With the holidays coming up, we are often hit with wanderlust. That impulse to travel. To experience things from the open road and to soak in all the adventures that we can. So, pack a few things, put a bandana on Sparky and hit the trail, what could be more simple?
Yes, it all sounds great until reality hits. Taking a road trip takes planning and organizing for the whole family. Adding Sparky to the mix is a great idea, but keeping him in mind when preparing is a necessity. Let's take a look at the big picture. You will be travelling by car, stopping at hotels or campgrounds, eating along the way and taking in the sights.
If Sparky is accustomed to the car, and can stomach long trips, then that part is covered. If not, a long trip with him in tow might not be the best idea. Taking a look at some of the dog camps available to leave him in might be your best bet. His idea of a vacation might be a lot different than yours. However, if he is comfortable in the car, you might just want to take him on a journey that extends past going to the local Dog Park. Take him for a drive for a few hours first to make sure he doesn't become overly anxious.
Once you have determined that he will enjoy the road trip, it is time to take a look at packing the car. Sparky should be secured in place, even if he is partial to lounging on the back seat minding his own business. Safety first, we don't want him ending up on the floor if we have to stop suddenly. A seat belt designed especially for dogs is a great idea and you can pick one up prior to the start of your trip. A lot of dogs feel safe travelling in their crate. Of course, this depends on the amount of room you have in your vehicle. Personally, I crate my dogs when travelling. I like the fact that they have their own space, and I can hang their leashes on the outside of their doors for easy access. I can also hang a water bucket in the crate so it doesn't spill. As far as it taking up a lot of space, remember you can always pack on the top of the crate. In saying this, there is some controversy in travelling with crated dogs. Some people feel that if there is an accident, their dog will be trapped. Seeing both sides, this will be a personal choice.
Packing for your pooch is like packing for the kids. If you are not using a crate, your dog will need a dish of water available. Luckily, there are those that don't spill. They have a plastic attachment on the rim, and keep the water in, and sloshing over to a minimum. Make sure you bring some dog snacks and toys. The best toys for travel are those that you can stuff, such as Kongs. There are a variety of these toys in your local shops, which can have treats put into them and are tricky for your dog to get out. This will provide some entertainment for your dog, and keep him settled for a while. Pack enough bottled water for all the members of your family, including the 4-legged variety. Some dogs with sensitivities can have their systems put out of sorts with a change in the drinking water. Pack enough food to last the entire trip. The brand you have might not be available where you stop. One reminder, make sure you pack all food, human and canine, in sealed packages. You don't want to stop for a bathroom break and notice Sparky sitting on the back seat with his face covered in donut crumbs!
Another important point to keep keep in mind is that it may be difficult to stop for food. You might think that going into one of the rest stops on the highway will suffice, but I have found the line-ups to be very long in a lot of cases. This means your dog will be sitting in the car, and we all know that this is a no-no. If you have a travelling companion, then one of you can walk the dog while the other one gets lunch. An alternative to this is to use only drive-thru restaurants, or to pack a picnic lunch. Finding a nice shady spot to take a break is normally easy along most routes, and you might get lucky to find a hiking path that you can enjoy.
Speaking of hiking, it might be a good idea to pack an extendible leash. At home your dog might not stray far, but out in nature...well, nature may call. Your dog might catch a scent he wants to follow or even seek out his own adventure. Best to leash him in unknown areas, for everyone's sake. You don't want to be looking for tomato juice after an encounter with Mr. Skunk.
Once you arrive at your destination it is time to get settled. If you are planning on staying at hotels along your route, you should have reservations made in advance. Make sure it is a pet friendly establishment. There are many hotels and motels that will take dogs, but that still means we all have to be ambassadors for our dogs or those privileges might be taken away. Always pack an extra sheet and once the bedspread is turned back, put the sheet over the blankets. The hotel staff will thank you for keeping your dogs hair contained.
Even if your dog is the quietest, best-behaved dog that you have ever met, still bring his crate into the room. If you intend on going out and leaving your dog in the room, he should be crated during that time. If you know you live with a barker, or a dog that might bark when he hears people outside the door, then please don't leave him alone. It is unfair to the other patrons. Again, his chew toy stuffed with his favorite treats will help to keep his mind off activities going on around him. If you are unsure, it might be a good idea to spend the night at a local hotel and test the situation. You can leave and return every 10 minutes to listen at the door. Of course, if you know you have a dog that has anxiety issues, then this is perhaps not the holiday for him.
Many of us go boating or camping and love sharing that experience with our dogs. Again, always check the rules at the campsite you wish to book at, prior to arrival. Many of the campsites and provincial parks don't allow dogs on the beach. This means that your dog has to stay at your campsite while the family is running in the surf. This is fine if some of the family will be at the campsite, soaking up the rays and reading a good book. It may prove difficult if Sparky is to be left behind in unfamiliar quarters.
A few more things to keep in mind. These days we carry cell phones, but those numbers might not be on our dog tags. Most of our dogs have microchips, but it is important for your dog to also have immediate contact info right on his collar. If your dog is found wandering in the woods, or in a hotel lobby, you want someone to be able to call you and you want to be able to respond quickly. If the dog has to go to a shelter or Vet clinic to be scanned for his microchip, it might be a few days before you re-connect with your dog.
Also remember to research where the Veterinarians are along your route and take any paperwork with you that might be important in an emergency. If your pet has a prescription, take a script in case the medication ends up at the bottom of the lake during a canoe capsize. Your first aid kit should include enough bandage material to take care of a cut paw and even some Vet recommended canine bug spray. Make sure you check with the border beforehand, so you have the paperwork you need to cross.
A road trip with Sparky can provide hours of fun and memories. Get prepared, take lots of pictures, and journey in peace.
