The Muttropolis Blog

Alert: In Hot Weather, Pets Belong at Home, Not in Your Car

Overheating Kills: What To Do if You See a Pet Locked in a Hot Car

With summer upon us, temperatures around the nation have been rising and nothing upsets me more than discovering a helpless pet locked in a hot car on a warm day - even if the windows are open. WHAT IN THE HECK are these people thinking!?! Living in Southern California, I spend more time running around grocery stores and strip malls trying to track down the clueless owners of these poor pets who then proceed to tell me they "...just ran into the store for a minute..." or  "...left the windows open, so he should be fine..."  My answer to them: No - your pet is not fine and here's why:

Point Number One: Even on a relatively milld 85 degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees - even when the windows have been left open an inch or two. Within 30 minutes a car's interior can actually reach a staggering 120 degrees. Your car is now an oven.

Point Number Two: Even if the temperature outside is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of your car may be as much as 20 degrees hotter. Parking your car in shade does not offer protection on a hot day because the sun moves.

Point Number Three: While humans have sweat glands all over our bodies that help regulate our body heat, dogs cool down mostly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In only a short amount of time, a dog with a high body temperature can suffer critical damage to his nervous system, heart, liver and brain.

Do Something! What You Can Do

At least 14 states and many municipalities have enacted laws to address the problem of animals left in cars in extreme temperatures. Under these laws, you, police, animal control agents, peace officers and others may be authorized to enter a vehicle by whatever means necessary to remove an animal. Learn more about the regulations in your area here >

If you’re out and about on a hot day and see an animal alone in a car, you should immediately try to find the car’s owner. If you have no luck, or if the owner refuses to act, contact local law enforcement and/or animal control. 

In my opinion, if the local law enforcement or animal welfare officer can't arrive quickly enough, I say get the dog out of the car  - keeping in mind that you shouldn't put your life in danger either. As well, the ASPCA has created these handy Pets In Hot Cars flyers (pdf) which you can print out and distribute in your neighborhood to help educate people about the danger of leaving pets in hot cars.   

I am going to keep these flyers stocked in my car glovebox - I encourage you to do the same!

-Janet McCulley

Source: Janet McCulley, The Daily Treat at AnimalPlanet.com

Cool Your Canines: Top Tips to Beat the Summer Heat

Maximize Canine Chillaxation

Nothing makes a summer adventure more enjoyable than having our beloved four-legged companions in tow! However for animals, the summer heat can be quite uncomfortable as our furry friends are covered with fur and walk directly on hot surfaces that can severely effect their body temperature. 

To help keep our critters safe and comfortable all summer long, check out the following  tips, ideas and products to keep summer from being a bummer for our pets!

1. Car Heat: Avoid heat exhaustion and DO NOT leave your pet alone in the car during the remotely warm weather. During warm weather the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade with the windows opened a little. Pet owners that carelessly leave their pets unattended in a hot car are now subject to hefty fines and possibly jailtime, so don't even think about it!

2. Let the Fur Fly: Dogs with extremely thick or long fur should be trimmed during the hot summer  months. Regular use of a deshedding tool, such as the FURminator deshedding tool can remove tremendous amounts of undercoat hair.

3. Creative Cooling: Water or gel-filled cooling mats, cooling vests and cooling collars are great for dogs that are kept outside or if you do not have air conditioning in your home. As well, an elevated pet bed can help keep pets cool and comfortable and the raised sleeping surface keeps your dog off the hard ground, away from bugs and has an added bonus of great air circulation.

4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets so they can stay cool. Be aware that water will vaporize on extremely hot days. Collapsible Water Bowls and Gulpy Water Bottles are convenient portable water sources for your pet, especially if you're on the road. 

 5. Exercise at Dusk & Dawn: Pets need exercise, but on very hot days it is best to limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt and beach sand gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Consider protective booties to protect sensitive paws from hot pavement.

6. Avoid Sunburn: Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require special dog-friendly sunscreen his or her nose and ear tips. Especially pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears.

7. Be aware of the Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue are all signs of possible heat exhaustion.  What to do in the event of heat exhaustion: Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or immerse them in cool (not cold) water. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and consider taking them directly to a veterinarian.

Do you have some favorite tips to share to help our pets beat the heat? I welcome you to share them with fellow pet parents in the comments below!

Does Your Dog Do This? Sad Suitcase Face

Do you put off bringing out your suitcase until the very last moment too?

From the very moment my dogs Lulu, Zazou & Kiki spot me rolling my suitcase out from the coat closet, the downward spiral begins. I don't care how much fun they were having eating, playing, or rough-housing the moment before - the absolute second they catch sight of that detested suitcase,  the mood instantly sours and all three sadly shuffle into their beds like sad sacks. With furrowed brows they quietly stare at me as I pack and the worrying begins. 

For this very reason, I put off bringing out my suitcase and actually packing until it is absolutely the very last moment, because it bums them out so much! In speaking with many of my other pet loving friends about this oft repeated scenario in their household of furry friends, I have learned that some actually go as far to hide the suitcase in another room so that the dogs cannot see them packing at all. HA!

Does your dog do this? Do you have any secret tips to help prevent the dreaded sad suitcase face syndrome? Share your stories and comments!

Leave Your Pets at Home in Hot Weather

Overheating Kills: What To Do if You See a Pet Locked in a Hot Car

Temperatures around the nation have been off the charts lately and nothing upsets me more more than discovering a helpless pet locked in a hot car on a warm day.  WHAT IN THE HECK are these people thinking!?! Living in Southern California, I spend more time running around grocery stores and strip malls trying to find the clueless owners of these poor pets who then proceed to tell me they "...just ran into the store for a minute..." or  "...left the windows open, so he should be fine..."  My answer to them: No - your pet is not fine and here's why:

Point Number One: Even on a relatively milld 85 degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees - even when the windows have been left open an inch or two. Within 30 minutes a car's interior can actually reach a staggering 120 degrees. Your car is now an oven.

Point Number Two: Even if the temperature outside is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of your car may be as much as 20 degrees hotter. Parking your car in shade does not offer protection on a hot day because the sun moves.

Point Number Three: While humans have sweat glands all over our bodies that help regulate our body heat, dogs cool down mostly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In only a short amount of time, a dog with a high body temperature can suffer critical damage to his nervous system, heart, liver and brain.

Do Something! What You Can Do

At least 14 states and many municipalities have enacted laws to address the problem of animals left in cars in extreme temperatures. Under these laws, you, police, animal control agents, peace officers and others may be authorized to enter a vehicle by whatever means necessary to remove an animal. Learn more about the regulations in your area here >

If you’re out and about on a hot day and see an animal alone in a car, you should immediately try to find the car’s owner. If you have no luck, or if the owner refuses to act, contact local law enforcement and/or animal control. 

In my opinion, if the local law enforcement or animal welfare officer can't arrive quickly enough, I say get the dog out of the car  - keeping in mind that you shouldn't put your life in danger either. As well, the ASPCA has created these handy Pets In Hot Cars flyers (pdf) which you can print out and distribute in your neighborhood to help educate people about the danger of leaving pets in hot cars.   

I am going to keep these flyers stocked in my car glovebox - I encourage you to do the same!

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley

Two Paws Up for SleepyPod Air Pet Carrier

Worrying about buying a pet carrier that won't fit under an airplane seat is a thing of the past, with Sleepypod's new airline-regulation pet carrier, Sleepypod Air. The innovative new pet carrier features a folding system that allows pets to travel in the largest space possible, yet still allows for stowage under an airline seat during takeoff and landing. After take-off, you can rotate the Sleepypod Air so it's between your feet and expand the ends so both you and your pet can stretch out comfortably. 

Sleepypod Air meets major airline carry-on pet regulations by being able to compress in length from 22" to 16". The ends are designed to expand when there is nothing blocking them; they automatically fold down to fill the available space. The carrier top and ends feature easy-breathing mesh that opens for easy access and the pet carrier also features seatbelt straps to allow for secure auto travel as well.

While the Sleepypod Air pet carrier doesn’t come cheap, the versatility of the carrier makes it a worthwhile investment! Read additional reviews of the product or find the Sleepypod Air at Muttropolis.com

Scene: A-list Celebri-pup’s Favorite Pet-Friendly Hotels

What do celebrities Molly Sims, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Nicole Richie, Will Smith, Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Diane Sawyer, all have in common? Well, according to our friends over at PeoplePets, when these celeb’s travel, there’s one particular individual they don’t leave home without - and that’s their furry four-legged family members!

But exactly which hot spots and dog-friendly hotels do these A-list celebri-pets book to get away from it all and what sort of special amenities might they receive? From Miami Beach to Seattle to New York City, the exclusive hotels serving these pampered pups and their celeb parents provide everything from customized dog tags and designer dog beds upon check-in, to turn down service, pooch centric Yappy Hour, meals served in 'bone'-china, doggie day camps, on-site styling (grooming),  sparkling spring water, gourmet organic treats and more.

Here's a listing of a few of the exclusive pet-friendly properties….for more information and photos visit PeoplePets.com. If you personally have a favorite pet-friendly hotel, share it in the comments below!

Celebs’ favorite pet friendly hotels:

1) Keswick Hall, Virginia

2) Alexis Hotel, Seattle

3) Hotel Gansevoort, NYC

4) Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley

5) Liberty Hotel, Boston

6) Mondrian Hotel, Miami

7) Costa D’Este Vero Beach (Owned by Gloria & Emilio Estefan...can you hear the conga beat?)

8) Inn at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

9) West Baden Springs, Indiana

10) W Hotel, Washington D.C.

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley

Serenity Meow! Cat Cafes on the Rise

One of our globe-trotting friends always finds the coolest, most random out-of-the way travel destinations -  and this week was no exception when she sent us a note about the crazy Cat Cafes she found throughout the city of Tokyo.

Cat cafes you ask? Don't worry ... they aren't serving up Cat au Gratin like some of Japan's less evolved neighbors out east, but instead the cat is celebrated and honored in these unique cafes.

"I'd like a decaf-capp, add one cat please"

In the densely populated and hustling city of Tokyo – where residents not only long work hours but tight and expensive real estate limit pet ownership – cat cafes are a cultural trend. There are at least seven of them operating in Tokyo, packing customers in at fees varying from $8 to $12 an hour. Given the busy lifestyles of Japanese people dearly longing for a moment of peace and comfort, these cat cafes offer them a dose of kitty calm and serenity along with their tea ... and they don't seem to mind the staff dipping their whiskers in their tea or pouncing on their fur coat. (Of note, word is that in Cafe Calico, an upholstered reception chair no longer looks like itself.)

Vacuums are ever-present, everyone going in must wash their hands and use liquid sanitizers. Shoes must be removed (a Japanese custom in homes but not normally in public places).

Of the seven cat cafes in operation in Tokyo, the globe-trotters over at Spot Cool Stuff Travel have sniffed out  the top three cafes, which according to them are: The Calico Cat Cafe, Neko JaLaLa (means 'cat' in Japanese) and Nekorobi. Check out Spot Cool Stuff Travel for locations and details.

Safety and Comfort First with Sleepypod Pet Carriers and Pet Beds

A pet carrier, a car seat and a hideaway bed all wrapped into one, the award-winning Sleepypod provides security and comfort for pets both at home and on the go. Available in a host of vibrant colors, the beauty of the Sleepypod is its versatility, as a dog that needs to be aware of his surroundings at all times can be just as easily accommodated as the cat who likes her privacy.

Many cats and dogs unfortunately associate travel with negative experiences such as a trip to the vet or the kennel. The Sleepypod allows pets to travel safely in the comfort of their own cushy bed, thus alleviating the stress associated with travel and confinement in hard, plastic boxes with limited visibility.

As well, according to the June 2009 issue of Pet Product News Magazine, the designers of the Sleepypod updated its award-winning Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed and Sleepypod Mini carriers with enhanced safety features to make it even more secure in an automobile.

With nifty add-on accessories available such as a special heating pad and uber-plush blankie, I give the Sleepypod a definite four paws up for versatility and value. You can find the Sleepypod pet carriers and pet beds at Muttropolis.com

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley

The Dog Bark Park Inn: Where a night in the doghouse ain't half bad

Ever wanted to really get inside a dogs head? You can literally live the dream at the Dog Bark Park Inn -- a bed and breakfast guesthouse inside the "World's Biggest Beagle."  This ginormious wooden beagle domicile, created by self-taught chainsaw artists and proprietors Dennis and Frances, is located in north central Idaho on US Hwy 95 in Cottonwood, Idaho.

Allow me to show you to your hind-quarters

Named one of the Top 20 Most Fun & Exciting Places to Stay by the London Times, guests enter the belly of the Beagle from a private second story deck.  (No word if the belly of the Beagle is strewn with bits of shredded sock, bits of tennis ball and twigs just for authenticity purposes.) Inside the bowels of the bed and Beagle guests will find a queen bed, reading nook within the dog’s snout and a bounty of kitchy canine-themed decorations, many of which are creations of the proprietors. 

Dogs of all sizes are welcome for an additional $10 per night per pet and guests can enjoy prairie views and starry nights from the second story 'tummy-deck.' During the day, excursions can include taking a jet boat tour into nearby Hell’s Canyon, horseback riding or hiking.

For more information visit the Dog Bark Park Inn.

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley

Six Ways to Ensure a Righteous Road Trip with Rover

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner and millions of us will quite possibly spend our vacation by hitting the road with Rover or Rags in tow.

In fact, more than 10 million Americans include their 4-footed family members in their travels annually, according to AAA.  Eighty percent of us take the dog, while 15% carry a kitty and the rest of us bring other pets.

Proper Pre-paw-ration is key

Whether you’re headed out for a weekend junket or week-long affair, proper planning is essential to ensure good times are had by all.  The most important question to ask before hitting the road with Fido or Mr. Fluffybottoms is: “Is my vacay destination suitable for my pet?”  Some well meaning folks must understand that taking their cat camping or bringing their dog to the US National Lawnmower Races is not necessarily a good idea.

If you are looking for pet friendly destinations and accommodation ideas, Pettravel.com is a great resource as is FidoFriendly.com.

Herewith are my top six tips to ensure your adventure is both fun and safe:

1) Do what I say
Ensure your pet is taught how to “Stay!” in the car when you get out of the car as pets frequently get lost on trips when they jump out of the car during stops.

2) May I see your ID
Ensure your pet wears updated identification at all times -- including your mobile phone information or the phone number of your hotel accommodations.

3) Buckle Up Pup
Pet Safety Restraints and Car Seats help restrain pets that won’t tolerate crating, as well as help tiny dogs from bouncing around the back seat. These devices lessen driving interference and reduce injury due to sudden stops.

4) Create familiarity and routine
Bring a familiar bed, favorite toy or treats as a great way to help reduce stress and keep them comfortable. Great foldable travel pet beds are comfortable yet compact and can be used in the car as well.

5) Take the edge off
If your pet suffers from anxiety while on the road, you can help take the edge off your pet during your travels with Calming Rescue Remedy, a natural, homeopathic anti-anxiety remedy that helps to relieve stress and aid in the prevention of nausea associated with motion sickness. A great natural alternative to pharmaceutical tranquilizing with all the negative side effects.

[A note on whining: If during your travels your GPS takes you to BFE instead of Joshua Tree, may I personally suggest a calming remedy/adult beverage of a different kind courtesy of Mutt Lynch Winery.]

6) Leave no man-ure behind
An inconvenient poop can make for an embarrassing moment while on vacation, so don’t forget to bring plenty of disposable “pick up bags for pet waste disposal.

Do you personally have tips to ensure a fantasterrifc trip with Fido? Share them with us in the comments below!

Article reprint courtesy of Animal Planet's The Daily Treat with Janet McCulley