Tips for traveling with your dog over spring break
Spring break. Two words that conjure up thoughts of warm beaches, ski slopes and quiet walks down a country road. It's time to take a break and do some relaxing.
For some of us, spring break means loading up the car, dogs and kids and heading out on the open road.
If you are traveling by car, and lucky enough to have your dog along with you for the ride, www.pettravel.com, the HSUS and the AVMA offer suggestions to help you plan your trip.
As you get your car packed, there are ways to ensure safe traveling for everyone. A restraining harness or travel harness that buckles into most standard seat belts will secure your dog if he's not riding in a carrier. Your dog should travel in the back seat (but never in the bed of a pickup truck) because of the possibility of the passenger side air bag deploying and possibly injuring him in an accident.
As you put things together for the trip, pack a bag for your dog, too. Take a simple travel-size first aid kit, along with an anti-diarrheal medication that's safe for animals (ask your veterinarian). Pack your veterinarian's phone number, the national animal poison control hotline, (888) 426-4235, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in the area you will be visiting.
Since pets do get lost on vacation, your dog should be wearing an ID tag with your name, home address and home and/or cell number. Also, attach a travel tag to your dog's collar with information on where you're staying while away from home so you can be contacted while you're still in the area.
Take a current picture of you and your dog together. A picture of him will help in identifying him if he gets lost.
When you load up the car, pack all of your dog's other supplies in a small bag where you can easily get to it. His travel bag should contain bottled water and a water dish, a supply of his food and treats, bedding, a brush and pet shampoo, a toy or two, any medications, tweezers for removing burrs and ticks and eye cleaning drops.
Don't forget a supply of plastic bags for picking up after him. Rolls of plastic bags that attach to your dog's lead are available at pet supply stores.
As you travel down the road to your destination and then back home, your dog will be sleeping 90 percent of the time, when he's not looking out the window. When he is looking out the window, he should be traveling inside your car.
Dogs traveling with their heads sticking out the window, ears flapping in the wind, can be injured by particles or debris getting into the eyes or ears. They can also get sick from having cold air forced into their lungs.
Since dogs can get car sick, take along ice cubes, which are easier on your dog than large amounts of water. Give him a light meal two to three hours before you leave and keep his feeding to a minimum while traveling in the car. You will need to stop every two or three hours to let him exercise, never letting him leave the car without his collar and ID tag and never off leash.
Pettravel.com lists approximately 37,000 pet-friendly hotels, spas, resorts, inns and bed-and-breakfasts. You can access these by entering a city, state, country or region to help you plan your destination. Confirm, in advance, with the front desk the size and type of dog you're bringing.
When you check in, remind the desk clerk you will have a pet in your room and they need to notify the housekeepers.
As you settle into your room, show your dog where you've put his water, food and bed. And when you're out walking, keep him securely leashed and at your side.
I wish you, your dog and your family safe travels and happy adventures this spring break.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a volunteer nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. For information, visit thebuddyfoundation.org or call (847) 290-5806.