Dog - Traveling With Your Dog

At this time of year we're all longing for our summer vacations, and a good percentage of us are expecting to take the family pooch along for the ride. Statistics show that 45% of the US population have taken their canine companion on at least one holiday trip. Although having Fido with you can be a lot of fun, it can also be stressful and frustrating if you're not properly prepared. Here's a list of the things you need to consider and plan for BEFORE you hit the highway. Is Fido car-friendly? If you've never taken your little furball for more than two blocks to the veterinary clinic you've really no idea how he'll behave on a 10 hour journey. It's always a good idea to do a few 'test runs' in the weeks leading up to your big excursion. You can start with 10 minute drives and work up to an hour or more, that way Fido will become accustomed to the motion and noise of the car gradually which reduces his stress level - and THAT reduces yours! Make sure you have proper restraints in place for both his safety and yours. Small dogs can travel in certain types of safety seats/baskets which are held in place by the car's seatbelt. Medium sized and larger dogs are best in a properly fitting safety harness, these are available at most big pet stores. If you use a dog crate and Fido is comfortable in it, that's a very safe mode of transport. It also has the added advantage of being a familiar, comfortable home away from home for your little four-legged companion. Even dogs who are not usually prone to motion sickness can succumb on long journeys, especially when the car is full of excitement about the upcoming vacation. Always take along plenty of paper towels, wet wipes and bottled water for clean ups. And don't give your furry friend a big meal on the morning of your trip, water is fine but don't let him overdo it. If you're taking a blanket or towel for your pooch to lie on definitely take a spare just in case the first one has to go in a trash can somewhere along the route! Don't forget any important supplies Fido won't understand why he's eating in a different kitchen and sleeping in a different bedroom so to help him feel at home don't forget to take along some of his favorite and familiar possessions. His bowls, special toys, and his blanket or bed are all very important - so is his leash (in fact that's so important take along a spare for good measure). Another important point is to be sure that all his shots are up-to-date and that he has a good, visible ID tag and his Rabies tag firmly attached to his collar. A micro-chip or tattoo is even better than an ID tag. Also remember to take along a reasonable supply of his usual food as depending on where you're vacationing, there's no guarantee you'll be able to buy the same brand. If you do have to change his diet while away, be sure to start mixing the new food with the regular one in order to make the change-over gradual. An upset tummy in a hotel room is never pretty! Investigation No, you don't need to go out and hire a Private Investigator but do take some time to do your research before you leave home. Try to find out as much as you can about the area and attractions you will be visiting. Look for info. on dog friendly accommodations, beaches, parks etc. Never leave booking your hotel or resort until the last minute. Spending the night in the car with Fido on your lap is not a great start to any vacation! Also look at the route you'll be taking and have a rough idea of how far you want to drive between stops (2 - 3 hours max. is about right for your furry friend). Try to avoid popular rest areas where a lot of dogs will be relieving themselves, you can't always be sure other dog owners are as careful as you are about health issues. If you follow these guidelines you're dog-friendly vacation will be off to a great start. All you'll have to worry about then is remembering to pack your own stuff. Visit http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com for lots more tips and information on traveling with your dog. You'll also find tons of free advice on all aspects of puppies and puppy care. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Koranki