Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Travelling with your pet: On the Road

By Pamela Noble


If you're arranging a vacation and wondering whether you can bring your dear pet along, there are a few things to think about before setting off. First you need to think about whether or not your dog is ready to hit the open road.

Does your dog have a collar with the correct identification on it? Is it microchipped for security and safety reasons?

Does your dog have good behaviour and the basic training necessary to be in new places and in public?

If your dog is prepared for travel, it is time to start planning your trip! And a trip with a dog requires some extra planning. Before setting out be sure that you are mindful of any entrance restrictions for pets where you will be travelling through, and staying.

Make sure all accommodations allow pets and have the essential conveniences.

Be prepared in case of an emergency or health problem. Jot down a list of everything your dog might need during the trip. Now you are good to go!

Hitting the Road with Your Dog

Typically the easiest way to travel with your dog is by automobile. This is the least stressful method of travelling for both you and your pet. It supplies the most constant human contact and the most familiar environment with frequent possibilities for food, rest and bathroom breaks. It is far better to use your own vehicle, or one that your dog is familiar with for long trips.

Before you strap your puppy in for a long car ride, consider how they behave in a vehicle. Have you got a vehicle the dog has spent time in before? Is your dog comfortable or scared in the car? A frightened dog will experience vomiting, crying, panic, may jump out of the car through an open window or take off when let out of the car.

Are your dog's only experiences in the automobile on the way to the vet or somewhere unpleasant for her or him? If so you may wish to take a little time to bring your dog on some automobile rides to somewhere happy, like the park, pet store or somewhere they're going to get treats and fun. Positive associations with the automobile can make a road trip way easier.

It is far safer to restrain your dog when the automobile is moving, instead of letting it roam free throughout the automobile. If your dog is uninhibited in the automobile it can get jostled around dangerously, or distract you from your driving. It's advisable to have the dog in its dog crate, a safe familiar place.

For long trips you should have lots of water available and the dog food your pet is used to. Be certain to stop for frequent breaks so that your dog can stretch its legs and use the washroom. If it is a long journey it is pertinent to have knowledge of where emergency vets and pet stores are located on the way.

Accommodations

Nowadays there are more hotels that are ready to accommodate pets. Some even offer pet friendly rooms that have dog beds, spas and other amenities to make your dog feel like they are on vacation just as much as you are. But these can often be pricey, and difficult to find in smaller cities. It's best to check with every hotel you are interested in beforehand to see what their policy is on pets. Some could be happy to accommodate pets even if it does not mention this up front on their website or other communications. Nevertheless it could be easier for you to find alternatives to having your dog with you in the hotel. Consider finding a kennel in the destination town where you can place your dog comfortably at night and pick up in the morning for a day of adventure together. You might also think about camping with your pet. Dog friendly campgrounds are easier to find and allow you an opportunity for you and your pet to enjoy the outdoors, ideal for your dog.

These are some things you'll want to include in packing for a trip with your dog:

A listing of vet hospitals and pet stores along the way and in the destination town, dog crate, leash, dog food, water and bowls, toys, treats, dog bed, blankets, dog waste bags, leash, medications and first aid supplies, health certificate from your vet.




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