Mary Simpson Profile

The Best Diet for a Dog Fighting Cancer

Don't feel helpless when your pet receives a cancer diagnosis. Changing up his diet can help you regain some control.

Should Evacuation Pre-Work Be Part of Travel Planning With Your Pet?

Crisis in Dubai highlights need to prepare your furry travelling companion for foreign evacuations.

Treating Dog Cancer. Is Chemo A Good Choice?

Unlike human-grade chemo, the options for your dog may be just the ticket to improving his life.

The Big Social Media Debate: Should Cats be Indoor Pets or Outdoor

Are All Nuts Good For Your Dog? Not Even Close!

Luna the Cocker Spaniel is Rescued from Cliff Edge

Good news for Luna but how would your dog respond in a rescue situation with strangers trying to help?

Summer Travel Planned? Prep for a Hotel Stay with the Family Dog

(photo credit: New Africa / shutterstock.com)Our pets are family, and just like with kids, we wouldn’t dream of excluding them when vacation time rolls around. And whether we’re off on a weekend getaway or a longer, cross-country journey, hotels can often factor into these travel plans.Yet unlike when we bundle up the pooch and take them RVing or to a friend’s cottage, a hotel brings a wealth of other concerns. To keep things comfortable for your pet, hotel management, other guests, and also for your own peace of mind, a little pre-prep goes a long way.Thinking Ahead Keeps Things SeamlessPicking the Right HotelPet-friendly hotels and motels are no longer a novelty. Recognizing the rapidly rising number of travellers who want to bring the fur kid along, the hospitality industry was quick to – quite literally – take steps to accommodate this burgeoning market.But zeroing in on the best pet-friendly hotel for your extended family requires a little research. For example, if your dog needs long or frequent walks, look for one that is located close to walking trails, parks, or leash-free options. There will be an added fee for bringing your pet, and it will vary from hotel to hotel. Similarly, weight restrictions will be in play, as well as the number of pooches you’re permitted to bring in. If travelling on a budget, you may want to shop for the lowest rates and for properties that have a flat fee versus per-pet fee.When You ArriveSo, you’ve chosen your hotel and are ready to start packing that suitcase. Know that there will be rooms already designated for pet accommodation to ensure future guests won’t be subjected to potential allergy triggers. But even pre-assigned rooms can include options. So, here are a couple of tips for getting the best possible space for you and your pet.Ask for a main-floor room where you have easy access to the outdoors. This makes potty breaks quick (important in the middle of the night) and avoids the need for elevators or passing through a crowded lobby.If possible, choose a room at the end of a hall. Away from ice machines, elevators, and other noisy, high-traffic areas that can agitate your dog when you’re not around.Once you settle in, plan to spend a couple of hours with your pooch. Walk outdoors, cuddle in the room… take the time to help him become familiar with this new space. Especially if you plan to leave him there on his own at some point during the stay.Room Set UpThe odds are you will be leaving your room from time to time and sometimes, for more than a couple of hours. When our pets need to stay behind, we all want to make sure they’re comfortable and feeling secure in these unfamiliar surroundings. Here’s how you do that:

Are Rescue Dogs a Good Pick for Young Kids?

A family pet enriches the lives of children and teaches patience, compassion, and responsibility. But how do you get it right?

How to Take Your Young and Old Dogs Out for a Walk... At the Same Time

(photo credit: THKA / shutterstock.com)If you live in a multi-dog household as I do, odds are your pooches are different ages. And that’s not a problem until they start to get older and one (or more) can no longer keep up with the daily walks.The result is that those who are more active lose out on the robust workout they need. Or, your older, less mobile dog struggles and experiences pain and stiff joints afterwards. Or, you may find you have to take your pets out on individual walks, which takes a lot more time and eliminates their ability to experience a fun outing together.But there is another option. Plan to include all your four-legged buddies in the outing, but adjust your approach and add some “support” to help those who are a little older and less nimble.Let’s start with changing up your usual walking routine in order to keep both younger and older pooches engaged and comfortable.Choose multiple shorter walks throughout the day rather than one long one. This helps younger dogs burn energy and explore while older pooches aren’t overworked.Leash-free parks are a great option that allows one dog to run and the other to walk at a slower pace. Including this type of physical outlet means both dogs can socialize and receive essential mental stimulation.As the owner, slow your gait to something that’s in line with your older dog. Allowing a younger dog to wander slightly ahead while he sniffs and marks, as your senior pooch stays close, is something that ticks boxes for both dogs.Give both dogs lots of sniff stops. They offer multiple moments of rest throughout the walk.Opt for softer surfaces – trails, grassy areas – versus concrete sidewalks that can be hard on joints.Age-Specific Walking Gear for DogsWhen heading out with one dog who is high energy and another that is happy to just toddle along, it helps to tire out the high roller before you head out. Tossing a ball or frisbee in the backyard for 10 or 15 minutes beforehand is a perfect way to take the edge off and help a hyped up pooch curb his enthusiasm a little.

Mary Simpson