Thursday, February 21, 2008

Traveling with your Dog


Do you travel with your dog? Whether you go on week long vacations with your dog or just take your dog on weekend trips, there are a few things that you should remember.

The first thing you want to do is take your dog to the vet for a checkup. Be sure that your dog is current on all his/her vaccinations and remember to take a copy of his health records with you.

Then you want to pack a doggie bag for your dog. This bag should include, food, toys, a dish for water and food, and if your dog has a dog bed or a favorite blanket or dog pillow that they sleep on, that should also be brought along. There are several different styles of dog beds that should make choosing one to accommodate your pets travel needs easy. You want to bring things that are familiar to the dog so he/she will feel comfortable wherever you may be traveling. If your dog happens to be on medication, make sure that is included in the things that you bring for him/her.

The next thing you might want to consider is getting a pet stroller. These would be particularly helpful if you are planning on walking a lot on your vacation or getaway weekend. If you have a puppy that maybe isn’t up for long walks or an older dog that has hip problems or arthritis, a cheap pet stroller would make your trip a much more enjoyable experience for both you and your canine companion. A pet stroller might also allow you to take your dog into some places that maybe you wouldn’t have been able to without it.

A crate is also a must have when traveling with your pet. If you are traveling in an airplane, a crate is required, but a crate will also keep your dog safe in the car and in a hotel room if you are staying in one. There are several different types of travel crates to choose from. Pick the one that is easiest for you to handle and store.

Your dog will need to have a sturdy collar and leash and have identification attached to his collar. The identification tag should have the dogs name, your name and a telephone number on it and also a tag that proves the dog has had their rabies shots.

If you are staying in a hotel you need to make sure that it is a hotel that welcomes pets. Once you get to your destination, never leave your dog alone in the hotel room. Some dogs bark or get destructive if they are left alone in a strange place. Another important factor in staying in a hotel with your pet is to ask where a good walking area is and always make sure you clean up after your dog. And please remember to bring a dog bed with you!

Traveling with your pet is a bit more work but the hours of enjoyment are well worth it. Be safe with your pet, be happy with your pet and most of all, enjoy your vacation together!

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