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Articles > On The Road Again - Traveling With Your Dog
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On The Road Again
Provide the most comfortable experience for you and your dog on the road.
How can you make your dog more comfortable in the car while on the road?
By exposing your pet to traveling in a vehicle whenever possible, they will become adjusted and excited to join you on your adventures. The exception to this is when the dog's only car ride is associated with a negative experience such as a trip to the Vet or when the dog is placed in a vehicle without proper creature comforts. Remember your dog is traveling without the convenience of a comfortable seat. Often their response is to wedge themselves into a small space to keep from sliding around, especially on winding roads. Use caution with small pups or highly excitable dogs so that they do not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. Consider a kennel or crate if space allows.
Do dogs get car sick, and if so, how can you prevent or deal with it?
Some dogs do get motion sick but it seems rare. One dog breeder suggests feeding vanilla ice cream to an ailing dog. Ice cream will coat and soothe an upset stomach. Consult with your vet if motion sickness becomes an ongoing issue.
Is it okay to sedate a dog for long drives or flights? Are there other ways to calm my dog emotionally if he doesn't like the car?
Some humans feel the need to sedate their pets when traveling. You may wish to avoid sedating because of health concerns and want your traveling buddy to be able to run, jump and play if we make a stop to see roadside attractions. Always consult with your Vet before administering any medications to your dog. An alternative would be to expose your pet to traveling several times with a positive outcome. If you are driving get them used to the vehicle, if flying, familiarize the dog with the crate so that it is not a new experience come the day of your departure. Provide a space and place that is familiar to the dog and bring items that remind your dog of home. Toys, bedding or a favorite chew toy are a few examples of items that will console the dog and provide an outlet for nervous or excessive energy.
Is it safe to keep a dog in the back of an open truck?
Placing a dog in the back of an open truck is unsafe. However, if you choose to travel with your critter in the back of an open truck make certain that the dog is secured in a manner that will not allow the dog to fall out or hang himself should he try to investigate beyond the truck bed. Consider the exposure to weather. You may be inside the vehicle with the heater or air conditioner on but if your pup is outside he may be wet and experiencing wind-chill from traveling down the highway at 60 mph or baking in the heat of the sun. While on the road, bring along a pad or bed that can be moved from the car to camp to temporary accommodations so that the dog knows that this is their space to call home for awhile.
Are We There Yet?
Ensure the best experience at your recreational destination.
How can you research whether your destination is dog friendly for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and other activities?
By knowing your dogs' athletic abilities, how they adapt to varying climates and the terrain you will be visiting, you are half way there. Just as you might research a destination and travel route for your personal needs, check the anticipated weather as well as accommodations with your pet in mind. There are many guidebooks and Internet sites that specifically address traveling and lodging with a pet. National Parks and National Forests have specific rules and regulations regarding dogs. Becoming familiar with these rules before you arrive will reduce potential surprises or a spoiled trip.
If you can't take your dog on your recreational activity, what is a reasonable time to leave him behind?
Ask why you would bring your dog if they were not going to join you in your activities? There are times when it is in everyone's best interest to leave your dog behind. Distance, terrain and exposure to the elements are all considerations. If you do need to leave your dog behind, make sure he is safe and secure so that others don't think that the animal has been abandoned. When using a leash to secure your dog, consider and plan around the possibility that they might become tangled which can strand them in direct sun or keep him from water, cause choking or asphyxiation. Also consider the possibility of people approaching the area your dog is confined to and the potential for the dog to attack. Folks may need to walk by your dog to gain access to a trail or right of way and your pup may think he is on duty, doing his best to protect what he thinks is your area. This can result in some pretty ugly legal situations as well as spoiling someone else's outing. Always provide a source of water and food that can not be spilled and consider the dangers of leaving food. Others animals or dogs might want to eat this food and could fight for it. Remember your dog will be vulnerable if left tied up. As for what is a reasonable time for a dog to be left behind, that would depend on the dogs and humans comfort level and the weather and exposure to the elements. As for leaving your dog in a car, we have all heard the horror stories of dogs and children left in a car in the sun so exercise caution.
How can I help my dog maintain a low profile and not annoy other travelers, campers or hikers?
The impact your dog has on others, the surrounding area and other animals will have a direct impact on your enjoyment. Keep in mind that your dog can hear, smell and sense things that you can't. A dog barking may be warning you of an approaching animal or person. In any case the barking has an effect on other's experiences. Find the source of why the dog may be barking and address the cause not the response. Keep your dog under control and out of others spaces. While on the trail maintain control of your dog to reduce the potential of an unwanted greeting. Pick up dog waste. Do not allow your dog to chase other critters and remember other folks may not share the same appreciation you have for dogs. By following a few common courtesies we will all be able to continue to have positive experiences in our shared environment.
Rest Stop!
Offer the right amount of food, water, and exercise while on the road.
What is the best method for food and water management while traveling?
The best carrying system is one that is convenient for the owner, allowing you to tend to your pet's needs with ease. Food and water are key and not always available along travel routes. Always keep plenty of fresh water in a spill resistant bowl that is accessible to your pet as well as a larger container for refills. Follow your feeding routine to maintain the eating schedule your dog has become accustomed to and stick to the food you use at home. Resist the temptation to feed your dog miscellaneous snacks and road food, you will all be much happier. Ruff Wear has addressed the need for food and water while on the road with our new Growler!" and Growler Cinch Top!" which hold 6.25 quarts or 25 cups of dry food as well as our Original Collapsible Food and Water Bowls.
How often should you offer your dog water while on the road?
Always! Water is the key to your dog's health. In addition to the obvious health benefits, hydration helps to maintain a normal temperature and proper digestion. Always bring extra water for your dog in addition to your own needs so neither of you gets thirsty. If you suspect that your dog is becoming dehydrated, pull straight up on the skin on the back of the neck and release the skin. If the skin does not immediately fall back into place, chances are your dog is dehydrated.
How often should you stop and exercise your dog on road trips? What is a reasonable driving time before you should give them a break from the car?
This will depend on the individual dog. A good rule is if you need a break, so does your dog. When you stop make sure you are safely off the road and away from traffic. Always have a leash on hand if there are cars or other dogs in the vicinity. Also, keep a close eye on them at rest stops or roadside areas. Often these areas have suspect food and water sources or flora and fauna that you want to keep your dog away from.
What are the essential items you need to bring along while traveling with your dog?
Here's a checklist:
• Food
• Water
• Food & Water bowls
• Collar
• Identification tags
• Dog Bed
• Leash
• Vaccination records
• Training Aids & Toys
• K-9 First Aid Kit™
Additional supplies depending on the destination and activities:
• Kennel/Crate
• Pad or Bedding
• Bark'n Boots™
• Dog Back Pack
• K-9 Float Coat™
• K-9 Overcoat™
If you're traveling far from home should you bring any health information or identification?
Always keep your dog's collar and tags on. If the dog is lost in unfamiliar territory the tags may be your only hope to reuniting you with your dog. Identification tags should include a phone number that has a local contact if possible or a number where a caller can leave a message that can be retrieved while on the road. Bring along a current health certificate available through your veterinarian. If your journey takes you across borders, become familiar with quarantines that may exist in the countries you will be visiting as well as any quarantines that may exist when returning. Whenever you travel with your dog it is wise to pack along a record of vaccinations. This information can prove invaluable when you least expect it.
After reading all of these suggestions you may think twice about including your pup on your next adventure. Don't despair, traveling with your four-legged friend(s) can be extremely rewarding. With a little common sense, using the information provided here and by developing your own routine you and your dogs will become inseparable traveling companions with stories and tales that will have your friends howling.
Disclosure: This article was originally published on the RuffWear website. The k9 network is an officially authorised dealer in New Zealand.