Logo Image

In the old days, many explorers set out with their own entourage. Of course, it wasn’t about the huge, air-conditioned buses then. It was a barge crew, a covered wagon train, or sizeable family trips. Each group carried its own livestock to provide for its food and dietary needs. Dogs were frequently members of the first settler’s entourages. They pulled double duty by protecting and hunting.

Today taking a dog on a trip is a totally different story. Our family pet travels with us simply because he/she’s a part of the family.

Preparing Your Pet for the Journey
At least ten days prior to the trip, your dog should have a complete physical as well as a vaccination update which must include Bordatella for kennel cough. The veterinarian should also check to make sure your dog is not suffering from other annoying problems such as hookworms, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, leishmaniasis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Prevention is very important so even if your dog does not have fleas, he could always get them in the country so you have to act proactively to discourage this. If your dog already has fleas or ticks, you should most definitely use medicated treatments to get rid of them before the family trip. Just like fleas, ticks also cause diseases so you are wise to rid yourself of both parasites.

If you are going hiking on the trip, make sure your dog is in shape and up to long walks. Daily walks around you neighborhood will help prepare him for the trip. If your dog is less than 24 months, a long hike may not be a good idea for him.

Before leaving, your dog should also have a bath and a nail and grooming treatment. The nail treatment will make sure the dog cannot chew up the car when he is bored or antsy.