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Traveling with your dog
By Marilyn Marks
Owner of The Good Dog Spot in Bloomfield
If you’ve found a "dog allowed" vacation destination here are some tips for making sure you, and other dog owners, are invited back.
Be prepared to always pick up after your dog
That means having baggies with you, on your person at all times. I’ve had baggies stored in wonderful travel cases only to realize, in the moment of need, that it was in the locked car and my husband and the keys were in the restroom. Oops!
Be prepared to keep your dog quiet
The other guests (hotel, campgrounds, etc.) and their activities may make your dog "on guard." Bring along distraction toys, such as a pizzle stick or other favorite chewy, so the dog has something to do other than "worry" about strange noises. You could also use the "almost lights out time" as training time; teach your dog a new trick. Massage is another way to calm a worried dog. A Gentle Leader head collar, available at most pet retailers, calms many dogs down. It’s best to try this out at home first so you can see if it has value in your situation. As a last resort, you could, with your vet’s input, use a sedative or herb that will help calm your dog down during sleeping hours.
Be prepared to make extra stops and take a little extra time on breaks for the dog
After being cooped up your dog will need a little romping, sniffing and playing time. Make sure to meet other comforts too, such as a need for a snack or water, based on your dog’s age and individual needs.
Be prepared to keep your dog from "molesting" others
You may think he’s just saying "hello" but it might be too much for some non-doggy people, children and the elderly. There will be many sights, sounds and smells that are novel and interesting to your dog in these new places and he/she may test your authority. Keep your dog on leash no matter how well he listens normally. Attach the leash to a picnic table, car door, etc. (only while you are present) to help make sure your dog stays with you. This will also help keep the dog from rolling in or ingesting inappropriate items before you can get him/her back under your control. After all, who wants to take a 100 mile ride with a dog that smells like dead skunk?
Be prepared for emergencies
Write your dog’s name and related information on a card and put it in your glove box. This card should have emergency contact numbers at each end of your destination, the dog’s vet name and phone number, and any information that would be helpful if you were unavailable. Attach a copy of the dog’s up-to-date vaccinations and place both in a zip-closed baggie (in case it’s raining). Make sure your dog’s ID is securely attached to his/her collar. It is best if this ID has your cell phone, not your home phone, since that is the number they can reach you at "on the road." You can get a tag with that information just for travel if it’s not on your dog’s collar already – they are quick and cheap at many pet store vending machines. Your vet also has access to send-away tags (requires a little more advanced planning). For other types of emergencies, your human first aid kit will generally be helpful, but bring along larger bandages and splints. Also bring along a few towels and plastic shopping bags in case there is a mess in the car to clean up.
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