Take Your Dog on Vacation

Get your dog used to car travel. You can never do this too early in a puppy's life; the sooner that your canine friend understands that car travel is normal, the better! This will ensure that all future trips are easy on everyone. If your dog does not travel well, however, see your vet about car sickness treatments.

Be up to date with vaccinations and worming, tick and flea treatments. Better to do this before you leave than to be fiddling with medications while vacationing.

Bring your dog's usual food. This is an important way to keep your dog healthy and to avoid upset stomachs and diarrhea. In addition, bring a collapsible water bowl for the car and water.

Bring your dog's other familiar items. Toys, blanket, chewy things etc. should also come along to assure your dog's comfort and enjoyment.

Travel safe. Small dogs can travel in a carry basket or cage. Other dogs will need to be kept safe with a special dog harness that can be fixed to the safety belt. There are also dog seats that can be fitted to seatbelts - ask at your local vet or pet store.

Take frequent stops. It is important for the whole family to get out and stretch on long journeys and Fido is no different. Give your dog, your kids and you a chance to run around, stretch the legs and unwind at least every 2 hours. This is also a good time to rehydrate - give your dog water at each stop. (And the kids too!)

Bring vaccination documentation for border crossings. If you are going across a border into another country, have the necessary papers with you. For example, crossing between Canada and the United States requires you to have confirmation of rabies shots. Find out requirements in advance of traveling.