Pets On Vacation - Be Prepared

For us dog-lovers, it is almost unthinkable that we leave our dogs at home. After all, he is our family and part of our life and we love sharing the good times with him. The following guidelines should help if you do decide to take your dog on vacation.

The dog will need proper identification. Make sure hat the details on his ID tag are up to date and include your mobile number. He must be microchipped. There have been cases of dogs lost for years who have found their way back to the family because of microchips. You may need a current photo if the unthinkable happens and the dog takes off and gets lost. You'll be able to add a photo to the "Lost Dog" notices.

As you plan our vacation check out the activities that your dog can join in too. After all, you are going to the trouble of taking him, so it's far from ideal if you are always going somewhere on outings and leaving him behind.

For the camping holidays don't forget his crate, so he doesn't go wandering off at inopportune times. If you are vacationing in a house, do a quick run around the fence looking for any holes or gaps that he might sneak through. Remember they are in a strange place so if you go somewhere without them, they will do everything in their power to find you again and that means escaping.

Knowing the location of the nearest vet is important and their opening hours. We know that our dogs need help at the wrong hours, so ascertain the details of the local emergency clinic just in case. Some dogs have a special diet. In that case you will need to take enough food to cover the entire vacation for their specific dietary needs, or, if possible, make sure you can buy that food in your vacation area.

It's possible that the area you will be going to may have some disease risks that they haven't been exposed to before. Insect such as ticks and mosquitoes may be prevalent and these can spread Lyme disease and canine heartworm. Confirm with your vet the steps you can take that will prevent any problems arising. Make a note to take any medications that may fall due while you are away. For instance the heartworm tablet/ flea treatments may fall due, make note of the dates and take the tablets.

General Dog Travel Rules

* Be respectful to others. Not everyone is the dog lover you are. Do not impose
* Bring only well-trained, well-socialized dogs when travelling. A vacation is no place for remedial dog training.
* Use a harness leash; it provides more security.
* Update your dog's ID tags, license, and vacinations.
* Clean up after your dog; bring plenty of plastic bags for this purpose.
* Bring you dog's own food from home. You may not be able to find it in another city or country and a quick change to new food can bring on a digestive upset.
* Keep your dog's safety first. Do not take him off leash or push him into uncomfortable or frightening situations.

Sharing your vacation with your dog is great. Walking along beaches, down bush trails or swimming in never before seen places is great for both of you, and improves your relationship. Try to avoid problems by planning ahead and you both will relax more and enjoy each other's company more.