Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe while out on the Road

[Tony Avisato]

Two more days…that’s all I have to get through before vacation starts! I’m planning on visiting my parents in North Carolina this year. I can’t wait too for some delicious southern cooking, rest, relaxation and some more southern cooking. The one question I seemed to be asked more than any other by my coworkers has been what I plan on doing with my dogs while I’m away. Without a though, I tell them they are coming with me. Duh!

I know some people wouldn’t consider talking their pets with them on vacation; I can see why in some cases but my dogs are as much part of my family as my sisters. Yes, they are that important. Besides, as long as the right preparations are made, pet travel is a piece of cake. I have plenty of their food packed and cold water on ice. Can’t forget about all and any potential rest stops for their potty breaks.

I’d even argue going on a road trip with my two pooches is easier than going with two kids. My dogs love going for rides, they won’t complain that they are bored and love my singing along with the radio no matter how I awful I may sound. Sometimes they even sing or howl along.

I used to keep them in crates during long road trips. It’s just safer for them and me but I was reading an article on dog safety tips while traveling and it mentioned car harnesses for dogs. I wasn’t sure Caroline and Gusto would like them but I was surprised how quickly they adjusted to them. They were easy to put on, comfortable for the dogs and quite secure.

Anyone else have any road trip stories or suggestions that they would like to share?

[Wanda P]

Keep an emergency kit handy with things like benedryl for bee stings, spray bottles are fast way to cool the dogs down, I had a black diabetic dog, so cool downs had to quick. I also would give my dogs a bath before leaving if it's hot. Don't feed to much at the start of the day!