Dog Gone Trips

Dog Gone Trips by Gary Benton
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When I was in the military, I was ordered north to Alaska. Now, that in itself is enough to scare some folks, but I decided to drive to my new assignment with our dog traveling with us. The whole family considered our dog as part of our family, because he hiked, camped, and even went fishing with us, so there was very little discussion on taking him or not as we talked of the coming long trip. As I look back, the trip was hard on all of us, because I drove from Scott Air Force Base in Illinois to Anchorage, Alaska, but I suspect my dog considered suicide more than once along the way. See, he was sick most of the way, or so it seemed to me, but my kids have said numerous times it was but for a few miles and only once.

While our dog was well taken care of on the trip, he still experienced some motion sickness early in the trip. Additionally, later in the trip he developed diarrhea after we were forced to change his dog food because to his favorite brand was not available in northern Canada. The trip did, however, teach me a few things about traveling with dogs.

It is getting to be the time of the year when more and more people decide to take Ol’ Rover out with them when they hike, fish, camp, visit public parks, or just travel. While I agree it is a good idea at times, depending on the dog’s personality, make sure you’re allowed a dog or any pets in the area you are visiting. Some campgrounds, public parks, and other recreational areas may not allow pets at all; some hotels for sure won’t allow pets. If Rover is not allowed, or if you suspect he or she might not make a good companion for the trip consider a kennel, a friend to leave your dog with, or maybe think about have someone pet sit for you. Responsible teenagers will usually pet sit for just a few dollars, when compared to the cost of a kennel.

I would also start a dog out on short trips first to see how they handle the motion of the vehicle and to determine if they seem to get stressed over the confined space. Some dogs adjust quickly to the limited space of car or truck with no problems, while others appear to never get used to the idea and may get agitated. I can assure you that on long trips you will want a dog that is capable of traveling well, without any serious physical or psychological affects.

Prior to any trip, even in the local area with your dog, make sure your pet has been seen by a veterinarian on a regular basis and is healthy. Keep your pets shots up to date, carry any medications your dogs may need, and if you’re crossing a border into another country you might need the animals health record and a rabies shot within 30 days of entry. If you’re not sure what is required for your dog to be out in public, or to cross the boarder, talk to your Vet. If your Veterinarian does not have an immediate answer to your questions about travel requirements, he or she will usually know where to find it.

Keep your dog’s identification tag on them at all times and it might be a good idea to use a tattoo or implanted microchip to assist in recovery if Rover gets lost. Some people dislike the idea of their dog receiving a tattoo or having a microchip implanted, but I think it is a very good idea. If your dog is found and taken to the pound they will be able to determine whom he belongs to quickly with a tattoo or microchip. I also keep a current color photo of my dog, just in case he gets lost and I need help in finding him.

Now, some other considerations I have found to be helpful when traveling with a dog. Keep a good first aid kit just for your dog. Pets get hurt too and a small first aid kit will do the job of keeping the injury from getting infected. For small cuts, scrapes, or punctures, remember to clean the injury and then cover the wound to avoid an infection. However, with serious injuries a veterinarian should see your animal as soon as possible.

Also, consider comfortable bedding for your pet, especially if you are camping or spending long periods of time outdoors. If your dog has a favorite toy that they play with and it is small enough, bring it along as well. Your dog will enjoy playing with this toy and perhaps it will be something to assist in keeping the stress level of your pet down. A stressed dog does not make a good traveling mate and you can take my word on that statement.

Additionally, remember to keep your dog on any flea and tick medication they are taking when you are traveling. Ticks and fleas can be found in most places in North American, just about any place that has green grass and trees. You’d be surprised where ticks and fleas can turn up later too, and that is one thing you don’t need in your vehicle. Besides the obvious medical problems with ticks and fleas, the little pests are a real pain once they invade a car or home.

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