Our Channels Canine Corner
TRAVELING BY CAR WITH A DOG
Your dog should familiar with car travel. If not, it helps to take some short trips first to acclimatize him first.
Be sure to bring a few full water bottles - There's no guarantee that you'll be able to stop along the road near clean water, and even travelling in an air-conditioned car can make your dog thirsty on his trip. By keeping a water bottle or two full of drinkable water, you'll ensure that he has plenty of moisture. Also keep a bowl handy, as some dogs just will not drink from a bottle.
Bring your dog's regular food with you. If you don't you run the risk of having to switch him to a different brand if what he is used to is unavailable wherever you are. This can stress out a dog's digestive system, giving him gas, diarrhea, or causing him to vomit, which makes for a very smelly ride. Keep food to a minimum until you are done with traveling during the day (this will prevent digestive distress and vomiting). If possible, only feed the dog in the evening and not in the morning before driving
It helps to have a familiar blanket or cuddly toy - A little comfort from home goes a long way, even if Mom and Dad are sitting in the front seat. Anxiety and stress can trigger nausea and noise. Not pleasant to drive with.
While traveling in the car, it often helps to keep the dog should be in a kennel crate or to use a seatbelt harness. The restraints will keep the dog settled and also keep the dog from becoming a distraction to the driver. It is also safer for the dog and passengers not to have the dog loose in the car.
Have an extra spare leash and collar and keep it close by. It's not only good for the dog, but a spare leash can used for many things. For instance if you put two six foot leashes together, you'll have a twelve foot lead should you need to secure your dog to anything, for any length of time.
You should stop every 1 1/2 to 2 hours to let everyone out to stretch out and potty. In rest areas, the "Truck Area" is usually towards the back with grass areas were you can take your animals. Also remember the Frisbee, or whatever your dog chases. You can't always count on finding an appropriate stick, but a few minutes of exercise will often keep the dog quite calm and happy for the next section of the ride.
If you are traveling in hot weather, you'll have to either bring all your food or live on drive-through fast food for meals during the day. It is usually too hot for dogs to be left in the car, even in the shade, and a dog can die of heat stroke in less than a half hour.
Although it is unlikely that you will need it often, keep First Aid Kit in the car (it is something every vehicle should have, for pets or children). It is that one unpredictable accident where that kit may make a lifesaving difference, so keep it well stocked.
Always carry your dog's Rabies Certificate with you along with having him wear the rabies tag. If your dog is on medication or has health problems, take some documentation with you in case your dog has to see a vet. Also, take your own vet's phone number with you.
Make sure your dog is wearing some form of identification. It is always possible that your dog may get spooked and run off, or simply may drift out of your sight and get lost. Having a valid microchip, a collar with tags giving your name and phone number, or up to date collar tags will help you get him back that much quicker
If you belong to an automobile association it can provide a list of motels or campgrounds that accept pets. There are books available in the travel section of bookstores that also list accommodations that accept pets. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
Your dog should familiar with car travel. If not, it helps to take some short trips first to acclimatize him first.
Be sure to bring a few full water bottles - There's no guarantee that you'll be able to stop along the road near clean water, and even travelling in an air-conditioned car can make your dog thirsty on his trip. By keeping a water bottle or two full of drinkable water, you'll ensure that he has plenty of moisture. Also keep a bowl handy, as some dogs just will not drink from a bottle.
Bring your dog's regular food with you. If you don't you run the risk of having to switch him to a different brand if what he is used to is unavailable wherever you are. This can stress out a dog's digestive system, giving him gas, diarrhea, or causing him to vomit, which makes for a very smelly ride. Keep food to a minimum until you are done with traveling during the day (this will prevent digestive distress and vomiting). If possible, only feed the dog in the evening and not in the morning before driving
It helps to have a familiar blanket or cuddly toy - A little comfort from home goes a long way, even if Mom and Dad are sitting in the front seat. Anxiety and stress can trigger nausea and noise. Not pleasant to drive with.
While traveling in the car, it often helps to keep the dog should be in a kennel crate or to use a seatbelt harness. The restraints will keep the dog settled and also keep the dog from becoming a distraction to the driver. It is also safer for the dog and passengers not to have the dog loose in the car.
Have an extra spare leash and collar and keep it close by. It's not only good for the dog, but a spare leash can used for many things. For instance if you put two six foot leashes together, you'll have a twelve foot lead should you need to secure your dog to anything, for any length of time.
You should stop every 1 1/2 to 2 hours to let everyone out to stretch out and potty. In rest areas, the "Truck Area" is usually towards the back with grass areas were you can take your animals. Also remember the Frisbee, or whatever your dog chases. You can't always count on finding an appropriate stick, but a few minutes of exercise will often keep the dog quite calm and happy for the next section of the ride.
If you are traveling in hot weather, you'll have to either bring all your food or live on drive-through fast food for meals during the day. It is usually too hot for dogs to be left in the car, even in the shade, and a dog can die of heat stroke in less than a half hour.
Although it is unlikely that you will need it often, keep First Aid Kit in the car (it is something every vehicle should have, for pets or children). It is that one unpredictable accident where that kit may make a lifesaving difference, so keep it well stocked.
Always carry your dog's Rabies Certificate with you along with having him wear the rabies tag. If your dog is on medication or has health problems, take some documentation with you in case your dog has to see a vet. Also, take your own vet's phone number with you.
Make sure your dog is wearing some form of identification. It is always possible that your dog may get spooked and run off, or simply may drift out of your sight and get lost. Having a valid microchip, a collar with tags giving your name and phone number, or up to date collar tags will help you get him back that much quicker
If you belong to an automobile association it can provide a list of motels or campgrounds that accept pets. There are books available in the travel section of bookstores that also list accommodations that accept pets. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
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