| On The Road Again Or not. If you plan on taking your dog on a road trip this summer and he’s not used to traveling, be sure to take a few mini-trips before you start your vacation. Many people make the mistake of bringing their dogs – who’ve only been to the vet’s office and maybe the groomer – on a trip and expect them to behave as if they’re travel veterans. Whether you’re going away for a week to your neighbor’s house on the lake, or staying at a hotel for the weekend, bringing your dog to new places before you leave (a different friend’s house a few times a week, or a local hotel lobby that allows dogs) will help give your dog a taste of the world beyond his dog bed. What’s In Your Wallet? If you’re traveling with your dog, it should include a recent photo and a copy of his health certificate (given no sooner than 10 days before your trip!), listing all of his recent vaccinations. In the unlikely event that you become separated from your dog, you have all the information you need to have him returned home. Who’s Your Doggie? Hopefully, it goes without saying that your dog should be wearing a collar with his i.d. tags attached. If you’re planning on being away for more than a few days, consider purchasing an inexpensive 2nd pet i.d. tag with the location and phone number of your vacation spot. Those of you who have your dogs micro-chipped are ahead of the game, but still need visible identification! Bag-etiquette Nowadays, dogs are commonly seen peeking out of travel carriers slung over their owners’ shoulders. However, in order for your dog to fall in love with his carrier, the relationship has to start (as with any good relationship) slowly. Forget about buying the bag, popping your dog inside, zipping it up and heading for the airport. Plan on a 2-3 week honeymoon period where the bag is initially placed on the floor so that your dog can get used to the sight and smell of it. Next, randomly leave a special treat in it (my dogs prefer a piece of deli turkey!) and watch how quickly your dog will keep checking his “magic treat bag”. When he’s ready for a test drive, put him in using a command (I say “get in your bag”), keep your hand on his collar (so he can’t jump out), and take him on a short walk around the inside your house. Don’t forget to praise and reward him for staying calm while he’s in the bag. When you progress to longer (and less local!) trips, be sure to provide him with a few new toys so he can keep himself occupied. Eventually, your dog will love his bag and the fun of going to new and exciting places with you. Silence Is Golden …and should be taught to all dogs who travel, especially those in carry bags. Sitting near a barking dog, no matter how short the flight, can set even the biggest dog lover on edge. Make sure all your dogs needs were met before the flight (that one last potty stop before you go into the airport), and space his meals according to your flight time, so he won’t need to visit bathroom in the middle of the flight! |
Riding In Cars With Dogs …is fun, but if you stop short or are involved in an accident, your dog can become a flying projectile that can injure not only himself, but other passengers in the car. Purchase a dog seatbelt, teach him to wear it, and then everyone will be safe and sound on your next car trip, whether you’re 2 miles from home or 2,000. Trip to the Loo? It’s inevitable, so be sure that before you leave home, you teach your dog to relieve himself on multiple surfaces, not just grass! Having the ability to potty on different terrains – concrete, mulch, gravel, etc. – will alleviate his (and your!) discomfort as well as the possibility of accidents while you’re on the road. It should go without saying that you’ve brought a supply of bags to clean up afterwards! Born Free And since we’re on the subject, does your dog go to the bathroom only when he’s running loose in your yard, or the dog park? Then go get that leash and go back to puppy potty kindergarten 101, that magical time when every time you took him out to potty, he was on a leash. Taking your dog off leash in an unfamiliar and unenclosed area is extremely dangerous, not to mention illegal in some areas of the country! Water, water everywhere But not for your dog if he has a sensitive stomach! Check with your vet about giving your dog only bottled water while away from home to ensure that he doesn’t get n upset stomach. Speak with your vet before you leave for suggestions (or medication) on what to do if such a problem does occur. Smart packing Bag a few days worth of your dog’s food, even if you’re sure that you’ll be able to purchase it once you arrive. And instead of taking his usual, bulky bowls, buy ones that are collapsible and let him get used to using them a week or so before you travel. Case The Room Before you let your dog have free run of his home away from home, check to make sure that it’s safe for your dog to explore. Check to be sure that electrical cords are out of reach, and that previous occupants didn’t leave anything on the floor or under furniture that could be potentially harmful to your dog. Emergency List Before you even leave home, find the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital and program it into your cell phone, along with the office and emergency number for your regular veterinarian (in case the vets need to speak with each other). That way, if there’s a situation where your dog needs medical attention, you’ve got already all the information on hand. |
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