Page 311 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

AT HOME AND AWAY

Comfortable trips
Make sure your dog has space to lie down and turn
around comfortably in a car. If using a dog crate, put in
a blanket or pillows to make him comfortable.

Exercising safely
Some dogs are not fond of others. Let your sitter or kennels
know if your dog will accept being exercised with other
dogs, and whether he is particularly shy or strong-willed,
which could affect how he gets along with strange dogs.

window because he could risk head or eye your dog to travel in a special crate. Take a Another option is to use boarding kennels.
injuries. For long journeys, carry water and supply of your dog’s usual food and familiar Your vet or other local dog owners should
a bowl and stop at least every two hours for items such as food bowls. Keep to your be able to suggest a good one. Remember
your dog to have a drink and to get out and routine of feeding, walks, and bedtimes as to book well in advance, especially before
relieve himself. On warm days switch on the much as possible to minimize stress. busy times of the year. Staying in kennels
air-conditioning if your car has it, and never can be more stressful for your dog than
leave your dog alone inside a car even with LEAVING YOUR DOG BEHIND staying in a home environment so it is wise
the windows open—on a hot day or in If you do not plan to take your dog with you to visit the kennels before using them to
direct sunlight, heat stroke can kill a dog in on vacation, there are several options for see whether they are suitable.
as little as 20 minutes (see p.345). Watch for care while you are away. Whichever you
any signs of travel sickness such as drooling choose, you need to be sure your dog is used
or panting. Excessive barking or chewing on to being separated from you (see p.307).
the car’s interiors are other signs of distress. You could ask a relative, friend, or neighbor
to “pet sit,” or employ a registered pet sitter
GOING ON VACATION who will look after your dog in his or her
Traveling with your dog can be enjoyable— home. If you can, arrange a few visits to the
with a bit of prior organization. Your dog pet sitter’s home in advance so that it
needs to be controllable in public places becomes a familiar place to your dog. Make
and trained for car travel. He must be sure your dog wears an ID tag at all times.
microchipped and wear an ID tag. Check Leave a good supply of his food with the
in advance that your destination will be sitter, plus notes on feeding, walking,
dog-friendly. If you plan to travel abroad with bedtimes, and emergency contact numbers
your dog, find out what regulations apply in for you and for the vet. If you plan to use a
each country regarding car travel with dogs; registered sitter, ask your vet or fellow dog
animal welfare organizations may have owners for suitable recommendations, and
information. Also arrange travel insurance ask the sitter for references.
for your dog and check if you need to have
him vaccinated for any diseases. Find out Family kennels
how the airline or ferry company usually If you have two dogs, check that the boarding kennels
can house both together. It will reassure your dogs to stay
transports dogs; some airlines may require together and help them settle into the new environment.

309