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English Bulldog Uga VII made his debut as University of Georgia’s beloved mascot at the season-opening football game against Georgia Southern Aug. 30. At a halftime ceremony in honor of the 56-pound dog, his state-of-the art dog house was unveiled. This is no ordinary dog house. Uga’s new abode has all the amenities needed for such a prominent figure – from air conditioning to radiant barrier and siding with a 50-year limited warranty, according to Brant Mitchell, marketing manager of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, the company that donated the material for the dog house. “They take pride in their mascot,” Mitchell said, “and they wanted it to be a home for Uga.” The 12-square-foot house was built at no charge to the university by McCar Homes. The materials are environmentally friendly and are designed to keep Uga cool on the field. His father Uga VI, who served as the mascot until his recent death, occupied a dog house made mostly of sheet metal, Mitchell said. The new house is made of all wood products, making a big difference in the temperature, which is crucial for the breed, as temperatures reach the high 80s and 90s for the first home games. “It’s a lot cooler and more pleasant,” he said. “And it looks fantastic from the sidelines.” The dog house is painted red with black trim and has the university logo on either side. The name of the dog is derived from the abbreviation for the University of Georgia. “As people are spending a lot more money on pets, these green materials can be purchased at local retailers and it’s pretty easy for someone to buy these products and build a good quality product for their pet,” Mitchell said.

The following may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. If you plan to travel with a pet this winter, it’s important to be mindful of cold weather safety issues. After all, frigid temperatures aren’t pleasant and can be downright dangerous—for you or your pet. If you’re considering flying or driving somewhere with your dog or cat, here are some winter travel safety tips to help ensure you reach your destination safely (and warmly!). Make Sure Your Pet Is Fit to Travel “Before any type of trip, you want to make sure your pet is healthy and able to take the trip,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM of Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. In some cases, it might be best to leave your furry family member at home with a pet sitter, in a boarding kennel, or at your veterinarian’s office. Pets that might not be suitable to travel include: Young pets Older pets Pregnant animals Ill animals If you’re unsure if your pet is OK for winter travel, consult your veterinarian to get an expert opinion. “Animals that travel should be cleaned, groomed, and follow basic obedience,” adds Dr. Osborne. She also says you should make sure “that they’re courteous, not knocking people over. If you have a pet that barks excessively, that is probably not an ideal animal to bring with you.” Before the Trip Before you load up the car or head to the airport, there are steps you have to take for your fur baby. Contact Your Veterinarian Talk to your veterinarian a few months before your trip and make sure your pet is up to date on all needed vaccinations and preventive care. If you’re traveling to a different part of the country (or world!), your pet may need vaccines or parasite prevention that they haven’t had before. If you’re crossing state borders there is a good chance your pet will need a current health certificate; international travel requires even more documentation. Airlines often require that a veterinarian sign an acclimation statement that outlines safe travel temperatures for pets that are not traveling in the aircraft cabin with their owners. Research Where You Stay Call hotels before you book to ensure they allow pets. Even if cats and dogs are allowed, certain hotels can have weight limits, limitations on the number of animals you can bring, or other restrictions—like not being able to leave your dog unattended in the room. It’s best to call to ahead and find out so you aren’t scrambling to find another place to stay the day-of. Pack for Pet Safety No matter what time of year you’re traveling, make sure your pet has a cat collar or dog collar with up-to-date contact information. If your pet is microchipped, ensure the microchip is registered to you and accurate. Lindsey Wolko, founder for the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a consumer advocacy organization that advocates on behalf of pet owners, advises bringing a picture of you and your pet in case you get separated. Before you head to your destination, research and have the names and contact information of a few nearby emergency veterinary hospitals. It also might be helpful, if you are driving, to check for emergency veterinarians on your route as well. Ask your veterinarian to print out your pet’s medical records and bring a copy with you in case you need to seek care on your trip. Ensure Your Car Is Pet-Friendly Car travel with pets can be dangerous. Unrestrained pets can quickly become a distraction, and when a pet is unrestrained, they are also at greater risk of serious injury in an accident. Wolko explains that when traveling in a car with a pet, you need to properly secure your pet. If you’re driving and your pet climbs into your lap, that could distract you and potentially cause an accident. Here are her recommendations: Use a cat carrier to safely secure a cat for travel. For longer trips, small dogs should also go into a carrier. Small or large pups can use a dog harness or carrier, depending on what product your pet prefers. Larger dogs can fit into a weighted kennel that’s secured with strength-rated anchor straps. “Acclimate your pets, prior to travel, to those products,” says Wolko. Try taking them on short drives and gradually increasing the distance. You don’t want your pet’s first experience in the harness or carrier to be on a three-hour car trip. These test runs are also helpful because they allow you to make sure the car safety products fit your pet comfortably and securely. So when it comes time for longer trips, you don’t have to worry about your pet escaping. It is always a good idea to have a roadside emergency kit in your car in case of an emergency. Ensure it has flares, cones or a flag—anything that will alert other drivers to your presence, Wolko says. Discuss travel with your veterinarian a few weeks prior to leaving to allow time to try any motion sickness or sedative medications at home. Always test out medications prior to travel. Bring Products That Will Keep Your Pet Warm For cold-weather travel, consider providing your pet with an extra layer of warmth before you leave home. A dog sweater or—if your cat is willing—a cat sweater is a great way to help keep your pet cozy, Wolko says. However, when choosing the right apparel for traveling with a pet, you need to keep travel safety in mind as well. Wolko cautions that knitted fabrics can snag or get caught up in a dog seat belt, canine car seat, or cat carrier, so make sure you choose something that will allow your pet to move around and relax safely and comfortably. Some good pet products for winter travel include: Frisco insulated parka PetFusion quilted blanket Frisco sherpa dog and cat blanket K&H Pet Products microwavable bed warmer Aspen Pet self-warming bed Don’t Forget the Essentials It is also smart to pack extra pet food; you can use a storage container like the Gamma2 Travel-tainer that allows you to securely store your pet’s food and provides bowls. Having extra food and water is especially important in case you get stuck in traffic, run into bad weather, or have car problems. Extra blankets and towels can be useful, too. Wolko says if you’re bringing pet toys, it’s best to secure them so they don’t fly out or around the car in case of an accident. If your pet takes any medication, be sure to bring some extra meds in case you end up staying away longer than planned. During the Trip Now you’re ready to hit the road! Make Lots of Pit Stops While driving, Dr. Osborne says to stop every few hours so you (and your dog!) can take a potty break. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to incorporate those break times into your overall travel time. During those pit stops, check the sidewalks, parking lots and roads for ice-melting products. These can harm your pet’s paws, and they’re also toxic if ingested. You might want to bring along dog booties to keep your pup’s paws safe in winter. If you don’t have booties, use a product like TrueBlue paw and body wipes after each pit stop to wipe your dog’s paws clean of any ice-melting products. “Never leave your pet unattended” at pit stops, says Wolko, as your pet could easily run off or be stolen. Keep the Stops Speedy Be aware of how long you spend out in the cold with your pet. Dogs and cats can both suffer from frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur if your pet is exposed to cold temperatures for too long. When temperatures drop under 32 F, small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, or very young, old, or sick dogs could be in danger if they spend too much time outdoors. Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems if they are outside for extended periods of time. At-risk areas for frostbite on cats and dogs include the ears, nose, paws and tip of the tail, says Dr. Osborne. Frostbitten areas of skin initially turn a reddish color and then become gray. To treat frostbite on a dog or frostbite on a cat, give your pet a warm bath (not too hot, around 105 F is good), wrap them up in warm towels, and take them to the nearest veterinary clinic. Don’t rub an area that has frostbite. Signs of hypothermia in dogs include paleness of skin and strong shivering, which can be followed by listlessness to the point of lethargy. If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, bring her inside immediately and contact your veterinarian. When You Arrive When you reach your destination, provide a comfortable environment for your pet. They will probably want a potty break and a chance to decompress after a long trip—just like we do. Create a safe space for your pet with familiar smells from home. Using your pet’s favorite toys and blankets, set up their own little cozy area. Having a pen or kennel for your pet also allows you to secure them safely if you have to leave them alone. By Teresa K. Traverse Image via iStock.com/SolStock

Questions about your new pet? Our vet team is here to help, for free. Available daily 6 am to midnight ET Schedule your free consult now Free for Chewy customers, exclusions apply. Virtual consults are supplementary to in-office visits. Our telehealth team does not prescribe, treat, or diagnose.,4. Practice Soft-Mouth Training  Puppies can be extra mouthy during teething, and they need their pet parents to teach them what isn’t a chew toy.  If your puppy gets mouthy while playing, immediately offer them a toy or chew item. If this doesn’t work, pull your hands away, separate yourself from your puppy quietly, and avoid eye contact. This teaches them that mouthing or biting doesn’t get them more attention. When they calm down, you can resume playing with a toy.  Use positive reinforcement training—giving your pup attention, praise, and food when they do the right thing—to teach desired behaviors and help your puppy learn. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train dogs, because it creates a strong bond without fear and anxiety. If your puppy is showing aggression over toys or is persistently mouthy, talk to your veterinarian.  Featured Image: iStock/Sergeeva ,In humans, teething happens when baby teeth erupt, or push through the gums. But when it comes to dogs, teething is associated with the adult teeth growing in. The process can be painful. Teething babies are known to be fussy, interested in chewing, and can even have a mild fever during this phase. Puppies go through similar discomfort, so it’s important that pet parents keep their fur baby comfortable as their permanent teeth erupt. Here’s what to know about taking care of a teething puppy.

The first 21 weeks of a dog’s life play a huge rule in his personality and behavior down the road. So now is your chance to raise the dog you’ve always wanted. Experts spill the beans on what new pet parents are mostly likely to do wrong, and deliver some helpful dog training techniques, puppy potty training tips and more to get you off to a happy and healthy start with your bundle of joy. Ruff Spot: You give your puppy too much freedom.Master Class: “Puppies don’t handle freedom well,” says Camilla Gray-Nelson, author of Lipstick and the Leash: Dog Training A Woman’s Way. “In their natural environment, there are always other dogs looking over their shoulder, telling the puppy where to go and what not to do.” To mimic this behavior, you have to establish boundaries from day one. Gray-Nelson suggests not letting your puppy leave the room you’re in because he doesn’t have self-control or the ability to self-direct. You also might not want to allow your puppy to jump on the sofa (or you) uninvited. “It’s cute when a puppy is 8 pounds, but when he reaches 80 pounds, you probably wouldn’t want him doing the same thing,” she says. Ruff Spot: You don’t pay close attention to your puppy’s potty signs.Master Class: Everyone seems to have puppy potty training tips. But the truth is, some breeds are simply easier to potty train than others. “Some dogs, especially larger breeds, are practically born housebroken, and if given the choice, they won’t defile their quarters,” says Gray-Nelson. “You basically just have to show them to the door.” For the tougher-to-train dogs, she says, you need to limit the amount of space in the house that they have access to and watch for signs that he needs to go. “If you witness an attempt to start to go inside, make a loud noise—which they will begin to have a negative association with—and rush them outside,” she says. Dog potty pads like those from Frisco can be helpful. When you’re not home for a few hours, you can give your puppy a defined boundary area like a garage or kitchen where he can move around and do his business on a potty pad,” says Gray-Nelson. Ruff Spot: You don’t expose your puppy to enough people and things.Master Class: Here’s one of the most important dog training techniques: “Puppies need at least three walks a day and should meet at least 100 people by week 10,” says dog behaviorist Drayton Michaels, founder of Urban Dawgs in Red Bank, New Jersey. Make sure the people are of all ages, shapes, sizes and skin colors. “If your puppy only sees your family for the 12 weeks, he is going to think all humans only look like you and be fearful or even aggressive with other people,” says canine behaviorist Beverly Ulbrich, owner of the Pooch Coach in San Francisco. You also need to expose your puppy to common outdoor items. “Issue food rewards when your puppy notices ‘weird things,’ like bikes, strollers and traffic,” says Michaels. “This way the dog makes a positive association, and it helps place trust in their long-term memory.” Ruff Spot: You don’t let your puppy play with older, bigger dogs.Master Class: Not exposing your puppy to more mature dogs will hinder their development. “Ideally, call a couple of your friends who have well-behaved, friendly dogs and see if you can get together for a puppy playdate. In this situation, you have more control over puppy play so it stays positive,” says Gray-Nelson. However, don’t rule out a dog park. “Puppies need to learn how to play, and at a dog park, older dogs might give them soft corrections if they’re doing something wrong,” says Ulbich. “If you wait until your dog is 7 or 8 months old to bring him to a dog park, he won’t get the benefit of those soft corrections because the other dogs will think he should know better by now. It’s like a 2-year-old walking up and hugging a stranger versus a 21-year-old doing it.” Ruff Spot: You don’t have a plan for leaving the puppy at home alone.Master Class: Learn about dog crate training a puppy. Buy an easy-to-fold crate that’s big enough for your puppy to stand and turn around, but not to walk around. Put a non-spillable dish with food and water inside, and line the dog crate with a blanket and a few toys. You want to make crate training a puppy a positive experience for him. Start with increments of 10 minutes during the day and work your way up to longer amounts of time—so you leave your puppy in the crate if you need to run out to the store for an hour or so. “It’s also helpful to keep your puppy crated at night and teach him to sleep there,” says Ulrich. “You might have to let him cry it out the first night or two.” Most puppies should be able to sleep through the night without a potty break by the time they’re four months old, according to the American Kennel Club. Ruff Spot: You often call your puppy with an angry or exasperated tone of voice.Master Class: “You want your dog to stop a bad behavior because of your instructions, not fear,” says Michaels. “That will put him at a higher risk of aggression and biting.” Instead, connect with the word “come” with something wonderful like a treat, says Gray-Nelson. Ruff Spot: You don’t put your puppy on a leash.Master Class: Leash training a puppy is crucial. “Get a leash on your puppy as soon as possible,” says Ulrich, “even if you’re just having him wear it in the house and guiding him from room to room.” If you wait a couple of months to leash train a puppy, he’s much more likely to balk at wearing one.