You’re about to head off for a trip and decided to take your dog along with you. While most dogs love trips in the car, a long trip can be difficult on your dog. There are however, some things that you can do to ensure that your trip with your furry friend will be easy and fun.
The first thing to remember is that all dogs are going to be different when they travel. While some dogs look forward with quivering anticipation to a trip in the car, others cower in fear and are filled with apprehension when confronted with new places, new people and in some cases, new dogs. You can help alleviate this stress and make sure your trip is a successful one.
Proper car safety for dogs is very important. Just as you would use your seatbelt, or make sure that your small children are properly restrained in a car seat, your dog should be restrained too. Seatbelt halters are a great idea, especially if there is a car accident as they minimize injury. They also keep him from jumping around the car and distracting the driver. Though most dogs love to stick their heads out of the car window in order to smell the outside world, it’s really not a safe thing to let your dog do. Rocks or debris from the highway can be kicked up by cars in front of you and pose a danger to his head and eyes. If the window is open too much and your dog is not restrained, your dog could easily fall out as your making a sharp turn. Finally, never leave your dog alone in a hot car for any amount of time. Dogs can easily suffer heat stroke or death.
On long car trips, stop often for potty breaks. If you forget to bring water or a water bowl, find a truck stop. It’s so common to have dogs as traveling companions, that they often stock pet products. Whenever possible, leave the window open a bit so your dog will get fresh air. Finally, have fun with your dog. Take a little extra time at the rest area to play.
While it may seem obvious, one of the first things you should do is plan well ahead of time. Doing this means there is less of a chance that things will go poorly. Make an appointment with your veterinarian and have all vaccinations and other shots that might be needed brought up to date. Let us face it, we like our vets for a reason – any opportunity to avoid a vet you do not know, especially in a strange city – and seeing a different vet is going to be stressful for your dog. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian for a full copy of all vaccinations as well as a health certificate. You can never be too safe, and having this will ensure that any questions are immediately answered. Be sure to put your dogs rabies tag on a sturdy collar that won’t easily come off – and do not forget to include his name, (your name) and a telephone number. You might not like to think about your dog getting lost, but sometimes you get separated from your four legged friend and you want to ensure that he will be able to find his way back to you.
Flying with your dog can be much more challenging. Know all your airline’s regulations for animal travel. Most airlines require that your dog travel as luggage in a travel crate either approved by them or provided by them. Some airlines also require that your dog be sedated during the flight. Finally, an “80-degree rule” is imposed by most airlines as well – if the temperature is expected to go higher than 80 degrees at any point of the trip, your dog cannot go.
Thoroughly research your destination too. Make sure that you stay at hotels that welcome pets. Believe it or not, this is becoming a much more common trend. Many campgrounds and state parks also welcome pets, as well as some recreation areas, but make sure you check with them first. We love having our four-legged faithful friends with us, so be prepared to have your pet with you at all times on your trip! If you wish to go out without him, find out if there are pet-sitting or boarding services at your hotel or nearby. It’s a lot of fun to watch your dog experience the world - just be prepared, and all will go smoothly!
Owning a hunting dog is a huge responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Making sure you are properly prepared for travel is very important, but so is the training equipment that you have. There are certain things you should consider buying when you have a hunting dog, some of the possibilities are dog tracker units, Innotek IUT-302, or Innotek ADV-1000P.
Posted under Dog Travel
This post was written by admin on July 17, 2009
