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Road Trips with Rover
When packing the car for a get-away don’t forget some useful things for your dog. In case you are incapacitated, have a card with the following information on it:
~ Your dog’s name (If you’re traveling with more than one dog, provide description of each)
~ any medical conditions and/or medications
~ behavioral information about how they are with strangers, other dogs, cats, kids, etc, – especially if there is a potential issue to a helper
~ copy of your dog’s most recent vaccination information, which will also have your vet’s contact information
~ contact information of a friend or relative able to take the dog and pay for his/her care in your absence
Put this card in a see-through plastic holder and place it where emergency personnel are likely to look (such as a glove box).
An old bed sheet or several towels can be used as seat covers to keep dog hair or potential throw-up or other messes off the car’s interior, a window shade in case you must leave the dog in the car for an unexpected reason or as a transportation blanket in case you need to carry an injured dog.
As when traveling with kids, you’ll want to take along things that can help minor physical impairments or discomfort. For loose stool, which can come from excitement, anxiety or changes in diet as you travel, you can give PeptoBismol (the non-chewable, non-flavored type is easiest to administer). Benedryl is useful in the event of a bee sting or other allergic reaction. Aloe vera gel is good for minor burns and a triple-antibiotic ointment is handy for minor cuts. Most of these medications are sold in dog formulas which you can get at your vet or via on-line catalogues. Do NOT use aspirin or ibuprophen on your dog for any reason, as these can be harmful and fatal to dogs. Of course, you should discuss dosages and other aspects of these drugs’ effectiveness for your individual dog with your own vet when putting your travel pack together.
First aid supplies for dogs differ little from what is needed for people. You will want a magnifying glass and tweezers, gauze pads, ace bandages, tongue-depressors for splints, alcohol pads and hydrogen peroxide. For convenience:
~ an extra leash and collar in case something happens to the one the dog is wearing
~ a carribeener, which will help you attach the leash to a tree or post if needed
~ water, as well as food, from home, to help reduce stomach upset you’ll have to clean up
~ baby wipes or clean up pads – for a million and one uses
~ plastic bags of various sizes to pick up poop and vomit, hold trash, etc.
~ water and bowl within easy reach during the ride to relieve your dog’s thirst on the road. A refilled water bottle and a tupperware container will work fine.
~ really tasty treats – if your dog gets away from you by accident, perhaps these will entice him/her back quickly.
Having your dog microchipped will help ensure he gets back to you if you are separated for any reason. This rice-sized chip is inserted at your vet’s office like a vaccination and is registered with a national data base.
Your dog’s collar tags should have your cell phone number on them rather than your home phone. You may want a special set of travel tags with this number or simply put your cell number on your dog’s regular tags.
A few thoughtful preparations can make all the difference in the world. Enjoy your trip!
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