What to know when taking a road trip with Fido
If you are planning to take your dog along on a road trip - whether your destination is just a few hours away or a few days away - it is important to take a some steps to prepare for a successful journey.
First, make sure your dog enjoys traveling in the car. Take short trial trips to make sure he doesn't get stressed or car sick. If necessary, talk to the vet about medications for car sickness. As much as you might love the idea of being on the road together, consider leaving him at home if car rides cause severe anxiety.
Map out a dog-friendly route. Make sure there are plenty of places to stop where your dog can get some exercise and go potty. Make reservations at hotels that welcome pets and pack some items from home - his food and water dishes, his dog bed, some favorite toys - to help him relax.
Even if your dog is microchipped (and if he isn't, it is a good idea) make sure he is wearing a properly-fitting collar and identification tag with your contact information just in case you get separated. Carry his vaccination records with you. Some veterinarians offer apps so your pet's records can be kept on your smartphone.
If you are traveling to another state, you may need a health certificate. Check with your state and the one to which you are traveling for specific requirements. Your veterinarian will complete a health certificate after doing a yearly health exam to certify your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccines. You should get a copy and another copy is filed with the state.
While we all enjoy the commercials with Fido as happy as he can be with his head out the window, ears flapping in the breeze, it is not safe. Dust, dirt and debris can get in their eyes, ears or nose. Gravel kicked up by a passing car's tires could cause a serious injury.
Dogs should ride in the back seat. In the event of an accident, an air bag can severely injure or even kill a dog. Plan how will keep him secure in the car. Will you use a harness that attaches to a car seat or a crate? A crate should also be strapped down so it can't move.
If your trip is just a few hours, don't feed Fido before you leave. A dog with an empty stomach is less likely to get sick. If your trip is lengthy, feed him a small amount a few hours before you leave. Then take him on a long walk or play vigorously with him so he will be more likely to sleep at least part of the time.
Make him comfortable in the car by providing a blanket from home. Keep him entertained with a few of his favorite chew toys.
Stop every two or three hours so your dog can get some exercise, take a potty break and have a drink. It is best to bring water from home so he doesn't get an upset stomach drinking water from an unfamiliar source.
Never leave Fido alone in the car. It takes just minutes on a summer day for the temperature inside a car to reach dangerous limits, causing heat stroke or even death. But, be sure he is always on a leash when he's out of the car unless in an area meant for dogs to play.
If your dog takes medications, be sure to bring them with you even if your road trip is expected to be short.
Make preparations, pack your bags and enjoy the ride.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit the website at redbarnpetvet.com/ or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).