What dog wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to tag along on a trip? It’s a whole new world to sniff and explore. And it’s a chance to spend more time with you. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your dog have a bon voyage.
Does she have the right stuff?
First, make sure your dog is fit to travel, especially if you’re going by air. Plane travel can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience for a dog.
If your pooch is friendly, easy-going, and used to being in a carrier, the trip should go smoothly. But if your dog is shy, nervous, aggressive, or hates being cooped up, you might reconsider. Instead, seek out a good pet sitter or a boarding kennel.
A trip to the veterinarian is definitely in order before any excursion. Many states, and especially other countries, require documentation that your dog is current on her vaccinations and has a clean bill of health. (Some countries even require a quarantine period for all pets, so check with the country’s consulate before you make an international trip.)
During your pet’s checkup, ask if your travel destination poses any risks for your dog. For example, dogs in some areas of the country experience higher incidence of certain diseases such as heartworm infection or Lyme disease, so your pet may need to take preventive medication to ward off pests she’s not usually exposed to.
Underexposed
If your dog’s usually a homebody, she may get scared or nervous around new people and places. You can prevent an unpredictable response by exposing her to a variety of situations and people before you take your trip. For example, you could take a ride in an elevator or walk on a crowded street and introduce your pet to children, senior citizens, thin people, heavy people, and people with wheelchairs.
Left out in the cold
Your dog also needs a place to stay when you reach your destination. So whether you’re staying in a hotel or at your best friend’s house, call ahead to make sure your pet is welcome.
Did you forget anything?
When you’re done packing your bags, it’s time to pack the doggy essentials. Make sure to include health certificates verifying her health status, any medications your dog takes, food and water bowls, soap to clean the bowls, a leash, a brush and comb, flea and tick repellant, plastic bags and a pooper-scooper to clean up after your dog, and some treats for the road.
Also bring along items that will remind her of home to make her feel more comfortable, such as her favorite toys and a blanket. And make sure your dog is wearing her collar and ID tags at all times in case she gets away. You might want to bring along current photos as well in case she does get lost.
Don’t drink the water
Foreign tastes can make your dog’s stomach do flips. If you can, pack enough of your dog’s regular food to last the whole trip.
If you’ll be gone for a long time, pack enough food so you can gradually introduce your dog to a new diet if necessary. You’ll just add a little more of the new food to the regular food each day to let your dog’s stomach adjust.
Different minerals in tap water also can upset your dog’s tummy. So bring along enough of your dog’s usual water to last the whole trip, offer her bottled water, or slowly expose your dog to the new water by gradually mixing her usual water with the local fare.
A quick fix
Accidents happen, so consider taking along a first-aid kit for your dog. Include any medications your dog needs; tweezers, in case she meets a pesky tick; a thermometer; gauze bandages and pads; adhesive tape; scissors; diarrhea medicine for dogs; and antibacterial skin ointment. Also be sure to keep the telephone number of your veterinarian on hand.
