06/18/2014
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS WHEN TRAVELING
Posted by Kara Wasiak on June 18, 2014
It's hard to leave your furry companions behind when you take a trip, right? Will they be okay without you? Will their caretaker take them on a walk? Give them their medicine on time? Rub their belly just the way they like it? That's why about 60% of dog owners are traveling with their pets nowadays.
Bringing your dog with you on vacation requires a little extra planning and preparation. It's well worth the extra effort if it helps prevent problems that may pop up while you're on the road. We'll start with the obvious things you've probably already though of and then address a few of the not-so-obvious.
-Food and their favorite treats (They might need a little bribe/reward now and then)
-Plenty of water
-Food and water dishes/travel bowls
-Any medications they may be taking (along with any needed equipment to administer meds: syringes, glucose testing strips, etc.)
-Leash and collar (bring a spare leash as well as waste collection bags!)
-Up-to-date tags (with current address AND cell phone number you will use when traveling)
-Bedding/favorite blanket (the familiar scent of home can be comforting if they're feeling a little stressed)
-Favorite toy or two (especially chew toys to help relieve boredom)
-Carrier (This is the safest way for them to travel by car and is required for airline travel)
-Harness for car rides (If the carrier isn't an option, this is a must. Sudden stops can send them flying! Harnesses should have a broad front with padding and sturdy straps)
-Grooming items (In case any weeds, dirt, or prickly brush gets stuck in their fur or eyes)
-Doggie First Aid Kit (There are a few ways to handle this)
Purchase one from your local pet store
Use a "people" first aid kit and add dog specific items to it
*Put together your own kit (see below for list of items to include)
-Large towel (for that unplanned swim or wiping dirty paws before getting back in the car)
-Current photo (in case they get lost, the one on your phone may not be helpful in this case-unless you have access to a printer!)
-Current health record and vaccinations (You will need this specifically for traveling outside of the U.S. Also may come in handy in case any emergency vet care is needed. May not hurt to look up a local vet clinic at your destination either)
-Benadryl (in case of allergic reactions. PLEASE check with your vet first to determine proper dosage for their size!)
That about wraps it up. Of course every dog is different and may require more than we've included here. Think about your dog's daily routines and habits to help determine any additional items you may need. Keeping their schedule as normal as you can (not always easy on vacation) will hopefully result in a calmer, more well-behaved furry friend on the road!
*DIY Doggie First Aid Kit
Gauze pads/rolls of gauze
Adhesive tape
Antiseptic wipes/spray
cotton balls and swabs
self-cling bandage (stretches and clings to itself, not fur)
saline solution/eye wash (to rinse any particles that may be irritating-check with your vet for redness/irritation that doesn't seem to resolve itself quickly)
tweezers
scissors
disposable gloves
ice pack
re**al thermometer and petroleum jelly for lubrication
blanket
muzzle/strips of cloth to prevent biting if injured
Pet First Aid Book
Waterproof Bag/Container that holds: proof of rabies vaccination, copies of important medical records, current photo, and ASPCA Poison Control Center # 800-426-4435.
Extra medication (in case original container gets lost in your luggage,etc.)
