Traveling With Your Dog

In today’s world people bring their pets with them when they travel. The four legged family member is no longer home alone. Hotels and airplanes have made a trip with your dog much easier and more accommodating. Are you and your dog about to hit the road? He will need some traveling essentials. Humans pack a suitcase when going on a trip. Dogs need traveling packs to carry all of their needs along on a trip as well. Here are some tips for what you should include in your doggie travel pack.

Dogs are not as adaptable as humans. If we forget to bring toothpaste, we use what is available at the hotel. Forgetting an item that we decide is not that important sees us managing our trip without the item. Dogs need stability and consistency. Bringing as many things as you can with you on the trip gives him a sense that he has not truly left home behind.

Bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records. If you are going to be gone longer than a day, dog could get injured or become sick. Having a copy of the record and a list of medications your dog is taking will give the veterinarian a heads up on how to treat him. Our memories can get sketchy especially in an emergency situation. Owners aren’t expected to know the name of all medication and other vital information from memory.

Favorite toys are a must when traveling. These toys have become treasured companions for your dog. A favorite squeak toy or plastic bone provides security when traveling far from home. Besides, when you need to be occupied with other things, your dog can occupy himself with his toys.

Have a first aid kit, food, and water on hand. Even though you feed your dog before you leave home, car trips can be unpredictable. You could experience car trouble or get stuck in traffic. Fresh water that is handy will quench his thirst on hot days. His favorite kibble will nourish him when traffic comes to a standstill and the trip takes longer.

Bring his dog bed and his blankets. Sleeping on things that contain his scent is important. Dogs like the familiar. They don’t want to take the time getting used to all new things. This adjustment period could become uncomfortable and ruin your trip. Other more common items are often forgotten on a trip. Extra dog leashes, doggie snacks, grooming supplies, and cleanup items are needed everywhere your dog goes. It’s no fun searching for a pet store late at night to purchase something that you forgot.

There are items on the market to help make traveling with dog a bit easier. Car seats for dog have pull out drawers to store dog treats and his toys. When he seems to get restless on the journey, just open the hidden drawer and watch his eyes light up.

Car seat racks provide a place for food and water bowls that are within reach of your dog’s mouth. If the trip is longer than expected, your pet will be fine because he has plenty of clean drinking water and his favorite food to eat when he gets hungry. Some car seats fold down into pet beds. Instead of bringing his pet bed, use this functional car seat and cover with his favorite blankets.

When traveling with your dog, be prepared. Make a list of his supplies so that nothing will be forgotten. They will make the difference between his comfort and yours.

For Car Travel

It’s important to make your pet as comfortable as possible.
Do everything you can to not stress your pet on a road trip.
Some of the things you should bring are:

Any medications and supplements your pet takes
Health Certification: Statement of good health by your vet
Two Tags – One for your home address the other for the address you are traveling to.
Their toys especially their favorite one.
Towels
Dog Bed, Sheets and Blankets if that is what your pet is used to.
Portable Food Bowl
Dog Food in an easy, keep fresh dispenser and the food should be the brand they eat at home. Sometimes changes in the diet may upset their digestion and may cause, Diarrhea... Or your dog may simply not like a new brand of kibble.
Bottled water
A Photo Of Your Dog – One in your purse and one in your suitcase
Dog Crate
All of your dogs vaccinations should be up to date.
A Medical Kit:

This should include: gauze pads, scissors, tape, antibacterial ointment, cotton balls, Hydrogen Peroxide. Put them into a see thru container so that you can quickly see what you need.

Get a list of Vet Clinics/Emergency Hospitals – In the area you are traveling to and

Those you will pass along the way. Also your vet’s number especially If there are questions you are unable to answer and so you will have a familiar voice for reassurance in an emergency.

Gather a List of Dog Parks and dog friendly stops along the way

Be sure to take frequent bathroom breaks and to feed water and exercise your dog. Your pet must be on a leash

Maintain a safe situation for your pet by not leaving them in the car on very hot days.

You may be surprised to know how frequently this happens. The temperature in

A car can go as high as 140 degrees in the summer, even with the windows open.

Practice car safety by putting your dog in a secured car seat, harness or crate.

Do not allow your dog to hang out the window. Debris from the ground can easily cause an eye injury. For small dogs they may get excited and jump out the car in traffic.

For Air Travel

Be sure your crate or carrier is airline approved
Get the dog use to the crate before you travel
Book direct flights when possible. This limits the number of times your dog gets
moved and the amount of time your dog stays on the tarmac being loaded and unloaded.
Purchase brightly collared decals/signs and place them on the outside and inside of the crate with the dogs name and your identifying information.
A Health Certificate.
Most airlines require a Health Certificate

All of your dog’s vaccinations should be up to date.
Provide a treat-dispensing toy to give your dog hours of fun and make traveling a little easier.
Earplugs may make the engine noise quieter. And may help your pet to stay calm.

Before putting your dog in the crate remove all leashes, choke collars and muzzles. As

They may become entangled in the crate and possibly choke or injure your dog.

Exercise and relieve your dog prior to boarding

Stay with your pet as close to boarding time as possible. Try to see them safely on the

Plane.

No matter which form of travel you choose there are things to do that will keep your pet safe. One of the most important is accurate identification for both you and your dog in case either of you get lost or separated.

It may a good idea to have a pre-trip exam by a veterinarian before you get on your way.

Fran Gratton

Fran Gratton RubMyBellyToo.com POB 107 116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 610-933-5810 888-558-3837

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13