There is nothing better than a summer vacation! Whether you are headed out on the road or staying close to the Sarasota beaches, we hope you have some fun activities on the calendar for you and your family.
Of course, for many people, your beloved pet is a part of the family. If you are wondering about taking your dog on vacation with you, we have assembled a few summer vacation tips to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Taking Dogs on Summer Vacation Roadtrips
- Acclimate your Dog to the Car: Your dog may already be a road warrior, but if he has never spent any significant time in the car, it is best to acclimate him to the environment. If your dog seems skittish or you are worried he may get car sick, you can prepare the dog for a few weeks prior to hitting the road. Begin by teaching the dog to jump up into the car while it is stationary, and let him get used to being in the car. Start taking short, slow trips around the block to gauge his reaction. Signs of distress can include panting, yawning, whining, drooling or general uneasiness. If he vaults out of the car as soon as you open the door, and refuses to get back in, he may not be ready for a long road trip.
- Quell Motion Sickness: Nearly half of dog owners report that their pet gets at least mild nausea or motion sickness in the car. If your dog seems lethargic or vomits after a shorter car ride, be sure to visit the vet before your trip. The doctor can prescribe medication which will help your pet to be more comfortable.
- Strap Him in: Your dog needs to be secured for the same reason you do – to keep him safe. However, there is another very important reason make sure your pet is strapped in safely – a dog who is loose in the car could seriously distract the driver and cause an accident. A crash-tested harness or carrier will do the trick – and will also make your pet feel safer, as they will not be sliding all over the backseat as you stop, start and turn.
- Bring the ID and Health Information: Be sure that your dog has a collar and dog tag with your cell phone number, just in case they get lost. You may want to consider microchipping the dog if you plan on travelling a lot. Dogs sometimes get spooked in strange locations, and run off. Tags, id and chips are the best way to ensure you are reunited quickly. Health and immunization records are important for two reasons. First, if you do have a health emergency, you can give them to the vet. But you can also leave your pooch at a kennel or doggy day care if need be – but not without health records.
- Map Out the Pet Friendly Hotels – Many websites will now guide you in your search for pet friendly hotels, so plan your driving and travel based on getting to them. Driving around after midnight looking for a hotel who will accept your dog is no one’s idea of fun, so keep a list handy and book ahead of time.
- Give Your Dog a Break: On long trips, it is tempting to get as many miles under your wheels as possible. But don’t forget to stop periodically to walk your dog and let him take a potty break. Don’t forget a leash!
With just a little bit of planning, taking a dog on a road trip should be fun and enjoyable. Summer vacation, here we come!
If you need assistance helping your dog to overcome his fear of the car, or simply to learn to be better behaved – the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training should be your first call. We welcome Sarasota and Bradenton dog owners to learn about our play care obedience and puppy training.
