Traveling With Your Dog by Car

We all know how excited our dogs get when we excitedly shake the car keys and ask them if they want to go for a ride. However, riding in the car for more than a couple of hours is stressful for most dogs. It takes them away from what is familiar and subjects them to a completely new environment.

If you plan to take your dog with you on a trip that involves a lot of traveling, the Humane Society of the United States suggests the following tips to help reduce your dog's stress, as well as some real risks that may be involved in traveling with your dog:

Several weeks before taking your dog on a long trip (more than a few hours), begin familiarizing him with car travel by taking him on frequent small trips, gradually lengthening the travel time.
Be sure to establish firm car routines, such as where your dog will sit, whether or not you will use a crate, and whether or not he will be allowed to play with a favorite toy while traveling.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure he is healthy. If you are traveling out of state, it's also a good idea to ask your vet for a "health certificate." This document verifies that your dog has been examined within the past 10 days, and that in the vet's opinion is in good health and free of communicable diseases.
Be sure your dog us up-to-date on all vaccinations.
If your dog is a nervous traveler, talk with your vet about whether or not it is advisable to give your dog a sedative or tranquilizer. If a sedative or tranquilizer is recommended and/or prescribed, try giving it to your dog a week or so before your trip so you can monitor your dog's reaction to it while still home and close to your vet.
Be sure to pack your dog's regular food, and even bring water from home. Give your dog small meals to avoid upset stomach.
While traveling, try to stop for exercise at the usual times during the day when you usually exercise your dog so that he can stay close to his regular schedule. While your dog is outside of your car, be sure you have a firm grip on his leash in case he becomes startled and tries to run away. And it's extremely important that your dog is always wearing identification that lists your address and phone number, both your home, and your cell (or the phone number of where you are going).
NEVER leave your dog alone in the car!
Try not to leave your dog alone often when you reach your destination. Remember, he's in a strange place, doesn't understand that you will be coming back, and he may become extremely nervous in your absence, resulting in inappropriate behavior while you're gone.

While we love our dogs and want to take them with us wherever we go, it's important to consider your dog when making travel plans, and determine if he might not be better off staying at home, with a good friend to visit and care for him in your absence. Or, if staying at home isn't practical, find a good boarding facility to leave your dog.

Next blog.... What to look for when boarding your dog.

~Lisa Pallardy

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