| | | | | | Traveling With Your Dog
Brought to you by: Purina Dog Food
Most dog owners at some point will travel with their pet, whether it is for a trip across town, a weekend trip or long drive or airline flight to a new home in a distant city. Proper planning in advance of traveling with your dog can help ensure his comfort and minimize the chances of trauma or accident.
If you plan to make your dog a welcome traveling companion, begin by answering these key questions: Is your dog in good health? Will he really enjoy the trip? Will he be welcome at your vacation site?
If you can answer, "yes" to these questions, accustom your dog to riding in your car. Ideally, this begins when the dog is a puppy. Take him for rides in addition to trips to the veterinarian's office. If he associates riding in the car with visits to the veterinarian's office, he may not be a willing passenger.
Begin by taking him for a short ride each day, even if it is only around the block, and gradually increase the length of the ride. If you discover that your dog is unable to adjust to short rides, a responsible sitter or boarding kennel may be preferable for both you and your dog. If you choose to board your dog, make kennel reservations well in advance of the trip, particularly during summer months and around major holidays.
Before You Leave Home
Be certain your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date well in advance of the trip so your dog has time to develop his immunity levels. Carry the dog's health and rabies certificates with you. They may be needed if you fly; will be necessary if you cross international borders; and may be required by a kennel if you should have to board your dog during the trip. To ensure heartworm protection for your dog, ask your veterinarian if the mosquito season begins earlier or ends later in the area you will be visiting. Take heartworm and/or other necessary medicine your dog may require on the trip.
If your dog is prone to carsickness and you must take him on a long car trip, consult your veterinarian for suggestions. If you are not certain that your dog's usual diet will be available at your destination, take a supply with you. This will avoid digestive upsets, which could be caused by a sudden change in your dog's diet.
In addition to his water and feeding dog bowls, your dog will also need his grooming equipment. Along with his comb, brush or hand mitt, you may wish to pack a spray-on/rub-in/brush-out shampoo as an emergency alternative to a full-fledged bath. Always be certain your dog is wearing an identification tag giving his name, your name, your home address and telephone number including the area code; and, if possible, your vacation address and telephone number. Take color pictures of your dog and write a description of his height, weight, color and distinguishing marks to carry with you. If your dog should become lost, these identification aids could make the difference in locating him.
When You Travel By Car
Before leaving, take your dog for a walk. You will still have to stop along the way, but he will be more comfortable as the trip gets underway.
During your stops, provide water for your dog to drink. You may also reward him for being a good traveler by offering a dog snack. Do not feed your dog for at least three hours before leaving on a trip. Feed him shortly after arriving at your destination or when you have stopped for the day.
While most dogs enjoy riding with their heads out of a car window, their eyes may be damaged by stones or debris thrown from the road. The dog is also in danger of falling out of the window if the car is stopped abruptly or the dog may decide to jump. Car windows should be kept open far enough to provide as much air as possible without allowing the dog to put his head out. Although it is possible to train a dog to sit in the car by enlisting the aid of a friend or family member (who drives the car while you train the dog to sit in his area), it is not advisable. A frightened or excited dog could jump out an open window or door; cause an accident by blocking the driver's view or by lodging itself around the accelerator or brake.
If your car has adequate space, keeping your dog in a carrier is recommended. The carrier should be large enough for him to turn around in without being cramped. Place a soft mat or cushion on the carrier floor. Never put the carrier on the sunny side of the car where the dog may become overheated.
If the carrier is in the bed of a pickup truck, secure it firmly to at least one side of the truck. A safe alternative is a restraining device that consists of clamps that fit into the side rails of the van or pickup. A nylon harness webbing stretches between the clamps and has a central swivel snap for attachment to the dog's collar.
If a carrier is not feasible, a car seat restraining harness is recommended. These harnesses are available at pet supply stores and come in different sizes to fit all breeds.
If you are traveling in a station wagon, you can install a specifically designed barrier to keep your dog confined to the back of the wagon.
Put your dog on a leash before letting it out of the car or truck. If you walk your dog on the highway at night, wear reflective strips or accessories on your clothing, place a reflective collar on your dog and use a brightly colored leash for visibility and protection. Avoid leaving your dog in a closed car. Temperatures in cars can rise quickly and the heat and insufficient air circulation can lead to heat stress, suffocation and death. If you find you must leave your dog in the car, park in a shaded area and keep one or more windows open so the air can circulate. If the dog is not in a carrier windows should not be lowered enough for him to get out. Check the car every few minutes and never leave your dog in the car for an extended period of time.
When You Travel By Air
Find out what health certificates for your dog are needed. These requirements vary by airline and/or state. Always make reservations for your dog well in advance because some airlines have limited space for transporting pets. Rent or purchase a flight dog crate which meets airline regulations well in advance and place it where your dog can get used to it.
Check with the airline for LIVE ANIMAL labels to be displayed on the dog crate. Mark the crate with your dog's name, your address and with the telephone number of a person who can be contacted about your dog at your destination, if necessary. On the day of the flight, take your dog for a long walk before leaving for the airport. Bring a cushion or blanket to put on the crate floor. Be certain the water cup is attached to the crate door. The cup should be deep, but not too full of water to avoid spilling. You can reduce the risks and trauma of air travel for your dog by trying to avoid peak travel periods when delays or stopovers may be longer. Early morning or evening flights are preferable during the summer. Plan the trip with as few stops as possible. At the end of the flight, pick up your dog promptly.
Other Travel Considerations
If you plan to visit a national, state or private park, check well in advance of your trip to be certain dogs are allowed. The policy regarding dogs varies with motels and hotels. Contact the reservations department in advance of your trip to determine if your dog will be welcome. Do not leave a dog unattended in a room. It might surprise a maid, soil a room or bark continuously until you return. Bring your dog's bedding from home to discourage it from getting on the beds and to give it the security of something familiar.
In hotels, motels and parks, ask in advance about special walking areas for dogs as a courtesy to others and to prevent problems for your dog. Some areas may have been treated for weed control and might be toxic to your dog.
Except for seeing-eye dogs, pets are not allowed on buses in interstate travel or on AMTRAK.
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