Road Trip! …With your Dog
Summer is here and so is the time to travel with your dog! Many people wouldn’t think to go anywhere on
vacation without their beloved friend. Whether you are driving to the coast or planning a trip to the
mountains, you want to make sure you are prepared with everything you need to make the journey enjoyable
to the whole family. Here are some tips and reminders to have a safe and fun trip.
Before your trip:
Has your dog ever gone on a car trip before? Do you have a new puppy? First get your pup used to riding in
the car. Several weeks before your trip go get in the car with your dog but do not turn on the engine. Sit in the
driver’s seat while calmly talking to your pup. Give him some good treats while he sits in the back seat calmly.
Get him used to being in his crate or a harness restraint if you are planning on using one (a good idea). After
several days of this, start the engine with the car in the driveway. Give him reinforcing treats while he sits and is
a good calm dog. The next step is to take a short trip. I’m talking around the block. If you need to, take
someone with you so you can concentrate on the road while the other person calmly reinforces good behavior.
As your trips get longer, go somewhere fun with your dog, like a friend’s house or the park. You want your
dog to think that a car ride equals a good time. If you only go to the vet when you take your dog in the car,
he won’t think it’s a very fun time.
Now that your dog is used to the car, there are a few more things you want to do before you leave on
vacation.
First, bring your dog to the veterinarian. Make sure he is up to date on his vaccinations and tell your vet
where you are going, there may be vaccines that you might need for the location you are going. Does your
dog get carsick? If so, talk to your vet about medication and make sure you try it on short trips before you go.
If you follow the suggestions from earlier, sometimes you can get your dog over that problem. When your
dog gets a clean bill of health, you’re almost ready to leave.
If you are going to be staying in a hotel at any point in your trip, make sure that dogs are allowed and if
there is a weight limit. Some hotels also require a security deposit.
What to bring:
-Crate or seat belt
-ID tags with both home number and where you will be on vacation. It is a good idea to have your dog micro
chipped as well in case he slips his collar for any reason.
-Vet records and rabies certificate. Also bring your vet’s phone number if you need to ask a question or get
some information
-Current photo of your dog. If your dog runs off, you will have it to show those that can help you find him.
-Two leashes and two collars. One will probably be misplaced at some point.
-Your dog’s food and plenty of bottles of water. If your dog gets sick in the car restrict the amount of food and
water he gets. Ice cubes are a good idea for this. Don’t forget the bowls too.
-First aid kit. This is good for both the four legged and two legged travelers.
-Toys and treats.
-Camera!
One more thing to remember is the possibility of heat stroke. A car parked in the sun, even with the windows
cracked can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. If you suspect your dog has gotten too warm to quick,
go immediately to the nearest vet. The symptoms of heat stroke include: lethargy, glazed eyes, gums that are a
muddy pink color, excessive panting and slow movements. If you are able, start bringing the dog’s temperature
down by submersing him in cool water (not ice cold) or pouring water over him, especially on the groin area.
Make sure that bringing your dog is the right decision. There are great boarding kennels, pet sitters or even
family members that would love to pamper your pet while you are gone.
Now go off and have a wonderful trip with your canine pal! Having your dog with you makes triple the fun!
Andrea DiMaio, behavior specialist
May 2007