Traveling With Your Pet
Along with winter comes the urge to travel to warmer climates or just to get out of the house. Oh boy, the open road! If you're thinking of taking a vehicular vacation with "Rover", be prepared to plan as much (if not more) for his trip as you will for yours.
First, honestly assess if your dog is "road ready" - that is, healthy, mellow, and well-behaved. Don't take along a dog that's ill, shy, nervous, or frail and elderly. Such pooches usually fare better at home with a pet sitter or at a well-managed boarding kennel.
Sam LOVES to travel and is always ready to "go in the car". Lady is not a good traveler and gets carsick. This can be remedied, however, with a trip to the vet well before your trip to get the "canine car sick pills". They really work, and she sleeps comfortably all the way. Make sure you pack for your pet as well. Sam & Lady have a 101 Dalmations backpack that is packed with their water dish, dog food, doggie biscuits, chewies, their brush and comb, medication (if needed), toys, and anything else they decide they can't leave behind. Their own backpack is VERY handy as everything is all in one spot.
Okay, now for more travelling tips!
Respect your temporary residence. Don't let your dog get away with behavior that you wouldn't tolerate at home. But if your pooch IS used to snuggling on the bed with you, bring along a bedspread or large towel from home to cover its spot on the bed. Use towels brought from home to clean your dog's paws and coat after an outdoor romp or walk in the rain. When you exercise your dog on the lodging's premises, always "scoop the poop" and dispose of it in an appropriate place. And before you even start the trip, be sure your canine pal is not playing host to fleas or ticks that he or she might leave behind to pester other guests.
Think twice about leaving your canine chum alone in a motel room - even if it's permitted. The most well-behaved dogs can become stressed in strange surroundings. "Under such circumstances, a normally placid dog might express atypical behavior such as furniture chewing or excessive barking", warns Dr. Jean DeNapoli, a resident at the Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. Consider ordering meals from room service, if available, or having a pizza delivered rather than going out to eat. If you must be away for a while, walk your dog before leaving, leave the TV on for "company", and put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign so housekeeping personnel won't unintentionally surprise your pet.
Remember, too, that some dogs are simply not cut out for life on the road - and that, as they age, formerly impeccable canine travelers may prefer to stay close to home. If it's in your dog's best interest to stay behind - at a boarding kennel or under the care of a qualified pet sitter - do your research well ahead of time. Personally inspect kennels and talk with the caretakers. And before leaving your dog at a kennel, write down specific instructions for the staff, including what to do in case of emergency.
Consider engaging the services of a qualified pet sitter if you have a "homebody" dog that craves familiar surroundings. Basic pet sitting includes two or three visits a day to feed, water, walk, and play with your dog. Always interview a pet sitter before contracting for services and CHECK THOSE REFERENCES. Try to schedule your pet sitter's visiting times to conform to your dog's routines, and leave all pertinent information the pet sitter will need to properly care for your dog - including the name and phone number of your veterinarian and your vacation phone numbers.
(Information taken from Your Dog, A Newsletter For Dog Owners from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine)
Sam and Lady hope you and your "best friend" enjoy your winter! BE SAFE!!
Brrrrrrrr . . . winter! Sam enjoys the snow and loves to stick his head into the snow to smell what's under it. Lady, on the other hand, is content to stay inside where it's warm curled up with Mom on the couch or Dad in his recliner. Sam yearns for spring again with all the new and fresh smells, and especially when he can play ball outside again!"Petiquette" 101
Make sure in advance that your intended accommodations accept dogs. Several publications list pet-friendly lodgings, but policies can change in the time it takes to publish updates, so call ahead to confirm that dogs are still welcome. If so, inquire about extra charges for pets and any specific regulations, such as whether dogs are allowed to stay unattended for a period of time in guest rooms.
Sam and Lady are very fortunate to have a *wonderful* pet sitter next door, "Aunt Lillian", who loves them as much as we do! And she has two children who make sure Sam and Lady get their exercise by playing ball with them! Thanks Jimmy and Philly!
