Are you planning to take some fun trips this summer? Fido may be delighted to accompany you! After all, Man’s Best Friend loves exploring. Just don’t forget about your pet’s health and safety. An Aurora, CO vet discusses traveling with dogs below.
Doggy Preparation
As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make sure Fido is microchipped, wearing proper ID tags, and current on his vaccinations, exams, and parasite control products. Be sure to take copies of your canine friend’s paperwork with you. Email them to yourself, or take pictures with your phone. You can also just keep copies in your glove box. Last but not least, be sure to confirm your pet’s reservation. You don’t want to discover at the last minute that your furry buddy isn’t welcome!
Packing
Fido’s suitcase should contain food, toys, treats, bedding, towels, grooming supplies, a first aid kit, waste baggies, a collar or harness, dishes, doggy medicine, and a leash. Depending on your destination, you may also want to include a doggy lifejacket and/or raincoat. We also recommend bringing along some of the water your pup usually drinks.
Crate
Always keep your canine buddy crated for travel. If you let your pooch sit where he wants, he could interfere with your driving, which can be extremely dangerous. He could also step on the control for a power window. Add bedding and toys to Fido’s crate to make it comfy for him.
The Car Ride
Try to avoid feeding Fido just before a long drive. Riding on a full stomach could make him carsick. Keep the windows cracked, and stop every few hours to let your pup relieve himself, sniff some new grass, and stretch his legs.
Hotels
If you are traveling long distance, make a list of pet-friendly hotels along your route. That way, if you have to stop sooner or later than you expected, you won’t have to waste time looking for accommodations. If you make reservations, besure to ask about pet policies, including deposits and required paperwork.
Settling In
When you reach your destination, the first thing you’ll want to do is take Fido for a walk. This is a great chance for you to get a feel for your new surroundings, and settle in!
Please contact us, your local Aurora, CO pet hospital, anytime. We are here to help.
