The Puppy Place - Dog Travel Tips
Traveling with your dog can be great fun, adding to the
pleasure of a trip. Most dogs love the adventure of traveling and your dog comes
along, you don't have to worry about who will take care of them while you are
gone. On the other hand, taking your dog on a family trip can be a real
nightmare if you are not prepared properly.
Automobile Travel
Without question, a travel kennel is the safest way for
your dog to travel by car. It not only keeps him out from under foot, but also
increases his safety and sense of security. You should secure the kennel with
seat belts or straps to 
eliminate movement. With your dog in its kennel, he can't unexpectedly dash out
of the car and get lost when you stop. Also, your dog will be much safer in the
event of an accident. For traveling by car, use airline-type travel kennels.
They won't scratch your car's interior and are lighter than wire kennels. They
make the dog feel more secure because they are more enclosed which helps reduce
motion sickness. Dogs should never be allowed to travel loose in the bed of a
truck as they can be easily injured or thrown from the truck if you are forced
to stop quickly or have an accident. A travel kennel secured to the truck is the
safest way for your dog to travel.
Traveling with Fido
What should you do to make traveling with your dog
enjoyable? First, your dog should be trained to the basic obedience commands.
This is a must. Even though your dog should be on his leash at all times, he
should "come" when called EVERY TIME!
Second, proper socialization is just as important. In
other words, your dog should be at ease around other animals and people it does
not know.
Motion Sickness
Most puppies drool and even vomit a little with their
first few car rides, this occasionally carries over into adulthood with some
dogs. It can often be overcome with a little behavior modification. If not,
veterinarians can prescribe anti-nausea medications.
Also be sure to carry a roll of paper towels and some
stain and odor remover in case of accidents.
Leash
Your dog's leash should be handy at all times. Make it a
habit to snap the leash to his collar before you ever open a car door.
ID Tags
Make sure your dog has identification tags securely
attached to his/her collar with your name and phone numbers. Add the number of a
neighbor or friend and be sure to tell them that they could get a call if your
dog were to become lost.
Tie-Outs
It's a good idea to have a portable tie-out for your dog.
Your dog can relax in safety at a park or roadside stop while you and your
family enjoy some sandwiches.
Food
 Pack
plenty of his/her regular food. You may not be able to find his/her usual brand
and sudden changes in food can cause digestive upsets.
Offer your dog small amounts of water and not food on
short trips. On medium length trips, feed half as much as normal and moderate
amounts of water. On long trips, feed a normal amount in the evening when you
stop, and free choice water during rest stops.
A good idea is to freeze some ice in a plastic cup with a
lid on it. This allows the dog to lick and get some water, but not drink too
much.
Toys Bring a few of his
favorite toys. A new rawhide or two will offer hours of happy chewing along the
way.
Pooper Scoopers
Don't forget a pooper scooper and some plastic bags for
cleaning up after your dog. It is not only proper and sanitary to pick up where
your dog left off, but in many states, it's the law!
Remember to pack any medications you are currently using
on your pet and bring a copy of his/her rabies vaccination certificate.
Airline Travel
 If
your dog is going to travel by air, it must be shipped in an airline approved
shipping kennel. Call ahead and check with the airline about any special
requirements. Ask when and where you need to check-in. Generally, airlines are
very good about handling animals. State and Federal regulations require proper
care and humane treatment. The compartment where dogs are transported is
temperature controlled and pressurized. Affix your name and phone number to both
the outside of the kennel and the inside, in case the outside tag gets torn off.
Freeze water in a plastic dish and attach it securely to
the inside of the kennel so your pet will have access to some water, but the
water won't slosh out during loading. Make sure the latch works well and fits
securely. Don't lock the door in case of an emergency and don't leave leashes or
tags where they can dangle inside the kennel and accidentally strangle your dog.
Book a direct flight to minimize the chance of your dog
ending up in the wrong location. In warm weather, book an early morning or late
evening flight to avoid extreme heat. In cold weather, book a midday flight.
Stay with your pet as long as you can before he/she is
loaded.
Dogs in Parked Cars
Each year 10,000 dogs die in parked cars. Even in
relatively mild weather, with the windows partially rolled down, the inside
temperature of a car can reach 160 degrees within 10 minutes.
When traveling with your dog, never leave him/her in this
dangerous situation. If you cannot take your dog inside with you when you stop,
then someone should stay outside and walk the dog or wait in the car with them
with the air-conditioner on.
Is Bowser Welcome?
One caution about traveling with your dog. Not all hotels
and motels allow pets. Be sure to check in advance to make sure your pet is
welcome. If you must leave your dog in your hotel room while you are gone, leave
it in its travel kennel, or leave out the DO NOT DISTURB sign so that your dog
doesn't accidentally escape when the maid comes to clean your room. Note:
Maids don't like to be eaten by your dog either!
Call Ahead
Overnight establishments aren't nearly as accommodating
as you might think. According to the American Hotel & Motel Association, the
percentage of hotels permitting dogs has dropped from 53 percent in 1988 to 30
percent in 1998. Many hotel and motel owners who have stopped allowing dogs say
they are annoyed with guests who don't clean up after them, or with the ones who
wreak havoc in the rooms.
We suggest that you should always ask when making
reservations if your dog is permitted and then call again before leaving home.
Be careful, because many change their minds after you've booked your stay.
Most hotels or motels that do accept dogs now charge a
refundable security deposit to cover any mess your dog may leave behind. Once
you've checked in to your home away from home, treat it like your own. Be sure
to clean up after your dog and dispose leftover dog food in trash cans outdoors.
Note: You should not rely on the veterinary advice or
information provided on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any specific
situation. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning
the medical condition or treatment of your own pet or animal. The Puppy Place
disclaims all warranties and liability related to the veterinary advice and
information provided on this site. Full
disclaimer.
Contact us for more info
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