×

Before Vacation Travel, Consider Some Things

It’s fun to vacation with the family dog, but there are some things to consider as you pack.

First, guard against loss. If your dog gets loose, you want whoever finds him to be able to return him. Make sure your dog has a microchip. Yes, your dog’s tags should be on a collar, but collars can come off, and a microchip assures that your dog can be identified.

Besides license and rabies tags on that collar, add a collar with contact information. If you have a cell phone, use that number, or, have a tag made with the number of the place you are staying. It won’t help you to get your dog back if the phone rings in an empty house.

Inspect your dog’s collar or harness, and his leashes. If anything is worn or thin in spots, replace them before your vacation. A collar or leash that breaks is not going to keep your dog safe.

Use a crate or a harness/seat belt combination to keep your dog safe in the car. In an accident, your dog could easily be thrown through the windshield or escape from the car when a door is opened. A crate should be hard-sided, not mesh, and, if possible, should be put against the back of a seat so it can’t fly forward.

Put the crate on the floor, not on a seat, unless it is somehow fastened to the seat.

Carry copies of your dog’s shot record and license.

Many parks and campgrounds require proof of vaccinations. You don’t want to be turned away from your campsite because you can’t supply that proof.

Take a list of your dog’s medications, if any, and make sure you have a supply of those medications that will last for the length of the trip. If your dog is noise sensitive and you use any kind of tranquilizer, make sure you have a supply of that, too. Being in a strange place can make your dog anxious.

Add a thunderstorm or fireworks and that increases the anxiety.

Your dog doesn’t have to love your vacation trip, but he shouldn’t suffer, either.

Carry your dog’s food. Don’t assume that stores wherever you go will have the same brand of food, especially if you are not feeding a national brand. If you feed homemade meals, or are feeding raw, you will need a cooler that will hold fresh foods at a proper temperature. If you’re staying in a home, there may be a refrigerator or freezer, but if you’re camping, you’re going to have to think hard about how you will be feeding your dog.

Carry whatever dishes, utensils or openers you’ll need. That canned food won’t be any good if you can’t get to it.

Carry water for your dog. If you can’t carry enough for the entire trip, carry as large a container as you can and gradually mix water from your vacation spot so that your dog can get used to it.

Put together a dog first aid kit. Many ingredients that are in a human kit can also work for a dog.

For instance, an antibiotic ointment for minor cuts and scrapes is fine for both humans and canines.

Aspirin works for both people and dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper dosage for your size dog.

Benadryl can help in case of a bee sting or an insect bite. A muzzle can be a useful addition. An injured dog may snap or bite out of fear or pain and a muzzle means you can safely take care of your dog without getting hurt yourself.

Take lots of towels. Towels are good for drying a wet or muddy dog, and can form a bed if needed.

Towels can also come in handy if your dog is injured. Depending on the size of your dog, you could use a towel to safely move an injured animal, or, you might need a towel to hold on a wound to stop the bleeding.

If you’re going to be vacationing near water, consider a life jacket for your dog. Even a dog who likes to swim may not be able to fight waves or a current. If you’ll be near salt water, don’t let your dog drink the water. It can make him ill and too much could even be fatal. Rinse his coat with fresh water after a dip in the sea.

Just a few precautions can keep your dog safe during a vacation trip.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today