Traveling With Your Dog
Traveling or taking you dog on vacation takes careful preparing and planning. What should you pack, finding hotels that accept pets.
Ask yourself a few questions before you decide to take your dog on a trip with you.
1. Is you pet in good health and condition to travel? If you have a new puppy or an older dog, a road trip could be too strenuous for
him. Older dogs and puppies will have to stop to relieve themselves more often. Puppies are very hyper and need to run and like to chew
whatever is near. Also consider how easy it is for you dog to get in and out of your vehicle.
2. Will you have time to give your dog his needed attention? If you are going to be very busy on a business trip or vacation and your
dog is be alone in the hotel most of the time, you should not take him with you. If you are on a relaxing vacation and you take spend time and take him for long walks that is great.
3. Are you going to a pet friendly destination? Most hotel chains do not accommodate pets. Plan ahead and make a reservation. You don’t want to be driving around in the middle of the night trying to find a place that will accept you dog. With the Internet today it is easy to find a pet friendly place a head of time. If you are visiting and staying with family or friends make sure they are okay with having your dog with you.
Packing for your trip with your dog. Bring food and water dishes. Bring enough of the food you dog normally eats. Depending on where you are going you may not find his regular food. Changing you dogs food suddenly can upset they stomach. Bring some water from you home as well. Water varies from place to place and sudden change in water can also upset his stomach. If you are going to gone a while you can wean your dog onto the water at your destination.
Leash and collar, collar should have a dog tag. Dog tag should have your cell phone number or a number of someone who knows how to contact you.
Dog beds, toys, and treats, dogs don’t like to be in strange new places. Having things he is familiar with help him feel comfortable. Make sure to bring any medications or supplements you dog may be taking. His medical records are important to bring just in case you need to take him to see a vet. Hotels may want to see proof of his vaccinations and rabies shots.
When traveling by car with you dog it is important to make it safe trip for you and him. Containing you dog while driving will keep him safe. Depending on your dog’s size and temperament there are a few options. You can use a comfortable crate; strap him into a body harness with a seat belt attachment. If you are driving a larger vehicle with cargo space behind the seats he can hang out there as well.
Traveling with your pet can be fun and rewarding for both of you. Just remember to be safe and plan ahead.
J. Brian Keith has been writing for many years. Come visit his latest website at http://www.beefjerkydehydrator.org for a unique look into Beef Jerky Dehydrator products and information.
