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Traveling with your Dog
Most dogs love traveling in a car. It is exciting to go on an adventure, even to the grocery store. If the only time they travel is to the vet or kennel, they may never enjoy traveling.
Must Take
Your dog should have their collar with ID tag and you should have the leash handy at all times. Your dog might need to make a quick pit stop along the highway and your dog should learn that they may not get out of the car until the leash is attached and you tell them it is OK.
Secure your dog
The safest way for your dog to travel is in a crate or kennel or secured by harness to a seat belt. This is particularly recommended when traveling for long distances. A crate ensures they do not get underfoot, provides a sense of security and decreases motion sickness. Airline crates are lighter and easier to handle than wire crates and will not scratch the interior of your car.
Traveling in the Back of a Truck
We do not recommend any dog be allowed to travel in the back of a truck, unless secured in a crate. It can be very scary way to travel for most dogs and they need to practice, before you go to town. Dogs must also be secured by a harness, not a collar. The harness must be secured to the truck with a heavy strap, so their front paws can not reach over the truck sides. Remember, most dogs can chew through a rope or leash in minutes. Even with these precautions, a quick stop may cause your dog to be injured. We do not adopt our dogs to anyone planning to travel home with their new dog in the back of a truck.
Motion Sickness
After a few trips, most dogs overcome motion sickness. A few dogs will always get motion sick and some of our country roads cause many dogs to get motion sick. Your vet can prescribe an anti-nausea prescription or tell you the amount of the human over the counter anti-motion sickness pill. A roll of paper towels and a bottle of Odor Remover designed for dogs is a must on any long trip.
Long Trip
Every dog going on a trip needs its own suitcase. It should contain bowls, water, food, poop bags, an extra leash and collar, shot records and dog license, one favorite toy, a couple of chew toys or rawhides and a bag of small treats. Include a dog pad or blanket from home for use in the car and hotel room. They will know it is their spot. For those dogs that sleep on the furniture, bring a clean sheet to save the hotel’s furniture and a fee for extra cleaning. Do not forget your roll of paper towels and odor remover, in the event there is an accident. Include a Pet First Aid Kit in every car. It is very easy to create a combined human and pet first aid kit. Most of the items are same for both.
Hotels
Many hotels allow dogs. Inform them you have a dog when you make your reservations. Do not try to sneak in your dog or you may lose your accommodations in the middle of the night. Never leave your dog unattended in a hotel room unless secured in a crate. Always leave a phone number where you can be reached on top of the crate. You will want to be informed if your dog starts howling incessantly while you are eating dinner. Put the water bowl in the bathroom, hotel owners do not like water on the carpet, but are willing to tolerate water on the bathroom floor. Bring your poop bags on your walks and do not allow your dog to eliminate on the walkways, paths, cars or near the pool area.
Hot Cars
Never leave your dog in a car in the sun or on a warm day. The temperature of a car with windows opened slightly can become intolerable in minutes even in very moderate weather. It is estimated that over 10,000 dogs die each year in cars. Plan your trip to avoid leaving your pet in a car.
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