Travel Safe – A Guide To Planning and Packing for Dog Events
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By Peri Norman
“Honey, did you see Abby’s special lead when you unpacked the camera bag?” Often when we are preparing for an upcoming show or trial, the things we worry about remembering are the special lead that got dropped into the wrong bag, because the tack box was already packed up. Or an extra memory chip for the camera so we can take lots of pictures of that up-and-coming young dog we are thinking of breeding to in the future. Those things are important, but there are other things that we may be inclined to forget or ignore that are even more important.
We all know someone who has had an accident or other mishap on the way to or from a show or trial. I suppose it is unavoidable in a sport that relies so heavily on motor vehicle transportation for participants. Still, organizations including the Auto Club and Live to Run Again encourage us to be knowledgeable about the ways that we can stack the deck in our favor. Everything we do that focuses on safety and preparedness deserves our full attention. Both the human and canine participants of our dog events (shows, trial, tests, etc.) are valued members of our families and friendship circles. We owe ourselves and our loved ones our best efforts in the areas of safety and travel preparation, long before we consider our best performances in the ring.
One of the most obvious areas to be considered is the vehicle we are driving. Mark your calendar. Program an alert in your phone. Do whatever you have to do to remind yourself to keep your vehicle well maintained for travel. Not too long ago, I took my truck in to the mechanic for a “once over” before heading on a significant drive. He recommended that I replace the tires as the current ones were about six years old and the sidewalls showing some cracking and wear. My husband fussed a bit about the replacement. He was convinced they could have gone for a few more months. But as I spent almost a whole day driving over the Siskiyou mountain range in the pouring rain, I knew I had made the right decision. Tires, windshield wipers, fluids, belts and hoses are parts that should be checked regularly and replaced as appropriate. Periodic scheduled maintenance is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer to help prevent unexpected breakdowns.
A related area deserving your attention is the inside of the vehicle. No, I’m not talking about the used up beef jerky wrappers in the floor, burger juice stains on the seat covers or the half-consumed cups of coffee in the extra cup holders. I’m talking about the cargo big enough to become a flying missile in the case of an accident or even a sudden stop. People have varying opinions on the kinds of crates they use when traveling. That is okay. Just be sure that you have given the subject careful consideration and have purchased the best quality crates you can afford. Then be sure that they are as thoroughly anchored as you can get them. The same goes for pens, buckets of food, suitcases and other large items. Motor vehicle accidents are often deadly for canine passengers. Even those who are thrown clear are often hit and killed in the aftermath of a serious accident. Make sure that both crates and dogs are not only secured, but labeled with vital information about who to contact in the case of an accident and any special medical conditions. We like to think of ourselves as invincible and always able to take care of our charges, but that may not always be the case.
The commercial goes something like this: “Jane’s heart attack didn’t come with a warning”. Most accidents or illnesses don’t! However, the reality is that the extensive traveling most of us do involves a significant risk that something is going to go wrong sometime. The motto, “Hope for the best and plan for the worst” is good advice. A well-equipped First-Aid kit is one of the best tools you can have on hand when things go south. Cara Greger is a certified vet tech at Double Diamond Veterinary Hospital in Bozeman, Montana. Her dog sport interests range from showing, herding and agility to supporting her husband and daughter in their passion for sled dog racing. Cara recommends that you build your own First-Aid kit with the help of your veterinarian. Your vet can help you tailor the contents of your kit to your particular needs and teach you how to use some simple tools like a stapler. My personal First-Aid kit is contained in a bright orange tool box that fits right under the passenger seat in the truck. I prefer to carry a number of meds that can be used for both humans and canines; Imodium, Tramadol, multiple oral antibiotics and antihistamines. Whatever you choose to put in your kit, be sure that you are well-versed in the use of those items. The telephone number of an excellent veterinarian with whom you have personal relationship is the most valuable item in the box.
We have talked quite a bit about physical things, like vehicles, crates and First-Aid kits, but what about the human element? What can we do to prepare ourselves for a successful and safe weekend of competition? No, I’m not talking about visualizing the desired color or ribbon, training the dog more, or even hiring a professional handler. I’m talking about taking care to prepare ourselves for a smooth journey. Live to Run Again is an organization established by the friends of Jane Accampo Callaghy. This excerpt from their website tells the tragic and all too common story. “ On April 1, 2001, Jane and her husband, Tom, were returning home from an USDAA agility trial. Jane needed one Gamblers leg for Kelly’s ADCH. Although she and Kelly qualified and won first place in Masters Standard that day, in what turned out to be her last agility run, they didn’t capture that elusive last leg in Gamblers. On the way home, Jane fell asleep in the front passenger seat. Unfortunately, her husband, Tom, who was driving, also dozed off. The car left the road and struck a tree, killing Jane instantly. Tom and their three crated Shelties escaped with only minor injuries.” The story continues, “At her memorial service, Tom asked everyone to spread the word about the dangers of this type of accident and preventing it. To honor Jane’s lifetime of helping others, Jane’s friends decided to make something good come out of this tragedy, and the seeds of the Live to Run Again organization were planted. We are still embarked on this mission.”
Live to Run Again has a great website with reminders we all need over and over again. “Sleep. There is no substitute.” “A good night’s rest is best.” We live in a society that values production and results. We work hard. We play hard and we want it all. Live to Run again offers this sobering statistic about short cutting our sleep.” “The best prevention for drowsy driving is simply to get enough restful sleep on a regular basis. Adults generally need about 8 hours of sleep to maintain alertness through a normal day. Drivers who start a trip with less than 6 hours of sleep TRIPLE their chances of a sleep-related crash.” The warning signs of fatigued driving are also posted on their site along with many other excellent tips. Visit Live to Run Again at www.livetorunagain.org for more information.
Getting enough quality sleep is just one aspect of self-care that we can address to keep ourselves healthy and alert. As our sport ages, many of us are afflicted with chronic health conditions. Set a timer or a phone alert as a reminder to take medication that may be forgotten in the excitement of planning and travel. Be sure to drink plenty of water. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the side effects of mild to moderate dehydration include sleepiness or tiredness, headache, constipation and dizziness or lightheadedness. Plan enough time to eat well. Pack healthy snacks to help you stay focused and avoid the uncomfortable side effects of too much junk food.
We all love to do well and accomplish our goals for each show or trial. It is important, and it adds joy and focus to our lives. However, please be mindful of the things that need our attention to accomplish a safe and healthy trip for humans and dogs.
Double Diamond Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Sue Geske
2401 Riata Rd., Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 522-9491
FIRST-AID KIT SUPPLIES
Must Have
Hemostats
Vetrap|Elastikon
Cast Padding|Gauze|Telfa Pads|Gauze Sponges
Hydrogen Peroxide
Saline Solution
Thermometer
Scissors|Knife
Nice to Have
Tweezers
Skin Stapler|Staple Remover
Needles|Syringes
Nail Clippers
White Tape
Band-Aids|Cold Medicines (for humans)
Moleskin
Cotton Balls|Q-tips
Disposable Latex Gloves
Small Hand Towel
Metrondazole
Immodium AD
Super Glue or Nexaband Glue
Amoxicillin
Nolvasan (Chlorhexidene Cleaner)
Ear Cleaner
Antihistamine (Benadryl 25mg Tablets)
Metoclopramide
Eye Ointments
Asprin|Rimadyl (NSAID)
Triple Antibiotic Cream
Foot Ointments (Zinc Oxide)
Booties
Wrist Wraps
Saran Wrap
Soft Leash
Flashlight (Very Bright)
Copy Of Rabies Certi?cate
Microchip ID?Number
Veterinarian’s Phone Number
Skunk Odor Remover
1 qt. Hydrogen Peroxide,
1/4 Cup Baking Soda,
1 tsp Dish Detergent
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=66679
Posted by ralbee
on Dec 29 2014. Filed under Current Articles, Editorial, Featured.
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