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Traveling With Your Dog
By Debbie Best
Traveling in a car with your dog can be a pleasure, if handled right. A little advance planning will increase chances of the trip going smoothly.
First, make sure the dog's vaccinations are up to date and carry the vaccination papers with you. Have an ample supply of any prescriptions the dog takes. Pack his regular food and carry water from home in a plastic jug. For an excitable dog, a few drops of Rescue Remedy from a health food store may calm him down. Check with your veterinarian for prescription calming agents and any other items to put in a first aid kit.
Keep your dog as safe as possible while inside the vehicle. There are several ways to do this: a car safety harness that allows the dog to sit or stand, a secure pet car seat or the tried and true doggie crate. The crate is a good idea because it serves other purposes as well.
The crate can be made more comfortable on the dog's bones and joints by using covered foam pads made to fit crates of all sizes. Or you can substitute a small household rug or thick folded towel. A chew toy will keep him occupied.
It's wise to have extra I.D. for the trip. In addition to the regular dog tag, you can use a tiny cylinder on a ring that has a screw-on lid. In it, insert a rolled up piece of paper with information like the address of your destination and your cell phone number. Other methods are having the dog tattooed or microchipped.
Avoid leaving the dog in the car unattended, especially in the dog days of August. If you must leave him, park in the shade and give him ventilation. You don't want to leave the windows down low enough for a stranger or child to reach in, but a hot car can quickly turn deadly. An expanding ventilation grill that fits in car windows is inexpensive and easy to use. Check on the dog frequently. If you're in a restaurant, sit by a window where you can keep an eye on him.
If you're staying in a hotel, ask if pets are accepted when making reservations. And it's smart (plus courteous) to get permission before arriving at a relative's or friend's house. Here's where the crate comes in handy again. Never leave your dog alone and loose in a hotel room. Give the manager your cell phone number in case there's a problem.
When walking the dog, keep him on a leash. Carry Baggies to clean up after him, or you can buy disposable dog-waste scoopers at pet supply stores.
I recall family vacations from my youth. The most constant refrain dad heard from the back seat was, "How far to the next rest stop!" Your dog might ask the same if he could. So get out now and then. Stretch those legs, and let him do likewise. Happy traveling.
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