Woof! Woof! Road Trip

By: Arden Moore

“Hey, Chipper and Cleo, do you want to go…”

When my dogs, Chipper and Cleo hear that magical word, “go,” their ears perk up, their faces start to grin and their tails begin whirling like oscillating fans.

Go. That two-letter word generates nearly as much excitement in our dogs as “treat.” Little wonder. Most dogs were born to ride – no matter if the excursion is five-minute trip to the pet supply store for a new toy or a cross-country trek to meet your cousin and his friendly Labrador named Jake.

Whenever possible, my dogs accompany on my travels – whether it involves errands near my home in Oceanside, California or visits to pet-friendly places a few states away. Chipper is a Golden Retriever/Husky mix and Cleo is (at best guess) is a Maltese-terrier mix. Both are game for seeing (and smelling) new sights. Chipper has been with me the longest and can boast of mastering planes (no trains), hailing cabs in New York City, braving the Staten Island Ferry and plowing through snow-thick trails at Colorado ski resorts in Breckenridge.

I’ve learned about what to pack and how to ensure the trips are fun and safe. Dogs are born travelers and they can make the trip more adventurous. We are fortunate to be living in a dog-friendly time. Latest surveys indicate about 29 million people travel with their pets each year and that number continues to grow.

When hitting the road with your pet, however, pay attention to the weather. Extreme hot or cold can impact your decision to have your dog join you. Never leave your dog alone in your vehicle during warm weather – even for just a few minutes. Even if you crack the windows a bit, the temperature inside your car can climb quickly and your dog can develop heat stroke and die.

When traveling with your dog in the hot weather, make sure the air conditioning is on – and, consider attaching a small battery-operated fan to your dog’s crate for added ventilation. Bring extra water and look for the key sign of dehydration: your dog’s tongue is wide, red, and dry.

During cold weather, coat your dog’s pads with a layer of petroleum jelly to protect them from harsh ice and salt.

To prevent your dog from developing an upset stomach on your road trips, stick with his regular food and wait to sere his main meal when you reach your destination. To protect dogs who love sticking their heads out windows, fit them with protective eye gear like Doggles so dirt and other debris can’t lodge in their eyes.

Finally, here’s a handy road trip checklist to make the adventure fun – and safe – for your dog.

First, secure your dog inside a crate or canine harness that snaps into the seat belt buckle and be sure to bring:

· An extra leash, collar, and ID tag

· Bedding

· Bottled water and bowl

· 1-2 days supply of food and treats in sealable storage containers

· Copy of your dog’s health record, including vaccinations

· Contact information, including your veterinarian, your information and a backup person’s phone number

· Favorite toy and chew item

· A minimum of a one week’s supply of medications and supplements

· Grooming tools, including brush, comb and lint removal product

· Cleaning items, including paper towels, moist towelettes, and disinfectant spray