Photo By "cursedthing"

As we head into the fall, our dogs will enjoy the crisp air during morning walks and even weekend hikes. However dog emergencies can occur on the trails. Here are some simple tips to keep wagging tails happy:

• While you can purchase a small portable Doggie First Aid Kit that can clip to your belt, you may opt to make your own. Some things you can easily purchase at a drug store are: disposable gloves, gauze pads, scissors, saline solution and cotton balls.
• Make sure you have your dog’s veterinarian contact info stored in your cell phone. If you’re traveling far from home, use Wet Nose Guide to find a 24-hour emergency hospital.
• Take lots of mini-breaks. Even if the weather is cool, dogs can get hot. Stop under the shade of a tree and supply fresh water and a small treat. If you’re out on the trails for the day, be sure to pack her lunch.
• If the wooded area you are traveling to is known for ticks, pack tweezers designed to remove ticks from your dog. Before getting into the car to head home, spend some time examining your dog’s paws, tail & butt area, and fur (especially if your pooch has thick dense fur) to remove ticks that may be carrying lyme disease.
• Your vet may also suggest other medical items to pack to calm itching, swelling and insect bites.

This Fall, be prepared for your dog to pull you down the slope in hopes of catching Mr. Squirrel.

Photo By "tobyotter"

It’s not too late to plan a fun weekend getaway with your pooch this Labor Day. Consider going to Beantown where leashed dogs can enjoy Boston’s cobble stone streets of Beacon Hill & explore the two-mile Freedom trail.

While off leash activity is allowed in Boston Common, visit a nearby dog boutique shop for an extra special dog toy at Four Preppy Paws. However, if your pooch loves the outdoors & enjoys long hikes, drive to Massasoit State Park or Blue Hills Reservation.

Massachusetts has lots of dog-friendly accommodations to fit every one’s budget. Some offer doggie treats and dog beds for their furry guests.

Photo By Kyle May

Best kept secret to peace & relaxation with your pooch can be found along Delaware’s “gold coast.” Second Street in downtown Lewes offers plenty of dog-friendly shops and dog-friendly restaurants to visit. Let your leashed dog pop into Pups Of Lewes for a special treat and don’t forget to reward yourself by visiting Half Full Gourmet Pizza. However if your dog prefers hiking to shopping, then visit Cape Henlopen State Park, adjacent to Lewes. Leashed dogs are permitted to enjoy the scenic views and fresh air.

If your summer plans take you and your pooch North, consider hiking Acadia National Park in Maine. Leashed dogs are allowed to explore over 100 trail miles – which means pack some water and yummy doggie treats.

For off leash activities, Little Long Pond near Seal Harbor permits dogs to explore off leash & swim in the pond. From September 15th through May 15th, leashed dogs can enjoy the fresh crisp air at Sand Beach.

After miles of hiking, rest your paws at one of these dog-friendly restaurants, where leashed dogs are allowed at outdoor tables:

• Cafe This Way
• Fish House Grill
• West Street Cafe

Dog mommies & daddies will be happy to note of nearby 24-hour emergency dog veterinarians should a doggie emergency occur. For more detailed info on Maine’s dog friendly parks visit Wet Nose Guide – Maine.

We all know the benefits of buying locally: save money on shipping costs & support your local shops. During your summer travels with your pooch, pick up some of her favorite doggie treats or surprise her with a new dog toy to keep her busy while you drive across the country. Many doggie accessories can be found along country roads. Let Wet Nose Guide help you locate locally owned dogs stores this summer.

Seven puppies were found dead Tuesday morning on American Airlines Flight # 851 traveling from Tulsa to Chicago. The officials at American Airlines plan to launch an investigation as to how these puppies perished. While the cause of death is still unknown, as dog-owners please reconsider your summer travel plans. The cargo area of planes can reach over 80 degrees quickly. Therefore, avoid placing your dog in the cargo hold and consider a professional pet transportation firm.

Summer road trips are filled with fun and excitement for all two and four-legged members of your household. Here are a few quick tips to keep wagging tales safe and happy while traveling this summer:

• Don’t forget to pack bottled water or tap water from your home for your pooch to stay hydrated in the car and on the trails. Tap water away from home may upset your dog’s tummy.
• We’ve all seen cute dogs sticking their heads out the car window, but it’s not safe. Be sure your dog is buckled up in either a dog car seat or crate. Sudden braking can injure your dog if she’s not properly secured.
• It goes without saying: don’t leave your dog in the car while you run errands. Temperatures can reach over 100 degrees on hot summer days.
• Check in with your dog periodically to make sure she’s comfortable by stopping at designated rest stops along your road trip. You may need to adjust the ac fan depending on the time of day you’re traveling. Plus it doesn’t hurt to give your co-pilot a treat.

Are you one of the 8 million dog-owners who will bring their dog on summer vacations?

Then you know how important it is to make your dog feel comfortable and special away from home.

You can be frugal when packing her toys and accessories before heading out for the summer months. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for your summer road trip:

1. Whether you’re traveling to the seashore or driving to the mountains, be sure to your dog is safely contained in your car. Dog seats & harnesses are essential regardless how small or large your dog is.
2. Make frequent pit stops and relief breaks to alleviate any stress your dog may have during long distance travels. You may want to offer a treat and bottled water to fed off any hungry appetites. Depending on your route, stop by a local dog bakery.
3. If your camping or staying in a dog-friendly hotel pack your dog’s bed. Familiar scents ease tension away to allow less tense moments for your dog while she settles in. Kakadu Pet offers several travel blankets and mats to assist in keeping your dog comfy and calm.

Don’t forget to visit Wet Nose Guide’s Travel Section to help you plan an amazing time with your pooch this summer.

With Memorial Weekend less than a month away, dog-owners start planning your summer getaway with your traveling furry buddy. To make your travels a success with your pooch here are some things to consider prior to summer travels:

• Think about your dog’s needs and habits prior to planning your summer vacation. Does she love exploring hiking trails or the cool breeze off the ocean? Depending on your itinerary, sculpture your trip around her interests.
• Contact hotels to make certain that your dog (based on weight & breed) is permitted in the hotel. Some hotels reserve dog-friendly rooms in smoking rooms. Therefore inquire in detail where they are going to stick you to avoid any frustration when you arrive.
• Make an appointment with your vet to make certain your dog is up to the summer travels. You may want to tell the doctor where you are traveling so as to prescribe any flea and tick medication.
• If your travels send you by plane, make your reservations far in advance so that the airlines can accommodate your dog on the flight.
• Take some time to plan your trip so that it includes outdoor dog events. This can help break up a long drive.

If your dog seems “stressed-out” when riding in the car with you, here are a few tips to allievate some of their agitation:

1. Start off with short drives to a nearby dog-friendly park.
2. Invite your pooch in the car with her favorite treat waiting for her in her car seat or on the protective cover.
3. Evaluate the temperature inside your car. If it’s too hot either turn on the ac or open the window. You may want to supply a small blanket during the colder months. Also, some dogs don’t like loud music. Adjust the equilizer so the sound comes from the front of the car.

Make each car trip a positive one so that dogs don’t associate getting in the car with going to the groomers or vet. Have a safe and comfortable road trip with your dog this summer by also giving plenty of wee breaks.