Traveling and Boarding your Dog.

With summer just around the corner, many people are making plans to take vacations. If you are traveling with your dog, here are a few tips to make yours and your pet's journey more pleasant. If you have crate trained your dog from a puppy, you can use their own crate for an extended trip. Any dog that has been crate trained will happily travel in it and feel very secure. If your dog rides free in the car, make sure that they do not run from side to side or from front to back. This is extremely dangerous. If your dog must ride in the passenger seat, you might want to consider a seat belt. Any of your bigger pet stores carry a doggy seat belt. You can also order them off the internet. Exercise your dog before starting out, and stop every 2 hours to let them get some fresh air and relieve themselves. Just like humans, they need a break, too. Never, never leave your dog in the car on a hot day, even with the windows cracked. The internal temperature of a car can exceed 150 degrees in less than 1/2 hour. Remember, a dog cannot sweat. They pant to cool themselves down. Each year, thousands of dogs literally cook to death inside cars.
If you cannot take your dog with you, then choosing a boarding kennel is very important. Any kennel will ask you if your dog is current on their annual shots. They also require that your pet be vaccinated against kennel cough. This vaccine is not given in the annual shots unless requested. It is a liquid that is squirted up the nose. When choosing a kennel, ask if you may come and take a tour of the facility before making a reservation. Most kennels will gladly take you on a tour. Generally, the more expensive the kennel, the more amenities you get. The less expensive kennels usually provide safe accomodations and basic food. The more expensive are usually called "canine hotels." When you take a tour, take notice of how the employees act. Are they genuinely happy to be there, or is it just a job? Most places will let you bring any toys or your pet's own bed and food. Remember, this is your pet, a member of your family. Take anything you think will make your dog's stay more enjoyable. I usually take an old piece of clothing that has my scent on it for my dog to have with him. Also, there are pet sitters. These are people that come to your home and feed, water and exercise your pet while you are gone. If you go this route, make sure that they are bonded, and get references. Your vet should be able to put you in touch with a reputable sitting agency. And lastly, do not make a big deal when leaving your dog. All this does is upset the dog, and you. Do your cuddles and goodbyes at the house, and make the parting at the kennel short. Good traveling.