Traveling with your pet
Taking Fido on vacation with you? That’s awesome! You’re sure to have a lot of fun. Before you go, make sure you include Fido’s needs as you plan, pack and travel. Here are some pointers:
Call your vet to make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations, and take copies with you, just in case you need to reference something. Also ask your vet if any additional vaccinations or topical treatments are recommended based on your travel plans and destination. For example, fleas and ticks may be more heavily populated in some locations than others and a topical or oral pill may be recommended.
Does your dog travel well in the car? If not, will you use a sedative? Make sure you have a sufficient amount for your trip. If your dog is already sick or pregnant, he/she should not travel; instead, find a caretaker.
Be sure to pack all necessary items:
Bedding, bowls, food treats and toys, vaccination records are all fairly common. Bring water for the trip. Just like when dogs change food quickly, switching to a new water can cause an irritated tummy or diarrhea.
Also consider an additional tag that states you are traveling; include your cell phone number and final destination on the tag. Microchips are another good thing to consider, just be sure to have the chip number written down.
Before you leave:
If your dog is not regularly in a vehicle, consider doing a test drive to see how your dog responds to a longer ride. Don’t feed your dog right before you get in the car; just like people, dogs can get car sick.
Give your dog a nice bit of exercise before you get in the car; wear them out some before they have to sit for a long time. Look for parks along your route that you can visit to break or walk your dog.
During the drive;
Never let your dog ride in the back of a pick-up or in your lap (for safety reasons, obviously; but it is also illegal in some states). The safest way for you r dog to travel is in the back seat with a dog restraint or seat belt. According to The Humane Society of the United States, dogs should not be able to roam free in the car. About 30,000 accidents are caused each year by an unrestrained dog in the front seat, according to the AAA.
Dogs love to ride with their heads out of a window, but limit this time because a dog can be injured by flying debris or insects.
You will need to plan extra breaks while driving. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises pet owners to stop every two to three hours for your pet to use the bathroom and get some exercise.
It seems obvious, but don’t leave your dog in the car alone on a hot day. The temperature in the car even with the windows partially down can get hot very quickly.
After you arrive at your destination keep your pup on his/her current routine as much as possible. If you are keeping the food & water bowls outside or in the heat, make sure you wash them often to make sure there is not any infestation. If you’re in a hotel, make sure your dog is secure before you leave your room. Inform the front desk and housekeeping and make sure all doors are locked. Set a good example: follow leash laws and pick up after your dog.
Taking your pet with you on vacation can be great because it keeps the whole family together but make sure the trip can be safe and fun for everyone in your family.