I have a dog who loves to go outside. Regardless of the weather, she loves to hike, run and play in the yard. She also loves parks, fields and hiking. Because she's very outdoorsy and so is my family, we plan trips that include the dog. Traveling with a dog takes a little more planning, but it is doable and lots of fun. Here are some helpful hints on how to travel with your entire family, canines included.
Normally I wait until the night before a trip and grab whatever I can, hoping to remember what to bring. This time, I decided to have a plan to stick to prior to leaving. I started my list about a month before our planned departure.
Get an ID tag for your dog. Make sure it includes your dogs name, your name, and contact information. You may also want to put your vets number on the tag. I like having a secondary phone number just in case.
Get a doggie first aid kit. You never know what will happen, especially if youre traveling on the highway and have to let your dog out at various rest stops. They can pick up ticks, step on things that irritate paws or get scratched.
You may want to visit a vet prior to leaving. Ask about special vaccines. I focus on Lyme's disease vaccinations because we spend a lot of time outside in the wild. Heartworm prevention medication is a necessity too because where there is still water, there are mosqitos. If you're going to stay in a hotel, consider getting some flea protection also, as a courtesy to the establishment.
Bring your pet's food in an air-tight container. Pack easiy-cleanable bowls and paper towels. I like to be safe and bring a few gallons of water whenever I go on a road trip. Just in case I need a quick drink for Janey. Put together your dog's necessities such as the collar, leash, brus, toys, towels, plastic bags for clean up and medicines. An old blanket can serve as a resting spot for your dog if you go camping.
Know what you're going to do about meals while traveling. You could eat fast-food, or you could just bring a big cooler and plenty of ice. I like the later. That way I can find a picnic table and everyone can eat together outside, weather permitting. With a dog, depending on the age, plan on stopping every 4 hours to let the dog stretch, get some water, and relieve himself.
** Did you know its estimated that on hot summer days the inside of your car can heat up to 160 in minutes? NEVER leave a pet in a car, even with the windows open, in hot weather! **
There are great places in the US to explore during summer with your dog. State parks and camp grounds are a favorite of mine. With a little planning, you should be able to have a great vacation and bring your dog with!
Normally I wait until the night before a trip and grab whatever I can, hoping to remember what to bring. This time, I decided to have a plan to stick to prior to leaving. I started my list about a month before our planned departure.
Get an ID tag for your dog. Make sure it includes your dogs name, your name, and contact information. You may also want to put your vets number on the tag. I like having a secondary phone number just in case.
Get a doggie first aid kit. You never know what will happen, especially if youre traveling on the highway and have to let your dog out at various rest stops. They can pick up ticks, step on things that irritate paws or get scratched.
You may want to visit a vet prior to leaving. Ask about special vaccines. I focus on Lyme's disease vaccinations because we spend a lot of time outside in the wild. Heartworm prevention medication is a necessity too because where there is still water, there are mosqitos. If you're going to stay in a hotel, consider getting some flea protection also, as a courtesy to the establishment.
Bring your pet's food in an air-tight container. Pack easiy-cleanable bowls and paper towels. I like to be safe and bring a few gallons of water whenever I go on a road trip. Just in case I need a quick drink for Janey. Put together your dog's necessities such as the collar, leash, brus, toys, towels, plastic bags for clean up and medicines. An old blanket can serve as a resting spot for your dog if you go camping.
Know what you're going to do about meals while traveling. You could eat fast-food, or you could just bring a big cooler and plenty of ice. I like the later. That way I can find a picnic table and everyone can eat together outside, weather permitting. With a dog, depending on the age, plan on stopping every 4 hours to let the dog stretch, get some water, and relieve himself.
** Did you know its estimated that on hot summer days the inside of your car can heat up to 160 in minutes? NEVER leave a pet in a car, even with the windows open, in hot weather! **
There are great places in the US to explore during summer with your dog. State parks and camp grounds are a favorite of mine. With a little planning, you should be able to have a great vacation and bring your dog with!
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