For most dog-owners, a pet is a friend and constant companion, and thus during a vacation or other extended trip the temptation is strong to bring one’s dog along for the ride. Traveling with dogs is certainly not taboo in the United States, but it is by no means an easy endeavor, so if you plan to bring your pet both the traveling conditions and the mode of transportation must be carefully considered.

Traveling by air is perhaps one of the most convenient ways to get from place to place, but for dogs it is also one of the most dangerous. Most airlines only allow larger dogs to travel in the baggage compartment, which is an uncomfortable living situation to say the least, but since dogs are simply treated as baggage they are subject to all the same potential problems: dropped luggage, incorrect connections, long delays and exposure to heat or cold are all threats to a living creature. Most airlines do not take dogs in the baggage compartment during summer months, due to the risk of heat stroke, and brachycephalic dogs with short noses, such as pugs or bulldogs, should not travel as baggage at all, as they have difficulty breathing at high altitudes and are more susceptible to heat.

Ultimately, the only way for an owner to ensure the safety of a pet is to carry him into the cabin, a practice that is usually allowed for dogs under 20 pounds who can fit under a seat. Note that airlines will charge $50-$300 for each pet brought on board a flight. Pet-specific airlines such as Pet Airways are also an alternative, which allow dogs to travel in the cabin of a pet-only airliner, but such services only cover select cities and, once again, are expensive.

Trains and buses may seem like a cheaper alternative to flying with a pet, but ultimately such modes of transportation are usually off-limits to dogs. The majority of train or bus lines simply do not allow pets on board, with the exception of assistance animals.

The most convenient and flexible means of traveling with a dog is by car, but even when taking your pet on a road trip the proper precautions must be addressed. It is important to make sure that the dog is comfortable with the idea of riding in a car, and taking short drives prior to a longer trip can dramatically reduce anxiety. Anxiety medication can also be requested of a vet if a nervous pet absolutely must come along. Care should also be taken that pets can be accommodated overnight, as many motels do not all dogs in rooms.

When deciding whether or not to travel with a canine companion, the last and most important rule is to think of the dog first. Dog-sitters and pet hotels are legitimate alternatives if a safe and comfortable journey cannot be ensured for a pet. If you do decide to bring a dog along, be sure to equip her with proper identification, and to bring along essential amenities (medication, treats, a leash, water, toys, etc.). Taking these necessary precautions may mean the difference between a miserable trip and a happy vacation, and go a long way to assure the health and happiness of your furry friend.

I would like to introduce to you my new friends over at Dog Fence Do it Yourself and also their staff Veterinarian, Dr. Susan Wright.  They wanted to share with you their super pawsome Do It Yourself Doggie Fences and also Traveling with your Pet and Safety for your furry friends.  This is a pawsome article.  Hope you like it! Woof Woof.

This guest post is brought to you be Dog Fence DIY’s staff  Veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright.

Dog Fence DIY will help you choose the right system for you and your pet, help you install it, and help train your pet to use the new system. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of different pet containment systems including the

Innotek IUC-5100   Check it out here —–>  Innotek IUC-5100

Although most dogs will jump into the back of your car with their tail wagging, looking forward to the trip, that’s not always the case. Some dogs feel apprehensive about traveling in your car, and may in fact become quite ill.

If your dog isn’t a good traveler, you’ll need to take some time to get him used to a car trip. Start a few weeks before your planned trip, because it may take a while. Your first step is to walk your dog around your car, and give him a treat if he approaches the car for a sniff, or shows any interest in it.

Next, invite him into the car with you, and again treat him if he’s relaxed.  The next step is to have him sitting beside you in the car, then close the doors and reward him. This is a slow process of desensitization that works well, but takes time and patience. Spend a couple of days working on each step, and don’t move on until your dog is happy with the previous step.

The next part of the process is to have him in the car, with the doors closed, then start the engine. Don’t go anywhere, just give him treats if he’s quiet. If at any time he becomes anxious, go back to the previous step and repeat it until he’s calm.

Finally, go for a short trip with your dog in the car, but make sure you go somewhere fun, such as the off leash park or the beach. These early trips must be short and enjoyable, so he develops a positive association with the car.

If he becomes nauseous, ginger can help. Either raw ginger, some ginger nut biscuits or a ginger capsule may ease his upset stomach. One 500mg capsule of ginger is appropriate for a medium sized dog. Sometimes a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue also helps. If your dog needs a more sedative effect, the herb Valerian can relax him for the trip.

Keeping your dog secure in the vehicle is critical for his safety. If you can fit a crate in the back of your vehicle, that’s by far the safest way to transport him. If not, then a harness attached to a seat belt is a good alternative. Don’t allow your dog to stick his head out of the window, because dirt and gravel can cause conjunctivitis.

If you’re traveling by plane, check your airline’s guidelines with respect to traveling with pets. Some airlines won’t fly your dog if it is too hot or too cold, so you’ll need alternative arrangements just in case this happens.

You’ll need to use an approved pet carrier or crate, with your contact details firmly attached to the side. If your dog becomes stressed, consider Valerian as mentioned above.

Put a familiar smelling blanket in the carrier, and instead of water, consider a bowl of ice cubes which will slowly melt. The bowl can be attached to the inside of the carrier so it doesn’t tip over.

When you book your flight, avoid flying in peak periods, where your flight may be more likely to be delayed. That will mean your dog isn’t left on the tarmac or in the baggage hold for any longer than necessary. Also, if possible, watch your dog being loaded onto the plane, so you know he’s not going to become “missing baggage”.

Whether you’re going to your vet or on vacation, it’s ideal if your dog isn’t stressed by the trip. Spend some time planning ahead and he’s much more likely to travel well and arrive at his destination happy and relaxed.

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Fly your pet before Thanksgiving Day and Save 40%. 

There’s no reason to leave your pal behind now. November is a great month to visit friends, go on vacation, or just get out of town, and who better to do it with than your best friend. 

Hurry now, because we are only flying once a week and seats are limited! Book Now!

I know a few lucky dogs who will be traveling for the holidays. Here is a little list of canine getaway spots to consider when planning your winter vacation:

If your kuvasz loves to jump in the snow banks, be sure to visit Western Massachusetts for snow shoe hikes. One tip: invest in a good pair of doggie boots so the snow doesn’t irritate their paws.

If your chihuahua prefers to lounge by the pool, Miami South Beach is plenty dog-friendly. From the outdoor restaurants to the board walks along the water, your pup will enjoy the fresh ocean air.

If your miniature schnauzer doesn’t mind the damp air, fly out to Seattle and sample the many parks the city has to offer.

Regardless where your travels take you this holiday season, don’t share your trail mix with your four-legged travel buddy. Raisins are found to cause kidney failure. Instead, stop by a local bakery to keep your dog happy on the trails.

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Did you catch Parts I, II and III? Just in case you'd like to catch up on all my tips for traveling with your dogs, you can access all three of the preceding posts by clicking the links.

This fourth and final part of my series on camping with your dogs will hone in on some of the miscellaneous details that will help make things go smoothly:

1. Scouting campgrounds requires planning if you're taking Fido along, and even more so if Fido has housemates along for the venture. Starting with the AAA Campground guide, I quickly learned that the vast majority of AAA approved campgrounds that allow a dog, only allow "a" dog, and far fewer only allow a dog under 35 pounds. I moved on to the Internet after getting good input on KOAs and Jellystone Parks from my RVing friends who also travel with 3 dogs. Finding no KOAs or Jellystones near our destinations, I began using Google for a search of "dog friendly campgrounds". Here I met success at a site called Dog Friendly  that searches all types of destinations including restaurants, parks, hotels and more. I located 3 off-leash dog parks near our destinations and we did find time to visit Barker Field in Richmond. Tanner, my social butterfly, particularly enjoyed greeting so many new friends. Even after an hour's walk to get there, he was running the park energetically visiting each new visitor at the gate. I guess we can officially classify Tanner as an extrovert. He is comfortable introducting himself to anyone--anywhere.
2. Water and food management took just a little forethought. The water bowl was only filled and available when the vehicle was stopped and there was time for a walk in the dog area. Ice cubes were given out occasionally en route, to appease thirst during the long ride. These are always welcome, and fun too. Plastic bowls with lids were used so that they could be covered after eating if washing was not possible until we camped in the evening.
3. Reassurance and Safety: Little Oliver needs occasional reassurance and companionship. Allowing him to ride with Tanner worked most of the way. A few times, I rode in a seat belted table area with Oliver at my side, giving him his “Mom” time. With airbags in the front seats, this is no place for a dog. Even a large dog like Tanner, at almost 60 pounds, would likely have significant injuries if an airbag deployed in an accident.
4. An easy barrier to keep the dogs out of the cabin/ front seat area was a baby gate placed behind the front seats. Wedged between the front seats and the rear facing seat behind them, the gate kept the pups from entering the front cabin area.
5. Outdoor Exploration--Just for this trip I invested (not much!) in a “tie out” to attach the dogs to a long line, allowing them to investigate the campsite without running free. Rules are rules; no dogs off leash in the park. That’s okay, though; I don’t relish having to chase a dog through the woods if they catch sight of a bear. With a little spacing, we managed to place the dogs' pegs just far enough apart that they could all reach the same water bowl in the middle, yet not get their tie out lines tangled. This worked great. One note of caution, though. Tie outs should never be used if you cannot keep an eye on Fido.

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