Traveling Dogs

"Dog Seperation anxiety" is a term to describe a condition dogs get when they are not with their owner. If not anxiety, then certainly loneliness occurs when the owner is not around. Dogs are used to being with their "pack". Even the best dog boarding kennel is no substitute for the feeling of security a dog gets from being with its human family. But humans can feel this loneliness, too. The friendship and fun a dog brings to our lives can become something we take for granted, and it is sorely missed when we are separated from our furry friend.

Finding a competent boarding kennel can be difficult, and the cost can be high, especially if you have more than one dog to board. The facilities vary in quality as well. Some are like mini-resorts, with everything from swimming pools to designated play periods with the staff, down to the low end outdoor dog kennel that is little more than a cage. One little known fact about boarding facilities is that not all of them have staff on site 24 hours. Think of your poor pet becoming ill in the middle in the night with no one to care for them.

The option of a professional pet sitter, or having your dog stay with friends, has disadvantages, too. Some pet sitters spend so little time at the owner's home that the dog is more or less staying by himself. A Pet sitting service might be expensive, or not! - take a look at available Pet Sitters. Not all of your friends are prepared for the responsibility of having a dog staying with them, and you may return to find an unhappy dog and a former friend.

Dogs need adventures, too. Part of the benefit of taking a dog on a trip is the same one they receive from going on a walk or going to a dog friendly park: to experience new sounds, smells, and to socialize with other creatures.

Your trip will be more fun with your dog. Dogs make great buddies to go to the lake with, to go hiking with, even play on the beach (there are friendly dog beaches in Florida, for example). You'll get more exercise and time to bond with your buddy. Why miss out on the fun, for both of you?

If a dog isn't well-trained, taking him on a road trip is going to involve additional hassles and the potential to be dangerous. If a dog doesn't come when called, for instance, you are going to worry whenever the car door is opened. If encountering strangers, this doesn't always go down well with some dogs. Is the dog likely to bark at visitors in the hotel or to lung at the hotel desk clerk - if that's the case, it might be wise not to take him along.

Your daily activities might be curtailed somewhat. In most lodging facilities it isn't possible to leave a dog home alone - even for the briefest of times. It's not possible to go off to SeaWorld and expect the family pet to fend for itself. It's often necessary to get a take out meal and return to the lodgings rating than to eat out in comfort.

It isn't a good idea to leave a dog alone in a vehicle (even for the shortest of times - especially in warm climates) as this can pose a serious risk of health to the dog. If shopping or sightseeing, it often calls for a family member to walk the dog, while the others go to see the sights or to go shopping.

One vacation that is more suited to having a canine buddy along for the ride is that of a camping trip. On the other hand, a vacation such as deep-sea fishing isn't so ideal. Typically for a dog that hasn't been onboard a boat before.

A vacation that includes air travel for dogs might not be that ideal to include a dog. Small dogs are permitted on board the plane in a carry-on container. The larger dog breeds must travel in the cargo hold in a kennel. This is often a frightening experience for some dogs.

Take into account the age and physical condition of the dog. Adult dogs that tend to tire quickly are likely to become irritable, and most likely not have that much of a good time.

Some dogs can be more social than others. If a dog is defensive with a stranger, you might experience a long trip if going on a break at a busy resort.

Including the family pet in your vacation plans does require some advance planning. First things first - start to research which lodging facilities (in your vacation area) allow pets. The trend to allow dogs is growing, but still hasn't caught on everywhere.

Here are two resources to help in locating pet friendly accommodation -

www.takeyourpet.com - this site offers a pet friendly lodging directory. Search 20,000+ cabins, bed & breakfast, inns, hotels/motels, and resorts across the U.S. that welcome dogs.

To gain access to the directories it is necessary to sign-up for a membership - this costs $1.95 for a 5 day trail or $14.95 for a one year subscription.

www.petswelcome.com - this site features a searchable database of 25,000+ bed & breakfast, campgrounds, ski resorts, beaches, and hotels that feature pet friendly accommodation.

Even if a listing on one of these sites indicates that pets are welcomed - always call the hotel prior to turning up, as policies on pets will vary from one hotel to the next. Inquire as to whether a restriction on a certain breed or size is in force. An example being - a Great Dane or Irish wolfhound dogs might be too big for a hotel to accept.

Often certain rooms are set aside for those guests traveling with dogs - make sure to check that one of these rooms is free when making the reservation.

Prior to setting off on the vacation, take a moment to research the contact details of vets or animal hospitals on route - take those with you. Look for animal hospitals on the actual route to be taken, and not just at the final destination (a pet might become ill en route).

Lodging establishments can ask for proof of up-to date vaccinations when checking in, so take along this confirmation.

Ask at your local vets if your intended destination is known for a particular disease, for example Lyme disease. Be prepared to cope with this or any other condition, either with medication or through vaccinations.

If taking a puppy that hasn't yet traveled - go on several short trips to acclimate to the sounds, smells, and unusual feeling of being in a moving vehicle. Traveling dogs (those already accustomed to traveling) are often a more fun to those that are apprehensive or unfamiliar to traveling. Also, the benefits to this are to avoid motion sickness or a 'mishap' in the vehicle.

Instruct the dog on the etiquette of traveling in a vehicle: not to jump to the front seat while the vehicle is moving, and to wait until a leash is attached prior to jumping out.

If dog or puppy car sickness is a problem - it's often possible to visit the vets to get medication to prevent this.

If intending on being a frequent traveler be certain that the dog is well socialized. Start the socialization process several months prior to starting the trip. Go to a dog friendly park, or such place to allow the dog to be accustomed to other dogs and people.

It isn't a problem for us to spend six to eight hours straight in a vehicle without a break - but our dogs need time to stretch their legs and to relieve themselves. In planning the trip, pin point areas to stop along the route for a doggy break - at least once every 3 hours.

Take advantage of the dog microchipping ID technology - if you should become separated, an animal hospital or shelter can scan a lost dog to trace its owner. Often a dog that becomes lost arrives at a rescue centre without its collar. Ask at your local vets about this inexpensive and safe procedure.

A list of accessories to consider packing prior to going on a dog friendly trip -

[1] ID dog collar - the tag ought to include a phone number to be immediately reached on, this is often a cell phone.

[2] To reduce the level or anxiety or stress, take along some of the dog's familiar items, such as a blanket or bed. Include a dog treat jar or toys - anything really to make the experience seem more like home.

[3] Bottled water - if possible don't rely on the local tap water as this might result in an upset stomach.

[4] Take along his own food as abruptly changing the diet can cause stomach problems

[5] Dog travel water bottle - this useful device flips open to offer a convenient drink tray. It's easy a carry when on the move, so a ready water supply wherever you venture.

[6] Dog seat belt harness - for secure riding, buckle a dog into a harness that attaches to the seat belt. This can avoid a serious injury in the event of a collision or needing to halt suddenly.

[7] Pet first aid supplies - a scrape, cuts or a thorn in the paw - all these are possible mishaps on your travels. Saline solution, Antibiotic ointment, Gauze bandages, and Tweezers are all good accessories to take. And, remember grooming a dog as well, take along the comb or brush.

[8] Even on a well prepared trip, a mishap can happen, so take along some dog poop bags to pick-up waste, paper towels, cleaning solution, trash bags, and disinfectant.

[9] Sheets - to cover the furniture in the hotel room should your dog be inclined to jump on it

[10] Keep in mind the dogs comfort when packing the car. Leave sufficient space to move around, have a comfortable surface to sit on, and be able to see you. It is also important to see him - does he need a drink, or a pit stop.