On the Road with Your Dog
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.
My old way of traveling was to wait until the night before a trip and grab whatever I can, hoping to remember what to bring. The next time, I will have a plan to stick to prior to leaving. I am starting my planning about a month before the trip.
Be sure to have 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.
Buy a first aid kit for your pet. You never know what you’ll encounter, 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.
A visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you’re like me. I tend to travel to camp grounds and state parks, i.e. heavily forested areas. They are great places for ticks to hang out and land on your pet. Also, I get Lyme’s disease vaccinations in case an infected mosquito attacks. As usual heartworm prevention medication should be administered in a timely way so your dog is ready for travel.
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.
** According to the ASPCA, on a warm day the inside of your vehicle can heat up to 160 in minutes? NEVER leave a pet in a car, even with the windows open, in warm weather! **
There are so many great places to explore in the summertime with your dog. Thats why I cant wait until it gets warmer. I love state parks and camp grounds to hang at for a few days. Taking your family on a road trip can be a lot of fun and with a little planning, you shouldnt have much to worry about.
