Dog Wellness while travelling

by Queenie1

Summer's here - family vacations and outings sometimes include our precious pet dogs.

If you feed your dog kibble or canned foods packing food for your dog is easy. Put the dogs dry food in daily portions in a zip lock bag before you leave. If your dog eats canned food buy a small can so you don't have left overs to keep cool. Organize your pet food, treats, dish, etc by putting all his items in a separate plastic bin.

If you cook your own dog's food or give him raw food you will need a refrigerator. Hotels, RVs, or tent trailers have refrigerators for your pets food but if you're tenting you will need a cooler to keep the dogs food cool unless you shop daily. You can preplan your trip by making an itinerary and find the local pet food stores on the web so you know where they are if you plan to buy it daily.

I usually get small water bottles and freeze them before our journey and use them instead of ice cubes to keep the food cool and as drinking water later when they melt. Some parks post signs to let you know if their water has bacteria some don't so ask. It's better for your pet dog to drink water from his regular environment so he doesn't get sick or give him some of the bottled water.

Sometimes while travelling your dog gets stressed and won't eat normally. Pepto Bismol may help or light foods like rice. Some people also give their pet dog a live "active" bacteria culture like plain yogurt to ease their stomachs or a pro biotic pill before they go on their trip but discuss this with your vet before you go.

Take your pet on a few short trips before before you go on your vacation to help prepare the dog for the journey so he will become a better dog traveller.

Dog Friendly Travel Vacations, Camping & RV-ing!!!

by Queenie1

Planning a trip with your dog will take a little extra planning.

When you're travelling with your dog keep your dog's health paperwork in the glove compartment of your car or close at hand. If you're travel within your own country you should not need any health certificates or vaccinations unless you cross your countries borders. Immigration will require proof of up-to-date vaccines, rabies shots.

You could take your dog to the vet for a basic examination before you go on your trip to make sure the dog's health is good enough for the trip. If the dog gets travel sickness you can discuss how much and how many low doses of Gravol you to give your dog to make his journey easier. If your dog isn't able to make the journey you can find a reliable pet sitter or kennel.

While travelling some dog owners use dog car seats to restrict their dog's movement so they can drive safer and keep the dog from being injured. If you're in a motor home putting your dog in a crate securely tied with bungee cords to hold the crate in place will keep the crate from movement.

Take your dog on pee breaks while refuelling your vehicle and a short quick walk for some exercise. Most campgrounds allow leashed dogs but you will have to clean up after your dog. Dogs aren't allowed on most public beaches so make sure to check the campground or park rules before you go.

Have the dog groomed before you go so he doesn't get too hot and while travelling feed the dog once a night after you set up camp so the dog doesn't get sick.

Plan your trip ahead so that it's good for you, you family and your dog!!! Have a GREAT VACATION!!!