Summer Time Top Dog Photo Contest

Top Dog Photo Contest invites you to upload a picture of your pet having active fun this summer. So show us your camping dogs, hiking dogs, surf dogs, kayaking dogs, dogs on boats, dogs RVing, dogs on planes, dogs on summer vacation, dogs in outdoor gear, dogs traveling or even laying in the sun soaking up some rays in their shades.

Top Ten and TOP Dog will be announced at the end of summer winning photos may appear on National TV with Pet Safety Lady. Visit the website Top Dog Photo Contest today.

It's simple to enter, just upload a photo of your pet doing something fun for a chance to win some awesome prizes from: Natura Pet Food from P&G, EVO Pet Food, Pet Buckle Brand, PetMate Pet Products, Bamboo Pet Products and Mountainsmith.

Prizes each week to win: Crates, Pet Carriers, Pet Food, Pet Travel Gear, Pet Travel Harness, Travel Bowls, Dog Toys, Pet Booster Seat, Pet Soft Crates, Poop Bags, Pet Back Pack, Pet First Aid Kits and more.

BArk Buckle UP tests the 2011 Acura ZDX

Acura takes the idea a step further, adding coupe lines to a sedan that is also as tall as some crossovers. This means that the vehicle is not only more attractive than the standard sedan, but it’s roomier as well. When transporting human cargo, the front seating area is massive, while the back thrones feature a generous 35.7 inches of leg room. Your furry friend can also get in on the action, as there is ample head room for any pet owner to safely buckle your pet into his or her seat. Read full review, video and photos here.

If you’re looking to secure your little buddy in a kennel, you have no challenge ahead of you. Smaller pets should have no problem gaining access, though, as the quirky little sedan/crossover has 55.8 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded flat.

Bark Buckle UP tests the 2011 Honda FIT

The 2011 Fit is Honda’s subcompact offering, with a base price of $15,100. The little hatchback is designed to maximize fuel economy while at the same time offering interior utility that is typically reserved for much larger vehicles. And when it comes to the pet owner on a budget, those are two very important attributes. Read full review, video and photos here.

The Fit is a cute little hatch with an amazing 57.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. That’s more space than some crossovers, and Honda’s design team made sure that space was usable by making the second row seats foldable, or they can be hoisted up so the cabin can swallow up taller items like a kennel. When the rear seats aren’t folded or stowed rear legroom is a bit tight, though, which can make seating for five all but impossible. We’re pretty sure Fido won’t mind the back seat accommodations, but only with a seat belt harness.

Pet Radio Host Arden Moore has a Car Accident with her Dogs

Bark Buckle UP's Be Smart Ride Safe program says "Chipper & Cleo Buckle UP from now on".

This story from Arden Moore rings in the heart of pet owners world wide. She now knows all to well first hand why we need to Buckle UP the entire family. Chipper and Cleo survived with little to no injury. However the best way is to secure your pets even with a barrier system in your vehicle. The most well behaved dog at an accident is frighten and even though they may be trained the sit - stay command it doesn't mean they will follow or if you are injured the stranger helping doesn't know your pet.

Your pet may be tossed through the vehicle sustaining injury, escape and be hit by another car, run off never to be found or even bite yes bite this is a tramatic situation and pets will be pets.

As the driver you may not be conscious, your pets may be scared and that's expected, just like a a human in an emergency they may not behave as usual so please Buckle UP every time, for your safety, your pets safety and for our first responders!

My dogs, Chipper and Cleo, love to ride in the back of my Saturn SUV for long road trips and even for short errands. I created a “canine condo” in the back that includes a floor-to-ceiling metal gate to keep them from accessing the middle seats or worse – trying to grab my steering wheel. It comes with a pet first-aid kit, extra leashes, battery-operated fans, comfortable bedding and more canine amenities.

With them in the back, I am free from doggy distractions and able to focus on driving. Earlier this week, we were the third and final vehicle in line waiting for the light to change from red to green. I looked into my rear view mirror and spotted a white Toyota Tundra 4-by-4 truck barreling our way. Bam! This giant white truck collided into the rear of my SUV, propelling it forward. Fortunately, there was enough of a gap that I did not hit the vehicle in front of me.

My first thought: my dogs. As I opened my door, I fell onto the pavement, picked myself up and hurried to the passenger side to open the door leading into the middle row of seats. “Chipper! Cleo! Are you okay?” I cried out.

As I opened the door, I saw my two dogs shaking violently, cowering and lip licking. I then went to the back hatch that was miraculously able to open despite the more than $3,500 in damage done to the vehicle.

Chipper and Cleo know the “stay” command – which they heeded as I quickly put their leashes on them and assessed them. They were clearly scared, but uninjured. Whew. The gate kept them from propelling forward in my car and possibly, through the windshield.
I was not so lucky. A three-hour trip at urgent care revealed I had whiplash, soft tissue damage to my neck and shoulders, a swollen left shin – not to mention a rattled state of mind.

The driver of the truck and I were able to limp our vehicles a block away into the Oceanside High School parking lot to exchange information. As fate would have it, a police squad car was there. Naturally, the officer was a K-9 officer with his trained German shepherd, Ranger, in his squad car. Call it pet karma.

The driver of the truck readily took full responsibility and the reporting of the accident was handled in a civil manner. Chipper and Cleo were able to walk on leashes with no signs of injury for which I am grateful. Each sport collars with their names and my phone number embroidered on them – as well as microchips. My cell phone identifies three people on my “in case of emergency” list and all three know my pets, my veterinarian’s information and access to my house.

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. But, I share this as a reminder of the importance of keeping our dogs as safe as possible when they ride with us in our vehicles. It saddens – and frustrates – me when I see little dogs riding on the laps of drivers with their heads and sometimes, front legs dangling out the car window. Or big dogs untethered in the back of truck beds. Or dogs racing back and forth in the middle seats with no harnesses or restraints.

Seriously, folks – show how much you really love your dogs – and cats and other traveling pets – by keeping them safe when you drive. Last year, I happily agreed to post a short safety video for the “Be Smart, Ride Safe” campaign being conducted by Bark Buckle UP and “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter.

Pet Safety Lady shares these facts:
A 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700 pound projectile, at just 35 miles per hour.
Pet travel has increased 300 percent since 2005.
Unrestrained pets delay emergency workers’ access to human occupants.
Pets escaping post-accident pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet.
Injured pets may bite first responders and rescue workers.
Pets may escape through a window or open door and cause a second accident.
Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious.

Selter created the “Be Smart, Ride Safe” pledge, allowing pet-owners to commit to being safer with pets for the safety of the owner, the safety of pets and to protect first responders. I encourage you to get size-appropriate harnesses for pets who travel in the middle seats or inside pet carriers that can be held in place with seat belts and to never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat due to driver distraction and the airbag deployment injuries.

I hope you check out the Bark Buckle UP site for more helpful info, including how to obtain a pet safety kit you can keep in your vehicle’s glove box.

As I type this, I am wearing a neck brace and taking medication to relive the pain in my neck and back muscles. And, I am delivering prayers of gratitude that Chipper and Cleo escaped physical harm and are cuddled up next to me. Let’s be safe on the roads – for the sake of ourselves, others and our pets.

Learn more about Arden Moore on her website Four Legged Life.

To make and upload your Be Smart Ride Safe video visit us on our YouTube channel.

Pet Safety Lady Kicks off National Airport Tour from LAX

Los Angeles Airport has gone to the DOGS this Holiday Season with a little help from Pet Safety Lady and her Pet Travel Tips

December 15, 2010 Los Angeles, CA - At the Holiday Season Air Travel Press Conference, representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spoke about how to prepare for going through security screening. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shared the holiday travel forecast, while the Airport Police conveyed travel safety and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) showed us hands-on what “not” to bring into the country when returning from an overseas trip. In closing, Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP, the trusted authority for pet travel safety, shared with us some tips for traveling safe with pets. Her Furry friends helped her demonstrate airline approved pet carriers, crates and a “BONE”afide pet pat down, TSA style.

Pet Safety Lady emBARKed her national airport tour live from LAX. The tour was formed to help educate pet owners on how to travel safer with their pets. “Safety starts on the way to the airport. To ensure ultimate safety, comfort and convenience for two and four-legged passengers, be sure to plan, pack and follow the rules”, said Pet Safety Lady. Her airport tour will take a giant BITE out of pet air travel commotion.

Guests were chomping at the bit to hear her Pet Air Travel Safety Tips (PATST):

• Fees (average is 100.00)
• Cabin or cargo: A pet under 20lb,s, which includes carrier can go in cabin. Larger pets travel as cargo. Lock your carrier and keep ID on carrier.
• Check-in: A reservation for pets is required. Your pet will be your carry-on bag.
• Security: Pet Pat Down TSA style may be required for some pets. Your carrier goes through the x-ray machine, but your pet is removed from its carrier and walks through with you.
• Airports are required to have Pet Potty Parks (LAX has 5).*see below
  
• Packing for pets: Be sure to bring medicines, food, toy or chew bone, ID tag, collar/harness & leash.
• Size & health: Healthy to fly = current shots. All states require Rabies vaccinations and that the animal be at least eight weeks old.
• Snub nose pets like a Pug cannot fly as cargo.
• Airline transfers: Different carriers = you are required to pick up your pet at baggage and transfer to other carrier. When transferring with the same carrier, that airline will transfer your pet for you.
• Service dogs with proper ID travel in cabin free of charge.
• Weather safety restrictions apply: Above 85 degrees and below 20, degrees pets don’t fly.

*LAX has four "Pet Potty Park" where pets can take a potty break, stretch their legs while on a leash. All of the Pet Potty Parks have water-spouts with water bowls, doggie poop bag stand, trash receptacle and some have the doggie bone cement area and fire hydrant.
-One at the southeast end of the Central Terminal Area near Terminals 7-8 near
-One near TBIT (Tom Bradley International Terminal) between TBIT and Terminal 4.
-Twp fenced pet parks between Terminals 1 and 2 and across from Terminal 5 and 6 in a grass fenced in area.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation designed to help airplane passengers with service animals has gone info effect. As of 2009 all airlines must make sure there are pet relief areas, and escorts to those relief areas, for any passenger traveling with a service animal. Airlines and airports have been instructed to work together to make this happen. As a result, airports everywhere are creating, upgrading and expanding pet relief areas that are open to all.

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Media Contact: Bark@BarkBuckleUP.com or 949-361-2275

For the full list of pet air travel tips, full release, video and quotes please visit http://www.PetSafetyLady.com and click on the airplane.
Included in the online press release are the LAX forecast, travel tips, CBP travel tips and TSA tips.

About: Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP® works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations and impressions in the first year, she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

About: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to movement for people and commerce. Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of and deployed a Federal workforce to meet Congressional deadlines for screening all commercial airline passengers and baggage. In March 2003, TSA transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security.

TSA employs a risk-based strategy to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency will continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.

About: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws.

About: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world’s busiest origin and destination (O & D) airport. O&D passengers are those beginning or ending their trips in Southern California rather than using the airport for connecting flights. In total traffic, LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world for passengers and ranks 13th in the world in air cargo tonnage handled.

Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady" films 4th PSA

Coming soon Be Smart Ride Safe PSA in English and Spanish nationwide.

Stay tuned.................

Bark Buckle UP® founded Be Smart Ride® Safe nearly a decade ago to communicate to the public the reasons for being safer with your pets while traveling. Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady" founder of the programs is the Director and Executive Producer of four resent PSA's.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Pet Sitters International asks members to take the pledge

Be Smart Ride Safe
Pet Sitters International asks members to take the pledge

September 23, 2010 Orange, CA, Bark Buckle UP® has a new public service announcement that asks pet owners to take the pledge to “Be Smart, Ride Safe® buckle UP the whole family.” The Be Smart Ride Safe® PSA features Cesar Millan and his second-in-command, Blue Pit bull Junior. The PSA is being aired nationally to encourage individuals and corporations to take the pledge online to be safer with their pets.

Pet-sitting industry leader Pet Sitters International (PSI) has partnered with pet safety experts, Bark Buckle UP®, to support the Be Smart Ride Safe® campaign. PSI’s more than 7600 member pet-sitting businesses provide professional pet care and serve as trusted advisors for more than one million pet owners annually. As part of its ongoing mission to promote pet-sitting excellence through education, PSI has encouraged its members to take the Be Smart Ride Safe® pledge and is promoting pet safety tips and Bark Buckle UP’s® free pet safety kit on the PSI web site, www.petsit.com.

The number of pets traveling with their owners has increased 300 percent since 2005, and over 98 percent of pets that travel in cars were not restrained properly in 2009. “Pet owners need to realize that it is just as important to buckle their pet up as it is to buckle themselves up when the get into a car,” Selter said. “We all know that wearing a seatbelt saves human lives. Well, it saves pet lives, as well. It costs nothing to strap yourself into your seatbelt—but the cost of not wearing a seat belt can cost you your life. The same applies to your dog or cat.”

Bark Buckle UP® is committed to informing pet owners about the dangers of unrestrained pet travel. According to the founder of Bark Buckle UP®, “Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, “safety belts can only work if you use them – that costs nothing – but not using them can cost lives – pets included.”

FACTS:
• A 60-pound pet can cause a 2,700-pound projectile, even when moving at just 35mph accident
• Pet travel has increased 300 percent since 2005
• Unrestrained pets in vehicles can delay emergency workers’ access to human occupants
• If a pet escapes a vehicle post-accident, it can pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet
• Injured pet may bite rescue workers or others who are trying to help
• Pet may escape through a window or door and cause a second accident
• Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious in moving vehicles

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Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 250 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Pet Sitters International Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources including a comprehensive Accreditation Program, The Pet Sitter’s WORLD magazine and PSI’s annual Quest convention. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™, or visit the PSIStoreOnline, the largest specialty retailer of products for pet sitters and pet-sitter business owners.


Media Contacts: Bark Buckle UP -- PR@barkbuckleup.com 949-361- 2275

Cesar Milan Launches Safety Campaign for Dogs in Cars with Bark Buckle UP Called Be Smart Ride Safe

Written by: James (Jim) Hamel September 1, 2010

In much of the United States dogs are like family members and as such they routinely ride in the family car to the supermarket, to watch the kids at Little League games or on trips to the local dog park. I know that my dog Daisy Mae travels with me everywhere I go in the many cars, trucks and SUVs I test each week. That is why I incorporate "dog friendliness" testing into every review I write.

But dog friendliness is much more than just how comfortable your dog is in the back seat or behind a metal grate in the cargo area. Dog friendliness also has to do with how safe your pet is when riding in your vehicle. The inspiration for this testing comes from the work of Christina Selter and her website BarkBuckleup.com.

BarkBuckleUp.com has long advocated the use of pet safety harnesses when riding in motor vehicles. According to Christina Selter, "safety belts can only work if you use them. That costs nothing but not using them can cost lives. Pets included."

Frightening Statistics

If you don't believe a dog needs to be properly harnessed in when riding in the car just check out these very disturbing statistics. In 2008 nearly 6,000 pets died in car crashes and more than half a million were injured according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Currently less than 85% of drivers do not restrain their pets when riding in the car.

An unrestrained pet also poses a huge risk to drivers. In a 35 mile per hour crash a 60 lb. dog is capable of creating an impact of 2,700 pounds. Just imagine a dog hitting a driver in the back of the head with that level of brute force and it is easy to see that even a belted in driver would most likely not survive that accident.

Also, if a pet does survive a crash they will impede the work of any first responder fire, police of ambulance teams. These animals will be scared, hurt and will take away from the rescue of any human passengers. First responders nationwide have said, "any time lost in the caring of accident victims [due to] the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided."

So What Can You Do to Make Sure Your Pet is Safe?

BarkBuckleUp.com has now teamed up with The Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan to launch BeSmartRideSafe.com—a website that offers a free pet safety kit and information about keeping your dog safe when riding

in the car. Be Smart/Ride Safe is also producing a series of Public Service Announcements with Cesar Milan to highlight the dangers of pets who ride unsecured in automobiles.

The very wise and hunky Cesar Milan had this to say about Be Smart/Ride Safe, "Pack leaders provide protection and direction. And when it comes to pet safety, protection is about prevention - that's what this campaign is all about!"

So what can you do as a pet owner? Well, first you should invest in a pet safety harness that buckles into one of the receptors in the rear seat. Dogs should never ride on your lap or in the passenger seat as the airbags could easily kill them in a frontal impact. See, that isn't so hard.

Be the Pack Leader!

When you set off in the car you always make sure that your whole family is secure in their seat belts or car seats. So why not make sure one of the most beloved members of the family is also securely belted in? You know that Cesar Milan would tell you this simple action is what any responsible and loving pack leader would do.

See More James (Jim) Hamel stories on Bark Buckle UP Be Smart Ride Safe and Cesar Millan

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InsiderCarReviews.com

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Bark Buckle UP and AllState Insurance Motorcycle Safety

These days, more pets than ever are traveling in vehicles. Unfortunately, though, most drivers aren't taking the steps necessary to ensure that this travel is safe for both them and their pets.

Jul 22, 2010 – These days, more pets than ever are traveling in vehicles. Unfortunately, though, most drivers aren't taking the steps necessary to ensure that this travel is safe for both them and their pets. Most pets travel unrestrained, increasing the risk of pet injury or fatality during an accident.

“As a responsible pet owner, it is critical that the owner seeks out, investigates and purchases the safest gear available,” says Pet Safety Lady Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP. “From pet carriers, trailers and sidecars, to goggles and helmets, there are multiple ways to safeguard your pet while still being able to enjoy the freedom of motorcycle travel.”

Let's be honest: There's a lot of stuff out there that's bigger than your bike. But there's a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe while riding.

Allstate Insurance Company recommends the following when riders are out on the road:

• Always wear a helmet that fits right. Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards.
• Know your bike's limits.
• Stick to the speed limit.
• Don't tailgate other vehicles.
• Use your signals.
• Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder.
• Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots and always use your headlights.
• Brake smart. Use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.

“Even if you have been riding for years, it's a good idea to take a close look at your motorcycle insurance coverage,” says Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte. To help make sure you have the protection you need, contact your local Allstate agent.

ABOUT PET SAFETY LADY
“Pet Safety Lady” Christina Selter, the founder of Bark Buckle UP, has been featured on more than 250 news network shows nationwide over the past few years, as well as in print and on radio. She travels the nation teaching pet safety to pet owners, and her efforts are supported by fire departments, police, Coast Guard and EMT personnel. She recently produced the free pet safety class DVD series, was filmed in her first national pet safety television commercial, and is currently producing a pet safety PSA for 2010. For more information, please visit www.barkbuckleup.com and www.petsafetylady.com.

# # #

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow.


http://www.prlog.org/10811779-safe-motorcycle-travels-with-your-pet.html

ShamPAW Best Dog Wash Brush-Pet Safety Lady

Daily Life, LLC is excited to announce the release of its second product, a revolutionary new dog wash tool, the Shampaw™.

The Shampaw™ makes washing your dog remarkably easy and fun! The patent-pending glove allows the user to get deep into the dog's fur, creating a healthy and happy experience for both you and your pet.

"I have a doggie daycare and grooming facility, so we bathe at least 10 dogs a week, and I can honestly tell you that this invention has dramatically improved our process. It's absolutely fabulous! It is really great for getting deep into their coats and underneath their bellies, not to mention the dogs feel like they are in heaven! I would recommend the Shampaw to anyone who owns a dog!" – Barbie Marquet, Owner, Wags-to-Wishes.

Washing your dog no longer has to be a struggle or a mess. Shampaw™ flushes dirt and allergens from deep within the fur and treats dogs to a spa-like massage. Water passes through the hose into the built-in bladder, spraying from Shampaw's water-dispensing massage nozzles while moving and separating fur without tangling. Its cleansing and rinsing action works deep into the dog's fur, removing ticks, fleas, dirt, and grime in minutes!

"With pollution at an all-time high, any dog that goes in the water – be it the ocean or the lake needs to be rinsed off so they do not get skin infections or heat spots. Shampaw is the easiest way to ensure your dog stays healthy and clean!" – Christina Selter, Pet Safety Lady and founder of Bark Buckle UP.

No more filling the tub with water or having dirty water all over your bathroom. Avoid playing the "bite the water" game with your outdoor hose, or having your wet dog shake all over you mid-bath. Shampaw™ can be connected to a sink faucet for bathing a small dog, to the shower for larger dogs, or to an outdoor faucet for seriously dirty dogs.

Massage, clean, rinse. Three easy steps and voila! Never before has it been easier to wash your dog! Your dog will love you and you'll love Shampaw™.

About Daily Life: Daily Life is dedicated to the health and well being of our furry friends. Our goal is to offer you and your pet innovative products that improve their health and wellness. Daily Life's product line includes 10dercare, a natural liquid glucosamine solution to prevent and relieve your pets' joint aches and pains. In addition to the newly released Shampaw, revolutionizing how we wash our pets.


To view the video associated with this Press Release, please visit the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gC66r-C-vk.

Pet Safety Lady TIPS for Pets on 4th of July

More dogs go missing on July 4 than any other day of the year. The reason is loud and clear they HATE fireworks and more than 7 million pet owners will seek tranquilizers or other help from veterinarians for their traumatized dogs.

By following these simple TOP FIVE TIPS to insure your 4th of July and your pets will love you for it.

An up-to-date tag greatly increases the chance of a lost pet being returned make sure that your pet always wears identification

Never leave pets or children in cars unattended. On a sunny day, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket to 140 degrees in 30 minutes

Make the grill off limits so keep an eye on pets during parties and BBQs as scraps can make them sick and make sure to have fresh clean water easily accessible for them.

Do not bring your dog to the Fireworks displays they can be disorienting and frightening to pets.

Leave your pet at home and secure the party perimeter by keeping doors closed so there's no escape route. If possible, close all the windows, too, and cover them so your pet is insulated thus creating a home sanctuary. You can play soothing music or turn on the television

Unrestrained Pets Pose Travel Danger

Please read from PR Web the press release from Idea Village about Doggie Seat Belt and the special story from Steve Hartman CBS News about the dog that did survive a crash not always the ending we hear from police and fire.

"Be Smart Ride Safe Bark Buckle UP", said Pet Safety Lady

Our pets; they are both our best friend and a family member. Yet every year, an estimated 30,000 car accidents occur because they travel with us unrestrained. Today, the Pet Safety Lady, Christina Selter, announced that pet owners can help prevent these dangers with a simple safety practice and a product like the new Original Doggie Seat Belt from Ideavillage Products Corporation.

Pet Safety Lady Pleased about FDA article Reporting Adverse Drug Experience in your Pets

How to Report An Adverse Drug Experience, Veterinarians and animal owners are encouraged to report adverse experiences and product failures to the government Agency that regulates the product in question. Pretesting by the manufacturer and review of the data by the government does not guarantee absolute safety and effectiveness due to the inherent limitation imposed by testing the product on a limited population of animals. CVM encourages you to contact the manufacturer of a suspect product. Reporting information for the following product categories:

Animal Drugs and Devices
Veterinarians and animal owners may report adverse drug experiences to FDA by:
You should first call the drug company to report an ADE for an FDA-approved animal drug. Drug company phone numbers can usually be obtained from product labeling. Inform the drug company that you wish to report an ADE, and ask to speak to a technical services veterinarian. The technical services veterinarian should ask a series of questions about the event, complete the FDA 1932 form, and forward the report to CVM. In addition, the technical services veterinarian may also contact the veterinarian who treated your pet to obtain more information regarding the ADE.
If the drug is not FDA-approved for animal administration, or if it is approved but you do not wish to contact the manufacturer, the report may be submitted directly to the FDA on Form 1932a.
Reports should preferably include a good medical history, all concomitant drugs the animal has been given, any recent surgical procedures, and as much in the way of clinical findings as is possible. Clinical findings would include veterinary exam, clinical chemistries, complete blood counts, urinalysis, fecal exams, radiographic results, and hemodynamic data such as blood pressure, any other pressure measurements in or around the heart, and neurologic assessments.

Submitting FORM FDA 1932a, "Veterinary Adverse Experience, Lack of Effectiveness or Product Defect Report". The 1932a is a pre-addressed, prepaid postage form which can be completed and dropped in the mail. This form may be obtained by the highlighted title above or by writing to:
ADE Reporting System
Center for Veterinary Medicine
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
7500 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855-2773
The Center may occasionally need more detailed information about an incident and the reporter may be called by a CVM staff veterinarian.

Telephoning the Center for Veterinary Medicine: 1-888-FDA-VETS
IMPORTANT: The identities of all persons and animals is held in strict confidence by FDA and protected to the fullest extent of the law. The reporter's identity may be shared with the manufacturer or distributor unless requested otherwise. However, FDA will not disclose the reporter's identity to a request from the public, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.
Leave your name, address, phone number and the brand name of the drug involved. Ask to have a 1932a form sent or ask for the phone number of the drug company you should call to report the problem.
Animal Biologics: Vaccines, Bacterins and Diagnostic Kits U.S. Department of Agriculture (800) 752-6255
Pesticides: Topically Applied External Parasiticides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (800) 858-PEST

TOP 10 Pet Travel TIPS

Top Ten Tips for Traveling with your Pet

Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady”, like millions of Americans, loves pets. Known throughout the country as the Pet Safety Lady, Selter is the founder of Bark Buckle UP®, an organization dedicated to pet travel safety awareness. On her website barkbuckleup.com Selter advises, “Be Bmart Ride Safe® in your car, boat or RV. From point A to point B, get there safe and enjoy the ride.”Here are Selter’s top ten tips for traveling with your pet:

Before leaving the house, make sure you’ve packed the ten essentials for pet travel:
1. Pet food
2. Clean water
3. Pet medicine
4. Tags with current information
5. Leash
6. Bedding
7. First aid kit
8. Pets shots record and photo
9. Travel bowls
10. Poop bags

Never leave your pet in a vehicle unattended; it’s easy for the temperature inside a car to rise to more than 100 degrees within just a few minutes.

Make sure your pets are road-trip ready with the proper pet travel gear, such as crates and travel harnesses.

If you’re flying with your pet, plan ahead. Most airlines only allow a certain number of pets per flight. Also keep in mind the airlines often charge extra fees and impose size restrictions and specific carrier requirements for animals.

During the summer months, pavement, rocks, and sand can become too hot to handle. Keep a few sets of disposable booties on hand to protect DUKE's feet from frying.

Does your dog enjoy going for a swim? What dog doesn’t? Make sure to put a life vest on DUKE before he goes bounding into the water.

Put a life vest on DUKE even if he’s just surf-watching inside a boat.

Does the hotel where you’re headed allow pets? Make sure it does before booking the room.

When packing for your room in the pet-friendly hotel, make sure you bring along a sign to place on your door that warns “Pets Inside!” This way, the hotel cleaning person will know to watch for animals before entering the room.

Have a great trip! Check back with us for more pet safety tips.

Bad Weather, Rain and Pets oh my

According to Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” and founder of Bark Buckle UP, avoid walking dogs close to rushing water. As seen on national news just a month ago in Southern California during the rain a loose dog had fallen into the rushing water (Los Angeles River Basin) and was later rescued by the LAFD, however these types of stories don’t always end with a happy note. The temptation for some dogs to jump in and play might be too great to control.

Tip number one is to keep away from rising water, rushing water and of course dirty water. Stick to neighborhood sidewalks until creek water subsides and Carry treats to use act as a distraction to water-loving dogs

Stick to leads 6 feet in length or shorter easier to control your dog, always up to date information on their dog tag and some dogs will wear doggie rain coats (don’t forget you too need to have proper shoes and rain gear on to stay dry/warm).

Plan a shorter walk than normal and go for routes that have some trees to offer respite from big drops and steady sheets of rain. Don't stop walking your dog because of a mediocre storm. Your dog needs the exercise. Think of it this way: You get cabin fever. The same thing happens to your dog.

Clean water for you and your dog, you both need to keep hydrated, do not let your pet drink from run-off water or gutter water it can contain contaminants.


Have a quick-return plan in case the storm gets worse. The best way to be safer with pets is to PLAN, know your short cuts and pay attention.

Yes, dogs have fur, but it’s usually no more protective than a thin layer of clothes. Look for trees, bushes, awnings, homes or buildings to block some of the rain and wind in order for your dog to "do their business." Then upon returning home, offer extra treats, towel dry them, wipe feet/belly from any dirty water/contaminants and get them a warm bed to rest in.

Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice 2010 "TOP DOG"

New York, April 1, 2010 – Bark Buckle UP – the recognized leader and experts for pet travel safety – awarded the Pet Safe Choice Vehicle Awards “TOP DOG” today at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.
This year, Bark Buckle UP’s founder Pet Safety Lady Christina Selter and her furry friends awarded “Top Dog” Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice and announced the Pet Safe Hotel, Retailer, and Airline of choice. During the presentation, Greg Kleva, host of Martha Stewart radio show “It’s a Dogs Life”, the Pet Safety Lady, and furry friends wearing the Doggie Seat Belt hopped in and out of cars and stole the show with their animal antics and demonstrations of dog and car travel safety.

This year’s Pet Safe winners included the Ford Edge (Vehicle of the Year); BassPro Shops (Retailer of the Year), Sheraton Hotels (Hotel of the Year) and Southwest Airlines (Airline of the Year).

“Most people don’t think about it, but in only a 35 mph accident with a 60-pound pet it becomes a 2,700 pound projectile. This will injure the pet, passengers, driver or the pet may escape the vehicle and cause a second accident or become agitated and bite the first responder that is on scene doing their job,” stated Selter.

The registered vehicles are evaluated on a variety of pet-related aspects, including how easily the vehicle accommodates animals and kennels of various sizes, ease of access to pet from within the vehicle, ease of pet entry and exit, ventilation for animals in the rear, as well as whether the vehicle has pet-friendly surfaces, adaptability for third party pet travel or safety gear. Ford received four out of the top ten honors for 2010 Pet Safe Vehicles of Choice List, including the Ford Transit Connect, Edge and Flex and the Lincoln MKT.

“With more than 340,000 vehicles sold since it was originally launched in late 2006, the Ford Edge has been meeting the needs of customers who demand style, technology, performance and capability in a compelling package,” said Burin. “We look ahead with excitement this summer to the arrival of the new 2011 Edge, which adds even more revolutionary technology and class-leading performance. And with a suite of safety features, flexible seating and nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space, the Ford Edge is perfect for those traveling with pets.”

Doggie Seat Belt, the newest As Seen On TV product to offer real solutions to problems without breaking the bank. “When the weather is nice, you see dog heads hanging out the window all of the time,” said Anand “Andy” Khubani, President and CEO of Ideavillage Products Corp and distributor of the Doggie Seat Belt. “Since we all love our pets and enjoy taking them with us, Doggie Seat Belt was designed to be as easy and convenient as possible to buckle up our pets when they are in the car. This should help to decrease the chance of injury to a dog or passenger in the event of an accident.” 

The 2010 Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice TOP DOG Ford Edge award was accepted by Brett Burin Ford Edge Marketing Manager.

2010 Pet Safe Retailer, Hotel and Airline:
• BassPro Shops Unable to attend
• Sheraton Hotels on hand to accept the award Thomas Mituzas Director HR
• Southwest Airlines on hand to accept the award Amanda Udell Manager Marketing

Statistics:
• 35 MPH accident with a 60-pound pet unrestrained becomes a 2,700-pound projectile
• 98% of dogs do not travel properly restrained in a moving vehicle
• Driver distraction causes more accidents then any other issue
• 82% of pets travel on vacation with their owners
• Pet friendly lodging has increased 300% since 2005
• Over 70 million homes in America have a pet

###

Media Contact: Bark Buckle UP
Ashley 949-2959515
PR@BarkBuckleUP.com
High res photos http://www.BarkBuckleUP.com/media

About Christina Selter "Pet Safety Lady":” has been featured on more than 250 TV stations nationwide including National networks, as well as radio, print, and online venues. Recently featured in her first national TV commercial, produced several PSA’s and the Pet Safety seminar that will be attended by the public FREE at more then 4000 locations in the US and Canada summer 2010. Selter’s first children’s book, “Be Smart Ride Safe®”, will be published in 2010.
Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP and the Bark Buckle UP Charity, works closely with first responders, auto manufacturers, airline, marine and other pet experts to help educate, inform, and protect America’s pets. Pet Safety Lady travels the country teaching pet safety to the public and works with Police, Fire, National Guard, Coast Guard EMT, K9 units, FEMA dogs, animal services, pet rescues, and volunteers her time to help save pets lives. Her Bark10-4 program has delivered more then 8,000 pet oxygen masks to Fire Chiefs in the U.S. and Canada. She has been featured with many Fire and Police Chiefs in the media educating the public on pet safety and has frequently been the host of first responder press conferences nationwide.

About Ford Motor Company: Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Ideavillage Products Corporation: Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, Ideavillage Products Corporation has been bringing innovative products to market under the As Seen On TV banner since 1999. Dedicated to providing affordable quality products offering solutions to life’s everyday problems, the As Seen On TV category has become on of today’s most popular line of consumer goods and include Doggie Seat Belt, Smooth Away, HD Vision WrapArounds, MicroTouch Magic, and more. All products are available directly while select products are available at food, drug, and mass retail outlets nationwide. Ideavillage actively supports charitable organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Cherish the Children Foundation, and more. For more information on the Doggie Seat Belt visit http://www.doggieseatbelt.com

Media Contact:
BarkBuckleUP
949 361 2275 (BARK)
Email Bark@BarkBuckleUP.com
- Be Smart Ride Safe®

New Years Holiday Pet Safety Tips

The big gatherings, loud noises, and dramatic fireworks that brighten the night sky on New Year's Eve can be great fun for us, but they can be very frightening and stressful for pets. The first step for a safe holiday this New Years is to plan for pet safety.

Dogs, cats, birds and other pets are much more sensitive to loud sounds than we are," says Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” with Bark Buckle UP. " When frightened, they are at an even higher risk of running into the street and being hit by a car. The sound of fireworks can scare pets and cause them to escape from a yard or dart out an open door and become lost."



Pet Safety Lady New Years Eve Pet Safety Tips:
ID Tags and Microchips:
During Holidays loose pets are at an all time high. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause them to enter an extreme panic mode. Dogs have been known to break through glass windows and cats are expert escape artists. Make sure your pets Microchip and/or ID tags are updated/current.

KEEP PETS INSIDE: Secure pets in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows in fact have their pet carrier with them. For those hosting guests at their home, consider keeping pets in a room that is off-limits to guests, with plenty of water and food, toy and remember to put a note on the door “keep closed pet inside”.

KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKS:
Besides the potential toxicity pets can experience from ingesting fireworks, there is the obvious risk of accidentally burning or injuring pets by allowing them to be in the same vicinity as fireworks. Remember fun and loud noises for us not so fun for our pets.

Pet Safety Lady's Top Tips for Holiday Pet Safety

Holidays can create special dangers for pets. Each year during the various holiday seasons, thousands of pets are seriously injured or become ill. The holiday season is a busy time, a time of much planning, shopping, cooking and baking, rushing to and from parties and get-togethers with relatives and friends. Sometimes we forget about our little four-legged family members during the rush of festivities. They are curious and anxious as we, their caretakers are and there are many hazards waiting for their curiosity.

Pet Safety Lady states “holidays are great for the whole family, including pets, and there are some easy ways for us to put safety first for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas and New Year celebrations.”

Here are some vital tips to help keep your pets safe:

• Poultry bones can easily splinter and then lacerate your pet's mouth or throat or obstruct your pets' insides.

• Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing, can damage your dogs or cat's red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.

• Chocolate has the potential to be fatal to your dog or cat so place those sweets well out of reach.

• Aluminum foil, wax paper and other food wrappings, if ingested, can cause intestinal obstruction. Make sure to place these items securely in the garbage.

• Provide your pet with a quiet retreat should the holiday festivities become too much for him. Watch his behavior to make sure he is not stressed.

• Keep outside doors closed and remind guests there is a pet in the house.
• Fatty, rich, or new types of foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life threatening.

• Keep garbage cans securely closed. If your pet gets into it, he may think he's hit the jackpot. But all he'll be winning are health problems that can range from gastric disturbance, vomiting and diarrhea to the worst-case scenario; death.

• Plants poisonous to pets include holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, and Christmas rose.

• Pine needles can create problems if ingested as can the ingestion of tinsel, ribbons or garlands causing sickness or obstruction. So be mindful of these potential dangers when placing decorations around your home.

• Unsecured Christmas trees pose hazards to climbing critters as they can topple or be knocked over.

• Don't forget to prevent the ingestion of Christmas tree water since stagnant water or preservatives and pesticides from the tree can be toxic.

• Other holiday hazards include menorahs, liquid potpourri pots. Scented candles are very dangerous for pet birds.

• Breakable items such as glass and other ornaments pose a threat so be careful to place these out of reach. Electrical cords, heated decorative bulbs, hooks, and a wide variety of other adornment items create temptations. Use topical pet deterrents and barriers for protection.

• Nicotine poses a threat to your animals. Keep it out of reach.

• Chewed aluminum foil and e-coli are risks to pets.

• Store food in secure containers out of reach to prevent ingestion or poisoning.

• Holiday travel like any other requires a little extra thought with your pets. Be sure to secure your pets while traveling in a vehicle, take plenty of fresh water and if you are going on a long trip remember supplies for all their day-to-day needs.

The holidays should be a happy time for you and your pets. These useful tips will help you avoid an emergency visit to your local veterinarian. The food and decorations that enhance our holidays can be dangerous, even fatal, for your pet. Always be aware of the dangers that are around, and plan careful to avoid these potential hazards. With safety at the forefront of your holiday planning, you’ll be sure to enjoy a great time with your family, friends and pets.

You can email Christina@PetSafetyLady.com for some fun pet healthy snack recipes. Or any questions you may have about pet holiday safety.

Visit this link to see pet safe products.
http://www.barkbuckleup.com/Products.asp

Pet Safety During the Holidays

The upcoming holiday season is an important time to think about pet safety. As December is the culmination of the year, it also is a culmination of all of our work here at Bark Buckle UP. The end of the year is a time filled with travel, eating, and illumination - either by electric or firelight - that brings joy to our families, including our furry friends. But we must always be prepared for accidents and take precautions to protect our pets as we would our families.

During the holidays, we travel distances far and wide to see our friends and families, and often take our pets along for the festivities. It is so important to make sure your pet is safely secured in a carrier, if you choose to travel by plane, or in a carrier or NHTSA-tested harness secured by safety straps if you choose to travel by car. Unfortunately train travel is limited to non-existent, since Amtrak does not allow pets on trains due to unregulated baggage car conditions, except for service dogs. For more information on Amtrak's service dog policy, please go to their website. For more information on how to secure your pet in your vehicle, please check out our YouTube Channel where you'll find easy-to-follow videos. To see what is required by individual airlines for flying with your pet, either in cabin or as checked luggage, please visit BringFido.com, which has a great compilation of airline pet policies on its site. Lastly, if you don't know which pet carriers, straps and harnesses are NHTSA-tested, check out our approved list of pet products at BarkBuckleUP.com. Please don't ever travel with your pet unsecured in your lap or in an untested product - it is so easy to prevent a travel tragedy this holiday season by being educated and making sure to secure your pet.

Holidays aren't just about travel. We all look forward to the decorations and platters of food that welcome us into this festive time. But we mustn't forget that our pets can't have everything we can. I remember one holiday many years ago when our German Shepherd, Boomer, jumped onto the kitchen counter and devoured an entire pan of fudge. Boomer became very ill and after calling the vet, we had to force the fudge back up (no small task with a sick, 120-pound dog). Boomer was fine after a few days, but it was a close call. Make sure you are prepared for accidents like Boomer's with your pet's emergency information, your vet's phone number, and poison control's number on hand so that if your pet consumes something that makes them sick, you can act quickly. Check out the American Association of Poison Control Centers' website to find your local Poison Control Center's contact information and the ASPCA's site for common household poisonous items. Please remember that foods aren't the only items that could make pets sick - Christmas tree water that has been treated with preservatives, and floral bouquets are also common poisons to both Fido and Kitty. So keep them out of reach by covering your tree stand and by keeping flowers out of paw's reach.

The same goes for candles and fireplaces. December is unfortunately a month that sees many residential fires from candles, cooking fires and faulty Christmas lights. Make sure open flames are monitored and that your fireplace screen is in place. Be prepared ahead-of-time for an emergency evacuation of your home by having a family evacuation plan in place that includes an easily accessible pet carrier containing your pet's vitals. In case there is a fire, and your pet can't be found in time to get out safely, make sure first responders know your pet's information. Also, you can still help donate to support your local fire department's drive to have pet oxygen masks on hand in case your pet suffers from smoke inhalation from a fire in your home. You can also check BarkBuckleUP.com to see if your local agency has already received pet oxygen masks. Since oxygen masks are not designed for snouts, it is nearly impossible for first responders to get a good seal on standard masks and pets can't get the oxygen they need. With the help of SurgiVet, we hope to get masks in first responder's hands in hopes of saving lives.

By being prepared and educated this holiday season, you can keep your trips and homes accident free, therefore keeping your pets safe so they can receive their gifts of chew-bones and catnip mice without a care in their furry little heads. Happy Holidays to you and yours from Bark BuckleUP.