(Santa Fe, New Mexico - August 24, 2007) Dog Friendly Vacations – Five Tips
Many families these days consider their dogs a member of their family, so when vacation time roles around they want a dog friendly vacation.
1. Make sure your canine companion is up to date with their vaccinations and that you have paperwork from your vet that says so. Some hotels require documentation and if you arrive to check in, after your vet has closed there's no way to get it.
2. Your pet must have a strong collar, leash and ID tag and should wear all three any time you're outside your car or hotel room. Even if your dog is well trained to walk off leash at home, in a new and strange environment, they may get distracted. Make sure you put your cell phone number on the ID tag. If you're not home, your home phone number won't do you much good.
3. If you're traveling by car, take at least a gallon of water for each day of the first few days of the trip. Remember to pack a water bowl. Puppy pals drink a lot more water than you might think and it's difficult for them to get enough to drink out of a glass or bottle. Dehydration is not a good thing and can lead to a sick dog and ruined vacation.
4. Prepare for emergencies. Have your vet's phone number handy. Pack any medications for your dog. If your vet approves pack medication for diarrhea, allergies, and motion sickness. Take a few moments and do a web search to find an emergency vet clinic in every location you visit. Make a note of the vet's address, phone number and the nearest cross streets. Take the list with you when you travel. You'll save precious time.
5. Remember to have fun. Take your dog's favorite toy, chewie and blanket. You can use the trip to teach him or her a few new tricks. Or just snooze under a shady tree.
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