If you have an old sock and a tennis ball, you can make your dog a fun toy. Just put the ball in the toe of the sock and knot the sock so that the ball stays in place. Most dogs will toss the sock toyaround or play tug of war for hours. If the sock toy becomes frayed, you will need to discard it so your dog does not eat the material.

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Most dogs deliver on their own without complications. However, if a puppy does not start breathing when it is born or the mother dog does not clean it, you will have to be ready to assist. Be sure the puppy’s nostrils are clear and rub it briskly with a clean rag to stimulate it. If the puppy still does not respond, call your veterinarian immediately.

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Your dog is part of your family and absolutely thrives on human companionship. Many dogs enjoy going out on trips and vacations with their owners just as much as we do. Of course, if you choose to take your dog on a vacation, then proper preparation is in order, unless you are taking your own living preparations (tents, trailer, etc).

If you are staying at a hotel then be sure to call in advance and make sure that they allow dogs to stay as guests. Some hotels and motels will not accept dogs, but many are pet friendly.

Look at your vacation plan – do you plan on spending long evenings out away from the dog? If so, then it would be beneficial to have someone that can sit with him to avoid loneness and boredom in such a strange and new environment.

There are certain times, however, when you need to consider both the pros and cons of taking your dog on vacation with you. Some questions that you may want to ask yourself are: Does your dog get sick from traveling in the vehicle? Are you flying and do you feel ok with your dog being put into a crate during the flight? Are you planning on staying out for long periods of time where you cannot take the dog? If you answered yes to these questions then you may want to consider having your dog stay with a friend or at a decent kennel while you vacation.

If, after weighing the pros and cons, you do decide to take your dog with you, then make sure you are prepared for the type of traveling that you are going to put the dog through. For example when traveling by automobile, it is important that your dog is properly restrained. You can use a seat belt that is specifically designed for dogs if you wish, or you can simply get a dog travel crate.

Are you traveling by air instead? Please keep in mind that this is a severely traumatic experience for your dog and this arrangement should be undertaken only if absolutely necessary. If you have a small dog, then some airlines will allow the dog to be placed in a crate underneath your seat, but most airlines will have the dog placed in the hold of the plane. Be sure to book non-stop flights and travel when it is cooler. It can get very hot in the hold for the dog.

The worst case scenario if your dog is a poor traveler and needs to be calmed down, is to administer tranquilizers. You must have a vet prescribe them and they are actually a wonderful answer to a dog’s traveling problems. In addition to this, try to get your dog to be extremely active for hours on end before a trip is planned. This will aid the tranquilizers by making them even more tired and physically sleepy.

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