Roving With Rover: Travel Tips

By Caroline Coile

Part of the joy of owning a dog is the chance to take a trip together, whether it be for a competition, vacation or just an excuse to cruise with your best buddy. You dog can be the best co-pilot you ever had: he never argues about the radio station and he doesn’t care that you took the wrong turn. Done well, trips with dogs are grand fun. Done poorly, they can be disastrous.

I asked for tips from a group of dog competition travelers, and as expected, they had plenty! Here are some of the most frequent as well as lesser known but good ones:

Safety in the Car

• Never let a dog roam around the car. Holding a dog on your lap is a recipe for him getting squished in a crash. Loose dogs can get under the brake pedal and on top of the accelerator. And dogs in the passenger seat can be injured by the airbag.

• Dogs should ride in crates. Crates should be secured to the car so they don’t become missiles in case of a crash.

• If you can’t use a crate, a wire barrier between the front and back seat will at least keep your dog from hitting the windshield or you in case of a crash.

• Doggy seatbelts really don’t work in case of a crash, but they can help restrain a dog so he can’t leap around the car. Never belt a dog in the passenger seat where he could be injured by an airbag.

• Prefer crates that have been tested in impact tests. Yes, they are very expensive but cheap compared o vet bills.

• Prefer crates with both front and side doors. If you get in a wreck and one car door or tail gate is lodged shut you can get your dog out of the other.

• If possible, don’t load your crate where it would have to be moved in case you need to get to your spare tire.

• All dogs should wear tags with your cell phone number. Your home number won’t do much good if you’re not home.

• A leash should be attached to each crate. Loose leashes can become lost in case of a crash.

• Dog information, including contact numbers, veterinary concerns and a statement that all veterinary bills will be covered, should also be affixed to each crate, with a copy in the glove box. Essential medications should also be in one of these places.

• Proof of ownership may be important if you must reclaim your dog from a shelter.

• Avoid other dogs at rest stops that could scare yours and cause a slipped collar. But of course, always have your dog wear its most secure collar on trips.

• What would you do if your car broke down? You should travel with shade tarps in summer to keep the dog cool. Battery fans and a cooler of ice are also essential for some breeds in some temperatures. Cold packs and wet coats can be lifesavers in case of a breakdown or air conditioner malfunction. Dogs can’t handle heat like we can, so always have a cooling plan in case of malfunction when traveling in hot weather.

• Be prepared for minor emergencies. A small first aid kit should contain Vetwrap, triple antibiotic ointment, Benedryl, and an anti-diarrhea treatment such as metranidazole, tylan powder, Fortiflora or canned pumpkin. Eye and ear drops are also a good idea.

• Be prepared with flea and tick medications and heartworm prevention, depending on where you travel.

• A smart phone that can quickly give you directions to the nearest emergency vet.

Comfort in the Car

• Placing a foam pad under a crate can cut down on vibration and make the ride smoother for your dog.

• Use a crate pad (unless your dog strongly prefers a slick hard surface).

• Hang a bucket of water. In hot weather you can freeze the water ahead of time so it remains cool as it melts. Bring extra jugs of frozen water.

• Be aware of where your car vents are and if you want them aimed at your dog.

• Does your dog get car sick? Motion sickness pills should be given at least an hour before departure. Starting the night before helps even more. Give the first pill the night before and the second an hour before leaving. Ginger may also help. The spot right behind the driver’s seat is the least likely to cause motion sickness. Avoid roller coaster driving, which adds to motion sickness. Keep the temperature cool for motion sick dogs.

• Bring an extra key so you can run your air-conditioning while you run inside a store. But never depend on your car or air-conditioner running in your absence. A temperature monitor can provide peace of mind, but again, is not fail-safe. If you lock your dog in your car while you run inside, place a thermometer where concerned passersby can read it and see your is not locked in a hot car.

Hotel Room Safety and Etiquette

• Check the motel room, including under the beds, for pills, pins, and possible poisons before bringing your dog inside.

• Never leave your dog loose inside the room. Most motel room doors these days can be opened by pushing down on the lever, which dogs can do. Far too many dogs have let themselves out of motel rooms. Even if they can’t open the door themselves, motel employees may ignore Do Not Disturb signs and enter the room, allowing the dog to squeeze out.

• Be aware of other guests with dogs that may be loose, unmanageable or aggressive. Don’t just fling open your door and step out with your dog. Instead, scope out the area you will be walking first, and if necessary, wait until the coast is clear.

• Bring poop bags and clean up!

• Bring sheets to put over the bed or on the floor, if your dog sleeps there. Not only does it keep hair off the bedspreads, but harsh chemicals off your dog.

• If you dog is uneasy away from home, bring his bed so he has a familiar nest to go to.

• Have your boys wear pee pants—and girls too if need be.

• Bring surface and rug cleaners in event of an accident, but even so, report them to the desk.

• Don’t groom your dog in the room, wash your dog in the tub, or flush dog food down the toilet. The hair can clog the tub and the dog food expands, clogging the toilet. I learned that the hard way.

• If you’re traveling with multiple dogs, an ex-pen can keep them from going wild, or can serve as a room divider.

• Place a shower curtain or tarp under crates and ex-pens to protect the carpet.

• Don’t let your dog drink out of the ice bucket. Or, shudder, the toilet!

• Don’t let your dog bark.

• Retractable leads are not to be used in places where other people are trying to walk their dogs.

• Do not pass off your dog as a service dog if he isn’t.

Relaxation

• Scout ahead for dog-friendly cafes, shops and parks. Take breaks frequently. If it’s too hot or rainy to walk outside, stop in at pet stores and even hardware stores that allow dogs.

• Absolutely know what dangers are around wherever you plan to walk your dog. For example, don’t let your dog wade in lakes in Florida. Alligators, poisonous snakes, porcupines, bear—know the local wildlife. Also beware of natural dangers such as cliffs, rapids, undertows, mine shafts and sinkholes. Better yet, keep your dog on lead even when it looks safe to let him loose. You may not know the hidden dangers like the locals do.

• Bring a favorite toy that your dog can fetch or chase. My sighthounds like a lure on a lunge line, and can burn off energy chasing it in a circle. It also acts as a safety device, as if they get loose they will race back to the lure as long as they can still see it.

• Bring bug spray and quick-kill flea medication.

• Bring chewies to let your dog pass time in the car and room.

• Bring bottled water or water from home, as some dogs can get upset stomachs from a sudden change.

• Pre-pack your dog’s food in meal-sized containers for ease of feeding. If you have a cooler, the pre-packaged frozen meals are great for travel. Don’t forget the bowl!

• Many dogs don’t drink enough when away from home. Just adding ice to their water can often encourage them to drink more.

Of course, take all the precautions you would take on any trip: a well-maintained car, good driving habits, and a safety net of friends in case things go wrong.

My favorite tip was to get an RV—but that’s the topic of another post!

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