Summer travel does not have to exclude your four-legged companions. Many hotels and inns are becoming dog friendly, so there’s no need to leave your beloved dog at home. Before heading out on that vacation together, you should make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date to protect him/her from any viruses he/she may come in contact with. Don’t forget to pack all the essentials your dog will need for the trip like a leash, a bag of his/her regular food, a set of travel bowls, and a few favorite toys. While on the road, remember to take frequent breaks so you and your dog can stretch your legs, enjoy a snack, and use the restroom. Don’t forget to clean up after yourselves!
We also wanted to provide you with a few summer safety tips to help you avoid uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situations.
Safety Tip 1: “Stay. I’ll be right back.”
NEVER leave your dog unattended in your car – not even for a few minutes. The same warnings that apply to children equally apply to pets. The internal temperature of an enclosed vehicle, even with the windows slightly opened, can quickly rise to deadly levels in a matter of minutes.
Safety Tip 2: “Do you want to go for a walk?”
The pavement beneath our feet, such as black asphalt, cement, and gravel can become hot enough from the intense summer sun to severely burn the pads of a dog’s feet. Because we typically wear shoes or sandals, which cushion our feet from heated pavement and sidewalks, we are unaware of just how hot these surfaces really are. Your pup can’t tell you, “Ouch, that’s hot!”, so it’s up to you to be conscientious and protect him/her from hot surfaces.
Safety Tip 3: “She loves the wind in her face.”
Many dogs love to hang their head out the window of a moving vehicle and feel the wind in their face. This is cute to watch, but it is also very dangerous for your dog. Think for a moment of the frequent bug splatters on your windshield and imagine one of those bugs striking your dog in the eye. The impact would rupture your dog’s eyeball in an instant.
Safety Tip 4: “Help! My dog is terrified of thunder.”
If your dog is frightened by the sound of thunder or fireworks, there are a few things you can do to help him or her weather the storm. One suggestion is to purchase a CD of thunderstorm or fireworks sounds and play it very softly to desensitize your pet. Slowly increase the volume in one to two week intervals and pay loving attention to assure your pooch there is nothing to fear. A visit to your veterinarian can be helpful as well. There are several medications available through your vet which will help calm your pet during these frightening episodes.
