Taking the Family Dog on a Road Trip With You

     With more and more families not considering their vacation complete without the pooch in tow, it is becoming more commonplace for our four legged companions to travel with us. With that said, just as you would your own child, you should also show the same consideration for your dog. After all your dog's comfort and security is very important to you. However, if you are not able to give them this top of a priority, then please let a qualified pet sitting/lodging service care for them while you are away. These folks are in the minority, thank goodness.

With all the excitement of knowing that your dog is going to accompany you on vacation, means you should be well prepared to ensure that the trip is a pleasurable one for all. While no one can accurately predict what will ultimately happen, you can significantly lessen the risks of any mishaps if you rehearse every possible emergency in your mind. This by no means signifies that you are borrowing trouble. It simply means that you are being proactive, so you can have the proper tools on hand for just in case. That means that every scenario you play out in your mind; pack the right tools to counteract the potential problem.

First, the pre-vacation preparations are the most important. You can start by taking your dog to the vet to have them thoroughly examined to ensure that they have no illnesses that need to be conquered before travel. Make sure they have all of their current shots, especially their rabies and yearly vaccinations. Make sure you pack their medical records and proof of immunizations. These records are easily down loadable to your laptop or even a disc, to ensure quick access for if you need them while on your trip. We all hope this will never happen, and nine times out of ten it never will. But it will be a huge comfort to you if you are prepared. Once you take care of the basics, also ask yourself if your dog get anxiety when traveling in the car. If so, you may want to ask your Vet if they could prescribe a mild sedative to make sure they do not get motion sickness. Once you start planning your road trip, be sure to get a list of local Veterinarians and Emergency Dog Hospitals that are open 24/7, all year round. Store these phone numbers in your computer or cell phone to make it possible for you to get to them quickly, for just in case.

Never leave your dog unattended in your car, especially if you will be travelling to a hot climate, and just as you would with your children, always fasten your dog's seat belt too when the car is in motion. They deserve the same protection as humans. Have their food, favorite bed/blanket/toy(s), and you will be fully prepared for the ultimate road trip, that will be a memorable one for all parties. Lastly, do not forget your camera!