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Summer Travel Tips

June 12th, 2008

Tomorrow, Stranger and I are traveling to California, land of the towering redwoods, the majestic pacific, and all the “dude” you’ll ever need. We’ve traveled quite a bit with him, and we’ve learned some important things to keep in mind while road tripping with a dog, especially in the summertime.

1) (and probably the most important) Don’t leave your dog in the car while you’re running an errand. Summer temperatures inside the car can get up to 120 degrees, and dogs don’t sweat. They can only release heat by the soles of their paws and panting. During food stops, either my boyfriend or me will stay in the car with Stranger and keep the AC running.

2) Make sure to allow your pet plenty of exercise. Play fetch at a rest stop, or take a walk around the gas station. (I can’t wait to run on the beach with him!)

3) Keep a dog toy with him in the back seat to occupy him during the long hours of driving. Anything filled with peanut butter can keep Stranger busy for at least 600 miles.

4) Keep your dog close and on a dog leash when you take him to public places. I know you’re thinking, duh, but! Travel does interrupt your dog’s routine, and even a well behaved dog can become anxious or disoriented and snap and growl at strangers.

5) Don’t over feed them. Try feeding them several small meals to avoid car sickness.

6) Make sure their tags are up to date.

7) And most importantly, use the time together to explore, bond, and strengthen your trust.

I’ll take lots of pictures and be back soon. : )

Posted in K9 Care | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “Summer Travel Tips”

1. ClickerTrainer says:

   June 12, 2008 at 5:52 pm

   I would add: always use a crate in the car. Safer for the dog, safer for you, safer for EMTs who may be trying to assist you after an accident. (My friend’s dog protected her for an hour from the EMTs, who had to wait for Animal Control to come out and take care of her dog. She is a huge crate advocate now.)

   Also, in California, watch out for our new laws (1) you may not leave your dog in the car unattended and (2) you may not talk on a non-hands free cellphone. I think the law about no pets on the driver’s lap has not taken affect (effect?) yet.

   Have fun at the beach!

   Splash & his mom in Northern California
2. Lora says:

   June 13, 2008 at 3:14 am

   Have fun on your trip! I can’t wait to see the pictures!

   One other good tip is to have an emergency number of where you will be staying added to your microchip. You can do so on line if you have a home again chip. – you never know when the tags or collar might fall off…

   I think clicker trainer is right… no dog in laps in cars in California now, so make sure Stranger is in the back seat.. I don’t want to see any pictures of doggy tickets

   Have fun and be safe!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Lindsay says:

   June 20, 2008 at 4:27 am

   Yeah those are good tips. I love traveling with Ace and I’m glad my boyfriend doesn’t mind that he tags along so often.