January 28, 2008
We're Off to See the Sights
Seven Car Travel Tips to Ensure Your Dog is Well Prepared for the Journey
1. If you don't have air conditioning in your vehicle, travel at night or during cooler times of the day. Please…do not allow your dog to hang its head out the window. Keeping the windows raised eliminates the potential for debris to enter ears, eyes, or nose and keeps the dangers of bug stings out of the car.
2. Don't feed your dog for about three hours before beginning your trip. If you like, offer him a snack while riding, but don't provide dinner until you arrive at your destination. It’s ok…some dogs won’t eat anything in the car, and will save it for when you are at a rest stop.
3. Keep your dog in a carrier or crate at all times and secure the carrier with a seat belt or other device; if you roll down the window, your dog could escape. More states are insisting BY LAW, that your dog be restrained in a HARNESS/SEAT BELT in the REAR SEAT of the vehicle.
4. Make frequent rest stops so your dog can relieve himself or have a drink of water. Try carrying a portable water bottle that has a dish along with it. Offering your dog water from home, rather than from a strange place often heads off any gastric distress from drinking something unfamiliar.
5. If your trip requires overnight accommodations, know ahead of time which hotels accept pets. Make reservations and let them know you will be bringing an animal. If you are camping, make certain the campsite or RV park allows pets. On occasion, there are specified areas that are for dogs and their humans and that’s a great place to meet others with the same situations.
6. Make certain your dog is wearing a collar with identification tags. If he escapes without ID tags, you may never find him again. Take along a photo of your dog in case you do get separated. Why worry when you are able to attach a secure collar to your dog, making certain that it fits securely. If in doubt, carry duplicate identification and information that can be retrieved.
7. If your dog suffers from carsickness, discuss medication options with your veterinarian. There are homeopathic and herbal-chewable tablets that are excellent alternatives to prescription medication. The homeopathic remedies are tasteless and easily added to your dog’s water or atop a treat.
For more information read a great article on Crate Training and the best way to make it successful.
Filed under Blog by Emily
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