| Is Fido acting sad rather than happy and excited, even | | | | There are pet seats with harnesses available that not |
| after arriving at your vacation destination? Maybe he's | | | | only secure your best friend, but elevate him so he |
| really homesick! | | | | can easily see out of the window. This may help |
| His humans packed familiar, favorite things for their | | | | diminish the urge to have his head hanging out the |
| vacation fun, but did they give any thought to what | | | | window and can help if Fido tends to get car sick. It's a |
| their family pet wants and needs for a good time, too? | | | | toss up whether to have the barf inside the car or |
| This suggested packing list for Fido is just the ticket. | | | | covering the outside with an undesirable new paint job. |
| 1. Bedding such as towels or blankets for the car or | | | | Not feeding Fido before the trip and giving him ice |
| crate that Fido has curled up on for a few days | | | | chips rather than water can help to calm that queasy |
| – Familiar smells are comforting. | | | | feeling. |
| 2. Favorite food and water bowls – This will | | | | Dramamine can help, but be sure to check with your |
| encourage a normal eating routine. Just as people | | | | Vet for the proper dosage for your dog. They may |
| often have problems with a foreign diet, the same | | | | recommend something that would be more effective. |
| thing can happen to your pet. This isn't the time to try | | | | No matter what the outside temperature is, never |
| the free sample from the pet store. | | | | leave your pet in the car – or your kids either. |
| 3. A few bottles of water from your home faucet | | | | Plan stops where Fido will be a welcome visitor. |
| – This makes the transition to a new taste more | | | | Don't put Fido in the back of a pick up truck. He's |
| gradual and acceptable. | | | | subject to the elements, and it's even easier for him to |
| 4. Toys that Fido plays with most – But, it's okay | | | | make a break for it or be injured in a fall. |
| to introduce your canine companion to a new sport, | | | | Many more hotels and vacation locations, such as |
| like chasing a frisbee on the beach. | | | | campgrounds and rental houses, are now accepting |
| 5. A doggie life jacket – If you're going to be | | | | pets. Be sure to check with them well ahead of time |
| around water, even in a boat, this one item could | | | | with regard to deposits and damage fees. Also, be |
| literally be a life saver. | | | | sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date and be |
| 6. A travel bed or crate mat – This may be | | | | sure to take proof with you. |
| easier to transport and may fit in your vehicle better | | | | If traveling by air, the best airlines generally have |
| than your dog's regular bed. Have Fido nap on this | | | | written rules for pet travel. These guidelines are |
| rather than his regular bed for several days before the | | | | evidence that the airline has given a good deal of |
| trip, and don't forget to put a favorite blanket or towel | | | | thought to the safe transport of animals. Small pets |
| on top that is packed in your vehicle along with the | | | | often can be crated and taken on board the plane |
| choice of travel bed. | | | | with you. Larger animals must stay in the cargo area. |
| Travel Safety Tips for Fido: | | | | No matter what airline carrier you use, there are |
| When making a stop, always put a leash or harness | | | | important guidelines to consider. |
| on Fido before you open the car door. Strange | | | | Try to book a non-stop flight and take temperatures |
| surroundings and sounds could cause him to panic and | | | | into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when |
| possibly run away – or worse run into traffic. | | | | it's often cooler. In the winter, fly during the day when |
| Dogs love to hang their head out of a car window. | | | | it's warmer. Certain short-nosed dogs, such as pugs, |
| Wonder why they do this? Maybe they like the | | | | cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas, so avoid |
| breeze blowing through their fur or just enjoy the | | | | flying with these particular breeds. |
| scenery. Bottom line – this can be hazardous to | | | | Sometimes you just have to use common sense to |
| your dog's health. Bugs and other road debris can | | | | make sure Fido arrives at his vacation spot as relaxed |
| cause eye damage. There are special glasses and | | | | and ready to play as you are. |
| goggles for dogs that can help prevent this, assuming | | | | Fido will thank you for taking him on vacation with you |
| Fido is willing to take on the life of a movie star. | | | | as opposed to boarding him at a kennel. You'll feel |
| There's also the possibility that Fido will see a cute | | | | better, too, knowing that he's in your loving care. |
| doggie or other attraction that will cause him to jump | | | | Plus, he'll be so excited to have all of the items on his |
| from a moving vehicle. | | | | very own packing list! |