Tahoe Outdoors

Deployment or extended training sessions are common place as a member of the armed forces. Sometimes this can be a planned occurrence while other times it can come at completely unexpected times. Some deployments last only a few weeks for training while others can last over a year for overseas deployment. Regardless of the length of the stay, arrangements must be made for the service member’s pets. Sometimes arrangements can not be made in time and these poor pets end up in shelters as their owners’ prepare to travel abroad to serve our country. This unfortunate reality can be changed if military members make arrangements ahead of time to ensure there pets will have a place to go in case of an unexpected deployment.

The first step in securing care is searching for a caregiver. If the service-person in question knows a dog-loving friend or family member that can often be the perfect situation. If the travel time is short the owner might even be able to convince a friend or family member to stay at their home while they are away. This is ideal because the dog will do better when kept as close to his current routine and surroundings as possible. Of course if the deployment period is unknown or lengthy, the friend or family member will have to take Fido into their own home. Make sure that the potential caretaker is aware of the uncertainty of the timing and that the situation could be long-term.

If friends and family are not an option there are resources that can help. The Web-based organization Military Pets Foster Project at www.netpets.org is a worldwide network of volunteers who provide foster homes for deployed service member’s pets. A similar group Operation Noble Foster at www.operationnoblefoster.org finds temporary homes for cats of service members. Another option is your local Humane Society as they often have foster care programs for a variety of situations.

Once you have decided on a caretaker all appropriate details should be discussed and put on paper in some form of a contract. While these might seem too formal and unnecessary it can protect your rights as the pet’s owner and spell out all of the important financial details regarding future care thus protecting the foster family. All of this should be worked out in advance to avoid last minute scrambling. The contract is three-fold and outlines your rights and responsibilities, the foster home’s responsibilities and pertinent information about the pet in question.

The first section should provide proof that the service member is the rightful owner of the pet and that the pet will be returned upon completion of the deployment. It should also outline that as the rightful owner the service member is liable for any damage or harm caused to property or persons. While it may seem unthinkable in the case of a long deployment the foster family might grow attached to the dog or cat and want to keep it. It is best to put ownership in writing to avoid any possible disputes. This section of the contract should also outline what costs the service member is responsible for. Any monies needed to provide food, toys or Veterinary care should be agreed upon and put into writing.

The next section should cover the responsibilities of the foster home. The length of the deployment should be included along with any specific care requirements as decided upon by both parties. Will the dog be kept inside? Will he be taken to the Veterinarian promptly? All of these details should be in writing to ensure that the foster family is aware of the type of care expected. They should know what they are responsible for and be aware of the time and commitment level involved.

The third section of the contract should contain specific information about the dog or cat in question. Basic information such as breed, age, weight and temperament should be provided. In addition there should be a detailed food schedule containing feeding time, food brand and food amounts. Any medications the pet is taking should be included with dosage, drug name and frequency indicated. Emergency contacts, Veterinary contact information and other valuable care instructions should also be included.

Always remember that a good contract will protect the relationship between both parties in the long-term. If all of the details are included and planned in advance of deployment; the process will go much smoother than if planned at the last minute. Careful planning and attention to detail will also help to prevent the senseless loss of military member pets crowding local shelters and ensure that the soldier has a loving pet to return home to.

Article sent in by discount-pet-mall a site with pet gates, bark collars and shock collars.

In a culture gone gaga over dogs some dog owners are convinced that their dog has extra sensory perception or can sniff out good and bad people. Some dog owners will even make relationship choices based on their dog’s assessment of an individual. Some dog owners have gone so far as to discontinue dating a potential partner because their dogs did not take to them well upon their initial meeting. While this may sound ridiculous, dogs do have a trained sense of perception when it comes to human behavior and moods so they can make assessments and react to the moods of the people around them.

While they might not be able to tell if a person is good or bad, they can sense a person who has a lack of dog experience or who is simply not comfortable around dogs in general. This does not mean that the person is essentially bad; it just means that the dog can pick up on their discomfort or unease and react accordingly. On the flip side there are plenty of people who do bad things, but are comfortable with dogs so the dog might indicate through his reaction to the person that he likes the person. People may interpret that person as a good person because their dog likes them. If a potential partner has no dog experience go easy on him and slowly introduce them to your pooches while providing rewards to the dog. Eventually they will get along famously. If your potential partner simply does not like dogs it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person; it simply means they are not the right partner for you the dog lover.

Other than sussing out potential partners, dogs can have a variety of uses in sensing things about people. Dogs have an uncanny ability in working with epileptic individuals and can sense an impending seizure. It was discovered in the 1980s that dogs can sense an upcoming seizure and since then various groups have engaged in vigorous training of dogs for placement with epileptic patients. Dogs can be trained to bark when a seizure comes on, lie beside the person having a seizure to help prevent injury or even activate alarm systems for help in the case of a seizure. Some theorize that dogs can detect the subtle changes in behavior, pulse or heartbeat in epileptic patients, thus raising the alarm that a seizure is on the way. While more research is required many patients report that their dog has helped tremendously in their treatment and care.

Dogs have also been known to sense cancer in humans. This has more to do with biochemical changes in a persons body odor or breath than it does with a persons behavioral clues; however, dogs have been proven to detect cancer in humans with minimal training. Studies have shown particularly high success rates in dogs detecting breast and lung cancers; in fact detection rates were around 95% in some studies. Dogs are able to detect the smell associated with metabolic waste products associated with cancerous cells easily and can even detect them in the early stages of the disease. Researchers continue to work with dogs and current projects include training dogs to sniff out certain cancers in urine samples.

This keen sense of perception among dogs is what makes them such popular pets. While they are useful in medical aspects and therapy and assistance work, their primary purpose is human companionship. Dogs love their people regardless of the size of their bank account or the reading on the scale and people reward them for doing so. Dogs spend so much time with their people that it is no wonder they can sense when we have had a bad day or if we need extra love and care.

Article submitted by pet super store carrying - dog training collars, hidden fences and dog crate pads.

Getting your pet in shape the safe way

As summer begins to wane, the cool air is becoming more inviting to go on a nice evening walk or jog.  You have decided that it’s time for you to get off your couch and get in shape.  Have you thought about taking your couch potato pooch along, too?  Exercising can be much more fun when you share the experience with someone else.  So, as you lace up your walking shoes, keep these pet conditioning tips in mind.

If you know you are in good health, then you may not need to visit your doctor.  But, if your pet isn’t one to exercise all the time, then a trip to the veterinarian is probably in order.  You veterinarian can make sure your pooch is physically ready to start an exercise program.  A checkup visit is never a bad idea, since your vet can identify and address any other problems or concerns.

Once your vet gives the go ahead, the pull out your favorite pair of tennis shoes.  It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to run a marathon your first day exercising, so don’t expect your pooch to, either.  If anything affects you, remember that it could be affecting your dog.  That includes muscle and joint pain, soreness, heat exhaustion, thirst, basically anything that’s a result of exercise.  So, take extra precautions when it comes to exercising.  Start slow, so you and your dog can get conditioned together.

Before you hit the road, there are additional things to consider.  First, your pooch can be a victim of dehydration or heat stroke fairly quickly.  Plus, a hot pavement can burn his paws.  For these reasons, you should neither exercise during the hottest part of the day, nor overdo it.  Second, you probably don’t eat a three-course meal right before a jog, so don’t feed your dog right before your exercise.  Move his meals around to where he isn’t exercising full or empty.  Third, always make sure you and your pooch have access to water.  You don’t necessarily have to take it with you, but it should be readily available when you return home.

It’s a good idea to establish a routine from the beginning.  Even though it’s okay to change things up, having an exercise schedule can help you get motivated, while giving your pet something to look forward to.  If you are “exercise rusty,” then start with a twenty to thirty minute walk three times a week.  During this time, keep your dog on a leash, and teach him the basics of street etiquette.  He’ll need to learn commands to keep him out of trouble, including when to cross the street and what to do if a car heads your way.

You can increase your walk to more times each week.  Many breeds (and owners) are fine with daily walks and do not necessarily need to run.  However, if you would like to start jogging, then treat it like walking:  start slow, and gradually increase frequency and duration.  If you are not up for a more intense routine but your pet needs one, then come up with ways for him to get additional exercise.  You could ride a bike or roller skate while he runs beside you.  Or, consider inviting other pooches over for a play date.  A few games of fetch will have them worn out in no time!
Whether you are walking, running, or playing, it is important that you pay attention to how your pet feels.  An “exercise rusty” pooch may experience paw pad problems.  So, you should check the bottom of his feet daily.  Look for blisters or cuts.  If he seems to be in pain (whether it’s from his paws, joints, etc.), then slow it down or interrupt the routine for a couple of days.  If your pet is not recovering, then take him back to the veterinarian for a checkup.

As the weather begins to cool, a daily walk can be hard to resist.  Instead of going on a walk alone, why not take your pooch?  He needs exercise, too!  But before you hit the road, get the veterinarian to okay your exercise plan, ruling out any possible health problems.  Start a routine, but take it easy.  It may take a few weeks for the both of you to exercise without experiencing exhaustion.

This article was provided by pet super store an online pet site featuring dog crates, pet doors and orthopedic pet beds.

Are you sick of walking outside your back door and stepping into a pile of poop? Have your dogs turned your beautifully sodded lawn into a race track? Is it impossible to enjoy your patio set without your dog begging at your feet? Maybe it’s time you separated your dog’s backyard space from your own backyard space. It’s time to build a dog run.

Step 1: Decide which part of the yard you’d like to designate as “dogs only.” Consider the view from inside your home. (You don’t want to look out your backyard to see Fido lifting his leg at every turn.)  You also want to consider what gardens you already have in existence. (You probably don’t want to close your pup in with your veggies…)

Step 2: Decide on the style of fence that will complement your home. There are many options available; picket fences, vinyl fences, chain link, wrought iron,

Step 3: Determine the height of fence that you will need. It would be extremely frustrating to spend time and money building a run only to watch your retriever bound over the fence with little effort. Also determine where the gate(s) that allow access to the dog run will be located.

Step 4: Measure out the distance of fencing and purchase the materials you will need. Aside from the fencing and fence posts, you will need a fence post digger, cement, spray paint, level, leveling string, and hardware for the gates.

Step 5: Determine where the fence posts will be located and spray paint their location onto the ground. Use the leveling string between posts to ensure that you have created straight lines.

Step 6: Start digging! The depth of the holes should be between ¼ and 1/3 of the height of the fence posts. Pour the cement mixture into the holes, insert the posts and use the level to ensure they are upright and straight. This is a good time to take a break as the cement needs about a day to dry with the fence posts in it.

Step 7: The next day will be like connecting the dots. You will connect the posts with the fence lengths, attaching the lengths to the posts with the hardware that is appropriate for the fence style you chose.

Step 8: Install the gates in the desired locations, using the hardware purchased.
Your dog run is ready to be tested! The only other thing you might want to consider is the surface of the ground inside the dog run. You want something that will be easy to maintain, soft on the dog’s feet, but also easy to shovel poop off of!

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com which is an online pet shop that carriers the pet industries leading manufactures: PetSafe, Innotek & Dogtra

If you are new to the pet-owning arena, then you may be trying to figure out exactly what kind of animal you want to take home.  The possibilities seem endless, since you can choose from fish, to birds, to reptiles, to cats and dogs.  For the purpose of this article, the dog versus cat dilemma will be examined.  There are a thousand in-depth reasons for choosing one over the other; but for the sake of your sanity (and mine), let’s stick to a few of the main, more obvious things to consider:  time, family, housing, and well, “other.”

Time:  Pets can take up lots of time but some require more than others.  No matter what type of animal you bring into your home, you need to be able to provide enough of your time to feed, groom, and exercise or play with the pet.  If you don’t have much extra time, then a puppy may not be a good idea.  Like small children, puppies require lots of attention and training.  However, an adult dog that is already trained will not be as demanding as a puppy.  Cats, on the other hand, are more independent than dogs.  You will still need to play with your cat, but you will not necessarily have to take her for a daily walk.

Family:  If you have other members in your household, then take them into consideration.  Small children will have to be monitored when they are around the pet, so this could make a difference in what type of animal you want (a small animal may be more easily injured than a larger one).  An older family member may enjoy the soothing therapy of petting a cat, while not liking a rambunctious dog.  Also, if you will have help caring for the animal, then consider the limits.  Your child may be able to feed a cat, but may not be able to exercise with a dog.

Housing:  Where you live can have a lot to do with what type of animal you choose.  If you live in an apartment, then your choices may be somewhat limited.  Don’t get me wrong, a dog can easily live in an apartment, but you will have to carefully select which breed you want in the small space.  You must also consider how the pet will act when you are away from home.  Since neighbors are in such a close proximity, they may not tolerate a yapping pooch.  But, cats are not always ideal in a small space, either.  If not cleaned at least once each day (sometimes multiple times depending on the cat), the litter box can release foul odors that spread through the apartment.

In addition to your living space, you must think about where the pet will live.  If you want the pet to stay outdoors, then you still must provide it with housing.  Cats and dogs can both reside outdoors, so that may not be a problem.  However, will you be able to handle a dog digging underneath the fence or a cat destroying your garden?  There are additional precautions you must take when you keep pets outdoors.

Other:  There are a number of other things you must consider when it comes to a pet.  Perhaps you, or a family member, are allergic to pet dander.  Sometimes, a person can experience an allergic reaction around a cat but not have a reaction around a dog.  There are also “hypoallergenic” pets that cause little or no reaction in allergic humans; you can find hypoallergenic cats and dogs.  If you have a child in the home who is allergy sensitive, then this may also affect your decision.  Until recently pets have been thought to cause allergies in young children; now, studies are showing that animals in the home can actually prevent asthma.

If you want a pet for security or for social reasons (i.e. alerting you when someone arrives or going to the dog park), then a loud cat probably won’t be your best choice.  But, if you are looking for an animal that will enjoy your company without being entirely dependent upon you, a puppy may not fit that mold.  There are tons of reasons why you would want a cat over a dog and vice versa, so try to think things through.

So, maybe this article didn’t make the cat versus dog decision for you, but hopefully it helped put a few factors into perspective.  Deciding what type of pet to get involves more than just money; you have to take time, family, housing, and other matters into consideration.  Cats and dogs are both great pets to have; it’s up to you to decide which best fits your lifestyle.

This article was provided by pet-super-store an online pet shop featuring aluminum dog crates, dog doors and dog carriers.

If you have been working on obedience training with your pooch, you have probably been pretty amazed with your results.  Dogs are just fast, competent learners!  Sometimes, though, you may have a problem with getting your dog’s attention.  Sure, he’ll sit and rollover; that is, once you yell his name a dozen times.  Establishing eye contact with your pooch can be a huge help in training; it can also keep him safe if a dangerous situation arises.  Here are a few tips for training your pet to look at you.

If you take your pet to a public place (even if it’s just a walk through your neighborhood), then it’s extremely important that you have control over your dog.  Yes, a leash can help, but dogs do not always react to leashes the ways we would like for them to.  Establishing eye contact with your dog not only gets his attention, but it also gets him ready for whatever you need him to do.  In essence, it gives you control.  This can be especially important when the dog across the street is tempting your pooch.  As your dog ages, he may lose his acute sense of hearing.  Having eye contact training already established can help you with a deaf pet.

So, now that you know a few benefits of eye contact training, it is time to get started.  Before you gather the supplies, think about what verbal command you want to relate with eye contact.  If you want, you can simply use your pet’s name to get his attention.  This is not always ideal, though, because there are cases where you do not want your pet to look at you every time you say his name.  So, come up with your own command.  “Watch me” or “look here” are always good options.  Now, it is time to move onto the training.  As with all training, you’ll need a pocketful of treats.  If you use a clicker for training, then you should go ahead and grab that, too.  Take your pet to a quiet room in your home with no distractions, so that he can focus on you.

The methods of teaching eye contact are numerous.  This is just one way, but there are many others.  If you want to modify this training to fit your pet, then feel free to do so.  Some people recommend having your pet on a leash that is tied around your waist; that way, if your pet is easily distracted, there are not too many directions he can look.

Have your pet sit in front of you.  Pull a treat from your pocket, but be careful not to show it to your pooch yet.  Say your chosen command as you display the treat out of your pet’s reach.  He will probably be hypnotized by the treat in your hand, staring hard.  But, most pooches will look to their owners when it comes to something they want.  Keep the treat in your hand until he looks up to you.  The moment he looks up to you, praise him with a “good” or any other verbal praise, and let him have the treat.  If you use a clicker to train, the click the clicker the instant he looks to you and give him the treat.  Repeat this a handful of times.  If your pet refuses to give you a glance, then you may have to move the treat towards your face.  Let’s your dog’s eyes follow as you put the treat nearly level with your eyes.  Repeat this several times, but then move the treat away from your face.

As your pet begins to make eye contact, you should begin to add your own distractions.  With the treat in hand, move your hand away from your body.  Your dog will look at the treat and then you.  Give the command.  Once again, when he looks at you give him the reward.  Eventually, he will learn that looking at you, instead of looking at the treat, gets him the treat.  Then, move the training into an area where there are other distractions and continue the routine.

Getting your pooch’s attention is necessary for a number of reasons.  Training him to look at you is not a tough instruction, but it should be tailored to fit your pet.  For instance, if you are clicker training, then use the clicker; if your pooch likes to be pet instead of getting a treat, then give him a good rub.  Once your pet understands what you want from him, then practice the training outdoors.

This article was provided by pet-super-store an online pet shop featuring pet carriers, dog houses and dog gates.

Pets are our family members. Plain and simple. We nurture them, watch them grow, take pride in their accomplishments and revel in their companionship. For these reasons, and so many more, the loss of a pet can be a devastating and traumatic experience.

Step 1: One of the most difficult aspects of grieving for a pet is dealing with the lack of understanding that you might receive from others. Many non-pet owners simply don’t acknowledge the bond we experience with our pets and have a hard time accepting that we feel we’ve lost a member of the family. Be prepared for insensitive comments such as, “It was only a dog!” and even prepare a standard response to people who are hurtful in your time of loss. You might try something like, “Scooter was a beloved part of my family and I would appreciate your support while I grieve for him.”

Step 2: Accept the stages of grief as they come. Most likely you will experience regular stages of grief: denial, bargaining, anger, depression and acceptance. They may not come in that order and they may overlap each other, but just be prepared to experience them.

Step 3: Find a friend to talk to who has been through the loss of a pet. Sometimes, only those who have been through it can truly offer us comfort.

Step 4: Do something with your grief. It’s not enough to talk with friends. You can create a memorial in your home with your pet’s favorite photo, his paw print, and a few special written memories. You can plant a tree in your garden and place a stone with your pet’s name in front of it. You can volunteer at an animal shelter or make a charitable donation to one. If you’re creative, create a scrapbook or decorate a picture frame.

Step 5: Continue the activity that you shared with your pet. It might be hard at first, but if you hiked a special trail with your animal, continue to do so.

Step 6: Allow yourself time to mourn. Everybody grieves differently and there is no unique timeline for your grief.

Many pet owners wonder when it is appropriate to get another pet. Again, there is no magic timeline; you will know when the time is right to open your home and heart to another pet.

About the Author: written by Jessica Taylor and provided by pet-super-store.com a pet site featuring aluminum dog crates, dog doors and dog beds.

You put time into picking out everything for your favorite pooch. You bought him a comfy bed and lots of fun toys. You even took time making sure that your dog is safe in your home; a pet gate and a pet door are just two of the things that you have added. Often, people overlook the importance of the bowls from which your pet eats and drinks. Before you grab the first plastic or cute bowl you find, there are a few things you should consider.

First of all, dog bowls need to be cleaned daily. Bacteria can build up around the bowl, making your dog not want to eat food or drink water. Since it is summertime once again, then it is especially important that your pooch gets plenty of water. So, tip number one: make sure the bowls can be easily cleaned. They do not have to be dishwasher safe; but they should, however, hold up to a brush, a dab of soap, and warm to hot water.

Second, dogs like to chew on things. Often, flimsy or plastic bowls will be the chew toy of choice. Tip number two: find a bowl that your dog will not want to chew on, such as ceramic or stainless steel. Also, make sure the bowl cannot be easily broken. Dogs get playful, and the bowl should be able to withstand being knocked over. The design of the bowl is important. If the bowl sits on the ground, then it should be bottom heavy. That way, it is more difficult to be knocked over. This is extremely important if you have an outdoor pooch. The last thing you want is for your dog to spill all his water right after you leave for work. On a hot summer day, the lack of water can be detrimental for your pet.

Tip number three: when choosing bowls, do not forget to consider the benefits of an elevated feeder. It has been suggested that elevated bowls promote proper digestion. Since your pooch does not have to bend down as far to eat his food, he is less likely to swallow extra air. The ingestion of excessive air can lead to painful indigestion. Elevated feeders are also helpful for larger or older pets. Bending down too far can be painful for arthritic animals.

Once you choose the type of bowls that your pet needs, do not overlook the design of the bowls! Pet bowls come in so many different styles that you are sure to find ones that match your home. Ceramic bowls are often hand painted and can be easily personalized. They are trendy and bring color to your pet’s meals. Elevated feeders also come in a variety of styles. Wrought iron and wood are just two materials used to support the stainless steel dishes. Some feeders are even adjustable; so as your puppy grows, his bowl will grow with him.

Before you choose the cutest bowl you can find, keep your dog in mind. It is easy to find something pleasing to you that will also fit his needs. For instance, do not buy a Chihuahua an elevated feeder that he cannot reach. Also, take into account how much food your dog eats in one sitting. The bowl should be able to hold the amount of food your dog needs: not too much food or too little food. Choosing the right size bowl will also help you judge how much food to give him. Since bowls come in a variety of sizes, then finding one to fit your dog’s consumption habits should not be a problem.

You take time when picking out items for you pooch; his crate and bedding were selected with lots of care and consideration. Food is a very important item that took some contemplation. The bowl he eats the food from is also an important object that deserves a fair amount of thought. The bowl should be easily cleaned and virtually indestructible. It should not be top heavy, too large, or too high for your pet to reach. Keep your pet in mind, but still have fun when choosing a bowl!

About the Author: this article was provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring Innotek, PetSafe and Dogtra.

Reptile Rescue is not for everyone. Although iguanas have become popular pets, their quality of life and their life span has suffered due to improper care. With proper attention to diet and habitat, and attention to the preparations listed below, an iguana and his owner can experience many years of companionship.

Step 1: Get informed. Consult a reptile expert, check out some reading material at your library (you can even start with Iguanas for Dummies) and search the web for more information about the responsibility of maintaining a healthy iguana.

Step 2: Clear a large space in your home. The ideal iguana enclosure should be approximately 6 feet tall. Seriously. Without the ability to explore, hide and sun itself, an iguana will become listless and ill. Young iguanas can be happy in a 55-gallon aquarium but will quickly outgrow such an enclosure. Iguanas grow to be very large!

Step 3: Purchase structures for your iguana to climb on and place branches, sticks, rocks, small trees and other climbing materials in the enclosure. You also need floor covering or substrate.

Step 4: Purchase food and water dishes. These should be shallow and not easy to tip over. You might need several water dishes as the iguana might begin to use one to eliminate waste. Iguanas are herbivores and you should plan on feeding yours a variety of fruits and vegetables. Plan on feeding your iguana daily, preferably in the morning.

Step 5: Purchase a small spray bottle that you will use to mist your iguana with several times a day. This will also add humidity to the environment.

Step 6: Lighting and Heating are crucial aspects of an iguana’s habitat. The enclosure needs to be at least 80 degrees at all times and should be lit with a full spectrum spotlight, which will mimic sunlight. You also need a basking spot that should be 90-95 degrees and can be achieved with a basking light. A reliable thermometer is a must.

Step 7: Cleanliness is an important factor in an iguana enclosure. Plan on purchasing materials to sterilize and disinfect everything in the habitat often and thoroughly. This includes the walls, dishes, branch materials, etc. Any soiled substrate should be removed immediately, as well as feces and other waste material.

As you can see, preparing for the arrival of an iguana can be a costly and time-consuming investment. The best thing you can do for your pet iguana is to educate yourself on the specialized care that it needs to live a long and healthy life.

About the Author: written by Jessica Taylor and provided by pet-super-store.com a pet site featuring aluminum dog crates, dog doors and dog beds.

In Tahoe we have a plethora of hotels, bed-n-breakfast’s and lodges. However, if you are traveling with your pet, then you have few more concerns. Well, thanks to the folks at Pet-Super-Store for giving us this article on how to choose your next pet friendly resort. And before you hit the road, you can buy dog crates, pet carriers or dog car seat covers that you may need on your next trip.

It is time for vacation, and this time you are taking your pooch! It is his first time on vacation, and you want to make sure that he completely enjoys the experience. Forget a hotel that merely allows dogs; you want a hotel that caters to dogs! Each pet-friendly resort has its own special pet services to offer. Here is a list of possible amenities that many resorts provide for pets and pet-lovers. Before you go, check with your choice destination resort for specific amenities.

Dog walkers: In most pet-catering resorts, a dog walker is standard. The hotel either has a person on staff or hires an outside pet company to take your dog on walks. You can specify the time to have your pooch picked up. Or, if you are going to be gone for the day, the pet walker can pick up your dog and take him out to do his business. Dog walkers are great for the busy vacationers!

Pet parks: A place for your pet to run and play! The pet park is like a small version of your local dog park. Pets can catch Frisbees and play together. This is a wonderful way to make sure you dog gets the exercise he needs while you are on vacation. Since they are usually fenced in, pet parks are a safe place for you and your pet. You don’t have to worry about him being somewhere he shouldn’t. Who knows?!? Maybe the dog walker can play with your pet at the park!

Bedding: Beds made specifically for dogs. You have your own bed, and so does you pooch. The beds can be simple puffy beds or designer beds with pillows included. When your bed is turned down for the evening, so is your dog’s. Some resorts even offer monogrammed sheets!

Dog menus: Yummy gourmet food and treats for your pooch. Just like ordering room service, you can order things for your dog. Some resorts offer full meals, making your life easier. Other resorts offer tasty treats 24 hours a day.

Dog television: If you have to leave your dog alone in the room, then turn on the television. Some resorts have channels designed specifically for the pet audience. The pet channel shows movies and programming that keep your dog entertained for hours! Maybe your dog likes music? Well, ask for a pet-specific CD to play for your dog.

Grooming: Does Maxie need a new hairdo? Then send him to the groomer! Sometimes, resorts have on-site groomers who can take care of your dog from pickup to drop-off. Others, hire outside grooming companies to do the job.

Spas: You love getting that spa massage while you are on vacation. So, why not let your dog enjoy the pampering? Many spas offer complete packages, including walking, grooming, and massages. What a day of relaxation!

Wash stations: After a long day of playing in the dog park, your pet can get sweaty and dirty. Don’t take him up to the room and let him dirty his clean, monogrammed bed. Instead, use an on-site wash station to clean his coat. The wash stations are often located near the parks.

Cabanas: Want to spend the day out at the pool? Take your pet along! Some places offer doggy cabanas, so that your pooch can enjoy being outside with you, while being protected from the sun.

Pet packs: Treats and information in a bag! The pet pack contains maps of nearby places to walk your pet, treats, safety information, rules and guidelines, and a list of local veterinarians. The pet pack is simple, yet useful!

It’s vacation time for you and your pooch! If you are going all-out to a pet-loving resort, then you can expect that you and your pet will be catered to around the clock. From specialized bedding, food, and television to pet parks, massages, and cabanas, you are sure to find the perfect resort for your pet! Each resort offers its own special pet packages. So, consider multiple options before deciding on one that is right for you and your pooch. Whichever you choose, you are certain to have a wonderful time together!