TRAVELTraveling with your Pet!If you and Spot the Dog are planning on taking a longroad trip anytime during the year, here are a few thingsyou should know, and a few items you should definitelyhave in the car with you. Fall is a great time to take youpet out to a new park and explore! Many hotels doaccommodate our furry pets, be sure and check out petfriendly hotels.Things to do Before You Leave (Many days before ...)Acclimatize your dog to car travel - Start with short tripsaround town, and make sure you end up some place funfor your dog. He needs to learn that a car trip has areward at the end, and this should put an end to anyreluctance when the time comes to "load up" for the bigtrip.Vaccinate your dog: Rabies vaccine, which your dogshould have anyway, but he needs it at least thirty daysin advance of crossing the border from any side.Bordatella vaccines for Kennel Cough prevention, if youplan on boarding him at any time. This should be done atleast 4 weeks in advance. Lyme Vaccine is recommendedif you plan on entering an area where ticks are present.Stuff You'll NeedFull water bottles - There's no guarantee that you'llbe able to stop along the road near clean water, andeven an air-conditioned can make your dog thirsty onhis trip. By keeping a water bottle or two full of drinkablewater, you'll ensure that he has plenty of moisture. Alsokeep a bowl handy, as some dogs just will not drink froma bottle.Extra food - If you don't bring your dog's regular foodwith you, you do run the risk of having to switch him to adifferent brand if what he is used to is unavailable whereveryou are. This can stress out a dog's digestive system,giving him gas, diarrhea, or causing him to vomit,which makes for a very smelly ride.His own blanket, or cuddly toy - A little comfort fromhome goes a long way, even if Mom and Dad are sittingin the front seat. Anxiety and stress can do funny (andsmelly) things to a dog, like diarrhea, and nausea. Again,not pleasant to drive with.Spare leash and collar - And keep it handy. Not onlygood for the dog, but a spare leash can used for manythings, including tying a splint in place if somebodybreaks a bone. And if you put two six foot leashes together,you'll have a twelve foot lead should you need to secure yourdog to anything, for any length of time.First Aid Kit - Something every vehicle should have, regardlessof pets or children. In an emergency, you never what you willneed, keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your vehicle at alltimes, since accidents can happen at any time.Veterinary records - Simply because you never know when youmight need them. They'll prove invaluable if you end up havingto rush your pooch to the local veterinarian's office for whateverreason. And if you plan on leaving the country, a currentstatement of health will be needed, saying that your dog is freeof any diseases and has had the current rabies vaccine.Proof of Identification - If your dog spooks and runs off for anyreason, having a valid microchip or up to date collar tags willhelp you get him back much quicker.And most important of all: Never, ever leave your dog in a hotcar!18 • September 2007
Sassy mariesSeptember 2007 • 19