| How to Take Pets on Beach Vacations Posted: 11 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Lots of people dream about a beach vacation, but hesitate to take one because they don't want to leave a pet behind. However, there is no need to settle for a kennel or a pet sitter. You can enjoy some fun in the sun on a beach vacation with your pet. It is easier than ever to find accommodations at a beach that welcome your pets, and a little extra planning and preparation is all that is required to have a wonderful time on vacation with your pet. EditChoosing a Destination - Make sure you choose a beach that allows pets. Use the internet to determine whether a beach is pet friendly. You can look at a beach's website, lists of pet-friendly beaches, or the parks and recreation department of the city where you will be traveling. They will tell you about any restrictions on pets at the local beaches, such as seasonal restrictions where dogs are only allowed on the beach during the off season.[1]
- There are some beaches, particularly private ones, that won't let you have your pet on them. For example, California has some the most pet-friendly beaches in America, but there are still likely some beaches there that don't allow pets.
- Find a hotel that is pet-friendly. Check websites that list pet-friendly hotels, resorts, house rentals and bed and breakfast facilities. Most accommodations that accept pets will advertise themselves as pet-friendly on their websites.[2]
- If a beach resort has pet-friendly accommodations, then it is likely that your pet will be welcome on the beach there as well.
- If you are unsure whether a hotel accepts pets, call them and ask. It's better to know if your pet will be welcome before you make a reservation.
- Expect to pay a pet deposit. Most hotels charge pet deposits of between $10 and $30 per night.
- Consider a variety of accommodations. When on vacation, hotels are not your only choice for accommodations. Consider a rental house, apartment, or other options that might be pet friendly. You could also try to stay with a friend or family member who loves your pet, and you.[3]
- For instance, camping on the beach would work well with certain pets. This is a good way to keep your pet close and you can find a campground, a beach cabin, or an RV site along many coastlines.
- Vacation rental homes can be a great option for vacations with your pet, especially if the home is owned by an individual who also has pets. If the owner is used to pets being in the home, then they may be more willing to let you bring yours there as well.
- Determine how you will travel to your beach destination. Taking your pet with you on vacation may require you to adjust how you get to where you're going. Most small pets can travel in a wide variety of ways, while large pets will likely need to travel by car or RV.[4]
- In some cases, it's a good idea to prepare your pet for a long drive by taking them on short drives to ease some of their fear.
- If traveling by plane, you'll need to check with the airline on regulations for bringing your pet on board.
- Some pets are just not comfortable traveling, whatever mode of travel you choose. If this is the case with your pet, consider leaving it home. It will have a better time with a pet sitter than dealing with the stress of traveling.
EditTraveling with Your Pet - Take your pet to the vet for a checkup. Before you leave for vacation, have your pet looked over to ensure all vaccinations are up to date and that it is in good health. This will help minimize the chance of it having health problems while you are away from home.[5]
- Talk to your vet about your vacation plans. Some locations may require extra precautions if there are dangerous conditions. For example, a heavily wooded beach area might require a vaccination against Lyme disease.
- You may also need to get paperwork from your vet that shows that your pet has been vaccinated. This is likely if you will be doing international travel.[6]
- This is also a good time to have your pet implanted with a chip that will let someone know who its owner is if the pet gets lost.
- Make sure your pet's basic needs are met while on vacation. Make a list of everything that your pet needs on a daily basis. This should include, at minimum, food and water, but may include things like medications, sunscreen, a leash or travel container, and a surface to sleep on. Just make sure that the pet will have its basic needs met.[7]
- Depending on where you are going, you may need to bring all of your pet's supplies with you. For instance, if you will be staying at a beach that is far from stores, you will need to bring pet food for the whole trip with you.
- Get a carrier to hold your pet that fits under the seat if you are flying. Most airlines will not allow you to carry a pet onto the plane without stowing it in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Make sure the carrier you buy will both fit under the seat and will fit your pet.[8]
- Contact your airline to find out how big the area under the seat is.
- If your pet won't fit under the seat in front of you, it's probably best to figure out a different way to get to your destination or to leave your pet at home. While you can use a carrier as your checked luggage or put it in cargo, the cost of this can be very large and the experience can be stressful for your pet.[9]
- Make frequent stops if you travel by car or RV. Let your pet get some fresh air and exercise along the way. Stops can also provide an opportunity to give your pet food and water, and allow the animal to relieve itself.
- If you have a long way to travel by car or RV, consider breaking up your trip over several days. This can make traveling with a pet easier, as they get lots of time outside of the vehicle.
- Bring items that will help if an emergency occurs. When going somewhere with a pet, it's good to have supplies and information that will help you if it gets injured or lost. With this in mind, be sure to bring items such as a first-aid kit for your pet, safety equipment (such as a life jacket), and your pet's veterinary records and contact info.[10]
- Bring toys, treats and other fun supplies for your pet. Don't forget to pack the fun stuff for your pet too! Being on vacation means that you will have lots of time to play with your pet, so make sure to bring items that will keep it occupied and that will help you bond with your pet.
- It's also a good idea to bring things that remind your pet of home. For instance, its favorite toy will have a familiar smell that can provide some comfort.
- In addition to bringing your pet's usual toys, get some beach-specific toys as well. A new frisbee, ball, or floating throw toy can give your pet hours of entertainment.[11]
- If you plan on spending time on the sand, make sure to bring items that you can get the sand off of easily. For instance, hard surfaces are better than soft ones, as sand can become imbedded in fabric.
EditHaving a Successful Vacation - Follow all rules and regulations. Whether spending the day at the beach or in your hotel room or house, it's important that you are mindful of how you and your pet must behave. For instance, most beaches will require you to keep your pet on a leash or in a harness at all times.
- Following the rules might actually make your vacation more relaxing. For example, if you are not breaking the rules, you won't have to worry about what your pet is or isn't doing.
- Clean up after your pet. When vacationing with your pet it doesn't mean that all responsibility is gone. Picking up after it, whether that is when it goes to the bathroom or it makes a mess with its food, is still your responsibility.
- This is especially important on the beach, where many people are walking, running, sunbathing, and swimming.
- Keep your pet hydrated. Being in the sun and getting extra exercise means more water is necessary. Have cool water and a container to drink it from ready for your pet at all times.[12]
- Make sure you are giving your pet clean water. If you are not sure there will be a water source available where you are going, bring enough for both you and your pet.
- Protect your pet from the sun. If you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach, remember to protect your pet's skin, in addition to your own. Pets can get sunburned if they are in the sun too long, so apply sunscreen if necessary or protect your pet by keeping it in the shade or putting protective clothing on it.[13]
- If you are putting sunscreen on your pet, be sure that it is appropriate for your type of pet. For example, dogs should have a dog-friendly sunscreen applied, which is available at most pet supply stores.
- Touch the sand to make sure it is not too hot for your pet's feet. Make sure to check the temperature of the sand before your dog walks on it. If the sand is so hot that it burns your hand when you touch it, then it will also burn your pet's paws. Consider putting some booties on your dog or waiting until the sand cools down to go on the beach, such as near sunset.
- Be considerate of others. Even if your pet is well-behaved, you never know how an animal will react in public. Some people are scared of animals, especially children, so just be aware of other animals and people on the beach and keep your pet away from them if necessary.
- If you keep a leash or other form of control on the pet, you will be able to direct its movements and keep it away from people or animals when necessary.
- Watch your pet for signs of stress and react accordingly. Some pets may find the atmosphere at the beach overwhelming and stressful. If you find that your pet is acting unusually, for instance becoming aggressive with strangers or hiding and cowering, remove it from the beach and take it to a less overwhelming location.
- It may be that your pet simply needs a quiet break or some alone time before returning to the beach. However, you may find that your pet is not cut out for a beach vacation.
- It is best to bring pets that have spent a lot of time on the beach on your beach vacation. A pet that is accustomed to the beach in general will be better prepared to have fun at a new beach.
- Do not take dangerous or exotic pets on your beach vacation. When an establishment calls itself "pet-friendly," that often means it allows small dogs. Some people might travel with cats and other small animals, such as rabbits. However, pets such as snakes and other reptiles should probably be left at home.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Hang a Silk Poster Posted: 11 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT You can easily hang your silk poster using either poster hangers or a picture frame. Poster hangers are strips of plastic used to hang up fabric posters. These work great for long or very large posters. You can also mount your silk poster to a cardboard backing and place it inside a frame. Either way, you can easily secure your silk poster and hang it on the wall. EditUsing a Poster Hanger - Measure the width of your silk and buy poster frames to fit your poster. Grab a ruler, and place it next the top edge of your poster to find its width. Then, purchase a poster hanger that is the same size or longer than your silk poster.
- Poster hangers are designed to be slightly longer than the size of your poster.
- You can purchase a poster hanger with either a string to hang from the wall or a clip to slide into the back of your top hanger.
- Most home supply stores have poster hangers, and you can also find them online.
- Slide the top edge of your silk poster into the top hanger. The poster hanger has a thin slit down the middle used to hold your poster in place. To insert your poster, simply hold the corners of the fabric in your hands, and push it into the slit. Once inside, slide your poster into place by its sides. If you have a hanger with a clip, find the slot on the back of the hanger and slide the clip into the center.[1]
- Stop sliding your poster when you reach the edge of the top hanger.
- Ensure your poster lays flat inside the hanger and replace the end caps. If there are any wrinkles or creases in your silk poster, slide it to the left until all folds are straightened out. Place the end caps on either side of your poster to hold it in place.
- Your silk poster will easily fit inside the poster hanger. You may need to adjust it a bit, however.
- Insert the bottom edge of your silk poster into the other poster hanger. Just like you attached the top hanger, slide the remaining hanger into place at the bottom edge of your poster.[2]
- If you are having difficulty, ask a friend to hold your poster by the top hanger. That way your poster won't move around as much.
- Hammer a nail into your wall and hang up your poster. Using a hammer, secure a nail into place for a permanent hanging method. Hold the nail to the wall at a slight angle, and pound the nail 2-5 times until it is secure in the wall. Your hangers will either come with an attached string, or you can hang the poster by the clip on the top hanger.
- If your silk poster is very long, hammer your nail towards the top of your wall.
- For smaller silk posters, place them about ⅔ of the way up your wall, so they hang a bit above eye level.
- Use Command Strips to secure your hanger without using nails. Purchase Command Poster Hanging Strips at a craft or home supply store. Peel away the backing sheet, and stick 1 to the center of your hanger or 2 from either corner.[3]
- If you'd like to add a bit more security, you can also stick Command Strips to the bottom hanger as well.
EditFraming Your Silk Poster - Grab a ruler and measure your silk to get a frame in the correct size. Lay your silk poster flat on a clean table, and measure its length and width using a ruler. Then, use a frame in the appropriate size to house your silk poster. You can purchase a frame in stores, or salvage 1 from a thrift store.[4]
- You can get a frame in a fun color to match your poster, if you'd like.
- If your silk poster has any wrinkles or creases, you can iron it on the lowest heat setting to remove the folds.
- Disassemble your frame and set the cardboard insert to the side. Move the hinges out of the way, and take the cardboard out of your frame. You can slide the hinges away using your fingers. If you are having trouble, use a screwdriver to help.[5]
- Your frame should come with a piece of cardboard in between the glass and the backing. If not, it will have a piece of cardboard as its backing.
- Lay your silk face down on a flat surface and sit the cardboard on top. Place your silk poster down so you are looking at the back of it. Then, place the cardboard on top of the silk in the middle.[6]
- Ideally, your silk poster will stick out about on each side of the cardboard.
- Fold your poster over the cardboard and secure it with painters tape. You can lay the edges of your poster over your cardboard. Then, rip a few small pieces of painter's tape and stick them to all 4 outer edges of your silk poster.[7]
- This will hold your silk poster in place as you secure it to the backing.
- Reinforce your hold by adding pieces of tape around the perimeter. After you have secured your corners, rip additional pieces of tape long, and stick them to the edges of your silk poster.[8]
- As you secure 1 side of the silk, keep the other side taught so it stretches flat across the cardboard.
- Reassemble your frame when your silk is secure. Once your silk poster is attached to your cardboard backing, place it back inside the frame so the poster side faces the glass. Then, re-hinge the frame using your hands or a screwdriver.[9]
- Hang your frame from a nail to hang your poster permanently. Position your nails on your wall about ⅔ of the way towards your ceiling. If you are hanging long posters, you may want to raise your nails to the top of your wall. Then, hammer your nail into place.
- For a more secure hold, hammer in another nail about away from your first nail.
- Use a Command Hook for a damage-free way to hang your silk poster. Purchase large Command Damage-Free hanging hooks from most major retail locations. The Command Strip adhesives have 2 backing strips, 1 for the hook and 1 for your wall. To install them, peel away the backing for the hook, and stick it in the middle. Then, remove the backing from the wall side, press your hook to the wall, and place your picture frame on the hook.[10]
- You can smooth your hand over the hook and hold it for 30 seconds, if you'd like.
- The sides of the adhesive are marked accordingly.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing a Poster Hanger - Poster hanger
- Silk poster
- Command Strips
- Nail and string
EditFraming Your Silk Poster - Frame
- Silk poster
- Nails
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Command Hooks
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Roses Last Longer Posted: 11 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT An elegant spray of roses always makes a statement, but once they've passed their prime, they can begin to lose some of their magic. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to lengthen their lifespan, whether they're in your garden or a vase in your kitchen. By making sure your roses get plenty of fresh water, nourishing them with a balanced plant food or a little glucose, and keeping them at a consistent temperature, you can ensure that they'll look their best for days or weeks to come. EditCaring for Cut Roses - Start with a clean vase. Before putting your roses on display, run your vase through the dishwasher or wash it thoroughly by hand with warm water and antibacterial soap. Using a clean container is important, as dirty vases often harbor germs and mineral and chemical deposits from tap water.[1]
- If you use the same vase regularly, get in the habit of scrubbing it out between uses.
- Make sure the inside of the container is spotless. The residue left behind from previous flowers can also speed up the deterioration of your new roses.
- Fill your vase with distilled or purified water. Use bottled water to keep your cut roses moist, or invest in a water purification system to filter the water that comes out of your faucet. Roses do best in water with as close to a neutral pH as possible, which won't cause them to shrivel and discolor the way water that's too hard or soft will.[2]
- If you're using tap water in your vase, allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight to give the chlorine time to dissipate before adding the roses.
- Water purification tablets can also help bring questionable water to a more amenable pH in a pinch. Drop in the specific number of tablets recommended in the product instructions for the amount of water you're using and wait at least 30 minutes before adding your roses.[3]
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in your vase. Ordinary granulated sugar is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep cut flowers nourished. A good rule of thumb is to use roughly 2 tablespoons per quart of water. The roses will absorb the sugary solution through their stems and convert it to beneficial glucose, which will keep their cells and tissues lush and full.[4]
- Avoid using sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, saccharin, or stevia. Since these substances don't break down the same way chemically, they won't have the same effective on your roses.
- It's important to remember that flowers are living things that need to eat, too, even if they've already been cut, stuck in a vase, and used to decorate your home.
- Keep your roses away from direct sunlight and heat. Similar to produce, keeping cut flowers cool helps preserve them after they've been picked. Generally speaking, the cooler the environment, the better your cut roses will fare. Resist the temptation to situate them on a windowsill or in a picturesque sunbeam for long periods of time. Intense heat will quickly cause them to wither.[5]
- Consider refrigerating your roses overnight, or anytime you don't have them sitting out. Just make sure you keep them away from refrigerated produce, as the gases released by stored fruits and veggies can be bad for their longevity.[6]
- If you're displaying your roses in a room that tends to be hot and stuffy, position them where they can receive some airflow, such as next to a main entrance, open window, or air conditioning vent.
- Display your flowers away from fruits and vegetables. As produce ages, it gives off ethylene, a gaseous compound that causes it to ripen. If your roses are too close, it's possible for the ethylene in the surrounding air to have the same effect on them. For this reason, it's best to choose either a fruit bowl or vase of fresh-cut roses for your centerpiece, not both.[7]
- Whenever possible, store produce and other fresh food items in the refrigerator.
- On the flipside, keeping your roses near your fruits and veggies will encourage them to bloom faster if they were cut while slightly immature.
- Cut your roses early in the day. The countdown on the lifespan of your roses begins when you remove them from the growing plant. So as not to waste a minute, gather your display flowers in the morning while they're still fully hydrated. The warmer it gets outside, the more valuable moisture they'll lose.[8]
- If you absolutely insist on cutting your roses in the afternoon or evening, do it immediately after watering to give them the best chance of survival.
- Pass over any roses at the florist or supermarket that appear limp or droopy. There's a good chance these flowers weren't well-hydrated at the time they were cut.[9]
- Change the water in your vase every 1-3 days. A good rule of thumb is to replace the water as soon as it starts to look cloudy, regardless of how long its been. Refilling your display container regularly prevents bacteria from building up and ensures that your roses have a ready supply of fresh water to draw from. It also keeps the entire arrangement smelling pleasant.[10]
- Don't forget to add a little sugar to the new water.
- If necessary, top off the water level between replacements so that it reaches at least halfway up the stems.[11]
- Trim from the stems every time you refill your vase. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or blade to cut the stems diagonally. An angled cut increases the amount of surface area in contact with the water. As a result, your thirsty roses will be better able to drink their fill.[12]
- It's important that each cut you make be clean and precise. Handling your roses with a dull blade can mash the stems, making it harder for moisture to pass through the damaged cells.[13]
- Frequent trimmings alone can often help cut roses hold on for an extra week or more.
EditTending the Roses in Your Garden - Plant your roses in a patch of well-drained soil. Loose, crumbly soils do a better job of allowing water to pass through, which means your roses won't be in danger of rotting or becoming oversaturated. This is essential for helping your roses thrive, as they require much more moisture than other types of flowers. After watering your roses, you should notice the soil beginning to dry out in a matter of hours.[14]
- Most varieties of roses prefer a soil with a pH between 5.5-7. You can test the pH of your soil using a home soil testing kit, which are typically available at gardening centers, greenhouses, and plant nurseries.[15]
- If you live somewhere with wet, soggy conditions year-round, consider mixing one-third sand or gravel into your growing soil to improve drainage.
- Enhance your growing soil with organic amendments. Spread of a natural material like garden compost, cow or mushroom manure, or peat moss over your soil during the spring and summer when the most growth occurs. These additives are full of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that roses need to grow healthy and vibrant.[16]
- Following the first growing season, continue feeding your roses regularly every 1-2 months.
- Consult with a horticultural specialist at your local gardening center or greenhouse to find out what amendments will be most beneficial for the species of roses you're cultivating.
- Mulch around your roses to help them retain moisture. Apply a layer of mulch thick over the entire bed, leaving around the base of the plants exposed for ventilation. Any type of packaged commercial mulch will do just fine, or you can spend some time shopping around for mixtures that have been formulated specifically for use on roses.[17]
- For a thriftier approach, try recycling garden waste like leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, or even small stones into useful mulch.
- Be prepared to lay down new mulch once a year in the spring, or whenever the original layer becomes thinner than about .[18]
- Water your roses 1-2 times a day. The exact amount of water they'll need depends largely on their species and size (as well as unique soil conditions). Your best bet is to wet the soil thoroughly without oversaturating it, then perform a touch test between waterings. When it feels dry, it's time to give them another drink.[19]
- Keep in mind that roses in containers will dry out more rapidly than those in the ground, which means they'll need to be watered more frequently.
- Roses are thirsty plants, but care should be taken not to overwater them. Excessive moisture could lead to complications like wilting, blights, or root rot that can easily kill off an otherwise healthy plant.[20]
- Deadhead spent blooms to stimulate new growth. When you notice an older flower that's begun to droop or lose petals, use a pair of shears to snip the stem back to the first cluster of 5 leaves. Removing dead and dying flowers as soon as you come across them is one of the best ways to keep your roses alive and alluring.[21]
- Before you do any serious pruning, pull on a pair of elbow-length gloves to protect your hands and arms from wayward thorns.[22]
- Don't hesitate to also trim any leaves, stems, or offshoots that appear unhealthy while you're at it.
- It's good practice to inspect your rose plants about twice a week during the flowering season to check for failing blooms.
- Treat your roses at the first sign of disease. When roses get sick, they invest their energy into fighting off the cause of the disease rather than growing and reproducing. Monitor your roses to look for warning signs like dropped petals, wilting, and discoloration. After cutting back any diseased or decaying foliage, spray the plants with an appropriate chemical or herbal fungicide to prevent any further damage.[23]
- Lingering moisture is an invitation to harmful bacteria and fungi. You can do your part to prevent disease by planting your roses where they can receive plenty of direct sunlight and allowing them to dry out completely between waterings.
- Common diseases that affect roses include blight, rust, and black spot. These ailments are often accompanied by visible symptoms such as pustules or dark spots or growths on the underside of the leaves.[24]
- Prune your roses during their dormant period. The best time to spruce your roses is in later winter or early spring, just before they begin to explode with new blooms. Trim dead wood and older canes down to the greenish-white pith underneath, and don't hesitate to remove more growth than you might think necessary. It's typically safe to cut roses back by a third or even half of their original size.[25]
- Like deadheading, pruning serves to remove failing sections of the plant so that new growth can flourish.
- Strategic manicuring also gives you the opportunity to fine-tune the shape and appearance of your rose bushes.[26]
- With proper care and attention, it's possible for cut roses to last up to 2 weeks, and for rose bushes to go on returning and filling out season after season.
- Always move or cover your roses (using a frost cloth, padded blanket, or scrap of thick fabric) whenever necessary to insulate them from freezing temperatures, whether they're indoors or outdoors.
- If you're raising multiple rose bushes, leave a few feet of space between them to keep pests and diseases from migrating from one to the next.
- Whenever possible, avoid planting a new rose bush where an old one has been planted previously. Reusing beds can slow the growth of new plants and make it more likely for common diseases to be spread through the soil.
EditThings You'll Need Cut Roses - Clean vase
- Fresh water
- Pruning shears or sharp blade
- Sugar
Garden Roses - Well-drained growing soil
- Organic amendment materials
- Mulch
- Water
- Shears and other tools for pruning
- Chemical or herbal fungicides
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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