Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience for you, your dog, and the whole family. However to make a trip successful you must do some background checking on hotels, cruises, flights, or even how your dog behaves on long trips in the car. Remember, when dogs are under stress and new distractions, their behavior may not be as good or predictable as in your home, so keep them on a leash until they have had time to adjust. You don’t want to lose or have your dog escape while on vacation. Also remember to clean up after your pet and be polite, because not everyone is a dog lover.

I suggest taking a crate for your dog while on a trip. It is something they are familiar with and a calm place they can seclude themselves from new stressful distractions. Also, you would be able to crate them in dog friendly hotels and have time to see attractions that the dog may not be able to accompany you on. Make sure you don’t change your dog’s diet while on vacation; this could result in several days of diarrhea or vomiting. Always take bowls and a jug of water for driving breaks. Be very careful at rest stops, make sure you keep your dog on leash, in the event that they were to run away they are going to be near the highway and fast moving cars which could be detrimental to your pet. Since many cars and trucks drive through the rest stop, there could be dangers of antifreeze around the parking lot which is very poisonous to dogs.

CHECKLIST FOR DOGGIE TRAVEL

• Up to date identification tags, current copy of vaccinations, and emergency numbers for your destination (if applicable).
• Food, water, bowls, and treats
• At least one leash, good collar (make sure it can’t slip over your dogs head), or harness.
• A few of your dog’s favorite toys, blanket, or bed.
• Basic grooming supplies (in case they need to be freshened up in the car).
• Bring their medications (heartworm, flea) or supplements.
• Dramamine for carsickness (check with your vet for proper dosage).
• Pet first aid kit (you can pick these up at any pet supplies store or make your own).
• Doggy seat belt or crate
• Current photo of your dog in case they do get lost.

TIPS FOR CAR SICKNESS

• Motion sickness is caused by fluid changes in the inner ear that affects the body’s equilibrium which causes the dog to feel dizzy or have a queasy stomach. Some car sickness is simply caused by anxiety rather than motion. Before your trip, if you haven’t ridden your dog in the car much, you want to introduce riding a little bit at a time. Let them get in the car a few times without actually driving just to check it out, then take them on short trips, like to the store and back. Extend your driving time a little at a time.

• If your dog is showing signs of high stress there are natural remedy supplements that can help your pet calm down and reduce anxiety. Check with pet supply stores or your vet for the best product for your pet.

• Don’t feed your dog at least 4 hours before you hit the road. Water intake should be fine, but you don’t want them to ride on a full stomach until they are comfortable with the ride.

• Find out during your short rides if your dog gets sick while looking out the side windows or if they are ok looking out the front window from a crate or just make them lie down in the back of the vehicle. Make sure your pet always gets fresh air, even if it’s cold outside.

• Talk with your vet if you are still having problems with cars sickness about over-the counter remedies like Dramamine or a prescription for motion sickness for your pet.

There are so many activities out there that you may never see if you did not take your pet along. So do your research, there are many dog friendly cities and towns with tons of activities your dog can be a part of. Bottom line like any trip of vacation you have to do your homework and be prepared.