Dog Friendly Vacations: Five Tips for You and Your Dog

Traveling with your dog can be a dream vacation or a nightmare. Here are five tips to have a dog friendly vacation for both you and your pooch.

1. Make sure your dog has all the required vaccinations and that you carry a record of those immunizations with you on your trip. If you're planning to stay in a hotel, many will require documentation of rabies and other immunizations at check in. If you leave your dog in daycare while you visit sites where he's not welcome, the daycare facility will require the same proof. If there's a medical emergency your vet may be closed. Don't depend on being able to call your vet for the information.

2. Don't let your dog run off leash in an unsecured area. Even the most well behaved and well trained puppy pal can get spooked in an unfamiliar area. If your dog loves exploring get him used to a retractable leash. Just remember not to grab the cord when it's retracting, it can give you a bad burn. Keep your canine friends on a leash while they're riding in the car as well. If they bolt when you open the door you'll have something to grab on to. You can buy travel harnesses for your pooch which allow enough room for him to sleep comfortably on the car seat but doesn't allow enough leeway to jump off the seat, or out the door.

3. Carry enough bottled water for the first day's trip and stop for several rest periods. Dogs drink a tremendous amount of water. A dehydrated pet can become seriously ill quickly. Refill the water bottle each night for the next day's travel. Take enough food for the entire trip. You might not be able to find the pet food your dog is used to when you're on the road. A change of diet can lead to tummy troubles.

4. Bring your pet's bed with you, a favorite blanket and some toys. Those items from home will remind your friend of familiar surroundings. If your dog's favorite sleeping spot is your bed, and you're staying in a hotel or cabin, bring several old sheets to cover the bed before you say goodnight. It will keep pet fur off the bedspread and pillows.

5. Training is extremely important. Your canine companion should know and instantly obey "come," "stay," "stop," and "give it" or "drop it." Those commands can be life saving. If you have trouble getting your pal to mind you, consider obedience classes before you leave.

You and your dog can both enjoy a dog friendly vacation.