On The Road With Your
Dog
A lot of dogs like go on
adventures, which makes
travel attractive for them.
This is their natural
hunting instincts making
them want to meet new
people and explore new
places. However, it may
pose as a problem since
taking a dog along during
your travels may be
inconvenient. Quite a few
people are frightened of
dogs and the mess that dogs
make while you're traveling
can be very troublesome. It
should also be noted that
many lodgings and
transportation services
don't cater to pets such as
dogs and cats.
Having your pet watched
over by a professional pet
handler may be needed to
take care of your dog
during the trip. You also
have the option of having
your pet stay with a
managed kennel. When
checking around for a place
for your dog to live while
you're away, make sure it
is comfortable and clean.
The dogs staying there
should also look content
and well-taken care of. A
few of these dog kennels
allow for you to provide
your dog's own sleeping
blanket, toy and his
favorite foods for while
you're away. Make sure,
though, that your dog has
had its immunization since
it is a regular requirement
for your dog's stay in such
places.
Though, if you really
insist on your pet's
company when traveling,
here are a few tips:
- A clean bill of health
from your veterinarian.
Your vet should also be
able to provide you a
certificate for this.
- But a sturdy dog
carrier. This is a must
since you're rather not
lose your pet en route to
your destination. A few
airlines have dog carriers
available for sale though
they can be quite
expensive. Also, remember
that some airlines prefer
having your pet in the
compartment for luggage .
If you really can't part
with your beloved, get a
reservation for an airline
that allows pets to remain
with you during the
flight.
- Dogs need good
ventilation to keep them
cool. Try to get
air-conditioned cars when
traveling cross-country.
This is also true if you
are travelling in
trains.
- Don't let your dog
hang his head out the
window while the car is
moving. It may be tempting
to let your pet play
around, but the risks of
falling out or getting hit
are still there.
- Leaving your dog
inside the car or under the
sun is risky. Heat stroke
is a serious danger to your
pet and can even be
fatal.
- Never leave your dog
unattended, especially when
he is in his carrier. He
may get stolen or
kidnapped. This also goes
for when he's wandering
around. Sometimes, pets can
be too adventurous and may
end up in trouble, or
worse, getting you in
trouble.
- Fast pulse, rapid
panting, red eyes and gums,
excessive slobbering,
feverish temperature or
vomiting, means that your
dog needs to see a vet
quickly. Have cool towels
placed on your dog and get
to the closest pet clinic
as soon as possible.
- Some countries have
specific rules about pet
travel. Try to familiarize
yourself with them and try
to follow them to avoid
legal troubles later.
- A certificate for
rabies vaccination and a
notarized local language
certificate from the
closest embassy or
consulate is sometimes
required, though get one
just in case. Better safe
than sorry.
- In preparing for a
long trip on the road,
ready identification for
your pet. A collar with the
dog's name, your name and a
handy contact number can
save you from a lot of
trouble.
- First-aid kits for
your dog can be easily
fixed up. Remember that
some emergencies are
special to dogs. A flea or
tick powder is a good
addition to this.
- Have a ready supply of
your pet's favorite doggy
treats during the trip.
Make sure to bring more
than enough to last the
entire trip to be safe.
- Pack the essentials:
clean water, dishes,
favorite dog toys, leash,
brush, plastic bags and
towels, anything than can
help your dog stay happy
during the trip.
- A dog should be given the
chance to answer the call
of nature every two to
three hours so it won't
make any embarrassing
messes.
Hopefully, these tips
can help you have a better
time with travelling with
your dog. Bon voyage!
|
