Traveling Dogs - How to travel with your dog

Traveling Dogs

Some dogs make wonderful travel companions and love the adventure of the open road, while others are homebodies and grow anxious in new settings. As owners, we need to take our dog抯 personalities into account when we begin to plan for vacations. As much as many of us would like to bring our dogs everywhere we go, we must keep in mind how it is going to effect our animals ?not just how much we would miss them if we have to leave them at home. Here are some points to consider when deciding if your dog would be a good traveler:

• Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety or are they extremely clingy? Often dogs displaying these traits will act out if their owners leave them behind ?either with a pet sitter or in a kennel setting. Consider bringing them along or leaving them with a familiar friend.
• Does your dog enjoy long car rides? Has he ever had a problem with motion sickness?
• If you are considering flying, can you locate a pet-friendly airline that will allow your pet to fly in the cabin? If not, consider a pet-specific airline that specializes in transporting animals. Flying animals in cargo has proven to be unsafe many times over.
• Is my lodging dog friendly? Will my dog have to be crated when I am not with him in the room?
• What does my schedule look like for this trip? Will there be activities my dog can participate in or will he be left in the hotel/home for the majority of the day?
• Does my dog have any health issues that could make traveling a hazard?
• Will I be more stressed traveling with my dog or leaving them behind?

Ultimately, it is your decision weather you抮e dog becomes your co-pilot on the open road. If you choose to leave them at home with a reliable pet-sitter or at a boarding kennel, here are some tips to make sure you both feel better about your absence:

• Keep in touch via phone calls, texts or emails with the caretaker of your dog. It isn抰 too much to ask for brief daily updates to find out how he or she is doing while you are away.
• Leave a worn shirt with your pet. Your scent is comforting to them while you are gone.
• Purchase a special toy or treat to give your dog when you return home from your trip. Everyone likes getting a souvenir!