Summer vacation for some people wouldn't be a family trip without the dog accompanying them. More and more hotels, campgrounds and other facilities are catching on to this and allowing dogs to stay at their locations with their families.
I can remember when we would travel when the kids were young. There was SO MUCH stuff to bring and prepare for the trip. I would be exhausted before we ever pulled out of the driveway.
Traveling with pets is a little easier than traveling with children, but there is still a lot of things that you can do to prepare for the trip and to make it go easier.
Dog Tip: Travel with Pets -- Packing, Preparation and Other Trip Tips
* Whether you are taking your pet or boarding her, make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Kennels typically require a Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine to be given at least two weeks in advance of boarding. Even if you are taking your dog on your trip, you may have to board her unexpectedly. So that's another reason to keep your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.
* Some areas have a higher incidence of Lyme disease-carrying ticks than others. Especially if you're camping and hiking with your dog, get a Lyme vaccination well in advance of your trip.
* Bring a copy of medical records, including rabies certificate.
* Apply flea and tick preventative to your dog.
* Pack any medications needed, including heartworm and other preventives.
* Be sure your pet always wears a well-fitted collar and ID tag with accurate contact information. It is important that the i.d. tag include an easily accessible number, such as your cell phone. When lodging out of town, prepare a temporary tag with the address and number of your travel quarters. Use waterproof tape and a waterproof marker to change your phone number as you travel.
* Pack several gallons of bottled water for you and your dog. This will help you avoid bacterial contamination while traveling, since water quality varies from place to place. If you run down to the last half gallon, begin mixing in equal parts with the water supply at your destination. If your pet is especially sensitive, use distilled water. Keep water in the car to prevent dehydration.
* Also bring water bottles that you can use when you hike or walk around town with your dog.
* Food. If you are not sure your brand of food will be available at your destination and along the way, or if you feed a special diet, bring enough food for the whole trip. If you feed canned food, bring a can opener and spoon.
* Take familiar things from your home that will comfort your pet. Bring along favorite chewies, toys, even the pet's bedding.
* Bring photos of your pet in case he escapes and you need to make "lost pet" posters. Store the pictures in resealable plastic bags. Also, pack a photo of family members with the pet in case you need additional proof that the pet is yours.
* Pack a sturdy leash and an extra collar. Whether or not your destination has a leash law, always keep your dog on leash for his safety and your peace of mind.
* Food and water bowls. Plus a portable water bowl or bottle for use when away from your lodging.
* Brush or comb.
* Baby wipes or moist towelettes to wipe off paws. Also useful for cleaning ears and other body parts.
* Tweezers to remove ticks from skin and foreign objects from fur or paws.
* Poop bags.
* Keep a first aid kit close to the driver's seat. Include rolled gauze and tape to use as a muzzle in case you need to treat a wound or injury. Also use gauze to stabilize the joint above and below a possibly injured joint, and to stem any bleeding. You can also use a towel.
* Keep a first aid kit close to the driver's seat. Include rolled gauze and tape to use as a muzzle in case you need to treat a wound or injury. Also use gauze to stabilize the joint above and below a possibly injured joint, and to stem any bleeding. You can also use a towel.
Much of what is listed above can be gathered and packed into a backpack specifically for the dog. A lot of the items can remain in the pack and be ready to grab any time you head out, saving your self some time from having to gather it all up for each trip.
Our girls have their special little travel bag that we take with us for day trips. It holds their special water bottle/cup combo, extra collars and leashes, a small amount of food, treats, poop bags, a little first aid kit and photographs for identification purposes.
I have my eye out at the back-to-school sales for a larger backpack for longer trips when we need to pack more. Now is the time to find a great variety of backpacks, from cute designs to good prices on high-quality brands.
Including your dog on your vacation can be a lot of fun, if you plan ahead for their needs. They will enjoy the great time spent with you.
But, just as we always are happy to return home after traveling, your dog will also be very happy to see their home again.
Happy travels.
