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The Best Airlines for Pet Travel: Top 5 List

So you want to travel the world with your four-legged friend by your side? You’ve come to the right place. All of us at Splash and Dash know how important the safety of your pet is to you, so we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 airlines for pet travel.

Did you know that over 40% of people who fly with their pet do so because they can’t bare to leave their four-legged friend at home? Moving to a new location is the reason 25% of people are traveling on airlines with their pet, and for 20% of people it’s because they need an emotional support furry friend while flying.

When flying with pets, most commuters are flying with their dogs (80%), while the other 18% is for cats. Want to know what the final 2% is? Most likely birds, which are allowed to fly on Spirit, Alaska, and Delta Airlines.

Please remember there is a difference between flying with your pet on board and your pet being stored in cargo while you fly. Many people fly for emotional support which means you clearly need your pet on board with you while flying.

5. Allegiant ($100 per pet)

Good news for young travelers, four-legged and otherwise. Allegiant is the only airline that allows minors (age 15 and up) traveling alone to bring a pet onboard. All other airlines, for reference, require solo passengers to be over the age of 18 to travel with a pet.

Allegiant also does not enforce a minimum age for traveling animals, meaning you can start getting your kitten or puppy acclimated to air travel early. Pets can only travel as a carry-on, so leave the big dogs at home. All of these reasons are why Allegiant gets our 5th and final spot.

4. United Airlines ($125 per pet)

Despite snagging the No. 4 spot, United has a notoriously bad reputation when it comes to pet travel. But this might have something to do with the fact that United is the only airline that will fly brachycephalic dog breeds in cargo.

Brachycephalic breeds include dogs with flat faces and short noses, such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs. These breeds are more likely to have respiratory issues in flight, which is the reason all other major US carriers have banned brachycephalic dogs from flying in cargo.

According to the Air Travel Consumer Reports, six out of the 10 dog deaths reported by United in 2017 included brachycephalic breeds.

Although United has its issues, it is frankly the only airline for travelers who need to transport their brachycephalic dog.

3. American Airlines ($125 per pet)

American Airlines offers one of the biggest carrier dimensions (19 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches), so your pup can enjoy a bit more space during the flight. The airline allows pets to be transported in the cabin when traveling to and within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean.

If you’re flying in first or business class on an A321T, pets will need to be put in their carrier and stored in a special compartment at the front of the plane during taxi, take-off, landing and turbulence.

2. Delta Airlines ($125 per pet)

The great thing about Delta is that it’s climate controlled and well-regulated. Many Delta flyers love Delta for their air conditioning alone, this works well when bringing a dog on board. Comfortability isn’t the only reason people love to fly Delta with their pets, they also love the option between cargo and on-board.

If you fly with your pet in cargo, Delta may be the best airline for you. The crew will verify if your dog is on board before taking off, meaning you can feel safe knowing your dog is with you on the flight.

I always recommend flying with your pet on-board with you, however, Delta is the best airline for cargo pet travel.

1. Southwest ($95 per pet)

Southwest offers one of the least expensive pet fees today. The airline also makes it easy for pet owners to pick out an appropriate carrier by offering a branded carrier of their own that will fit under any Southwest seat. Southwest airline allows cats and dogs to travel within the US, but does not offer this service on international flights.

Only small cats and dogs will be able to fly on Southwest, as they do not allow pets in cargo. Many flyers report that Southwest doesn’t enforce keeping dogs in the carriers or under the seat, usually allowing dogs on laps during the entire flight. This means that Southwest airlines is the friendliest airlines for your four-legged friends.

May 15, 2019/by brianchildress

Pet Safety

How to keep your Dog Safe this Holiday Season

The holiday season is almost upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their four-legged companions in the festivities. As you get ready for the holidays this year, it’s important to try to keep your dog’s eating habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, it’s important to steer dogs clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plants, and dangerous decorations. All of us at Splash and Dash want the very best for you and your dog during the holidays.

Make sure your Pup avoids Holiday Food

Say no to Sweets: By now you should know not to feed your dogs chocolate or anything sweetened with xylitol. However, do you know the lengths to which a dog will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep dogs away from the table and unattended areas of food. Make sure to secure the lids on garbage cans as well.
Leave the Leftovers: Did you know that spicy food is a big no-no for dogs? The same goes for anything that involves bones, your furry friend won’t respond well to these types of foods. Involve your dog in festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly vet visits.
Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages (we both know it will), be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks in a place that your dog cannot access. If your dog accidentally ingests alcohol, be sure to get them to a vet right away.
Special Treat Selection: If you’re looking to stuff your pet’s stockings, you’ve come to the right place. Our Keepin’ it Simple dog treats are made with all natural ingredients. We source all of our ingredients in the United States and all of our products are USDA approved. We only put human-grade ingredients in our treats. It may cost us a little extra to produce our food, however, we only want the best for your pup.

Make sure your Dog avoids Seasonal Decorations

Oh, Christmas Tree. Oh, Christmas Tree: It’s important to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip or fall on your dog. This will also help prevent your dog from drinking the tree water, which can make them very sick. Many trees contain fertilizers which can cause an upset stomach in your dog. You need to remain that bringing a Christmas tree in your house is a breeding ground for bacteria which could make your dog sick if not properly secured.
Avoid the Mistletoe: Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Not only that but Holly, and many other varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure if ingested. Opt for ‘just-as-jolly’ artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a dog-safe bouquet.
Forget the Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Dog may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. If you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your dog’s mouth and digestive tract.

Plan a Dog-Safe Holiday Gathering

Dog House: If your dog-loving guests would like to give your dogs a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away: This is an important tip, make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors. Also, be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away as well. Dogs having access to pills is a big no-no.
A Room of Their Own: Give your dog his own quiet space to retreat to, complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the party. Sometimes dogs need a safe and quiet place to relax.
New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can be a problem for pets. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Be sure to remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe and escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

Don’t Forget to have Fun!

The most important thing this holiday season is that you and your family stay safe and have fun! The holidays are supposed to be filled with love and happiness, and happiness comes from dogs! Happy Holidays from your family at Splash and Dash!

December 11, 2018/by brianchildress

Pet Safety

Thanksgiving Food Safety for Dogs

The Holidays are a great time to get the family together to share a festive meal. The aromas wafting around your kitchen are a huge enticement for your dog. As you load dish after dish onto the table, the smell of delicious turkey and pumpkin pie can make even our best-behaved pets go into a food frenzy.

Thanksgiving for Dogs

Everyone likes to indulge during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Even the most strict pet owners aren’t able to resist giving their four-legged friends some food. Which is why it’s good to know the appropriate and healthy treats for our four-legged babies. Responsible pet owners should want to use good pet care to keep their dog from getting sick. Veterinarians see a spike in pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and other gastrointestinal cases around Thanksgiving. Monitoring what your dog eats will keep them in good shape this holiday season.

It’s no secret that many human food ingredients are toxic to dogs. If you give your dog food that is too high in fat, toxic or has indigestible carbohydrates, this can be very harmful. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination are signs of a more severe health issue. However don’t worry, this article details the types of food that are safe for your dog and the types that you should keep them away from.

Tips to Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy

Keep your portions small and limit the introduction of new foods. Abrupt dietary changes can be unsafe on a dog’s digestive tract. Small portions help curb the possibility of danger. If a toxic ingredient is present in the food you give them, a smaller dose will help their chances of not getting sick. Some dog breeds are more prone to stomach issues, Shelties are especially vulnerable. If your dog has a sensitive stomach please use precaution.

Watch out for known common cooking ingredients that have been found toxic in dogs. Garlic, onions, and cilantro are very harmful to dogs. Also, foods that are rich–high in fat content are also not easily digested. Butter, sour cream, and bacon are often overly rich for a dog to eat. Consumption of foods like these will cause digestive irregularities and are not part of well-balanced pet care diet.

Removing any temptation is also useful for your dog in the long run. Even for the most well-behaved dogs won’t be able to control their temptation when they see a juicy turkey inches away from their nose. Make sure to push all dishes toward the middle of the table. This will curb bad behaviors like begging and scrap-stealing. It might also be a good idea to put your dog in another room or use a doggie gate while you cook and eat.

Turkey

Small portions of turkey are okay. Turkey is a protein, and in small doses will be fine for your dog. But if you decided to fry your turkey this year, you might want to reconsider. Frying a turkey drives the fat content up, which can be unhealthy for your pup.

Pet owners should remove the skin and bones before putting the turkey into a dog bowl.

Potatoes

Potatoes are also usually okay in small servings. One or two bites of potato for your dog won’t hurt them. Many premium dog foods are replacing whole grains with potatoes as a fibrous substitute. If your recipe calls for lots of butter, cheese, sour cream, or bacon, you might want to consider using this dish as a treat. Give your dog a few bites before adding the toppings.

Yams or Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious treat for your dog, however, they’re best served raw. If you add butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows, don’t let your dog have any. Be especially careful of ‘sugar-free’ foods. Sugar-free foods can potentially contain xylitol.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. The chemical is also common in sugar-free gum and some peanut butter.

Don’t have the time to make sweet potatoes for your dog? Try the Southern Sweet Potato flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Green Beans

These veggies are great for a healthy low-calorie snack. Green beans are high in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B. They also contain high amounts of minerals like calcium and iron. For your dog, they’re best served raw without butter or fried onion toppings. Especially the onions, these are terribly bad for pet care diets.

Carrots

Carrots are also ‘all good’ for dogs. Bite-sized cooked portions without the sugary glaze and butter are the most ideal. Carrots are certainly nutrient-rich but will need to be cooked so your dog can properly digest them.

Carrots contain beta-carotene–an antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin K. The green veggies are a great side for your dog’s Thanksgiving Dinner.

Bread Rolls

Bread is one of those treats that isn’t necessarily good or bad for your dog. Dogs can metabolize some carbohydrates as long as it’s served in small portions.

Since it’s Thanksgiving the exception can be made. Although plain turkey or vegetables are probably the better options.

Hidden Spices Can Make Your Dog Sick

Pumpkin is a great treat for dogs. It’s delicious, nutritious, and can be served as a puree or frozen cube. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thanksgiving pumpkin, many of the canned brands and pie fillings come with hidden spices like ginger. While a little bit of these roots and spices won’t kill your dog, giving them just a little could give them an upset stomach and giving them a lot could cause grave health problems. If you plan to feed your dog pumpkin as dog food this Thanksgiving, try to keep it as plain as possible.

Don’t have the time to make your Pumpkin pie dog-friendly? Try the Pumpkin Patch flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Only the Best Part of Turkey as Dog Food

Turkey is an excellent source of protein for people and for dogs. In fact, it’s such a great source that it is often used as the main ingredient for some of the best dog food on the market. If you’re planning to share the turkey with your pet this holiday season, try to keep it purely white. The darker meat can have higher levels of fat that are less healthy and harder for your dog’s stomach to process. On another note, do not give your dog turkey bones. While there is the good ol’ image of a pet happily chewing away at their bone after a big meal, turkey bones can be filled with splinters that may cause internal bleeding if swallowed.

Green Beans and Potatoes

Green beans and potatoes are more great items to give your pet as dog food. However, they are also much better for your dog if they are kept in a purer form. If you plan to share the greens and potatoes with your dog, make them as plain as possible. Do not serve your dog green bean casserole in the final product as the cream and onions are bad for dog stomachs. Mashed potatoes often have butter, sour cream, and milk in them, along with various spices that are not good for pet health.

Alcohol and Sugar is Never Okay

From the funny videos and memes on the internet to make it big on America’s Funniest Home Videos, when a party erupts, many partygoers may think that a drunk dog is a funny dog. However, alcohol is something that your dog should never have in their clutches. It can cause incredible sickness which can become more severe with higher volumes of alcohol. By the same token, as much as we love the sweet pecan pie or Thanksgiving cookies, dogs must avoid sugar and fake sugar substitutes at all times. Instead of giving your dog human treats, why not cook up some special doggie biscuits that are not only tasty but healthy dog food.

Don’t have the time to make these treats? Try the PB N’ Jelly Crunch Flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

From all of your friends at Splash and Dash, we want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with loads of leftovers!

November 8, 2018/by brianchildress

Pet Safety

7 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe This Halloween

Halloween is a great opportunity for families, friends, and pets to dress up and play pretend in the real world. Whether you’re staying in with your pet and handing out candy or hitting the streets to get all the candy you’ll need for the next year, dog safety is just as important as safety for your kids.

Here are some of the best tips to maintain dog safety this October 31st:

1. Candies are Tasty for You but Bad for Your Pup

Whether they are chocolates or sugar-free gummies, they are equally unhealthy for your pet and can put your dog at risk. Chocolate is a known substance that is bad for dogs and may cause diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and even seizures. Meanwhile, sugar-free candies often have a substance known as xylitol which can have the same effects as chocolate on dogs. Keep dogs safe by keeping the candy for the kids.

2. Make Your Dog Feels Safe at Home

If your home happens to experience a lot of foot traffic during Halloween night, you may want to consider how your dog will respond to the sound and where they may go if they’re feeling nervous. Dog safety doesn’t just take place outside of the home, but it starts with the feeling of fear every time someone rings your doorbell or knocks on the door. You should barricade any possible access your dog has to the front door if you fear your dog running every time it makes a sound.

3. Always Supervise Your Pet

Whether someone is shooting off fireworks, egging houses, or just being rowdy tricksters, there is an increased danger to dog safety on Halloween. It’s important to minimize unsupervised outdoor play on regular days, but on nights like this, it’s best to avoid it completely as some pranks can just be downright cruel and dangerous.

4. Watch Out for Pumpkins, Corn, and Candles

Pumpkins can be particularly tricky for dogs as many treats are made with pumpkin. However, your dog can become ill from eating old pumpkin that’s been sitting outside and may be rotten. Corn is hard for dogs to digest and should never be given to dogs as food. What makes Halloween even more dangerous for your dog, is that candy wrappers can be found all over the sidewalk outside after a long night of trick-or-treating.

5. Properly Tag Your Dog at All Times

Dog collars and tags should always be worn for year ‘round dog safety. It’s particularly important on a night made popular with mischief and constantly opening doors. Before Halloween night, double check that your dog not only has appropriate, readable tags, but that the information contained on them is still accurate. Include pet name and your phone number minimally.

6. Cover Cords and Consider Decorations

While most decorations have child warnings on them, they do not necessarily take dog safety into consideration on the label. As fun as cobwebs, skeletons, and an electronic grim reaper can be, also consider where the cords may be lying and whether your dog will get into anything. If your pet is a chewer, you may want to minimize the number of decorations you set up until the chewing has passed. This way you avoid choking hazards, accidental electrocutions, or glass swallowing.

7. Dress for Success and Dog Safety

When it comes to costuming your pets, there are a few key tips to keep in mind such as never forcing a dog into anything that makes them uncomfortable or irritable. Consider the weather this time of year. If you live in a hotter or colder climate, dress your pet appropriately. If your dog isn’t used to wearing clothing, try it on and let your pet wear it around enough to get used to it in small doses before the big costume party at the end of the month.

Happy Halloween, from your family at Splash and Dash!

October 23, 2018/by brianchildress

Pet Safety

Holiday Safety Tips for your Dog this Christmas

The holiday season is almost upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their four-legged companions in the festivities. As you get ready for the holidays this year, it’s important to try to keep your dog’s eating habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, it’s important to steer dogs clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plans, and dangerous decorations. All of us at Splash and Dash want the very best for you and your dog during the holidays.