| Preparing for a trip can be a very stressful time. | | | | areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, I would |
| Especially when you have decided to take the family | | | | check your dog for ticks when he comes in from |
| dog along. Here are just some of the things to | | | | outdoors. |
| consider before taking that road trip - How long is | | | | Even though your dog may not have fleas or ticks |
| the trip? What dog items should you bring? What | | | | now, where you travel they might pick some up. |
| hotels accepts pets? What if your dog has a medical | | | | Before you leave for your trip, I highly recommend |
| emergency? | | | | using Frontline on your dogs to help prevent a flea or |
| So you are planning a vacation and you have decided | | | | tick infestation. |
| to take your dog with you. Great idea! However, you | | | | Dog accessories you should take with you |
| have a small problem. You have never taken your | | | | Dogs have luggage too. Your dog may be anxious |
| dog on a road trip with you before. So, now what? | | | | and excited about going on a trip. To help ease some |
| Luckily other people have done this and are willing to | | | | of their stress, pack some of their favorite toys and |
| share some great tips on how to travel with your | | | | favorite blanket to snuggle up in. |
| dog. I have traveled numerous times with my dog | | | | Bring their dog carrier or crate if they have one. This |
| Jake. He's a pro now! Every dog is different. Some | | | | will make dog travel safe for them and for you. If |
| dogs can make a trip pleasurable while some can | | | | you were to have to come to a screeching stop, |
| make it a very bad experience. There are a couple | | | | your dog can become an projectile which can result in |
| of things that you should consider before you take | | | | serious injury or death. |
| your dog on a road trip with you. | | | | Make sure to bring plenty of food and water for |
| How long is the trip? | | | | them. Not all convenience stores are convenient for |
| Is this the first time your pet will be traveling with | | | | your pet and they may not carry dog food. Don't |
| you on a road trip? Even if you have traveled before | | | | forget your dog's food and water dish. As Jake |
| with other dogs, all dogs are different. Some can | | | | would be sure to remind you, dog treats are a must! |
| tolerate being in the car for a long time. And others | | | | And for the just in cases; You never know when |
| can not. | | | | your dog might just get away from you. He will be in |
| Here are some things to help your dog get | | | | a strange place not familiar to him and he might not |
| acclimated to car travel and to avoid motion sickness. | | | | be able to find his way back to you. Make sure that |
| Start by taking your dog for short rides, perhaps to | | | | your dog has his tags on him. One of the tags should |
| the store, then gradually start taking them for longer | | | | have your dog's name, your name, address, and a |
| rides. Usually after a few short trips they should have | | | | phone number. Jake has our cell phone number on it |
| overcome their motion sickness. If this doesn't work, | | | | so we are always able to be contacted. You can |
| I would consider kenneling your dog. It's not fun | | | | always have your dog micro-chipped. This is a great |
| traveling with a sick or unhappy dog. | | | | option, however, the average person does not have |
| Are you going to be traveling on windy roads? Some | | | | the device to scan it. I would also have their rabies |
| dogs may get car sick. I remember traveling with my | | | | and license tag on your dog as well. |
| dog, Jake, for the first time to the Smoky Mountains | | | | Also, don't forget to pack a first aid kit. This brings |
| of Tennessee. After about 10 minutes into the windy | | | | us to the next tip... |
| roads he started to get sick. We had to pull over and | | | | What if your dog has a medical emergency? |
| let him get some fresh air. With time he got used to | | | | There is always the slight chance that your dog will |
| the windy roads. We still travel there often with him | | | | need some medical attention. Make a list of the |
| and he loves it! | | | | animal hospitals for the areas where you will be |
| Is your pet in good condition to travel? | | | | traveling. I recommend locating the ones that have |
| Just like when you are traveling, if you don't feel well | | | | after-hours. On your list I would either print out |
| enough for it, neither will your dog. I recommend | | | | directions or even better, a small map. Google Maps |
| taking your dog to the vet for a check up. This also | | | | is a popular map engine to use for directions. |
| gives you the chance to make sure that your dog is | | | | What if you have to stay over night in a hotel? |
| current on all of his shots. It's highly recommended to | | | | Research the area you will visit or travel through |
| bring along a copy of their records on your trip. | | | | before you leave - even if you are not planning on |
| Some states may require you to have them with | | | | stopping. Plans can change, forcing you to stay |
| you. Your veterinarian may know which states | | | | overnight somewhere in a hotel. Not all hotels allow |
| require health certificates and proof of rabies | | | | pets in their rooms. |
| vaccination. If not, check with the humane society. | | | | Make sure to read your hotel's pet policy. Some may |
| Depending upon where your travels are, other | | | | have a size limit. While some hotels do not charge for |
| vaccines that you may want to consider are the | | | | your pet, others do. Sometimes it's a one time fee |
| Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination and Lyme | | | | and sometimes they charge per night. DO YOUR |
| disease vaccination. If you think that there is a slight | | | | RESEARCH! |
| chance that your dog may be around other canines, | | | | Conclusion |
| your vet might suggest the Bordetella vaccine. Kennel | | | | Planning ahead is the key to a successful road trip |
| cough is highly contagious. I would also consider the | | | | with your dog. By planning ahead, you eliminate some |
| Lyme vaccination if you are traveling to the | | | | of the stresses of traveling. Be prepared, do your |
| northeast where Lyme disease is prominent. Lyme | | | | research, and make a checklist of things to do |
| disease is usually transmitted through a tick bite. In | | | | before your trip. Happy traveling! |