What Kinds of Dogs Are These?

Basically, these Husky mixes are the results of the crossing of a purebred Siberian Husky another purebred dog breed. The most common purpose of such mating is to combine the best features of the two parent dogs and therefore create an even cuter offspring.

What we’re going to show here are the most popular Husky-mixes. These mixed puppies are not actually recognized by the AKC due to their hybrid status, so the information available about them is limited.

No one can predict exactly what these mixed pups are going to look like when they grow up, for each can take after mom or dad, or a harmonious combination of both.

Here below are our picks of the Top 5 Husky Mixes that have the best looks!

Top 5 Husky Mixes That Have The Best Looks

#5. Labsky (Labrador + Husky)

They are also called Huskador, Husky-Lab, and Siberian Retriever. And you shouldn’t be confused with the Labrador Husky which is a distinct, specific dog breed. The Labsky makes for an excellent family dog due to their reputation for being patient, well-behaved, yet very vigorous.

Most Labskies have pointy or droopy ears, long legs, a long tail, and hypnotizing eyes. Some will inherit the Labrador’s warm chocolate eyes, while others have their Husky parent’s alluring blue eyes. Rarer still, you’ll see a Labsky with mismatched eyes.

Here are the Labsky’s average measurements:

— Height: 25 inches when fully grown
— Weight: 40-60 pounds
— Average lifespan: 10-13 years

#4. Goldusky (Golden Retriever + Husky)

Also called the Goberian, this is one of the most intelligent and loving crossbreed dogs you’ll ever know! The dog has the Golden’s loyal, eager-to-please nature and the Husky’s playful, mischievous temperament.

Here’re the Goldusky’s average measurements:

— Height: 20-24 inches
— Weight: 35-80 pounds
— Average lifespan: 10-15 years

Note that even though the Goldusky is a relatively large dog, their longevity is just as long as that of their smaller cousins.

If you fall in love with the Husky’s alluring eyes, then you’ll be drowning in those of the Goldusky too! These puppies often inherit their Husky parent’s pretty blue eyes.

#3. Corsky (Corgi + Husky)

Other names for this energetic cross are Corgski, Husgi, Horgi, or Siborgi. These mixed puppies have the trademark short legs, sturdy body, and erect ears. They are basically short-legged Huskies, but with double the energy and affection.

Here’re the Corsky’s estimated measurements:

— Height: 13-15 inches
— Weight: 25-50 pounds
— Average lifespan: 12-15 years

#2. Pomsky (Pomeranian + Husky)

Due to the difference in size between these two breeds — and in case the Pomsky pups end up inheriting the Husky’s bigger size — they will usually have a Siberian Husky dam and a Pomeranian sire. Overall, a Pomsky is a talkative fluff-ball, so you would never get bored with a Pomsky bouncing around.

Specific measurements of the Pomeranian Husky mix are:

— Height: 10-15 inches
— Weight: 20-30 pounds
— Average lifespan: 12-15 years.

#1. Chusky (Chow Chow + Husky)

Also called the Husky-Chow, this is a calm, dignified, and affectionate hybrid. People not only love them because of their lenient temperament, but also for their adorable appearance.

Chuskies actually have a lean body, a pair of erect or floppy ears, a curled tail, and long, strong legs. But these features are all covered under the softest, fluffiest coat, making up the stout and chubby appearance.

Here’re the Chusky’s measurements:

— Height: 18-23 inches
— Weight: 40-65 pounds
— Average lifespan: 10-13 years

Conclusion

These Top 5 Husky Mixes are living proofs regarding no matter what a Husky Siberian’s mate is. And their mixed offspring will wind up with only the best of appearances.
So, found your future housemate in one of these Husky crosses yet?

(Featured Image Photo Credit: Mike Reilly Via: https://flic.kr/p/bAR6FU)

By Ruby Smith @ PetSoFun.com

Do you often get caught in the dilemma of whether you ought to walk your pooch with a dog harness or with a collar? This question is crucial, and every dog owner should keep in mind the comfort, convenience, and safety of their dogs when seeking its answer.

I know that resisting limitless designs and colors of personalized collars is not easy. However, I always recommend a dog harness over a collar because it offers the best interests for your dog.

To choose between a dog harness and a collar, the right decision should not be based on style. Collars may provide an effective means of holding your dog’s registration and name tag for identification, but they might not be reliable at all times.

The majority of experienced dog owners, myself included, would recommend a dog harness over a collar for your daily dog walk.

Why so? Read on to find out.

1. A Dog Harness Offers Better Control

As you probably already know, not all dogs remain calm when on a retractable dog leash. Some are very hyperactive. A dog might be tempted to lunge toward other canines as you walk on the sidewalk, to dive after birds, or even make an effort to charge at your neighbor’s cat. It means your dog is having fun, and that is perfectly okay until such hyperactivity puts her in trouble.

With a dog harness, you get better control over your active dog as you hold the leash. As opposed to a collar which only steers the dog by pulling her neck, a harness gives you total control over her whole body (1).

Mainly, a big hyperactive dog is controlled with ease when on a dog harness. I love to use the harness on my rambunctious dog when taking a walk especially through busy locations where she is notoriously active.

2. A Dog Harness Minimizes Neck Strain

If your canine is fond of pulling, she is exposed to more significant injury if she is walking on a collar. By pulling, there is a considerable strain on her neck which could result in severe damage. Often, the injury sustained from collars on dog necks in not obvious or sudden, but rather a gradual deterioration which leads to severe injury.

When your dog is excited, she will keep pulling to achieve the moment’s satisfaction without realizing the actual hurt on her body. However, over time, your dog might exhibit subtle signs of discomfort which indicate a severe injury.

Is your dog small in size? If it a Miniature Pinscher or Chihuahua, for instance, it is at a higher risk of neck injuries if she has a collar around her neck. Small dogs have incredibly delicate neck bones.

Therefore, a single sharp pull on her leash could result in severe pain. A harness is essential as it distributes the strain over a large body area to protect your dog from possible injury (2).

3. A Dog Harness Discourages Pulling

The whole point of having a retractable dog leash on your dog is to be in control over the direction of movement. You are responsible for walking the dog, and not the dog walking you. Your dog could pull on the leash incessantly thereby making a walk down the sidewalk feel like an intense workout involving your upper body. If your dog successfully pulls you and you obligingly follow, then you’d have sent the message to your dog that pulling is a way of determining the direction you take during your walk.

With a collar, all you may seem to do is keep up the pace with a forward progressing canine. However, the dog harness discourages your dog from pulling and having her way during your walk. A dog harness effectively redirects your dog’s momentum. When the dog pulls, the harness automatically hauls her in the opposite direction. As a result, your dog stays safer under your direction of movement.

4. A Dog Harness Minimizes the Risk of Escape from Leash Restriction

Collars have the general rule of the ability to fit two fingers between your dog’s body and the collar material. Such space ensures that the collar is not too tight. It also minimizes injury on your dog.

However, if you have a determined canine, she will take advantage of such a comfortable collar. How? Well, you could be slightly distracted, and your dog will easily maneuver her head up the collar and sprint away. If your dog has a small but thick head or if she is wiggly, the chances are that she can artistically escape from her leash as you walk. The physical danger of a stray, leash-free dog is imminent.

On the other hand, a dog harness covers and securely fits your dog’s body in place. A harness goes around the dog’s chest, front legs, and the shoulders. Subsequently, your dog cannot escape artistically (3).

5. A Dog Harness Discourages Ocular Proptosis

Ocular proptosis is a condition where a dog protrudes her eyeballs out of the eye sockets. The disease can be diagnosed with ease: the dog’s eyes appear to bulge out of the head and extend beyond the eyelids. Blunt head trauma typically causes ocular proptosis. However, in some breeds of dogs, the condition is triggered by neck strain (4).

Collars are associated with more neck strain. Use a dog harness to avoid possible ocular proptosis complications and pain.

6. A Dog Harness Discourages Respiratory Complications

Any neck strain on your dog can be painful. However, did you know that such tension could worsen your dog’s respiratory problems?

Excessive pressure on the neck means that the windpipe is squeezed. This makes it difficult for your dog to breathe. Such dogs are bound to experience coughing fits whenever they are led on a walk on a leash.

Tracheal collapse may be worsened, especially in small breeds. The collar could trigger the malformation or weakening of the cartilage making up the trachea. A dog harness serves to minimize the pressure exerted on their high-sensitivity necks during walks.

A Dog Harness Should Be Used Only to Walk Your Dog

Even with the above strengths of the dog harness over the collar, the harness should be used when walking your dog, and not every other time when you wish to restrict your dog. Unless you are taking your dog for a walk, avoid having the harness to minimize possible skin irritation around and under the armpits and chest.

Having the harness on at home could raise chances of tracheal collapse due to more extended periods of harness use.

Also, the harness should be taken off when your dog goes to bed. This will minimize chances of your dog getting chocked. The harness could thus be both uncomfortable and hazardous.

Lastly, the harness should be avoided at home to minimize the possibility of skin infection on your dog. The harness becomes wet when left on your dog for a long time, and this could promote disease (5).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a dog harness is a safer and more convenient option over a collar. When both are fitted to a retractable dog leash, the dog harness discourages respiratory complications, discourages ocular proptosis, minimizes the risk of escape from leash restriction, discourages pulling, minimizes neck strain, and offers better control.

Get a dog harness which fits your dog size, training level, and personality and keeps your dog safe and comfortable while on your walk.

Author Bio: Ruby Smith is the proud owner of Pet So Fun. She is also responsible for the abundant content creation on the website. She knows that there are millions of pet owners looking for the right kind of information online. And this is where her expertise lies. Smith writes about pet care health and fitness along with the best pet product recommendations. There is nothing on her blog that doesn’t encourage others to create a healthy and friendly environment for their pets. Visit the PetSoFun website, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

By Jenny Nolan, CleanerPaws.com

We’re all familiar with it. Whether you’re a dog owner yourself or simply grew up around dogs at one time or another you will have experienced the brute force of wet dog smell.

There is just something about the scent that a wet dog gives off that manages to polarize dog lovers. Of course, there’s nothing your lovable pooch can do about the smell they give off when wet, but are there steps you can be taking to prevent the smell from offending your sense of smell?

In this article we intend to look at exactly what causes wet dog smell and how you can combat it once and for all.

What causes wet dog smell?

You may or may not have noticed that “wet dog smell” is more prevalent in certain breeds of dogs. This is because it is caused by the oils contained in their coats. This means breeds who have oilier coats than other types of dog, such as the hound family, give off more of a smell when soaking wet.

The actual oil causing the stink is sebum, which actually protects a dog’s skin from dehydration. However, when this oil comes into contact with water, such as after a bath or when your pup gets caught in the rain, it creates a bacteria that causes the unpleasant odor.

How to prevent It?

OK, so now you have some insight into the science that causes wet dog smell, and now it’s time to see how you can go about preventing this odor in the first place.

When it comes to tackling wet dog smell then you need to start by drying your dog properly, either after they have got wet on a long walk or after you have bathed them.

This may sound straightforward enough but there are actually a number of steps to carry out in order to dry your pup effectively.

First, start by hand drying your pet from head to paw. Use enough pressure to dry up as much moisture from your dog’s coat as possible. Your dog may not enjoy being rubbed in this way, but if possible keep them still for as long as possible and reward them afterward with their favorite treat.

Once you feel like you have dried your dog’s coat as much as you can by hand, it is time to use a dog hair dryer to finish the job. Drying your dog’s coat with a hair dryer will allow you to use cool air to completely remove any excess moisture from your pet’s fur. As laid out above, this will prevent the oils in your dog’s coat from producing the bacteria that gives off that unpleasant smell when wet, so carrying out this step is hugely important.

Last but not least, it is time to brush your dog. This can actually be carried out while you’re drying your pet and will leave your dog’s coat in the best health possible. Focus on damp areas of your dog to effectively fluff them up, leaving your dog looking and smelling great. (This stage of the grooming process is also a great time to clip your dog’s nails… go here to check out the best dog nail clippers reviews.)

So there you have a real quick guide on what causes wet dog smell and how to prevent it. Just remember your pet isn’t to blame that they give off an unpleasant odor when wet, so show patience when grooming them and you will reap the rewards.